Carlton
1
A Walker
2
J Russell
3
M Murphy
2.0
4
B Gibbs
5
C Judd
0.1
5
B Fevola
4.6
6
K Simpson
3.0
8
M Kreuzer
1.0
10
R Hadley
12
M Robinson
0.1
17
S O'hAilpin
18
P Bower
19
E Betts
0.1
22
S Hampson
24
N Stevens
1.0
27
D Armfield
29
H Scotland
1.0
32
B Thornton
33
R Houlihan
1.0
34
S Wiggins
44
A Carrazzo
45
A Joseph
1.0
Preview: Carlton v Geelong
VENUE & TIME: MCG, Friday August 7, 7.40pm (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 207, Carlton 114, Geelong 91, Draws 2
LAST TIME: Geelong 19.19 (133) def Carlton 12.5 (77), Round 10, 2008 at Etihad Stadium.
WALKING WOUNDED: The Cats will again be without their two key defenders, Matthew Scarlett (abductor) and Harry Taylor (groin), while Paul Chapman (hamstring) is also expected to miss. Skipper Tom Harley was forced from the ground against the Crows after a knock to the head but is expected to play. Brad Ottens played half a game in the VFL last weekend and can expect more game time this week. For the Blues, full-back Michael Jamison (groin) was a late withdrawal for the third-straight week last weekend and could miss the rest of the season. Bret Thornton has a bruised shoulder joint but is expected to play.
FORM: The Cats are the AFL’s great escape artist, having won three games by two points or less this season – the latest a two-point nail-biter against the Crows. While they are limping along right now, they will take heart in having not lost to the Blues in five matches since Round 2, 2004, when the teams met at Princes Park. The Blues were lacklustre against North Melbourne last week but coach Brett Ratten was delighted his men were able to prevail in a real scrap. In the past month the Blues have averaged 56 inside 50s, the highest in the AFL.
WHO'S HOT: When it comes to scoring inside 50m, Geelong sits one and Carlton two – highlighting how efficient both teams can be. Chapman was superb against the Crows, kicking six goals, and will be greatly missed. For the Blues, Nick Stevens made a welcome return from the VFL against the Kangaroos with 25 touches, impressing with hard-running and his accurate kicking. Unheralded Richard Hadley had a game-high eight clearances, helping to ease the load on Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs. The Blues like Andrew Carrazzo to have the ball for good reason – his disposal efficiency is over 70 per cent.
WE THINK: The Cats’ form-line isn’t great – two losses, a modest win over Melbourne and single-digit victories against Hawthorn and Adelaide have raised concerns their dominant era may soon be over. Brendan Fevola has always struggled on Scarlett and could be in for a big night if his nemesis is absent. Provided the Blues are desperate and clean with their skills, they could break the Cats’ stranglehold and rubber-stamp a September berth. An upset is on the cards - Carlton by five points.
Q4 27:00 -
Geelong are still in all sorts of trouble particularly up forward and will have to sort the Mooney/Hawkins dilemma if they are to win the flag. Carlton 14.13.97 defeated Geelong 8.14.62 by 35 points.
Q4 26:00 -
Game over and the Blues have beaten an undermanned but disappointing Geelong. Carlton played good solid football and deserved to win the game.
Q4 25:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Carlton has the win an fittingly Brendan Fevola will have the last kick of the match and it is a goal.
Q4 24:00 -
The Cats look like they've conceded the game, the heat has gone out of this competition and the Blues are going to take home the 4 points.
Q4 22:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Lonergan is deemed to have impeded Fevola, it must have been the gentlest of touches, and so gives away the free. Fevola with a show of sportsman ship kicks a point.
Q4 20:00 -
How can you expect to win games when your two key forwards are sitting on the bench, Mooney is struggling with his kicking and Hawkins is simply just struggling.
Q4 18:00 -
BEHIND CATS - While Mooney and Hawkins warm the bench for the Cats, Johnson, who looks like he is still carrying some sort of injury, kicks another behind.
Q4 17:00 -
GOAL BLUES - He shaved his head and now he is playing out of his skin, Fevola marks the ball 45 out on the boundary line and kicks his 3rd goal of the night. The Blues are leading by 29 points.
Q4 15:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Stevens marks 50 metres out, he fakes to play on and as he draws the man he pops the ball over the top to Joseph who from 40 out kicks the winning goal?
