Mitch Brown, Adam Cooney and James Kelly were among the better performers for the Bombers against the Blues, according to Robert Shaw.
A match that was error riddled in the first half broke open after the main break.
In the end Essendon fell 15 points short.
Brown has proven a handy acquisition for the Dons. He has the ability to play as a key defender but has spent most of his time in attack in recent weeks.
He collected 18 possessions, took nine marks and kicked two goals against Carlton and was a central figure as the Bombers mounted their charge in the second half.
“Essendon with Dempsey and Walla started to run really well off half back,” Shaw said.
“That brought a bloke like Mitch Brown into the game.
“He’s had nine marks as a lead-up centre half forward… I thought he was terrific.
“Leading up all the time and presenting – Essendon has been looking for that, so they can bring the ball back in through the midfield and go in deep.”
Cooney is averaging 23 disposals (eight contested) at 74% efficiency and three inside 50’s this season.
Those numbers compare favourably to his Brownlow medal year in 2008.
The burst of speed was also evident against Carlton as he collected 28 possessions.
“Cooney is a Brownlow medallist – he’s not in career best form but many had written him off,” Shaw said.
“While this is Essendon centric you must give a big tick to Dale Thomas too.
“Both Cooney and Thomas played fantastic games for their respective clubs – very good signs.”
Kelly has been one of the Bombers most consistent performers this season.
He’s proven a calm influence in the Essendon defence and is averaging 26 disposals and seven marks per game across the first six rounds.
His highest possession average for a single season at Geelong was 25.
“Kelly in the half back flank position continues to challenge ‘age’, challenge ‘pace”, and in fact in that last quarter he was running as well as any Essendon player,” Shaw said.
“It’s going to be interesting given next year – depending on how many of the 12 do come back into the side – the balance of age and youth development.”
