Essendon has re-ignited its push for a top-eight berth with its win over Melbourne and now faces a huge challenge this Friday night against old rival Carlton. The Bombers ledger sits at 6-6, as does Carlton's, and both sides will be desperate to secure a win this week.
 
In this week’s poll we ask if the result against Carlton will determine if the Bombers will play finals in 2009?

To vote in this week’s poll click here

In last week’s poll we asked which Bomber you thought would be leading the 2009 Crichton Medal count at the halfway point of the season, Jobe Watson was the clear favourite with 54.71% ahead of Paddy Ryder with 22.45%, Jason Winderlich with 9.46%, Andrew Lovett with 8.91%, Brent Stanton with 4.08% and other 0.93%.

Here’s what some of the fan’s had to say:

Joseph Attard from Taylors Hill says: I would love to say Paddy Ryder, but at this stage, it is clearly Jobe Watson. He has certified his place as our premium midfielder by kicking 3 goals against the Crows on top of dominating in the middle.

Johno from Upper Pakenham says: Watson by a mile. Best in and under player we have got, he dishes out the ball week after week. He has improved his clanger count together with his foot skills.

Graeme from Croydon says: Jobe has to be leading the medal with his consistency and leadership- he is having a sensational year.

Matt Milburn from Ferntree Gully says: It's Ryder's breakout season, much like Hille had last year. Sure, the stats count for a lot and Jobe will rate because of that but Ryder is catching everyone's attention. He is our go-to man all over the ground this year!

Paul from Mount Martha says: Jobe by a very, very long way at this point.

Justin Millard from Quambatook says: Stanton's shown fine form in patches, but has appeared to be running injured recently. Meanwhile Jobe has had some absolute blinder games and has been extremely consistent. He should be topping Essendon's Brownlow count at the end of the season too.

Chris from Surrey Hills says: Jobe Watson would be winning clearly. He has played many great games and had big influences when the team has won. Jason Winderlich would be second.

Aaron Jones from Golden Square says: Brent Stanton will come second. Jobe will come first Paddy Ryder will come third. Andrew Lovett will come fourth.

Ness from Vic says: Paddy Ryder should be winning this but still go Jobe Watson!

James Brown from Berwick, Vic says: This is a very hard question. Our team has had a lot of good performers this year, a very even team. All of these players have stakes on the top prize at Essendon this year, though Paddy probably is the least likely. He has played fantastic this year, becoming one of my favourite players

Jai Brookd from Glenroy Victoria says: Jobe Watson for sure. He's been Essendon greatest player this year by a mile. Jobe Watson is also scoring me a lot of points on super coach! Go Bombers!