Q4 12:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Hawkins drops another mark and the Blues sweep it forward to Fevola. Fev will have a shot, this could finish the Cats off...Fevola misses and the Cats are still alive.
Q4 10:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Another costly miss from the Cats, Stokes is awarded the free 25 metres out and misses. Too many fundamental mistakes from Geelong tonight.
Q4 08:00 -
The Cats are looking tired, Ling is being taken apart by Judd, Ablett has barley been sighted and Steve Johnson is on one leg, they need someone to spark them up - but who?.
Q4 06:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Varcoe has the ball on the 50 metre arc, he loads up the kick and it sails wide for another point. The Cats need to start scoring goals not points.
Q4 04:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola has a long snap on goal - the ball drifts wide for another point.
Q4 02:00 -
GOAL BLUES - The nightmare continues as the Blues have the first goal of the last term. Simpson is having a blinder and kicks his third of the night.
Q4 00:00 -
The Blues are a quarter away from recording their best win in years. The Cats on the other hand are going to have to pull out another miracle to win this one.
Q3 28:00 -
The siren sounds and the Blues hand onto their lead, Carlton leads by 19 points and is on the cusp of their best win of the season. Carlton 10.10.70 lead Geelong 8.11.59.
Q3 27:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Hogan has a chance to close the gap as he marks 35 metres out on a fairly acute angle. The ball is pushed wide for another point to the Cats.
Q3 26:00 -
BEHIND CATS - The Blues concede on the last line of defence and the Cats' fans plead with the Umpire for deliberate.
Q3 25:00 -
In another blow for the Cats Stokes has hobbled off and is talking to the trainers, they cannot afford to lose another player.
Q3 22:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Scotland has the ball in the pocket after Judd bursts through the centre and hits him with a pin-point pass. Scotland's kick is ugly off the boot but it is good - another Carlton goal.
Q3 21:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola has another flying shot on goal, it is close, so close...goal? No...the ball was touched off the boot.
Q3 20:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Johnson with a trade mark twisting snap sends the ball sailing through for a behind.
Q3 18:00 -
GOAL CATS - A quick kick into the Cats forward line, Rooke runs onto the ball, he doges and weaves and bullocks his way into - a goal.
Q3 16:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Mooney leads through centre half forward and marks the ball. He will slow the play down and go back and have a set shot from 35 metres out. His kicking is still a problem - a point.
Q3 15:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Fevola is still leading Lonergan a merry dance, he burns him off on a quick lead marks the ball, plays on and kicks his second goal.
Q3 13:00 -
GOAL CATS - Mooney with a strong grab in the centre of the ground dashes forward a couple of steps and kicks long to find Stokes deep in the pocket. Stokes goes back and kicks the goal.
Q3 11:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - The Blues continue to apply forward pressure and they continue to force the scoreboard to trickle over, they add another rushed behind.
Q3 10:00 -
Wojcinski is back on the Cats' bench - however he is in the track suit so it looks like his night is over. And worse the Cats are a man down.
Q3 08:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Fevola is playing his heart out, he takes the ball and from 50 hits Simpson who is only 20 metres out but on a very acute angle. Simpson's kick is immaculate Carlton by 13 points.
Q3 06:00 -
GOAL CATS - Johnson somehow makes a one handed hand-pass and finds Ling who kicks the Cats 6th goal. The Cats are back within 7 points.
Q3 04:00 -
Fevola makes a great run down tackle to deny Mackie a certain goal. Yes Fevola ran down an opposition player on the half back line, good work from the Carlton spear head.
Q3 02:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - From the kick in the Blues go from end to end and Fevola will have a shot from just inside the arc. In an instant replay of the last point the ball falls short and is punched through.
Q3 01:00 -
BEHIND CATS - From a free kick Hawkins kicks a long, long ball into the square, it comes off hands for a rushed behind.
Q3 00:00 -
The game is back on but the Cats are down a man with only 2 on the bench for the start of the 3rd quarter.
Q2 32:00 -
The first half is over and the better team is leading, Carlton has been working hard and deserve the 13 point lead. Carlton 7.7.49 lead Geelong 5.6.36.
Q2 31:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Robinson has a flying shot and the ball slides wide for a point, the Blues will go to the main break 13 points in front of Geelong, yes Geelong.
