Looking at Carlton’s form running into today’s game:
They have won 3 of their last 6.
Lost to Cats and Pies. Won against Demons by a point. A heavy loss to Sydney. And then won their last 2 games well. Against Gold Coast at Marvel, and Port in Adelaide last week.
Last week’s win against Port is probably their most impressive win in the last 6. It was a tight game until a last quarter blowout.
Meanwhile, Essendon’s form has been down in the last few weeks, though we have had a draw, 4 wins and a loss, so 4.5 wins of the last 6 leading into today’s game.
Our form has been weaker in the last few. Carlton’s has been stronger in the last 2.
It’s likely we had sickness at least partially affecting the last 2-3 games, and it’s likely our midfield has had a tougher time, with fewer players rotating through than earlier in the year. For me, this is the hardest thing to assess. Is our midfield just recovered from sickness, and expected to be back to their pressuring best, or are they beaten up from having to shoulder more of the hits on young players? If they come out flat again this week, it’s hard to see us being in contention with Carlton, who are in decent form. If they come out pressuring at their best, we can beat Carlton’s midfield.
Brad Scott and Michael Voss are Premiership team mates and life long friends, who share similar coaching journeys, starting at 33. In the previous 7 games coaching against each other, Brad has won 5 of those encounters. Today, at 48 years old, they face each other again for the 8th time.
In my opinion, this game is a real 50/50. I can’t pick which way it will go. And that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be close. It could be a blowout either way.
What I do know is, Brad will be up for the fight, and despite our deep rivalry as opposing fans, our players will be looking for another opportunity to improve as a team, and our captain will be looking for ways to get this team closer to the success he craves.
I’m looking forward to this chance to get a glimpse of where we’re really at this year.