Blueinblood
Cancelled
Where: MCG
When: Sat 7.10
Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au
Form:
Carlton: W2. Last Game: 18 point win over Brisbane.
Essendon: W1. Last Game: 38 point win over Fremantle.
Last time they met:
Essendon 136 df. Carl 101
Odds:
Carlton: $1.22
Essendon: $4.00
Unavailable for selection from Best 22:
Carlton: Walker, Warnock, Jamison and Carrazzo
Essendon: Welsh, Prismall, Remiers, Gumbleton, Mcphee, Laycock, Hurley and Lonergan.
Changes:
Carlton:
Possible Ins: Nick Stevens, Shaun Grigg, Jordan Bannister and Setanta O’hailpin
Possible Outs: Michael Jamison (shoulder), Jefferey Garlett.
Summary: Carlton will lose full-back Michael Jamison for 2-3 weeks after suffering another shoulder injury. Setanta O’hailpin is the likely replacement considering Mark Austin is recovering from a quad injury although Austin appears likely to play in the VFL this week. Nick Stevens has served his suspension as is a certain starter whilst Garlett has performed well enough to remain in the side, but will be forced out due to the return of a few more senior players. Shaun Grigg has been unlucky to miss and will probably come back in, although it will be a tough task finding someone to miss. Jordan Bannister has been the standout in the VFL and may be put in to play a shut down role, although it appears only a small chance. Andrew Carrazzo is still a week away, but will play for the Northern Bullants
Essendon:
Possible Ins: Mark McVeigh, Leroy Jetta, Tom Bellchambers, Jay Neagle
Possible Outs: Adam Mcphee (susp.), Ricky Dyson.
Summary: Adam Mcphee has been outed for a hit on Scott Thornton. Mark McVeigh seems likely to play and add to Essendons midfield stocks. There’s likely to only be 2 changes at the Bomber if McVeigh comes up. Some bombers fans have suggested Ricky Dyson will be dropped and you would think if he is omitted then his replacement will be out of Jetta, Bellchambers or Neagle. Whilst Jetta has been the only player who’s VFL form has warranted a return, the Bombers may opt for a taller option to expose the Blues defence and to replace Mcphee.
Pace to Burn:
A major concern for the Blues will Essendons group of speed demons. Jason Winderlich, Ricky Dyson, Andrew Lovett, Alwyn Davey, Courtenay Dempsey and even David Zaharakis all have pace to burn and with some talk that Leroy Jetta will return, the Blues will struggle to stop the speed of these Bombers. In today’s game pace usually means quick ball movement, space for forwards and a lot of the time, great goals. If as expected, Aaron Joseph maintains his spot in Carlton’s team, he will certainly get the job on one of the fleet footed bombers. The Blues midfield will have to be on their defensive game to contain the Bomber’s mix of runners.
Midfield battle: Fleet Feet VS Elite Feet:
This looms as a key battle in the context of the game. The midfield battle will be crucial. The Bombers midfield, jam packed with pace will meet a more accomplished, elite midfield from the Blues. The Bombers have been prone to turnovers in recent history and sometimes their midfield has lacked on the defensive side, in terms of getting back and helping out. Unfortunately the Blues have witnessed first hand, that the Bombers midfield is hard to stop when it clicks into gear.
On the contrary, Carlton’s midfield looks polished, sleek and dominant and looks as though it could compete with any midfield in the competition. Essendon wont be able to contain all of the Blues midfielders, as there are simply to many, but instead they will have to back their players to run, carry and out attack their midfield opponents.
In 2 matches last year, the Blues went into the match with a superior midfield on paper, yet were smashed in the middle due to Essendon’s pace, courage and overall enthusiasm for the contest, and as a result, lost both games. Carlton went into these 2 games as clear favorites.
Zaharwho?
For the 2nd week in a row Carlton will play against a team with the previous rounds Rising Star and for the 2nd week in a row, Mitch Robinson was unlucky to miss out on a nomination. Last week, the man who pipped Robinson was Daniel Rich, and this week it is David Zaharakis. David bust onto the scene against Fremantle with 21 touches, 7 inside 50’s, 10 marks and 4 tackles. Zaharakis was an x-factor for Essendon last week and whilst it was only his debut, played a significant role in Essendon’s win. The speedy midfielder will once again feature predominantly in the Bombers forays forward and his opponent will have to be aware of the young livewire.
