AFL 2025: Essendon, Carlton poised for June final in annual King’s Birthday eve clash

Both Essendon and Carlton are aware the loser of this Sunday’s clash at the MCG is facing an uphill battle for September.

The enormity of Sunday night’s clash at the MCG has not escaped either Carlton or Essendon.

The Bombers fell out of touch with the eight despite a brave loss to Brisbane last week, while the Blues are on the edge of fumbling another finals push.

Although the Blues have a favourable draw against some lesser sides in the run home, a revival from 4-8 would be turnaround of magical proportions.

The next three weeks will define the Bombers’ season as the Blues kickstart a three-week stretch that includes Geelong and Fremantle in Perth.

Essendon forward Peter Wright says there is an “added bit of pressure” to taking on the Blues every year – but even more so this time given the potential season-shaping ramifications.

“It’s obviously a really big rivalry, a really storeyed rivalry,” Wright said.

“I think any time you get two big Melbourne clubs playing against each other you feel that added bit of pressure.

“I think Sunday night is going to be a massive crowd and that adds to the atmosphere, even where we both are on the ladder, it means a lot to both teams.”

Peter Wright (left) believes Essendon’s best is good enough to challenge anyone in the competition. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Carlton defender Mitch McGovern echoed Wright’s evaluation of the occasion and expected to fight for the Blues’ season in front of a packed MCG.

“We’re obviously both in the same situation on the ledger, big game, big crowd,” McGovern said.

“It’s always exciting to play against the Bombers every year, particularly this one on Sunday.”

Despite the Bombers’ higher ranking on the ladder after 12 rounds, the Blues will go into Sunday night as favourite.

“That’s a great question, ask the bookies,” McGovern quipped when asked who should go into Sunday as the underdog.

Wright doesn’t think Essendon should be underestimated, suggesting the Bombers’ best is good enough to bring down sides mightier than the Blues.

“We’ll probably both say the other team, we feel like our best footy is capable of beating anyone,” Wright said.

“The 23 we bring out there on the weekend will be expecting to play really strong footy. Hopefully, we come away with the win, but it should be a strong contest.”

Originally published as AFL 2025: Essendon, Carlton poised for June final in annual King’s Birthday eve clash