Ratten Out Of The Bag

Elimination Final 1 - Carlton -v- Essendon

This First Elimination Final is getting plenty of media cover, as you would expect wit being played between these two big clubs.. All that talk of rivalries etc... yeah, well the airwaves need content, so off you go and fill that dead air.

Also a fair bit of talk about a Carlton loss being the end of Brett Ratten. Maybe, but why would you? Steady progression at Princes Park... no alarms yet. Really, he is not Robert Walls and Essendon are not the Brisbane Bears of 1989.

1. Carlton
Much like their former President, Carlton in a different age were once the ruthless corporate villian of the AFL, cashed up, full of bravado and bluster, and constantly raiding the finals.
In 2011, they are also like their former president... still with plenty of fervour, but lacking bite and credibility... the AFL's grumpy old men hankering for a return to the glory days of yesteryear.

Carlton's form on the run in is patchy at best, with only a recent win v Essendon to hang their hat on. Form is a bit unbalanced, with 3 wins and 6 losses (+1 draw) v top 8 teams. Also, only 1 win at the 'G (and 3 other outdoor losses). Also they did not play at Subiaco or Sydney, so have no form on the road (which may come into play in week two of the finals.


2. Essendon
The wonderful 'Same Olds' of Essendon... the AFL's middle-aged, middle-class, Sunday church-going, weekly lawn-mowing fraternity of 'nice' folk. The Windy Hill White-breads shocked the AFL last year by sacking a coach, but of course they waited patiently until seasons end, lest they cause upset. And true to form retuned to an old favourite as their new coach a new coach. Just like on old man returning to the lolly jar for a toffee.
By the way, did they really get a new coach or a cardboard cut-out...? I really can't tell.

Essendon, as you would expect from an eight place finish, should be carrying the worst form. But the win against Geelong, would be giving their supporters hope of a good campaign.
Credit to Essendon, 4 wins (+1 draw) vs top 8'ers. But reality check time... you got the 'Aints at the start of the year when they had a shocking start, and picked up close wins v West Coast and Sydney (very close). Another problem is the inability to win away from the Docklands. All year. Dons also have not won away at Sydney or Perth, which should be a worry if they pinch this one.


Verdict:
The Same-Olds do get into gear for these type of games..., but I think it should be a win to the Blue Filth... unfortunately.