2015-Rnd 3 Carlton vs Essendon

[crashlander]

Docherty Jamison Tuohy
Rowe Henderson Yarran
Walker Gibbs Simpson
Jones Casboult Everitt
Buckley Watson Armfield
Wood Judd Murphy
Int
Cripps Whiley Carrozzo Bell

In Walker  Buckley Watson Armfield Cripps Whiley
Out Menzel (inj) White (inj) Ellard, Tutt, Smith, Curnow (all omitted)

On Notice: Henderson, Murphy, Carrazzo, Jones

Like the previous 2 posters, I think this is probably not far off the mark. Walker, Armfield and Whiley have done enough and deserve a go. Watson is a chance, especially after his effort against Essendon last year, Cripps is a good chance if he is fit. Buckley would add pass and dash from defence.

However, I am not sure Ellard will be dropped: he is a favourite and he did a very good job negating Hurn last week for 3 quarters. That is more than most of his team mates can claim. Whether he is the answer against a different defence is a good question.
Curnow's form has been ordinary, but he did do the job against Richmond. This may save his bacon.
Tutt may get the chance because he has had only 1 senior appearance and he does offer a good kick at goal. However, if he is going to get so few possessions he will not be a permanent fixture. It will be interesting to see how the Match Committee is thinking, especially with Walker able to fill this role.

Our key defenders really need some confidence. Last year they controlled Essendon's tall forwards easily. However, neither has any form or confidence to bring into this game, while their opponents think they are God after last week.
Last week Wood got killed. If that happens again, we are toast. Bellchambers is a lot less likely to towel up Wood, but he has had 2 excellent games, while Wood is struggling. Essendon don't have much to give Bellchambers a rest, but Casboult has n9ot been rucking well either. In theory Casboult should be able to beat Ambrose or Daniher, but I would hate to bet that way on present form.
Similarly Hurley is in career best form at CHB. Casboult is the sort of player to worry him, but Casboult's form is not close to career best.

The last couple of weeks have shown an Essendon who really want the ball more than their opponents and are physically aggressive. If we show the same desire and aggression we will beat them. It is, after all, one of the defining characteristics of Malthouse coached teams. Unfortunately we have not been showing the major characteristics of Malthouse coached teams: desperation , desire, aggression and on field discipline. If we can match them in these areas, then things could be very interesting.