Carlton have beaten arch-rivals Essendon by eight points in a pulsating duel, finally holding on when threatened in the second half.
The Blues’ handling of a high hit to Adam Cerra will be a major talking point after the 11.12 (78) to 11.4 (70) win on Sunday night at the MCG.
After a hot start that proved decisive, Carlton were in all sorts of trouble in the second half before steadying, partly thanks to an effusive three-quarter-time spray from coach Michael Voss.
Blake Acres kicked a booming goal from an acute angle at the start of the last term to fortify Carlton, before Zac Williams added another that gave them crucial breathing space.
Just like last week against Brisbane, the Bombers paid dearly for a woeful first term.
Blues defender Jack Silvagni was outstanding, keeping Essendon young gun Nate Caddy goal-less, while midfielder Darcy Parish had 10 clearances in his return from injury.
The Blues were missing key forward Harry McKay with a knee ailment, but his replacement Hudson O’Keeffe made an excellent AFL debut.
Carlton looked like enjoying a night out when they kicked the first four goals in 14 minutes.
Bombers debutant Luamon Lual briefly stemmed the onslaught when he joined the “first kick, first goal” club.
But the Blues kicked another two goals to close out the first term and broke out to a 38-point lead 10 minutes after the first break.
As soon as De Koning laid the tackle, Williams was GONE 💨#AFLBluesDons pic.twitter.com/fylLDBxK7L— AFL (@AFL) June 8, 2025
Two minutes into the second term, Sam Durham collected Cerra with a high bump that looks certain to earn the Essendon on-baller a suspension.
Cerra was left with a black eye and was assessed on the ground, but surprisingly did not come off for a HIA.
Carlton medical staff reviewed the incident on boundary-line video and finally, after 14 minutes, Cerra was taken off the ground for the HIA, which he passed.
It is unclear whether there was any AFL intervention before the Blues decided to take Cerra to the rooms.
Meanwhile, the Bombers rallied from their dismal first term and steadily worked into the game.
They reduced the margin to 28 points at the main break and went on the attack in the third, kicking four goals to one.
Remarkably, Carlton captain Patrick Cripps went stat-less in the third as Essendon surged.
The Bombers could have closed to within a goal late in the third, but a desperate tackle from Adam Saad stopped Xavier Duursma from having a shot.
Sam Walsh was instrumental again for Carlton, with an equal game-high 32 disposals.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/blues-hold-off-bombers-fightback-for-crucial-win-c-18966673
