James Hird and Anthony Koutoufides in 2003. Picture: AFL Photos

IT'S neck and neck in the debate on who's got the better line-up.

An Essendon team led by Kevin Sheedy with match-winners James Hird, Matthew Lloyd and Michael Long or David Parkin's side with Chris Judd, Greg Williams and Brendan Fevola?

GREATEST TEAMS EVER Carlton v Essendon ... who wins the game?

While we're missing weekly the team announcements, each week we'll pick apart one match-up that was scheduled to be played.

This weekend Carlton and Essendon were set to meet for the 53rd time since the 1993 Grand Final and we've picked both clubs' best line-ups from then to now.

Check out the teams and have your say in the poll below (it's very close).