Sunday night of the King’s Birthday Long weekend in Victoria sees the resurgent Carlton Football Club take on the Bombers at the MCG for Round 13.  

While the history books are filled with epic encounters between these two traditional powerhouses, the current landscape sees them both sitting in less than desirable positions on the ladder.

For the Bombers, the situation has descended into a deep pit of despair following a humiliating run of losses that resulted in the departure of Brad Scott as coach and them literally asking the AFL for assistance.

Seems strange to us as that they’d need a leg-up from the AFL, particularly as one of the biggest clubs in the league – but the situation really is that dire.

The Dons fell listlessly to a 24th defeat in their last 25 matches via last Sunday’s 85-55 loss to West Coast at Optus Stadium.

However, the silver lining arrives this weekend as the squad stands to gain massive reinforcements in the form of Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell.

For Carlton, the immediate future appears significantly brighter since handing the coaching reins over to Josh Fraser.

The Blues are riding a wave of emotional momentum after securing a thrilling 88-84 victory over Geelong at the MCG last Friday night, sealed by a legendary Patrick Cripps match-winner in the dying stages.

Josh Fraser's men are currently undefeated at 3-0 under his tutelage and will look to continue their historical dominance over the Dons.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Round 13 prediction and preview below.

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Despite the current woes and contrast in form between these two old enemies, this matchup looks like a total winner on the AFL schedule.

In fact, we think the competition needs more traditional powerhouse games like this on the big stage, guaranteed to bring massive TV audiences and a packed house at the 'G.

The Blues are back, at least that is exactly what their passionate fans will be screaming from the top of the stands this Sunday.

Josh Fraser has injected serious run, composure, and a much nicer balance of athletic profiles across the entire ground.

Three wins in a row really should become four in a row against an opponent searching for its identity.

For the Dons, who actually knows what version will turn up.

There was absolutely no interim coaching spike under Dean Solomon last week, where the Perth weather was grim and the performance on the field was arguably much worse.

For Dean Solomon’s sake of coaching this proud team long-term, he had better hope there is a massive competitive spike on the horizon.

We expect the crisp ball movement and superior morale of the Blues to prove too hot to handle for a fragile Bombers group, though the Dons should fight hard enough to beat a heavy line.

Head-to-head prediction: Carlton Blues by 25 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

We are putting our faith in Harry McKay to slot the opening major of the night.

It is fair to say the tall hasn’t been in fantastic form in 2026, our thinking is that surely he is due for a good performance.

If he was ever going to rediscover his goal kicking form of years gone by, it would be against the last-placed Bombers.

With Essendon's defence being virtually non-existent at times, surely Mckay can snag an early confidence builder and sneak through a few more in this match?

Betting tip: Harry McKay.

Most Disposals Prediction

Patrick Cripps is looking back to his spectacular, Brownlow Medal-winning form of old.

After copping a mountain of heavy criticism from the media during the Vossy era, the skipper has completely silenced the doubters.

Lo and behold, Cripps and Carlton both came back into form at the exact same time, with the champion midfielder looking like he is finally playing without so much pressure.

He is thriving in a simplified, streamlined style of footy and just having fun with it, we’re happy when Patty’s happy and we’ll be even happier when he makes the most disposals in this one.

Betting tip: Patrick Cripps.

*Odds are subject to change.

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues Predicted Teams

Essendon Predicted Team List

FB: Mason Redman, Zach Reid, Jaxon Prior

HB: Archie Roberts, Ben McKay, Jacob Farrow

C: Xavier Duursma, Sam Durham, Archer Day-Wicks

HF: Nik Cox, Nate Caddy, Sullivan Robey

FF: Archie Perkins, Kyle Langford, Nick Bryan

FOLL: Lachlan Blakiston, Zach Merrett, Will Setterfield

I/C: Elijah Tsatas, Jade Gresham, Harrison Jones, Max Kondogiannis, Hussien El Achkar, Saad El-Hawli, Jayden Nguyen, Thomas Edwards

Carlton Predicted Team List

FB: Francis Evans, Harry McKay, Brodie Kemp

HB: Ben Ainsworth, Mitch McGovern, Will Hayward

C: Blake Acres, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra

HF: Billy Wilson, Oliver Florent, Nic Newman

FF: Nick Haynes, Jacob Weitering, Harry Dean

FOLL: Marc Pittonet, Patrick Cripps, Jagga Smith 

I/C: Lachlan Cowan, George Hewett, Flynn Young, Talor Byrne, Jack Ison, Zac Williams, Cooper Lord, Wade Derksen

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues Match Details

Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:20pm AEST.

Location: MCG, Melbourne.

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.