TWO CLUBS looking for a senior coach do battle in the King's Birthday Eve clash as Essendon and Carlton go head to head.

Essendon was unable to make the most of the new coach bounce as it lost touch with West Coast with the main break in sight and was largely outclassed from there.

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The Bombers won the clearance count by a whopping +22 against the Eagles to leave one area of their game in good order and with something to build on across what looms as a tough second half of the season. 

However, injury sees Darcy Parish out of the midfield and promising tall forward Archie May also on the sidelines after hurting his shoulder, while Tom Edwards and Jade Gresham have been omitted.

Sam Durham's return will help cover the loss of Parish, with Harry Jones, Mason Redman and Hussien El Achkar all coming into the side.

Carlton has been playing with a newfound freedom since the shackles were released by a change of coach but few could have predicted a stirring come-from-behind triumph over the likes of an in-form Geelong.

The Blues have won three from three under interim coach Josh Fraser and a victory over their old foes would leave them eyeing a once-unlikely charge towards the wildcard spots.

Carlton has only made one change but it's a big one, with Jacob Weitering replaced by Wade Derksen.

Essendon v Carlton at the MCG, 7.20pm AEST
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