Blue Improvement
Carlton have added a new dimension to their game this year, with a even spread of Goal Kickers. Eddie Betts (8 goals), Marc Murphy (5 goals) and other have taken the load of Fev (7 goals) and made the Blues a far more dangerous proposition. A few Blues have taken the next step in their careers. Bryce Gibbs, Richard Hadley, Jarrad Waite, Ryan Houlihan and Eddie Betts have all shown improvement early on in the year. Gibbs is dominating the midfield and seems to be a few years ahead of schedule. Waite has become an attacking quantity out of the backline and has been arguably the Blues best player so far. Hadley looks to have overcome injury and is leading the AFL in tackles and is key figure in the Blues clearance dominance. Betts is tackling, harassing and is in career best form and looks set to take his game up another notch in 09. Chris Johnson looks a handy acquisition in the backline after a move from Melbourne.
Young Bombers step up to the plate:
It’s early on in the season, but Bombers fans are already witness to some major developments made by some of their younger brigade. Tayte Pears, Heath Hocking, David Myers and Courtney Dempsey have all look promising in the first 2 rounds. Tayte Pears has added significantly to his game and to the Bombers defensive unit. In-fact he has improved so much that it seems likely that he will have first crack on Brendan Fevola. Hocking has shown both defensive and offensive improvements, and has been a large contributor to Essendon's season. Whilst Dempsey was quiet in Rd 1, he stepped up against Fremantle to provide crucial run and carry out of the backline and set-up numerous attacks. Myers oozes class and will run of the HBF for many years to come.
Irish Eyes are Smiling:
Quinn made a fantastic debut last weekend, picking up 21 disposlas and showing some nice dash. Setanta O'hailpin seems likely to play. Would be interesting to see the 2 matched up, although it seems extremely unlikely.
Kreuzer and Jacobs must climb Hille:
In the Bombers 2 victories over the Blues in 08, David Hille dominated the ruck and gave the likes of Stanton, Watson and McVeigh first use. If the Blues are to win the midfield duel, Kreuzer and Jacobs will have to at least break even with Hille. Their job has been made a little bit easier with the Bombers ruckman showing poor form in the first 2 rounds. This looms as the perfect match for Hille to launch himself back into his blistering form of 08.
Must Improve and what a night to do so:
Lloyd, Lucas and Hille for so long have been the backbone of Essendon’s side and usually instigators of an Essendon win. In the first 2 rounds, all 3 have been sub-par and will be looking to regain some form. What a night to do it; playing the Blues under the lights at the spiritual home of football. The positive for the Bombers is that they showed they can win without major contributions from these players, and on the back of youngsters.
Will these 3 regain form and knock the Blues off the top of the ladder or will there poor form continue? Can the Bombers compete against a qaulity opponent without contributions from three of their most important players?
Key Matchups:
Hille & Watson vs Kreuzer & Hadley - Hille and Watson are the No. 1 ruck/rover combo in the league statistically and this combination has proven to be a major source of Essendon clearances. Kreuzer will have to battle hard to keep check on Hille. Watson and Hadley will probably be opposed for lengthy stints and both will have to keep and eye on eachother and whoever can win the most ball for there team will boost their team’s chances to kick a winning score.
Pears and Fletcher vs Fevola – Pears looks likely to have first crack at Fev but no doubt Fletcher will be in the hole and 3rd man up to support Pears. 'Fev' is recovering well from his foot injury and usually has a day out against the Bombers. Fev has kicked 8 goals in 3 of the last 4 matches. The Blues seem to have found more avenues to goal but they may still need Fev to chip in with 3 or 4 if Carlton is to sink the Bombers.
Slattery/Dempsey vs Betts – Betts has kicked 8 goals this year and has provided a major spark up forward for the Blues. The bombers must stop the fan favorite or he may give Blues momentum, which will be hard for the Bombers to contain. If Slattery plays on him, it will be a purely defensive role. If Dempsey plays on him, Betts will also have to have a defensive mindset and make sure the young runner does not rack up touches as he has shown he can do.
X Factor:
Carlton:
Nick Stevens- Stevens has made it clear that he wants to repay his team-mates after 2 stupid suspensions. Cast your mind back to last year, in a week where Stevens was constantly harassed by the media about his weight. Nick came out, kicked 2 goals in 20 seconds and sent a message to the footy world. A similar feeling surrounds him this week, but this time it is internal eyes looking harshly upon him. Will he come out and blitz the bombers or will he upset the Blues structure?