Q2 30:00 -
The Blues have the ball and the siren will sound any second can they increase their lead before the half?
Q2 27:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Houlihan has a free kick and will have a shot 45 metres out on a slight angle. The kick is good and the Blues have their largest lead of the night 12 points.
Q2 25:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Fevola is working hard tonight he forces the turn-over and then passes the ball off to Kreuzer. Kreuzer puts the Blues back in front.
Q2 23:00 -
GOAL CATS - The ball is passed out of the Cats' forward line right to Harley, who despite his surprise manages to keep hold of the ball. The skipper goes back and from 40 out kicks the goal.
Q2 21:00 -
Varcoe has marked the ball 55 metres out and will have a chance to re-gain the lead, the ball does not have the carry and it is marked by Kreuzer.
Q2 20:00 -
The Blues have certainly come to play tonight and the Cats will have to dig deep to win this one.
Q2 18:00 -
GOAL BLUES - The Umpires have penalised the Cats for a throw in the goal square. The Carlton forwards are lining up to receive a certain goal and Murphy is the anointed one. Goal Carlton.
Q2 14:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Judd has a running shot on goal and it looked home all the way...until it hit the post. Scores are level at the G, 30 points each of two.
Q2 13:00 -
Just as Mooney has turned up the intensity this quarter so has Judd who is leaving Ling in his wake.
Q2 12:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Simpson runs into the forward line, he takes a couple of extra steps and blazes away. The ball has the carry...and the accuracy - goal. The Blues are within 1 point.
Q2 10:00 -
GOAL CATS - Mooney is doing it all, he has rucked and run and now he has his second goal, the Cats lead by 5 points.
Q2 09:00 -
GOAL CATS - Hogan finds himself on the end of a Johnson pass and kicks a nice running goal.
Q2 08:00 -
Mooney is working overtime he has moved upfield and is helping the team break through their half forward line.
Q2 07:00 -
BEHIND CATS - From the set shot 'Stevie J' couldn't find the magic and the Cats have another behind.
Q2 06:00 -
Johnson has marked the ball 45 metres out but he is tucked up against the boundary line. If he was running away from goal you would back him in - but from the set shot?
Q2 03:00 -
The Cats with a chance to score but Hawkins is dispossessed by Thornton, the Tomahawk needs to step up and become a serious scoring option not just a big body in the forward line.
Q2 00:00 -
The siren sounds the ball is bounced and we are back under way at the G. Geelong are over possessing the ball and it is costing them as they are turning the ball over far too much.
Q1 29:00 -
It is quarter time and the Blues lead the Cats by 7 points. After a sluggish start the locals settled and really took it up the Cats. Carlton 3.5.23 Geelong 2.4.16.
Q1 28:00 -
GOAL BLUEs - The siren sounds but Judd has spotted Murphy and he marks as the quarter ends. Murphy takes his time over the ball, he kicks and scores a vital goal for the Blues.
Q1 27:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Another rushed behind sees the scores all tied up.
Q1 25:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Murphy soccers the ball to the corner of the goal square where Nick Stevens does another Pele impression and grubs the ball through for the Blues 2nd goal.
Q1 24:00 -
BEHIND CATS - The Blues bustle the ball through for another rushed behind.
Q1 23:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Now it is the Cats' turn to increase their lead centimeter by centimeter as they see the ball come off hands for a rushed behind.
Q1 22:00 -
Behind Cats - Selwood marks well and finds Mooney 20 out on a fairly acute angle. Mooney has a deliberate shot and watches with visible frustration as it goes behind.
Q1 20:00 -
Once again the Cats are struggling with their half forward line, they are getting plenty of the ball but they continue to break down trying to enter their forward 50.
Q1 18:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Carlton are doing it an inch at a time as they creep to within a point of Geelong with another rushed behind.
Q1 16:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - The Blues are storming forward and another quick kick into the goal square is rushed through by a harried Cats' defence.
Q1 14:00 -
So the Blues have settled and are looking good after it was all Geelong for the first few minutes.
Q1 13:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola is running rings around Lonergan and he has marked the ball 40 metres out on the boundary line. Fevola's kick hits the post for another behind.
