Umpires: Schmitt, Margetts, Avon

Goalkickers: Fevola 5, Betts 3, Koutoufides 2, Bryan, Simpson, Walker, Houlihan, Bannister 1

Injuries: Wiggins (hamstring tightness) replaced in selected side by Russell

Reports: Nil

Game Review

Coming into this game, Carlton and Essendon sat in scond-last and last place respectively on the ladder, and were locked in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon. Essendon were coming off 14 straight losses, while Carlton had not won a match since its previous meeting with the Bombers in Round 7. Both sides had been competitive in recent weeks, but not quite able to break through for a win.

The match was tight all day with numerous lead changes. The Blues' third quarter was impressive, but wasteful kicking for goal produced only 3 goals, 8 behinds, and a major in reply just before the last break gave the Bombers a 5-point advantage. Then, when they added the first two goals of the final quarter, it appeared as though Carlton was about to continue their run of final quarter capitulations. But the Blues refused to give in this time, surging back into the contest and goaling twice, before the Bombers replied to go 12 points up with five minutes remaining. Carlton's brilliant Eddie Betts then kicked two late goals - one from a free kick, the other from a courageous mark - to tie up the scores with a minute to go. Both sides fought desperately through to the siren but failed to score, and the final result was probably fitting. For Blues' supporters, our only consolation was that the Blueboys had more scoring shots, more entries inside the 50-metre arc, and more possessions. But both sides made numerous skill errors and poor decisions, perhaps reflecting their positions on the ladder.

Bret Thornton did a manful job on Essendon's dangerous Scott Lucas when he was switched onto him, holding the big Bomber to only one more goal after he had snared five on Lance Whitnall. Brendan Fevola - playing with a broken finger - was still able to kick five goals at full-forward for Carlton, and maintain his place on top of the AFL goal-kicking table, while two freakish goals from the boundary line kicked by Kade Simpson and Anthony Koutoufides were undoubted highlights. Former Blue Scott Camporeale played against his old side for the first time. Ryan Houlihan was given the job of minding him, and kept 'Campo' relatively quiet.

Blueseum Footnote: This game has been selected by the Blueseum as one highlighting the career of Anthony Koutoufides. To read more, click here

Team

-* Late change Russell for Wiggins

Milestones

300th Goal: Brendan Fevola
Interesting Fact: Carlton and Essendon would again play in another draw in only another 5 years time.

Brownlow Votes

3: Heath Scotland (CARL)
2: Kade Simpson (CARL)
1: Scott Lucas (ESS)