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Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers AFL Tips - Injury depleted Bombers to push the Blues at the MCG on Sunday night

adam-cusworth
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Last updated: Thu 05 Jun 2025 13:46

Essendon Bombers will take on Carlton Blues in a highly anticipated Round 13 AFL 2025 clash at the MCG. Despite a tough injury list, the Bombers are confident, having not lost to teams below them on the ladder. Carlton, coming off a bye, will look to capitalize on fresh legs. Both teams have struggled offensively, averaging under 70 points recently. Key players like Jye Caldwell and Peter Wright are expected to make significant impacts. The Bombers' deep midfield and ability to capitalize on inside 50s might unsettle Carlton in what promises to be a close match.

Adam Cusworth 05 Jun 2025
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  • Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers expert predictions for Sunday’s Round 13 AFL game
  • The game will be played at MCG, with the bounce at 7:20 PM (AEST)
  • Can the Bombers defy injuries in Kings Birthday Eve clash?
  • Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bet
Adam's Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers AFL Tips

Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers, Round 13 2025 - Expert Prediction

  • Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers, Round 13 2025 - Expert Prediction
  • Head to Head 
  • Carlton Blues Form Analysis & Betting Trends
  • Carlton Blues Team News
  • Carlton Blues Team List
  • Essendon Bombers Form Analysis & Betting Trends
  • Essendon Bombers Team News
  • Essendon Bombers Team List
  • Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers AFL 2025 Round 13 FAQ’s

Essendon will serve it right up to Carlton in the Kings Birthday Eve clash at the MCG this Sunday. 

The Bombers have a raft of injuries to key position players but pushed the Brisbane Lions last weekend at the GABBA, going down by 18 points. 

Brad Scott’s side come in with a win-loss record of 6-5 and are unbeaten against sides below them on the ladder in 2025. They are 10th at this stage of the season, while Carlton are 13th. 

The Blues have had the benefit of the bye and come in with fresh legs after their 28-point loss to the GWS Giants before the break. 

Despite the lengthy injury list, Essendon still have plenty of midfield options and bat very deep in this area. They can generate enough inside 50s and if they can capitalis up forward, it could be a very tricky night for Carlton. Take the Bombers with the start. Peter Wright will be amongst the goals, while Jye Caldwell can back up his good form from last weekend. 

  • Essendon are unbeaten against sides lower than them on the ladder in 2025
  • Both sides are averaging less than 70 points in their last four matches. 
  • Jye Caldwell comes off a 30-disposal game
  • Peter Wright kicked two goals last weekend and has 13 from seven matches in 2025. 

Head to Head 


Carlton have won four of the past five matches between the two sides and were victorious in the corresponding match last season by 26 points. Elijah Hollands booted three goals, while Essendon’s Nic Martin had 26 disposals. 

Carlton’s Sam Walsh has averaged 29 disposals in his past three matches against Essendon, while Charlie Curnow has booted six goals from his past three. Essendon’s Peter Wright has kicked five from his past three matches against Carlton. 

Carlton Blues Form Analysis & Betting Trends


Recent Form

Last 5 W/LLast 5 ATSLast 5 O/U
2-32-31-4

Carlton have lost three of their past four matches. Their only win in that period came against St Kilda at the MCG back in Round 9 by 15 points. Since then, they have lost to Sydney by 16 and GWS by 28. 

Despite some big names inside forward 50, the Blues have struggled to impact the scoreboard in the last month, averaging 68 points per game from their last four matches. 

Charlie Curnow has kicked 24 goals from 10 matches this year. George Hewett heads the disposal averages, going at 28 per game. 

2025 Betting Trends

ATSOver/Under1-3940+
4-72-92-62-1

Carlton Blues Team News


Jordan Boyd, Lachie Cowan, Jack Silvagni and Zac Williams have had time to recover from their respective injuries and are expected to be available for selection. 

Carlton Blues Team List


B: N.Haynes, J.Weitering, A.Saad
HB: J.Silvagni, M.McGovern, O.Hollands
C: S.Docherty, P.Cripps - C, B.Acres
HF: C.Lord, H.McKay, L.Fogarty
F: S.Walsh, C.Curnow, Z.Williams
FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett

I/C (FROM): M.Carroll, O.Fantasia, J.Motlop, W.White, H.O’Keeffe, A.Cincotta, C.Durdin, J.Binns

In: - J.Silvagni, Z.Williams, O.Fantasia, H.O’Keeffe, A.Cincotta
Out: - H.O’Farrell (Omitted), L.Young (Omitted)

Essendon Bombers Form Analysis & Betting Trends


Recent Form

Last 5 W/LLast 5 ATSLast 5 O/U
3-22-30-5

Essendon have lost two of their past three. Their win came against Richmond a fortnight ago at the MCG by 23 points. The Bombers are 6-0 against sides below them on the ladder and 0-5 against sides above them. They sit one spot above Carlton in 10th position. 

Jye Caldwell had 30 disposals in the loss to Brisbane, while Nic Martin (29 disposals) and Zach Merrett (28) were also prominent. The Bombers top the competition for disposals this season. That trio are all averaging 25+. 

Goals have been hard to come by at times for Essendon, averaging just 65 points per game in the last six rounds. Peter Wright kicked two in the loss to Brisbane and has 13 from seven matches in 2025. Nate Caddy has kicked 14 goals from 11.

2025 Betting Trends

ATSOver/Under1-3940+
4-73-86-20-3

Essendon Bombers Team News


Sam Durham became the latest to join a very lengthy injury list at Essendon by rolling his ankle against Brisbane. He is in some doubt. Dylan Shiel is in line for a recall after picking up 32 disposals in the VFL last weekend. 

Essendon Bombers Team List


B: A.McGrath, J.Laverde, A.Roberts
HB: Z.Johnson, M.Redman, J.Prior
C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett - C, A.Clarke
HF: A.Perkins, N.Caddy, N.Martin
F: B.Hobbs, P.Wright, I.Kako
FOLL: T.Goldstein, J.Caldwell, S.Durham

I/C (FROM): D.Parish, E.Tsatas, J.Gresham, W.Setterfield, L.Lual, A.Day-Wicks, L.McMahon

In: - D.Parish, L.Lual, L.McMahon
Out: -

Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers AFL 2025 Round 13 FAQ’s

How to watch Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers AFL 2025 Round 13?

You can watch the Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers AFL 2025 Round 13 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers AFL 2025 Round 13?

To buy tickets to the Carlton Blues vs Essendon Bombers AFL 2025 Round 13 game check the AFL website or the official Carlton Blues site.

Verdict

Essendon to stick with Carlton in a low scoring grind. Jye Caldwell to find plenty of footy for the Bombers, Peter Wright a focal point up forward. 
Best Bet1: Essendon +14.5 Handicap +14.5 $1.90 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Jye Caldwell To Have 25+ disposals $1.85 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Peter Wright To Score 2+ goals $1.68 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Total Under 165.5 Total $1.85 at picklebet - 1 Unit
Essendon +14.5
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