Q1 12:00 -
GOAL BLUES - A loose Johnson clearance sees the ball turned over and kicked deep into the Carlton goal square. Fevola marks on the line, plays on and kicks the goal
Q1 10:00 -
BEHIND CARLTON - Fevola marks on hands and knees sliding into the ball, he passes off to Gibbs who quickly moves the ball on to Betts who kicks a point.
Q1 09:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola starts his kick wide looking for it to draw back in, it does just that - but not quite enough. The Blues are on the scoreboard with a behind.
Q1 08:00 -
Lonergan tugs Fevola's jumper and gives away the free. So from 45 metres out on the boundary line a shaven headed Fevola will have a shot.
Q1 06:00 -
The Cats have come to play tonight and the Blues are looking a little shell shocked.
Q1 03:00 -
GOAL CATS - Mooney is infringed against and after an aborted attempt to pay advantage, the ball will be called back and he will have a shot from 40 out. Goal Cats and a dream start.
Q1 02:00 -
GOAL CATS - The Cats burst from the centre courtesy of Byrnes, he quickly passes off to Stokes who will have a shot from 30 metres out. Stokes kicks the Cats opening goal.
Q1 01:00 -
The Blues have one change with Wiggins coming in for Mark Austin. Conditions tonight are cold and blustery and that should suit the team from Windy Hollow just fine.
Q1 00:00 -
Welcome to the MCG for the clash between the Carlton Blues and the Geelong Cats. Contrary to rumor the Cats side will line up as named with Joel Selwood and Steve Johnson both in the side.
The Barracking Box
Preview: Carlton v Geelong
VENUE & TIME: MCG, Friday August 7, 7.40pm (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 207, Carlton 114, Geelong 91, Draws 2
LAST TIME: Geelong 19.19 (133) def Carlton 12.5 (77), Round 10, 2008 at Etihad Stadium.
WALKING WOUNDED: The Cats will again be without their two key defenders, Matthew Scarlett (abductor) and Harry Taylor (groin), while Paul Chapman (hamstring) is also expected to miss. Skipper Tom Harley was forced from the ground against the Crows after a knock to the head but is expected to play. Brad Ottens played half a game in the VFL last weekend and can expect more game time this week. For the Blues, full-back Michael Jamison (groin) was a late withdrawal for the third-straight week last weekend and could miss the rest of the season. Bret Thornton has a bruised shoulder joint but is expected to play.
FORM: The Cats are the AFL’s great escape artist, having won three games by two points or less this season – the latest a two-point nail-biter against the Crows. While they are limping along right now, they will take heart in having not lost to the Blues in five matches since Round 2, 2004, when the teams met at Princes Park. The Blues were lacklustre against North Melbourne last week but coach Brett Ratten was delighted his men were able to prevail in a real scrap. In the past month the Blues have averaged 56 inside 50s, the highest in the AFL.
WHO'S HOT: When it comes to scoring inside 50m, Geelong sits one and Carlton two – highlighting how efficient both teams can be. Chapman was superb against the Crows, kicking six goals, and will be greatly missed. For the Blues, Nick Stevens made a welcome return from the VFL against the Kangaroos with 25 touches, impressing with hard-running and his accurate kicking. Unheralded Richard Hadley had a game-high eight clearances, helping to ease the load on Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs. The Blues like Andrew Carrazzo to have the ball for good reason – his disposal efficiency is over 70 per cent.
WE THINK: The Cats’ form-line isn’t great – two losses, a modest win over Melbourne and single-digit victories against Hawthorn and Adelaide have raised concerns their dominant era may soon be over. Brendan Fevola has always struggled on Scarlett and could be in for a big night if his nemesis is absent. Provided the Blues are desperate and clean with their skills, they could break the Cats’ stranglehold and rubber-stamp a September berth. An upset is on the cards - Carlton by five points.
Q4 27:00 -
Geelong are still in all sorts of trouble particularly up forward and will have to sort the Mooney/Hawkins dilemma if they are to win the flag. Carlton 14.13.97 defeated Geelong 8.14.62 by 35 points.
Q4 26:00 -
Game over and the Blues have beaten an undermanned but disappointing Geelong. Carlton played good solid football and deserved to win the game.
Q4 25:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Carlton has the win an fittingly Brendan Fevola will have the last kick of the match and it is a goal.
Q4 24:00 -
The Cats look like they've conceded the game, the heat has gone out of this competition and the Blues are going to take home the 4 points.
