VelvetSledge
Moderator
- May 24, 2007
- 17,462
- 35,197
- AFL Club
- Essendon
- Other Teams
- Liverpool FC, Melbourne Storm
- Moderator
- #1
TAB Sportsbet Odds:
CARL: $3.05
ESS: $1.40
Supercoach Top Scorers:
(Scores are from Round 22)
CARL: Bryce Gibbs (130), Sam Rowe (109), Ed Curnow (102)
ESS: Michael Hurley (170), Brendon Goddard (164), Patrick Ryder (133)
-----------------------------------------------------
The Teams:
CAAAAAAARLTON BLUES:
B: Zach Tuohy - Michael Jamison - Sam Rowe
HB: Ciaran Sheehan - Sam Docherty - Kade Simpson
C: Tom Bell - Andrew Carrazzo - Ed Curnow
HF: Chris Yarran - Levi Casboult - Troy Menzel
F: Simon White - Jarrad Waite - Marc Murphy (C)
R: Cameron Wood - Chris Judd - Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Dennis Armfield - Kane Lucas - Brock McLean - Matthew Watson
EMG: Patrick Cripps - Nick Holman - Blaine Johnson
IN: Dennis Armfield, Brock McLean, Matthew Watson
OUT: Nick Graham, Nick Holman, Blaine Johnson (all omit)
ESSENDON BOMBERS:
B: Mark Baguley - Cale Hooker - Michael Hibberd
HB: Dyson Heppell - Michael Hurley - Jason Winderlich
C: Ben Howlett - Jobe Watson (C) - Travis Colyer
HF: Brendon Goddard - Patrick Ambrose - David Zaharakis
F: Zach Merrett - Joe Daniher - Paul Chapman
R: Patrick Ryder - David Myers - Heath Hocking
I/C: Brent Stanton - Courtenay Dempsey - Martin Gleeson - Tom Bellchambers
EMG: Orazio Fantasia - Jake Melksham - Ariel Steinberg
IN: Dyson Heppell, Martin Gleeson, Tom Bellchambers
OUT: Jake Carlisle (hamstring), Orazio Fantasia, Ariel Steinberg (omit)
-----------------------------------------------------
All game day discussion / running commentary in here.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Ins and Outs:
Big names in for the Bombers this week, with a big out the sacrifice. Future Essendon captain, Dyson Heppell, returns after only one week out with hand surgery, presumably wearing a hand guard of some sort to protect the plate inside his skin. Alongside him, big man Tom Bellchambers returns to the senior side to provide some relief in the ruck to Paddy Ryder. After a colossal 51 hithouts in the reserves last week, he has certainly earned his spot back. Cult hero Martin "The Cyborg" Gleeson returns for the match against the old foe after serving a majority of the season on the sidelines with a leg injury. Jake Carlisle suffered a hamstring injury during the week but is hopeful of only missing one week so he will be back with Essendon's almost certain final against North Melbourne next week. Ariel Steinberg could consider himself stiff to be dropped to the emergencies, whereas Orazio Fantasia will be given time to develop his game further.
The Blues have swung the axe a bit after their 103-point drubbing at the hands of Port Adelaide, with Nick Graham, Nick Holman, and Blaine Johnson all being dropped, with the experience of Armfield, McLean, and Watson returning to the senior side.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Opening Thoughts:
Well we're almost there. After two years of heartbreak and wasted potential, we're one weekend away from making a showing in the 2014 finals series. Throughout the middle part of this year, it didn't seem like we would even have a chance. Seemed like the ASADA bullsh*t had finally taken it's toll on our brave group of young men who don the red sash every week. Seemed as though we didn't deserve it.
Not Essendon.
After some admittedly average performances and some incredible victories, we're secured in the finals. All that's needed now is to keep our first match in Melbourne. A win here will seal a final against North Melbourne at the MCG next week; The first time the two sides have met at the home of footy in over ten years. This game is certainly not dead rubber; The Bombers want to go into the finals with some momentum, and the Blues won't want to finish their season without a win against a big rival. Essendon destroyed the Blues to the tune of 81 points earlier in the year, and it was not received well by the Navy Blue faithful.
The big loss to Port last week was Carlton's season in a nutshell; A catastrophic failure. The pre-season saw Blues fans proclaim that this would be their year; They would make the finals legitimately and make a very solid showing. Thankfully, that hasn't happened.
This is the end of a season full of turmoil. Injuries plus terrible form had written Carlton's season off before it ever really got going, and this will be their last match for 2014. Mad Monday beckons.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Key Players:
#3 - MARC MURPHY - CARLTON BLUES
After getting smashed in the head last week and being knocked out cold, the Blues captain has recovered enough to play this week. Their skipper has had an interesting year, with patches of great form seasoned with patches of less than favourable games; A better year than 2013, but a solid effort nonetheless. Arguably the most dangerous midfielder in the Carlton line-up today, he will demand a solid tag from either Heath Hocking or Ben Howlett.
