Overview

• Carlton beat Essendon 13.12 (90) to 8.8 (56) to close their season, handing the Bombers a 12th straight defeat, their worst run since 2016.
• George Hewett (36 disposals, 10 clearances) led a dominant midfield effort with strong support from Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps.
• Tom De Koning reached 100 games for Carlton and is widely expected to choose a large St Kilda offer, though coach Michael Voss said he is holding onto hope he stays.
• Essendon captain Zach Merrett played with a protective glove after hand surgery in his 250th game as the club prepares for a rescheduled trip to face Gold Coast.
• Jayden Laverde (hip) and Sam Durham (foot) were late withdrawals, Channel Seven did not air the game live, and the MCG crowd was listed at 41,150.