Essendon vs Carlton: Blues End Season in Style, Bombers Hit Rock Bottom
The AFL season may be drawing to a close, but the rivalry between Essendon and Carlton never fails to stir passion. When these two historic clubs clash, fans expect intensity, drama, and pride on the line, regardless of ladder position. Round 24 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground provided just that — though the contest ultimately highlighted two teams heading in opposite directions.
Carlton walked away with a commanding 34-point win, capping off their season with a performance full of grit and energy. Essendon, meanwhile, slumped to their twelfth straight defeat, a number that tells a grim story about where the Bombers currently stand. The final score read Carlton 13.12 (90) to Essendon 8.8 (56), but the result went beyond the numbers. It was a night that underlined Carlton’s promise and Essendon’s painful struggles.
Carlton’s Midfield Machine Takes Over
From the first bounce, it was clear Carlton came to play with purpose. Their midfield brigade — led by George Hewett, Patrick Cripps, and Sam Walsh — completely outworked and outmuscled their Bombers counterparts. Hewett was simply outstanding. With 36 disposals, 10 clearances, and a goal to his name, he was everywhere the ball went.
What stood out was the way Carlton’s midfield controlled the rhythm of the game. They moved the ball quickly, used short, sharp handballs to release outside runners, and constantly surged forward. Essendon’s defensive structures simply could not cope with the waves of pressure. Every time the Bombers looked to regain momentum, Carlton’s engine room would win another clearance and push the ball back into attack.
This midfield dominance was the bedrock of the Blues’ victory. When a side wins the contested possession battle and clears the ball with efficiency, they set the tone. That’s exactly what Carlton did.
Francis Evans and Carlton’s Forward Impact
While Hewett dominated the middle, Francis Evans provided the finishing touch inside 50. He slotted three goals and looked dangerous whenever the ball entered Carlton’s forward arc. His ability to read the play, find space, and convert under pressure gave the Blues an extra edge.
Around him, other forwards contributed too. Carlton’s mix of tall targets and crumbing forwards made life difficult for Essendon defenders. Even when the Bombers managed an intercept mark or forced a stoppage, Carlton’s forward pressure meant they struggled to transition the ball cleanly out of defence.
It was this combination — midfield dominance and forward efficiency — that allowed Carlton to build scoreboard pressure and keep Essendon at arm’s length throughout the night.
Essendon’s Spirited Moments — But Not Enough
To Essendon’s credit, they didn’t completely roll over. Zach Merrett, playing his 250th game, showed glimpses of why he’s considered one of the club’s finest modern players. His effort and leadership were evident, but he was fighting a battle with little support around him.
Peter Wright provided some aerial presence, kicking goals and competing hard, but the Bombers’ ball movement was riddled with errors. Missed handballs, poor decision-making, and lack of connection between midfield and forward line summed up their struggles.
Late in the game, there was a mini-surge when Essendon hit the scoreboard through Wright and some of their younger players. The crowd, still passionate despite the losing streak, roared in hope. But Carlton always had the answers. Every time the Bombers closed the gap slightly, the Blues responded with steadiness and composure.
The Weight of a Losing Streak
For Essendon, this loss will sting for a long time. Twelve consecutive defeats is not just a bad patch — it’s a crisis. Confidence is drained, belief is fragile, and supporters are left asking serious questions.
The Bombers have a proud history, but this season has exposed deep cracks. Injuries have played a role, yes, but the issues run deeper. Their midfield lacks depth, their defence struggles under pressure, and their forward entries often lack system.
Coach and management now face a massive off-season. Do they persist with their current structure? Do they invest heavily in youth, or chase experienced recruits to steady the ship? Most importantly, how do they rebuild belief in a playing group that looks mentally and physically drained?
Carlton’s Future Looks Brighter
For Carlton, this was more than just a win to close out the season — it was a glimpse into what lies ahead. Six of their seven debutants from 2025 played in this match, highlighting the club’s commitment to developing the next generation.
Youngsters like Will White and Lucas Camporeale showed promise, adding energy and hunger to a side already boasting established stars. The balance between youth and experience looked healthy, and the win provided fans with optimism that 2026 could be a year of growth rather than rebuilding.
Patrick Cripps, ever the warrior, led by example once again. Sam Walsh’s clean ball use reminded everyone of his class. When Carlton’s senior players fire alongside their emerging talent, the potential is clear. The challenge is consistency — something that has eluded them in recent years.
A Rivalry with Meaning Beyond the Ladder
Essendon vs Carlton isn’t just another fixture; it’s a clash steeped in history. Together, they share 32 premierships and decades of fierce encounters. Even when one side is struggling, as Essendon currently are, the rivalry carries weight.
For fans, beating an old enemy can sometimes feel as sweet as finals success. Carlton supporters relished this victory, not just because of the four points, but because it came at the expense of their greatest rival. For Essendon, the loss cut deeper because of who it came against. Rivalry games magnify both joy and despair — and Round 24 was no different.
Lessons Learned and What Comes Next
Both clubs leave the match with clear takeaways:
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Carlton: Their midfield core is strong, their youth is promising, and their style of play — fast, attacking, pressure-driven — can trouble the best sides when executed well. The key is maintaining this standard consistently across a season.
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Essendon: They need to reset, both mentally and structurally. Twelve losses in a row point to bigger issues than just form. Recruitment, game plan, and leadership will all come under review.
For the AFL as a whole, matches like this remind fans of the sport’s unpredictability. Even in a season’s final round, when finals hopes are gone, rivalries keep the passion alive.
Final Whistle – Blues Soar, Bombers Broken
As the final siren sounded at the MCG, Carlton’s players celebrated with their fans, proud of a performance that showcased heart and hunger. Essendon players trudged off, shoulders slumped, fully aware that their season had ended not just in defeat, but in a string of defeats that will haunt the club through the off-season.
Carlton 90, Essendon 56. The score will be remembered, but the story runs deeper. The Blues walk away with hope, the Bombers with hard questions.
For fans, one thing is certain: when Essendon and Carlton meet again, no matter the form lines, the rivalry will burn as fiercely as ever.
