IN A rivalry that dates back to the 19th century, a new chapter is set to be written on Saturday.
In Round 10 of the 1992 season, Carlton and Essendon played at the then-Princes Park for the final time, where the Blues ran home in a 52-point thumping over their old enemies.
Now in Week 10 of the 2024 AFLW season, the two are set to return to IKON Park.
David Parkin, who coached Carlton for that last match-up, joined defender Harriet Cordner in the lead-up to this weekend’s match-up – with his original game notes in hand.
“I was just looking at some of his notes from 1992 to see if he had any inspiring words,” Cordner said.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to meet guys like David and share the rivalry that dates back way back when.
“We’re really proud to be playing this game and showing that that rivalry goes into AFLW as well, so I might get some more words of wisdom from him after this.”
While this will only be the third match-up for the two women’s sides since the Bombers' entry to the AFLW in season 7, the rivalry is deeply rooted in the history of both clubs – a rivalry which Parkin describes as “second to none”.
“It was an intense competition between two sides that hated each other’s guts,” he said.
While it will be the Blues' final game of the 2024 season, they will be fighting to finish their season on a high with back-to-back wins.
The prospect of Carlton knocking down Essendon was welcomed by Parkin, having done so quite famously 25 years ago when he coached the side in the 1999 preliminary final.
“I’d love to see the Blues end Essendon’s season; in my opinion that would be the nicest thing that could happen in footy,” he said.
Cordner added: "We were happy to get the win over our other rivals last week against Collingwood, we're looking to do that again this weekend . . . there's a bit of flavour in this one, definitely."
Saturday will also provide the opportunity for Carlton to wear their Indigenous guernsey, a design shared amongst the four Carlton programs in 2024.
“All four of our programs wearing this same indigenous jumper lends itself to connection throughout the Club and what we’re building here with 'Stronger Together',” Cordner said.
“I’m really excited to wear the Indigenous jumper this week, and represent the Indigenous players in the competition and in the community as well.”
