Carlton has ground its way into the top four, picking apart an inaccurate Essendon in front of 88,510 at the MCG.

It was the most anticipated matchup between the two powerhouses in a decade, and the players’ seemingly felt the occasion early as a number of fumbles made for a hectic opening.

The Blues found the first two majors as Ben held Harry leading to a free-kick goal in the first contest between the McKay twins.

The in-form Tom De Koning put his athleticism on display, covering the ground for five marks and 11 disposals in the opening half.

Carlton continued to surge in the second term, securing five goals to two including two majors for the dynamic Elijah Hollands.

The Bombers found field dominance late in the term but to no avail as the Blues entered the main break 32 points ahead.

A fast start from Essendon saw them nail two of the first three goals to open the third term, continuing their field dominance and dominating the inside 50 count.

Nic Martin had plenty of involvement, but he and the Bombers could not quite make the most of their total control, managing just three majors from their nine scores.

The 15-point Carlton lead looked extremely vulnerable entering the final exchange, but the Blues responded with immediate effect, booting four straight goals in six minutes to kill the contest.

Carlton walked away with the four points, claiming a 15.6.(96) to 9.16.(70) victory over the enemy.

Our grades:

Essendon:

Jordan Ridley: A

Excellent again. Intercepted really well, particularly with Essendon’s field dominance, however, was beaten by the Carlton keys in one-on-ones. 22 touches, 10 intercepts.

Todd Goldstein: B+

Couldn’t match De Konig around the ground but won drastically in the centre. Dominated the hit-outs, led the Bombers in clearances.

Nic Martin: B+

Put on a show in the third term. Was absolutely everywhere, kicked two goals and led the game with 25 disposals. Despite this, Martin desperately needs to improve his usage, going at under 60%, with eight turnovers. Already does so much damage but could do so much more.

Jye Menzie: B+

A great game for the 21-year-old. Seven intercepts and nine marks from his 20 disposals.

Andrew McGrath: B+

Great with the ball in hand, intercepted well.

Zach Merrett: B+

Was followed by Alex Cincotta all night and still managed to find the footy. 21 disposals and 11 tackles, was made to work for it and did.

Sam Durham: B+

Quiet early but very good in the third term. Kicked a goal against the flow in the fourth, finished with a solid 21.

Matt Guelfi: B+

Found the sticks when several couldn't, setting up nine scores to go with his two majors. Having a great year.

Will Setterfield: B

A very solid return, 19 touches before being subbed off with injury in the last quarter.

Jye Caldwell: B

Competed well in the contest, eight tackles.

Jayden Laverde: B

Continues to prove his value as an elite interceptor.

Archie Perkins: B-

Got himself involved with decent impact but needs to use it better. Eight score involvements.

Harrison Jones: C+

Kicked a late one but not a lot of impact considering the inside-50 dominance.

Jade Gresham: C+

Ben McKay: C

Lost out the McKay battle, however, not a whole lot of contests between the two.

Dyson Heppell: C

Was not quite able to have an impact.

Jake Kelly: C

Nick Cox: C

Kicked the Bombers’ first, couldn't stay hot.

Nick Hind: C

Had little impact in the front half early, plenty of touch in the third term but could not hit a target entering the 50.

Kyle Langford: C-

Jake Stringer: C-

First involvement came late in the second term, that was about it.

Peter Wright: D+

No goals, one mark, well beaten by Weitering.

Elijah Tsatas: N/A

Substitute, came on late.

Carlton:

Tom De Koning: A+

Incredible game from TDK. Put his youth on display against the veteran Goldstein, covering the ground to extreme effect. An equal team-high 23 disposals, game-high 11 clearances and 478 metres gained. Putting together some season.

Elijah Hollands: A+

He just keeps on getting better. Impacted all over the ground, three majors, four intercepts and phenomenal impact with ball-in-hand.

George Hewett: A

A very strong performance in and around the contest. Looked after Sam Durham comfortably early while getting involved to full effect on the offensive. 23 touches, seven tackles.

Charlie Curnow: B+

The best first half Curnow’s had in 2024. Presenting up the ground and sticking the marks, slowed in the second half however the damage was certainly done. Two goals, could have been four, and provided three goal assists.

Adam Saad: B+

Multiple defensive efforts against his old side. 20 touches and six intercepts.

Jacob Weitering: B+

Did as expected. Kept Peter Wright goalless, was under immense pressure particularly in the third but won out comfortably.

Harry McKay: B

Certainly won the battle of the brothers in the first half. Not a whole lot to do in the third given Essendon's dominance and came off ginger in the fourth.

Zac Williams: B

Found a home up forward with two important goals.

Nic Newman: B

Poor efficiency but maintained composed in the back half.

Blake Acres: B

A few fumbled balls but generally good.

Alex Cincotta: B-

Was set the task of Zach Merrett, and while it wasn’t an ultimate fail, he certainly didn't fully contain him. However, had a great final term kicking two goals.

Patrick Cripps: B-

A much quieter game than accustomed to. Got involved late to claim seven clearances and six tackles but just the 19 touches for the bull.

Lachie Fogarty: B-

Touches turned to gold. Does not need a lot of involvement to completely alter the Blues’ forward half.

Mitch McGovern: B-

Kicked the first major of the game courtesy of a 50-meter penalty, intercepted well under a lot of Bomber pressure.

Jordan Boyd: B-

Brodie Kemp: C+

Sam Walsh: C+

A very quiet game for the proven ball-winner. Nine touches in the final term flatters his tally, an unusually dim night.

Lachlan Cowan: C+

Matthew Kennedy: C+

Continues to take the role as a third tall, hard to see him securing a massive grade with the task.

Matthew Owies: C+

Lively as always.

Ollie Hollands: C

Jack Carroll: C-

Just the five possessions before being subbed out at 3QT.

Corey Durdin: N/A

Started as the sub, came into the game in the fourth.