Bryce Gibbs- Gibbs is 2nd only to Luke Power for disposals so far this year and is playing awesome. He has also become dangerous going forward, kicking multiple goals in both games. Whether it's on the ball, in the centre or even off a HBF, Gibbs looks cool, calm and collected. With most of the attention going to Judd, Gibbs is set for a HUGE year and is showing signs as to why he was and is rated so highly
Essendon:
Patrick Ryder- Ryder is an unknown quantity this week. The tall, athletic big man could play forward to stretch the Blues down back, he could go down back and have a duel with Fev or he could even play in the ruck to support Hille. He may do all 3. Wherever he is, he will be a danger for the Blues, as they will have to be wary of his prowess and awesome leap. If he can kick a bag, stop Fev or support Hille, it will dramatically increase the Bombers chances of an upset.
Courtney Dempsey- Dempsey had a quiet Rd 1 but bounced back in Rd 2 with a sensational performance. Not only did he attack well of the Half Back line, he also defended well. Looks a likely match-up for Ryan Houlihan or even Eddie Betts and if he can provide drive out of defence, it will go a long way to helping the Bombers kicking a winning score.
Expect:
Ferocity at the contest, great goals and at times, sloppy defence.
Don’t Expect:
A huge blowout or a repeat of the 44 and 35 goal efforts in Rd 3 and 13 last year.
Prediction:
Hardly ever does a team win by a huge margin in these fixtures unless one of the teams is in dire straights. Both teams will fancy their chances but will also have some reservations. The loss of Michael Jamison is a big one as he was the logical choice to play on Matthew Lloyd. Without Jamison the Blues may be a little unsettled. The Bombers are undergoing a changing of the guard are planning for life without Lloyd, Lucas and Fletcher. As a result the Bombers defence is being exposed to the full grunt of forward lines, with Fletcher being a side act, but so far the young defence has copped well. You wouldn’t think that over confidence would be an issue for the Blues, seeing as they went in favorites both times last year, and both times got rolled. Essendon will be hell bent on knocking their traditional rivals off the top of the ladder, and wipe the confident smile off their faces, whilst the Blues will be looking to show their improvement and resurrect their recent poor form against the Bombers.
The return of McVeigh will help the Bombers midfield, but the Bombers injury list boast some important and talented players that would have a bigger impact on this game that some of the players that are in the side. The Blues have a fairly healthy list to choose from and have performed better than the Bombers so far. With that in mind, and the midfield dominance (on paper) that the Blues look to have, it seems that Carlton should pick up their 3rd win in a tight contest.
Final Result:
Carlton by 33
When: Sat 7.10
Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au
Form:
Carlton: W2. Last Game: 18 point win over Brisbane.
Essendon: W1. Last Game: 38 point win over Fremantle.
Last time they met:
Essendon 136 df. Carl 101
Odds:
Carlton: $1.22
Essendon: $4.00
Unavailable for selection from Best 22:
Carlton: Walker, Warnock, Jamison and Carrazzo
Essendon: Welsh, Prismall, Remiers, Gumbleton, Mcphee, Laycock, Hurley and Lonergan.
Changes:
Carlton:
Possible Ins: Nick Stevens, Shaun Grigg, Jordan Bannister and Setanta O’hailpin
Possible Outs: Michael Jamison (shoulder), Jefferey Garlett.
Summary: Carlton will lose full-back Michael Jamison for 2-3 weeks after suffering another shoulder injury. Setanta O’hailpin is the likely replacement considering Mark Austin is recovering from a quad injury although Austin appears likely to play in the VFL this week. Nick Stevens has served his suspension as is a certain starter whilst Garlett has performed well enough to remain in the side, but will be forced out due to the return of a few more senior players. Shaun Grigg has been unlucky to miss and will probably come back in, although it will be a tough task finding someone to miss. Jordan Bannister has been the standout in the VFL and may be put in to play a shut down role, although it appears only a small chance. Andrew Carrazzo is still a week away, but will play for the Northern Bullants
Essendon:
Possible Ins: Mark McVeigh, Leroy Jetta, Tom Bellchambers, Jay Neagle
Possible Outs: Adam Mcphee (susp.), Ricky Dyson.
Summary: Adam Mcphee has been outed for a hit on Scott Thornton. Mark McVeigh seems likely to play and add to Essendons midfield stocks. There’s likely to only be 2 changes at the Bomber if McVeigh comes up. Some bombers fans have suggested Ricky Dyson will be dropped and you would think if he is omitted then his replacement will be out of Jetta, Bellchambers or Neagle. Whilst Jetta has been the only player who’s VFL form has warranted a return, the Bombers may opt for a taller option to expose the Blues defence and to replace Mcphee.
