Umpires: D.Goldspink, G.Scroop & G.Vernon.

Goalkickers: B.Pearce 3.4, E.Spalding 3.1, S.Kernahan 2.3, D.Rice 2.2, G.Williams 2.1, B.Ratten 1.0, T.Lynn 1.0, M.Clape 1.0, S.Camporeale 1.0, A.Koutofides 0.1

Best: A.Koutoufides, C.Bradley, S.Kernahan, A.Christou, T.Bond, B.Ratten, J.Madden.

Reports: G.Williams by umpire D.Goldspink for abusive language - 1 week suspension.

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

Carlton took on the Bombers in this final round game in a replica of 1994. Our loss to them in 1994 was poorly timed, and set up our straight sets losses in the finals. Our win in this game, off the back of a huge Round 21 win, put us on the finals run with some form and some enjoyment. There is no doubt that the Bombers were something of a bogey team in this era, and to be able to crunch the former ‘Baby Bombers’ despite them still sitting in the Top 4 was a joy to behold.

The win came through a number of places – Craig Bradley off the wing, Ang Christou off half back, Stephen Silvagni on a variety of opponents and Brett Ratten in the centre. But perhaps most important of all, was again the Duke, Earl Spalding. The Duke was again a dominant figure in this game, kicking 3 goals and earning 14 stats at half forward, providing the focal point through which many of our smaller forwards – Matt Clape, Greg Williams and Dean Rice to work through.

Greg Williams clashed verbally with field umpire Darren Goldspink in the third quarter and was reported and later suspended for a match (which was the first final against Brisbane) for abusive language to a field umpire, Diesel didn't like the high tackle and no free kick.

Early in the second quarter Essendon who had been playing good football since the latter part of the first term had got out to a 9 point lead. The Blues responded with 5 unanswered goals in a row to take a 21 point lead at half time. They then continued the demolition with another 3 goals straight in the third term. The Blues had booted 8 goals before Stephen Kernahan broke the run by kicking a behind. The Dons scored their solitary goal late in time on.

This win was Carlton's 20th for the season. It is the first time any team has recorded 20 victories in a home and away season.

Stephen Kernahan took 14 marks for the game and in the final quarter he kicked his second goal which was his 50th for the season.

The Blues hit the post on one occasion. One of Kernahan's attempts went out of bounds on the full, and another relatively easy shot of his failed to make the distance.

Team

In:

Tony Lynn, Mathew Hogg

Out:

Ron DeIulio (injured), Brent Heaver

Video