The story of Essendon and Carlton's struggles in the AFL is a tale of salary cap dramas, draft picks gone awry, and scandals that have left both clubs in a state of purgatory. From the early 2000s to the present day, these two Victorian powerhouses have faced a series of pivotal events that have shaped their destinies. Here's a breakdown of the key moments that have contributed to their downfall.
2002: Salary Cap Drama and Draft Pick Penalties
Carlton's demise began with salary cap management in 2000 and 2001. The club was found guilty of cheating the salary cap, with illegal payments made to players like Stephen Silvagni, Craig Bradley, Fraser Brown, and Stephen O'Reilly. As a result, Carlton was stripped of draft picks, including the first overall pick, which was expected to go to Brendon Goddard, a childhood Blues fan. This set the tone for a series of poor drafts and a decline in performance.
2002: Cap Miscalculation Forces Essendon to Gut Premiership Side
Essendon, despite a premiership in 2001, faced a salary cap crisis due to a miscalculation. The club assumed the cap would rise by 10%, but it only increased by a third, leaving a $600,000 hole. Kevin Sheedy, the coach, was forced to trade beloved players like Damien Hardwick, Justin Blumfield, Chris Heffernan, and Blake Caracella, leaving just 13 members of the 2000 premiership side on the list. This gut-wrenching decision marked a turning point for the club.
2006: Lloyd's Hamstring Injury
Matthew Lloyd, a key player for Essendon, suffered a career-altering injury in 2006. After a strong start to the season, Lloyd's hamstring injury in round three ended his season and ultimately his dominance as a full forward. This injury marked the end of an era for Essendon, as they struggled to maintain their premiership contender status.
2007: Sheedy's Exit and Hardwick's PowerPoint Fiasco
The relationship between Essendon and coach Kevin Sheedy soured, leading to his departure. The club awkwardly announced his exit, and a two-month process followed to find his replacement. Damien Hardwick, a member of the 2000 premiership team, was a top contender, but his PowerPoint presentation failed, causing a ruckus. This episode highlighted the challenges of leadership transitions.
2009: Fevola's Fall from Grace
Brendan Fevola, a superstar forward for Carlton, had a falling out with the club off the field. His behavior at the 2009 Brownlow Medal count, while drunk, led to his trade to Brisbane in exchange for Lachie Henderson and a first-round pick. Fevola's decline was a stark reminder of the impact of personal issues on a player's career.
2012: Ratten's Sacking and Malthouse's Turbulent Tenure
After a period of losing, Carlton sacked coach Brett Ratten and appointed Mick Malthouse. Malthouse's tenure was marked by middling results and public feuds with the club's administration. He was eventually sacked after a torrid 52-game stint, leaving a lasting impact on the club's culture.
2013: Essendon's Supplements Scandal
Essendon's 2013 season was marred by a supplements scandal. The club self-reported to the AFL and ASADA, leading to a four-year saga. The AFL fined Essendon $2 million, banned them from the 2013 finals, and suspended coach James Hird. The scandal cost the club millions and had a lasting impact on their drafting and performance.
2018: Daniher's Groin Injuries
Joe Daniher, a key forward for Essendon, suffered repeated groin injuries that ended his time as a star player. His early retirement due to these injuries was a stark reminder of the physical demands of the game and the impact of injuries on a player's career.
2022: Rutten's Sacking and Clarkson's Rejection
Essendon's 2022 season was marked by a power struggle and the sacking of coach Ben Rutten. The club attempted to lure Alastair Clarkson, but he rejected the offer. Rutten's departure highlighted the challenges of leadership transitions and the impact of internal conflicts.
2025: Blues President's Lewd Image Saga
Carlton's president, Luke Sayers, faced a scandal when a lewd image was posted to his Twitter account. The AFL Integrity Unit cleared him, but the incident cast a shadow over the club. Sayers' decision to step down further impacted the team's performance in the 2025 season.
Blown Draft Picks
Both clubs have struggled with inconsistent drafting, failing to consistently select top talent. Carlton's top-five picks since 2003 have yielded only three All-Australian players, while Essendon's top-20 picks since 2000 have produced just one All-Australian, Patrick Ryder, who played for Port Adelaide.
In conclusion, the story of Essendon and Carlton's struggles is a cautionary tale of management, drafting, and personal issues. These clubs have faced a series of challenges that have left them in a state of purgatory, struggling to regain their former glory. The AFL landscape has changed, and these clubs must adapt to remain competitive in the modern era.
