Essendon v Carlton Preview, MCG

One of the biggest clashes between Essendon and Carlton this century. More than 90,000
fans will be at the MCG for the pre-public holiday blockbuster. Carlton are coming off a
rousing win against Port Adelaide, headlined by powerful performances from Patrick Cripps
and Sam Walsh. The Blues stack up better all across the ground and should make it
two-straight defeats for Essendon. But the Bombers have delivered consistently this season
as they attempt to win a final for the first time since 2004. In an intriguing side-plot, twins
Harry and Ben McKay will line up against each other for the first time since they were both
drafted in 2015.

The intense rivalry between the Bombers and the Blues has once again delivered drama at the MCG. Carlton kicked off strongly with a six-goal opening quarter that set the tone, while Essendon responded with greater intensity across the remaining quarters but ultimately fell short, losing by just eight points 78 to 70.

In this close fixture, AFL Betting Tips should highlight Carlton’s ability to strike early, balanced against Essendon’s gritty second-half surge. An AFL Prediction might favour Carlton by a narrow margin but with Essendon’s elasticity and ability to rally, backing a tight finish seems wise. For fair AFL Tips, considering form and injuries is critical: Essendon has endured a challenging season riddled with setbacks drawing on a fresh stream of debutants and managing a long injury list.

While both clubs have shown flashes of potential, they’ve also revealed inconsistency under pressure. Expect a hard-fought contest, tipping a Carlton win by under two goals, yet leaving room for an unlikely Essendon riposte.

TIP: Carlton by 17 points, Charlie Curnow to kick three or more goals