Pace to Burn:
A major concern for the Blues will Essendons group of speed demons. Jason Winderlich, Ricky Dyson, Andrew Lovett, Alwyn Davey, Courtenay Dempsey and even David Zaharakis all have pace to burn and with some talk that Leroy Jetta will return, the Blues will struggle to stop the speed of these Bombers. In today’s game pace usually means quick ball movement, space for forwards and a lot of the time, great goals. If as expected, Aaron Joseph maintains his spot in Carlton’s team, he will certainly get the job on one of the fleet footed bombers. The Blues midfield will have to be on their defensive game to contain the Bomber’s mix of runners.
Midfield battle: Fleet Feet VS Elite Feet:
This looms as a key battle in the context of the game. The midfield battle will be crucial. The Bombers midfield, jam packed with pace will meet a more accomplished, elite midfield from the Blues. The Bombers have been prone to turnovers in recent history and sometimes their midfield has lacked on the defensive side, in terms of getting back and helping out. Unfortunately the Blues have witnessed first hand, that the Bombers midfield is hard to stop when it clicks into gear.
On the contrary, Carlton’s midfield looks polished, sleek and dominant and looks as though it could compete with any midfield in the competition. Essendon wont be able to contain all of the Blues midfielders, as there are simply to many, but instead they will have to back their players to run, carry and out attack their midfield opponents.
In 2 matches last year, the Blues went into the match with a superior midfield on paper, yet were smashed in the middle due to Essendon’s pace, courage and overall enthusiasm for the contest, and as a result, lost both games. Carlton went into these 2 games as clear favorites.
Zaharwho?
For the 2nd week in a row Carlton will play against a team with the previous rounds Rising Star and for the 2nd week in a row, Mitch Robinson was unlucky to miss out on a nomination. Last week, the man who pipped Robinson was Daniel Rich, and this week it is David Zaharakis. David bust onto the scene against Fremantle with 21 touches, 7 inside 50’s, 10 marks and 4 tackles. Zaharakis was an x-factor for Essendon last week and whilst it was only his debut, played a significant role in Essendon’s win. The speedy midfielder will once again feature predominantly in the Bombers forays forward and his opponent will have to be aware of the young livewire.
Blue Improvement
Carlton have added a new dimension to their game this year, with a even spread of Goal Kickers. Eddie Betts (8 goals), Marc Murphy (5 goals) and other have taken the load of Fev (7 goals) and made the Blues a far more dangerous proposition. A few Blues have taken the next step in their careers. Bryce Gibbs, Richard Hadley, Jarrad Waite, Ryan Houlihan and Eddie Betts have all shown improvement early on in the year. Gibbs is dominating the midfield and seems to be a few years ahead of schedule. Waite has become an attacking quantity out of the backline and has been arguably the Blues best player so far. Hadley looks to have overcome injury and is leading the AFL in tackles and is key figure in the Blues clearance dominance. Betts is tackling, harassing and is in career best form and looks set to take his game up another notch in 09. Chris Johnson looks a handy acquisition in the backline after a move from Melbourne.
Young Bombers step up to the plate:
It’s early on in the season, but Bombers fans are already witness to some major developments made by some of their younger brigade. Tayte Pears, Heath Hocking, David Myers and Courtney Dempsey have all look promising in the first 2 rounds. Tayte Pears has added significantly to his game and to the Bombers defensive unit. In-fact he has improved so much that it seems likely that he will have first crack on Brendan Fevola. Hocking has shown both defensive and offensive improvements, and has been a large contributor to Essendon's season. Whilst Dempsey was quiet in Rd 1, he stepped up against Fremantle to provide crucial run and carry out of the backline and set-up numerous attacks. Myers oozes class and will run of the HBF for many years to come.
Irish Eyes are Smiling:
Quinn made a fantastic debut last weekend, picking up 21 disposlas and showing some nice dash. Setanta O'hailpin seems likely to play. Would be interesting to see the 2 matched up, although it seems extremely unlikely.
Kreuzer and Jacobs must climb Hille:
In the Bombers 2 victories over the Blues in 08, David Hille dominated the ruck and gave the likes of Stanton, Watson and McVeigh first use. If the Blues are to win the midfield duel, Kreuzer and Jacobs will have to at least break even with Hille. Their job has been made a little bit easier with the Bombers ruckman showing poor form in the first 2 rounds. This looms as the perfect match for Hille to launch himself back into his blistering form of 08.
Must Improve and what a night to do so:
Lloyd, Lucas and Hille for so long have been the backbone of Essendon’s side and usually instigators of an Essendon win. In the first 2 rounds, all 3 have been sub-par and will be looking to regain some form. What a night to do it; playing the Blues under the lights at the spiritual home of football. The positive for the Bombers is that they showed they can win without major contributions from these players, and on the back of youngsters.