#4 - BRYCE GIBBS - CARLTON BLUES
After some early season form that had most of the league roaring with laughter (along with that haircut), Gibbs has signed up to Carlton with a new contract, turning his back on his home state of South Australia. His last half of the season has been nothing short of fantastic, however. He has quickly become a very consistent and solid performer, and one for the Bombers to watch out for.
#18 - MICHAEL HURLEY - ESSENDON BOMBERS
Hurley, as a defender, is in a very rich vein of form. He's playing fantastically. The ponytailed, hard as a cats head backman is well publicised for being able to play both forward and back, and his swingman role alongside Carlisle has managed to change results Essendon's way on many occasions, and not only in 2014. After a couple of best on ground performances in the past month, he is sky high on confidence and so he should be. Arguably one of our most important players, he is finally starting to justify his 5 year deal, and will be a very important part of the Bombers for many years to come.
#35 - MARTIN GLEESON - ESSENDON BOMBERS
Thanks to Mercuri Rising for that image
-----------------------------------------------------
The Last Time They Played:
Round 3, 2014: ESSENDON 21.12 138 defeated CARLTON 8.9 57
Essendon Bests: Merrett, Heppell, Hocking
Essendon Goals: Chapman, Winderlich 4, Stanton, Hardingham 3, Goddard 2, Hocking, Melksham, Carlisle, Heppell, Daniher
Carlton Bests: Everitt, Walker, Gibbs
Carlton Goals: Ellard, Menzel 2, Murphy, Henderson, Garlett, Tuohy
------
The Ins and Outs since last time:
CARLTON INS: Sheehan, Docherty, Casboult, Wood, Judd, Armfield, Lucas, McLean, Watson
CARLTON OUTS: Ellard, Henderson, Garlett, Walker, Thomas, Warnock, Everitt, Robinson, Buckley
ESSENDON INS: Dempsey, Z. Merrett, Colyer, Ambrose, Ryder
ESSENDON OUTS: J. Merrett, Melksham, Fletcher, Ashby, Hardingham
-----------------------------------------------------
The Tip and Final Say:
Should give it all we've got. Heading into our first un-compromised finals series in a long time. Smash em, Dons.
Essendon by 64.
-----------------------------------------------------
Broadcasting:
TV: Channel 7 (90 minute delay, 3.00PM) ,FoxFooty, FOXTEL for XBOX360 and T-Box (Live at 1.30PM)
RADIO: Triple M, ABC, 3AW, ABC Grandstand
Internet Streams:
International viewers can get live video of games from http://www.afl.livesport.tv/. Please do not post in this thread asking for links to streams. Your account will be suspended for a day.
B: Zach Tuohy - Michael Jamison - Sam Rowe
HB: Ciaran Sheehan - Sam Docherty - Kade Simpson
C: Tom Bell - Andrew Carrazzo - Ed Curnow
HF: Chris Yarran - Levi Casboult - Troy Menzel
F: Simon White - Jarrad Waite - Marc Murphy (C)
R: Cameron Wood - Chris Judd - Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Dennis Armfield - Kane Lucas - Brock McLean - Matthew Watson
EMG: Patrick Cripps - Nick Holman - Blaine Johnson
IN: Dennis Armfield, Brock McLean, Matthew Watson
OUT: Nick Graham, Nick Holman, Blaine Johnson (all omit)
ESSENDON BOMBERS:
B: Mark Baguley - Cale Hooker - Michael Hibberd
HB: Dyson Heppell - Michael Hurley - Jason Winderlich
C: Ben Howlett - Jobe Watson (C) - Travis Colyer
HF: Brendon Goddard - Patrick Ambrose - David Zaharakis
F: Zach Merrett - Joe Daniher - Paul Chapman
R: Patrick Ryder - David Myers - Heath Hocking
I/C: Brent Stanton - Courtenay Dempsey - Martin Gleeson - Tom Bellchambers
EMG: Orazio Fantasia - Jake Melksham - Ariel Steinberg
IN: Dyson Heppell, Martin Gleeson, Tom Bellchambers
OUT: Jake Carlisle (hamstring), Orazio Fantasia, Ariel Steinberg (omit)
-----------------------------------------------------
All game day discussion / running commentary in here.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Ins and Outs:
Big names in for the Bombers this week, with a big out the sacrifice. Future Essendon captain, Dyson Heppell, returns after only one week out with hand surgery, presumably wearing a hand guard of some sort to protect the plate inside his skin. Alongside him, big man Tom Bellchambers returns to the senior side to provide some relief in the ruck to Paddy Ryder. After a colossal 51 hithouts in the reserves last week, he has certainly earned his spot back. Cult hero Martin "The Cyborg" Gleeson returns for the match against the old foe after serving a majority of the season on the sidelines with a leg injury. Jake Carlisle suffered a hamstring injury during the week but is hopeful of only missing one week so he will be back with Essendon's almost certain final against North Melbourne next week. Ariel Steinberg could consider himself stiff to be dropped to the emergencies, whereas Orazio Fantasia will be given time to develop his game further.
