Essendon overruns Carlton for thrilling eight-point win at the MCG
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TODAY’S LINE-UP: Jimmy Bartel, Leigh Matthews, Caroline Wilson, Tim Lane, Tony Leonard, and Doc Larkins.
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Carlton star Dale Thomas spoke to 3AW after the game.
He had mixed emotions about the loss after a strong effort from the Blues.
“You’ve got to find a positive on it because it is super-frustrating, but you can’t let that frustration get in the way of some solid form,” he said.
Click play to hear the full post-match interview
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Essendon captain Dyson Heppell spoke to 3AW in the rooms.
He said he was happy that the group managed to stay composed in the final clinches.
“We’ve got a few things to iron out, but we’ll take the points,” he said.
Click play to hear from Heppell in the rooms
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FULL TIME
Essendon has scored a thrilling eight-point win in front of over 58,000 fans.
The Blues led as late as the 24-minute mark of the final term before Cale Hooker put the Dons in front.
The result puts Essendon in the eight for the moment.
Tim Lane: “Walla runs to 30 and produces one of those MCG roars that makes you glad you’re alive!”
Bombers are home. #AFLDonsBlues
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) August 5, 2017
Click play to listen back to the thrilling final moments
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HALF TIME
Essendon hold a 10-point lead at the main break.
Joe Daniher was on fire early, booting two beautiful goals in the early stages of the game, but scoring dried up considerably in the second term.
Orazio Fantasia’s day is over with a hamstring injury.
Tony Leonard: “If you like stoppages, you’re loving this!”
Bombers lead by 21. #AFLDonsBlues
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) August 5, 2017
Jimmy Bartel said Carlton plays well when it can rack up uncontested marks as they did in the first half.
“They roll back and patiently build the ball up,” Jimmy said.
The Blues have taken 53 marks to half time.
Click play for the half-time wrap
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Essendon icon Dustin Fletcher joined the 3AW commentary box before the game.
Fletcher said he would ‘love’ to see James Hird back at the club.
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Carlton assistant John Barker spoke to 3AW in the lead-up to the match, confirming he’s staying on at Carlton as an assistant coach.
Click play for the full interview
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THE BUILD-UP
Does it get any better than watching traditional rivals at the MCG on a Saturday afternoon?
It’s a cliche, but it really doesn’t matter where these teams are on the ladder. It’ll be a hard-fought match regardless.
The Bombers will be out to avenge their Round 3 loss to the Blues, and keep touch with the Top 8 in the process.
But Carlton is still two wins short of its 2016 tally, and will want to prove to its fans that it’s still making progress.
Can the Dons get the job done? Or will the Blues post their sixth win of the season?
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