The game as it stands
A traditional rivalry in a new time slot.
Carlton will take on Essendon for the 252nd time in VFL/AFL history in the King’s Birthday Rivalry Clash on Sunday night in front of a packed MCG.
Jack Martin will play his first game since Round 1, while Ed Curnow also returns to the side.
It was announced on Saturday that Marc Pittonet was withdrawn from the team due to the hand injury that sidelined him last weekend, with Jack Silvagni reprising his role in the 22.
The Bombers are known for their methodical, patient ball movement, ranking first for marks per game and least opponent tackles per game.
What will we see from the Blues on Sunday night? Matthew Kennedy told the Herald Sun that the side is urging one another to release the shackles and play with more dare.
Key match up
Jayden Laverde, Jordan Ridley and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher will rotate through the trio of Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Silvagni with plenty of focus on the Blues ability to produce a winning score.
A fire was lit within Harry McKay last week - where he delivered a three-goal, nine-mark performance - and he will undoubtedly be determined to back up that performance against a team he has kicked seven goals against in his last two games.
Player to watch
Peter Wright’s return to the Bombers line-up will put the pressure on Carlton's backline led by Jacob Weitering, who is the likely match-up for Essendon's reigning best-and-fairest winner.
Weitering has returned to familiar levels in the last few weeks, reinstating his position as a key pillar of Carlton’s defence and leading his team from the back.
The defender’s on-field leadership will be paramount to regain possession and give his side the best opportunity to rebound from defensive 50 and quell the scoring influence of the Bombers, who rank fifth in the competition for points scored.
Goss from Voss
AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss was firm on his message when speaking to the media on Thursday morning.
Voss wants his players - and the Club - to focus on the task at hand, with that just happening to be the arch rival on Sunday night.
“I’ve been impressed with the playing group that despite some results not going the way we want, despite there being some added commentary around us, despite some things about what they think is happening – we’ve been sticking to our task and the players are getting after that challenge,” he said.
"We have to spend our energy in the right areas.
“I just know at the other end of this is going to be a really strong united group and very clear on what we need to get done.”
Things we love to see
Celebrating the rivalry between Carlton and Essendon, the lead-up to the game has marked a throwback to the 1990s era in football.
With the two clubs' combined 32 premiership cups to be displayed at the home of football for fans to enjoy, Sunday's instalments marks another chapter in a new era of this rivalry, with premiership teammates Michael Voss and Brad Scott leading their respective teams.
Carlton and Essendon for the 252nd time in front of a packed house at the MCG? We'd like to see that.