The Blues have swung the axe a bit after their 103-point drubbing at the hands of Port Adelaide, with Nick Graham, Nick Holman, and Blaine Johnson all being dropped, with the experience of Armfield, McLean, and Watson returning to the senior side.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Opening Thoughts:
Well we're almost there. After two years of heartbreak and wasted potential, we're one weekend away from making a showing in the 2014 finals series. Throughout the middle part of this year, it didn't seem like we would even have a chance. Seemed like the ASADA bullsh*t had finally taken it's toll on our brave group of young men who don the red sash every week. Seemed as though we didn't deserve it.
Not Essendon.
After some admittedly average performances and some incredible victories, we're secured in the finals. All that's needed now is to keep our first match in Melbourne. A win here will seal a final against North Melbourne at the MCG next week; The first time the two sides have met at the home of footy in over ten years. This game is certainly not dead rubber; The Bombers want to go into the finals with some momentum, and the Blues won't want to finish their season without a win against a big rival. Essendon destroyed the Blues to the tune of 81 points earlier in the year, and it was not received well by the Navy Blue faithful.
The big loss to Port last week was Carlton's season in a nutshell; A catastrophic failure. The pre-season saw Blues fans proclaim that this would be their year; They would make the finals legitimately and make a very solid showing. Thankfully, that hasn't happened.
This is the end of a season full of turmoil. Injuries plus terrible form had written Carlton's season off before it ever really got going, and this will be their last match for 2014. Mad Monday beckons.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Key Players:
#3 - MARC MURPHY - CARLTON BLUES
After getting smashed in the head last week and being knocked out cold, the Blues captain has recovered enough to play this week. Their skipper has had an interesting year, with patches of great form seasoned with patches of less than favourable games; A better year than 2013, but a solid effort nonetheless. Arguably the most dangerous midfielder in the Carlton line-up today, he will demand a solid tag from either Heath Hocking or Ben Howlett.
#4 - BRYCE GIBBS - CARLTON BLUES
After some early season form that had most of the league roaring with laughter (along with that haircut), Gibbs has signed up to Carlton with a new contract, turning his back on his home state of South Australia. His last half of the season has been nothing short of fantastic, however. He has quickly become a very consistent and solid performer, and one for the Bombers to watch out for.
#18 - MICHAEL HURLEY - ESSENDON BOMBERS
Hurley, as a defender, is in a very rich vein of form. He's playing fantastically. The ponytailed, hard as a cats head backman is well publicised for being able to play both forward and back, and his swingman role alongside Carlisle has managed to change results Essendon's way on many occasions, and not only in 2014. After a couple of best on ground performances in the past month, he is sky high on confidence and so he should be. Arguably one of our most important players, he is finally starting to justify his 5 year deal, and will be a very important part of the Bombers for many years to come.
#35 - MARTIN GLEESON - ESSENDON BOMBERS
Thanks to Mercuri Rising for that image
-----------------------------------------------------
The Last Time They Played:
Round 3, 2014: ESSENDON 21.12 138 defeated CARLTON 8.9 57
Essendon Bests: Merrett, Heppell, Hocking
Essendon Goals: Chapman, Winderlich 4, Stanton, Hardingham 3, Goddard 2, Hocking, Melksham, Carlisle, Heppell, Daniher
Carlton Bests: Everitt, Walker, Gibbs
Carlton Goals: Ellard, Menzel 2, Murphy, Henderson, Garlett, Tuohy
------
The Ins and Outs since last time:
CARLTON INS: Sheehan, Docherty, Casboult, Wood, Judd, Armfield, Lucas, McLean, Watson
CARLTON OUTS: Ellard, Henderson, Garlett, Walker, Thomas, Warnock, Everitt, Robinson, Buckley
ESSENDON INS: Dempsey, Z. Merrett, Colyer, Ambrose, Ryder
ESSENDON OUTS: J. Merrett, Melksham, Fletcher, Ashby, Hardingham
-----------------------------------------------------
The Tip and Final Say:
Should give it all we've got. Heading into our first un-compromised finals series in a long time. Smash em, Dons.
Essendon by 64.
-----------------------------------------------------
Broadcasting:
TV: Channel 7 (90 minute delay, 3.00PM) ,FoxFooty, FOXTEL for XBOX360 and T-Box (Live at 1.30PM)
RADIO: Triple M, ABC, 3AW, ABC Grandstand
Internet Streams:
International viewers can get live video of games from http://www.afl.livesport.tv/. Please do not post in this thread asking for links to streams. Your account will be suspended for a day.