Will these 3 regain form and knock the Blues off the top of the ladder or will there poor form continue? Can the Bombers compete against a qaulity opponent without contributions from three of their most important players?
Key Matchups:
Hille & Watson vs Kreuzer & Hadley - Hille and Watson are the No. 1 ruck/rover combo in the league statistically and this combination has proven to be a major source of Essendon clearances. Kreuzer will have to battle hard to keep check on Hille. Watson and Hadley will probably be opposed for lengthy stints and both will have to keep and eye on eachother and whoever can win the most ball for there team will boost their team’s chances to kick a winning score.
Pears and Fletcher vs Fevola – Pears looks likely to have first crack at Fev but no doubt Fletcher will be in the hole and 3rd man up to support Pears. 'Fev' is recovering well from his foot injury and usually has a day out against the Bombers. Fev has kicked 8 goals in 3 of the last 4 matches. The Blues seem to have found more avenues to goal but they may still need Fev to chip in with 3 or 4 if Carlton is to sink the Bombers.
Slattery/Dempsey vs Betts – Betts has kicked 8 goals this year and has provided a major spark up forward for the Blues. The bombers must stop the fan favorite or he may give Blues momentum, which will be hard for the Bombers to contain. If Slattery plays on him, it will be a purely defensive role. If Dempsey plays on him, Betts will also have to have a defensive mindset and make sure the young runner does not rack up touches as he has shown he can do.
X Factor:
Carlton:
Nick Stevens- Stevens has made it clear that he wants to repay his team-mates after 2 stupid suspensions. Cast your mind back to last year, in a week where Stevens was constantly harassed by the media about his weight. Nick came out, kicked 2 goals in 20 seconds and sent a message to the footy world. A similar feeling surrounds him this week, but this time it is internal eyes looking harshly upon him. Will he come out and blitz the bombers or will he upset the Blues structure?
Bryce Gibbs- Gibbs is 2nd only to Luke Power for disposals so far this year and is playing awesome. He has also become dangerous going forward, kicking multiple goals in both games. Whether it's on the ball, in the centre or even off a HBF, Gibbs looks cool, calm and collected. With most of the attention going to Judd, Gibbs is set for a HUGE year and is showing signs as to why he was and is rated so highly
Essendon:
Patrick Ryder- Ryder is an unknown quantity this week. The tall, athletic big man could play forward to stretch the Blues down back, he could go down back and have a duel with Fev or he could even play in the ruck to support Hille. He may do all 3. Wherever he is, he will be a danger for the Blues, as they will have to be wary of his prowess and awesome leap. If he can kick a bag, stop Fev or support Hille, it will dramatically increase the Bombers chances of an upset.
Courtney Dempsey- Dempsey had a quiet Rd 1 but bounced back in Rd 2 with a sensational performance. Not only did he attack well of the Half Back line, he also defended well. Looks a likely match-up for Ryan Houlihan or even Eddie Betts and if he can provide drive out of defence, it will go a long way to helping the Bombers kicking a winning score.
Expect:
Ferocity at the contest, great goals and at times, sloppy defence.
Don’t Expect:
A huge blowout or a repeat of the 44 and 35 goal efforts in Rd 3 and 13 last year.
Prediction:
Hardly ever does a team win by a huge margin in these fixtures unless one of the teams is in dire straights. Both teams will fancy their chances but will also have some reservations. The loss of Michael Jamison is a big one as he was the logical choice to play on Matthew Lloyd. Without Jamison the Blues may be a little unsettled. The Bombers are undergoing a changing of the guard are planning for life without Lloyd, Lucas and Fletcher. As a result the Bombers defence is being exposed to the full grunt of forward lines, with Fletcher being a side act, but so far the young defence has copped well. You wouldn’t think that over confidence would be an issue for the Blues, seeing as they went in favorites both times last year, and both times got rolled. Essendon will be hell bent on knocking their traditional rivals off the top of the ladder, and wipe the confident smile off their faces, whilst the Blues will be looking to show their improvement and resurrect their recent poor form against the Bombers.
The return of McVeigh will help the Bombers midfield, but the Bombers injury list boast some important and talented players that would have a bigger impact on this game that some of the players that are in the side. The Blues have a fairly healthy list to choose from and have performed better than the Bombers so far. With that in mind, and the midfield dominance (on paper) that the Blues look to have, it seems that Carlton should pick up their 3rd win in a tight contest.
Final Result:
Carlton by 33
. I would be happy for you all to chip in a small amount to keep these going. Hahahahahha
