AFL 2024 round 13 LIVE updates: Blues start hot against Bombers in blockbuster MCG clash

Essendon have got their second goal of the game through Matt Guelfi, which came from stoppage. He earned a free after putting his head over the ball and taken high from Sam Walsh.

However, Bombers fans weren’t cheering for too long after George Hewett answered just over a minute later down the other end.

Blues by 21

Elijah Hollands has kicked the first goal of the second-quarter to extend the Blues’ lead.

It all started with advantage paid after Nick Hind was called for contact off the ball. The Blues moved it quickly into the hands of Hollands, who was a lot more efficient than the Bombers have been today.

The Blues have eight scoring shots to seven, yet lead by 21-points, after the Bombers have kicked 1.6.

Blues by 21

Blues get another through Lachie Fogarty, their fourth of the night.

It all started with a smother from Jordan Boyd up the ground, which forced the turnover. From there the Blues moved the ball quickly and into the hands of Fogarty, who booted it long. It then dribbled through for a goal.

Matt Guelfi then had a chance to draw the margin back with a set shot, but it went to the right. The Bombers have been untidy in front of goal, with 1.5 this opening term.

The buzzer is about to go for quarter-time.

Blues by 16

Nik Cox has got the Bombers’ first of the night. He used his height advantage to take a contested mark deep in Essendon’s forward 50, then put through the set shot.

It makes up for the snap 45 metres out earlier, which went offline.

Zach Merrett, – who has a hard tag on him from Alex Cincotta – has just the two possessions so far. Leading the disposal count is Will Setterfield with eight, followed by Nic Newman with seven.

Blues by 12

Oh, this is a good start from Carlton.

Charlie Curnow went to take the grab, dropped it, but then scooped it up, turned his body and unleashed a mammoth kick from the arc. It’s the Blues’ third goal in a row to start this game.

Essendon have had a few looks, but haven’t managed to put any majors on the board yet. They’ve had six inside 50s to nine. Zach Merrett is yet to touch the ball.

Blues by 18

Here’s an early eye-popping stat: Carlton have 21 marks to Essendon’s five.

Tom De Koning and Charlie Curnow already have seven between them.

You wouldn’t want to be the McKay parents then, not knowing whether to cheer or hiss that. Harry was awarded a free kick after Ben held him in a marking contest.

Their mum tentatively waved the Carlton side of her scarf when the camera went on her. So, 1-0 to Harry.

And the goal puts the Blues up by a couple early.

Blues by 12

Mitch McGovern was marched towards the goals with a 50-metre penalty after Essendon failed to give back the ball when a free kick was paid for holding the ball.

He put through the shot to gift the Blues with the first major of the night.

Blues by 6