AS far as archrivals go, it’s hard to look past the bitter battles Carlton and Essendon have played over the years – and this Saturday at the ‘G will be no different.

The Blues will be hoping to notch up their 124^th victory against the Bombers, remaining on the positive side of the win-loss ledger and taking home the coveted Madden Cup.

It will be the 22^nd time the sides have fought it out for the Cup, named in honour of brothers Justin and Simon Madden, who played 710 games between them for Carlton and Essendon.

The Madden Cup was created in 1997, coinciding with the year of Justin’s retirement after 45 games with the Bombers and 287 with the Blues.

The ever-popular Justin 'Harry' Madden played 287 games for the Blues. (Photo: AFL Media)

The silverware adds extra incentive to the Carlton and Essendon rivalry, one of the most renowned in the competition.

Whilst Justin ran out for both teams, Simon only represented the Bombers, racking up an impressive 378 in the black and red (the second highest in Essendon's history).

Both brothers were elite ruckmen in their own right, with Justin finishing second in the 1985 Brownlow Medal and Simon receiving three All-Australian selections.

The Cup, contested once per year, has been taken home 11 times by Essendon, with the Blues no doubt hoping to add number nine to their collection of silverware. There’s also been two draws over the Cup’s 21-year history. 

The Madden Cup will be contested once again this Saturday afternoon at the MCG, with the match kicking off at 2:10pm.