Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues preview, tips and teams – 2014 AFL Round 3

The third of Sunday AFL Round 3 matches is between Essendon Bombers and Carlton Blues. The game is set to commence at 7:10pm with the game to be played at MCG. home team Essendon Bombers go into the match as the favourites in the market. View our preview and teams for the game between Essendon Bombers and Carlton Blues.

Round: Round 3, Sunday April 6, 7:10pm
Stadium: MCG
Weather: 22° Partly cloudy.

Featured Bookmakers:

Odds Comparison:


Essendon Bombers	1.53	1.52	1.55	1.52	1.53	1.53
Carlton Blues	2.55	2.55	2.50	2.55	2.55	2.55

All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.

Tips:

Preview:

IT CAN be said of many rivalries and this is no different: a form line has little influence in games between Essendon and Carlton. The Bombers, on the first two weeks of the season, would appear favourites to beat the Blues, who are winless. But in encounters over the past few years, Carlton has at times troubled the Bombers with its speedy small forwards and midfield stars. Both sides come off close defeats in games that they should probably have won. Essendon had the edge over Hawthorn late last week, and Carlton will rue its inefficiency near goal against Richmond so look for a tight contest at the MCG.

LAST FIVE TIMES

R22, 2013, Essendon 12.10 (82) d Carlton 9.22 (76) at the MCG

R11, 2013, Essendon 11.11 (77) d Carlton 10.12 (72) at the MCG

R21, 2012, Carlton 24.12 (156) d Essendon 8.12 (60) at the MCG

R4, 2012, Essendon 15.19 (109) d Carlton 11.13 (79) at the MCG

1EF, 2011, Carlton 21.23 (149) d Essendon 13,9 (87) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. No team has had more disposals so far in 2014 than the Bombers, with a total of 861. The Blues are ranked last with 639, showing a stark contrast in their playing styles.

2. The Bombers are also using the ball better so far. At 78.7 per cent Essendon is the number one ranked team this year for disposal efficiency, while Carlton’s has been at 66.2 per cent (15th overall).

3. There are few bigger rivalries than Carlton and Essendon. In 239 contests, Carlton holds the advantage, winning 121 games to Essendon’s 113. There has been five draws.

4. Carlton could have an advantage up forward. The Blues are ranked second in marks inside 50 this season, with 15 a game. The Bombers have been less effective, taking just 19 marks inside-50 from 111 entries.

5. Nothing separates the sides since 2011 with three wins each and one draw; Carlton’s three wins have been by big margins – 74, 62 and 96 points.

6. Carlton’s small forwards have troubled Essendon in the past, with Jeff Garlett averaging two goals a game against the Bombers. Garlett is ranked Carlton’s sixth best player in the Gatorade Official AFL Player Ratings.

Teams:

Essendon Bombers:

B Cale Hooker, Dustin Fletcher, Dyson Heppell
HB Jackson Merrett, Michael Hurley, Michael Hibberd
C Mark Baguley, Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton
HF David Zaharakis, Brendon Goddard, Paul Chapman
F Ben Howlett, Joe Daniher, Jason Winderlich
FOLL Jake Carlisle, Heath Hocking, David Myers
I/C Patrick Ambrose, Jason Ashby, Martin Gleeson, Jake Melksham, Leroy Jetta, Elliott Kavanagh, Kyle Hardingham
(Three to be omitted)
IN Jason Ashby, Jake Melksham, Leroy Jetta, Elliott Kavanagh, Jason Winderlich
OUT Patrick Ryder (Ankle), Zach Merrett (Omitted)
NEW Jason Ashby

Carlton Blues:
B Dylan Buckley, Sam Rowe, Michael Jamison
HB Andrew Walker, Zach Tuohy, Andrejs Everitt
C Kade Simpson, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs
HF Jeff Garlett, Lachie Henderson, Chris Yarran
F Troy Menzel, Jarrad Waite, Mitch Robinson
FOLL Robert Warnock, Dale Thomas, Ed Curnow
I/C David Ellard, Andrew Carrazzo, Brock McLean, Kane Lucas, Tom Bell, Simon White, Levi Casboult
(Three to be omitted)
IN Andrew Walker, Andrew Carrazzo, Levi Casboult

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