AFL Round 13 Essendon v Carlton: Blues at head of group chasing Swans after important Essendon win

This time last year, after losing to Essendon, Blues fans were calling for Michael Voss’ head. But Sunday night proved this Carlton side is different.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 09: Charlie Curnow of the Blues celebrates kicking a goal during the round 13 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 09, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)

It was Essendon that entered Sunday night’s blockbuster in second spot on the ladder but it is Carlton who walked away as the clear second seed for this season.

Now at the head of a compressed group of chasers hunting down premiership favourites Sydney, the Blues are right near the front of the grid as the second half of the season begins, and they are showing off new tricks as they do it.

Don’t forget – at this point last year, Michael Voss’ men were yet to fire a shot and the baggers fans were calling for the coach’s head.

At the end of round 13 last year, the Blues had just lost to the Bombers and sat in the bottom four on the ladder.

Since then Carlton has won 20 out of 26 games – including two finals – and are only getting better.

Elijah Hollands sparked the opening half lead with two goals from half-forward and has added plenty since joining from Gold Coast.

Zac Williams has become a born-again forward. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images.

Struggling in his comeback year as a defender, Zac Williams has booted nine goals in three weeks and is now the most dangerous Blues forward not named Charlie Curnow or Harry McKay.

Sending him to the other end of the ground has been a masterstroke.

A solid lockdown defender, Alex Cincotta officially has added a large string to his bow as an onball tagger after spending more time in Zach Merrett’s pocket than his wallet on Sunday night.

By starting Cincotta forward and having him move up to tag, the Blues maintained their powerful centre bounce troupe while adding an extra defensive edge after bounces.

Merrett had 11 disposals in the second term but only four combined in the first and third quarters and his influence was severely missed.

Alex Cincotta celebrates a goal with Matt Kennedy and Oliver Hollands. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

He showed signs in the finals last year and Tom De Koning has officially taken the No. 1 ruck mantle for the Blues and only Fremantle’s Luke Jackson can match him for athleticism from the ruck.

The hype was big on the Blues coming into this season and they have justified it, through a tough injury list in the first half of the year to a perfect position in second on the ladder at the bye.

“We are where we deserve, the ladder doesn’t lie,” Carlton coach Michael Voss said post-match.

“We’ve had to do it with some challenges, it hasn’t been smooth sailing, we’ve been facing these top teams week after week.

“We’ve had some challenges but with that has come some opportunity as well.

“We’ve tried a few things to see where we can grow next and as it turns out there’s been a couple of roles that have emerged and maybe just helped us out a bit.”

With Geelong and GWS coming within their next three games, Carlton can make a serious break on a home qualifying final and really get their army of fans ready for a big September.

Essendon on Sunday couldn’t make the same leap into genuine contender status but Brad Scott should leave a packed MCG with his head held high.

The Bombers dominated possession for much of the night and threatened big time in the third term, when they had 33 more disposals, nine more inside-50s and, having been shrewdly thrown forward by Scott, Nic Martin bagged two goals.

Zach Merrett worked hard to fight the tag. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Harry and Ben McKay went head-to-head for the first time. Picture: Michael Klein

The Dons had plenty of chances that slipped away, particularly early and ended the night with more shots at goal despite only really controlling half-and-hour of play.

“We certainly dominated parts without converting on the scoreboard,” Essendon coach Brad Scott said.

“You don’t need me to reel off all the stats, you can look at those yourself, but some of those numbers I have never seen in a loss.

“That’s on us, it’s two weeks in a row we’ve been really poor converting our opportunities forward of centre.

Nic Martin was important for Essendon after moving forward. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

But it was Cincotta and Williams who shut the door in the final term with three goals picked up off the deck.

While Ben McKay has been an excellent addition to the Bombers defence, they remain light on without the mythical Zach Reid.

Carlton was deadly in attack, booting a winning score from just 40 inside-50s, a full 19 less than the Bombers.

Curnow finished with two goals but could have had plenty more and was the most impactful forward on the ground.

Finding a way to win when numbers like that aren’t in your favour points to a team that has serious credentials.

Buckle up Blues fans, it could be the longest season in 25 years.

Originally published as AFL Round 13 Essendon v Carlton: Blues at head of group chasing Swans after important Essendon win