CARLTON will return to the home of football today when they take on rivals Essendon at the MCG.

The Blues get the chance to notch their second win of the season against a difficult opponent in the Bombers.

Falling agonisingly short in Round 10, Carlton will be hungry once more to redeem last week’s 13-point loss on a big stage.

With its own season on the line, Essendon will no doubt bring its best in this classic match-up.

Details: MCG, Sunday 2 June, 3:20pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and here for all game day info.

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

Carlton brought the fight against St Kilda last week, but it was not enough to get them the four points at the final siren.

Regardless of the win-loss record, the Blues have shown promising signs over the first half of the season but have struggled to close in when it counts.

With a string of close losses behind them, the Blues are desperate to get premiership points on the board for their efforts.  

The Bombers head into Round 11 on the hunt for their fifth win of the season after a disappointing loss to the rampant Tigers last weekend.

After a strong start to the season, Essendon will be eager to get their season back on track.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET:

It was a triumphant day for the Blues when they downed the Bombers last time these two sides met in Round 8 of 2018.

Carlton fans let out a collective sigh of relief when the siren sounded on a 13-point victory over Essendon, with the first win of the season made sweeter over a traditional rival. 

It was a close slog all day between these opponents, with the Bombers nipping at Carlton’s heels for the whole four quarters.

Darcy Lang - who kicked the game’s opening goal - will be hoping to have as much of an impact this weekend as he did in his first game in Navy Blue last year.

The Blues will be hoping to recapture the form of this last meeting when they chase their second win of the season on Sunday.

BLUE FOCUS:

The Blues will celebrate a milestone for one of their promising youngsters when they face the traditional rivals on Sunday.

Jack Silvagni will run out in the Navy Blue for what will be his 50th AFL game since being drafted to Carlton in 2015.

After starting the year in the VFL, the No.1 has enjoyed a consistent month since a solid opening performance against the Western Bulldogs in Round 5.

Silvagni’s first win came against the Bombers, back in Round 3 of 2017.

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Carlton will get a much-appreciated boost of experience with the return of Darcy Lang and Alex Fasolo against the Bombers.

Having impressed in the VFL over the first half of the season, they both get their chance at senior level this week.

With injuries leaving veterans Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson sidelined, the added experience could be just what this young group needs to get across the line.

BLUE VIEW:

Senior coach Brendon Bolton spoke on the emotion a traditional rivalry evokes amongst a playing group, and if there was ever a week to harness that, it’s this one.

With years of history amongst these two sides, it’s time for this young Blues outfit to write their own chapter.