Q4 22:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Lonergan is deemed to have impeded Fevola, it must have been the gentlest of touches, and so gives away the free. Fevola with a show of sportsman ship kicks a point.
Q4 20:00 -
How can you expect to win games when your two key forwards are sitting on the bench, Mooney is struggling with his kicking and Hawkins is simply just struggling.
Q4 18:00 -
BEHIND CATS - While Mooney and Hawkins warm the bench for the Cats, Johnson, who looks like he is still carrying some sort of injury, kicks another behind.
Q4 17:00 -
GOAL BLUES - He shaved his head and now he is playing out of his skin, Fevola marks the ball 45 out on the boundary line and kicks his 3rd goal of the night. The Blues are leading by 29 points.
Q4 15:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Stevens marks 50 metres out, he fakes to play on and as he draws the man he pops the ball over the top to Joseph who from 40 out kicks the winning goal?
Q4 12:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Hawkins drops another mark and the Blues sweep it forward to Fevola. Fev will have a shot, this could finish the Cats off...Fevola misses and the Cats are still alive.
Q4 10:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Another costly miss from the Cats, Stokes is awarded the free 25 metres out and misses. Too many fundamental mistakes from Geelong tonight.
Q4 08:00 -
The Cats are looking tired, Ling is being taken apart by Judd, Ablett has barley been sighted and Steve Johnson is on one leg, they need someone to spark them up - but who?.
Q4 06:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Varcoe has the ball on the 50 metre arc, he loads up the kick and it sails wide for another point. The Cats need to start scoring goals not points.
Q4 04:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola has a long snap on goal - the ball drifts wide for another point.
Q4 02:00 -
GOAL BLUES - The nightmare continues as the Blues have the first goal of the last term. Simpson is having a blinder and kicks his third of the night.
Q4 00:00 -
The Blues are a quarter away from recording their best win in years. The Cats on the other hand are going to have to pull out another miracle to win this one.
Q3 28:00 -
The siren sounds and the Blues hand onto their lead, Carlton leads by 19 points and is on the cusp of their best win of the season. Carlton 10.10.70 lead Geelong 8.11.59.
Q3 27:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Hogan has a chance to close the gap as he marks 35 metres out on a fairly acute angle. The ball is pushed wide for another point to the Cats.
Q3 26:00 -
BEHIND CATS - The Blues concede on the last line of defence and the Cats' fans plead with the Umpire for deliberate.
Q3 25:00 -
In another blow for the Cats Stokes has hobbled off and is talking to the trainers, they cannot afford to lose another player.
Q3 22:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Scotland has the ball in the pocket after Judd bursts through the centre and hits him with a pin-point pass. Scotland's kick is ugly off the boot but it is good - another Carlton goal.
Q3 21:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola has another flying shot on goal, it is close, so close...goal? No...the ball was touched off the boot.
Q3 20:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Johnson with a trade mark twisting snap sends the ball sailing through for a behind.
Q3 18:00 -
GOAL CATS - A quick kick into the Cats forward line, Rooke runs onto the ball, he doges and weaves and bullocks his way into - a goal.
Q3 16:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Mooney leads through centre half forward and marks the ball. He will slow the play down and go back and have a set shot from 35 metres out. His kicking is still a problem - a point.
Q3 15:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Fevola is still leading Lonergan a merry dance, he burns him off on a quick lead marks the ball, plays on and kicks his second goal.
Q3 13:00 -
GOAL CATS - Mooney with a strong grab in the centre of the ground dashes forward a couple of steps and kicks long to find Stokes deep in the pocket. Stokes goes back and kicks the goal.
Q3 11:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - The Blues continue to apply forward pressure and they continue to force the scoreboard to trickle over, they add another rushed behind.
Q3 10:00 -
Wojcinski is back on the Cats' bench - however he is in the track suit so it looks like his night is over. And worse the Cats are a man down.
Q3 08:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Fevola is playing his heart out, he takes the ball and from 50 hits Simpson who is only 20 metres out but on a very acute angle. Simpson's kick is immaculate Carlton by 13 points.
Q3 06:00 -
GOAL CATS - Johnson somehow makes a one handed hand-pass and finds Ling who kicks the Cats 6th goal. The Cats are back within 7 points.
Q3 04:00 -
Fevola makes a great run down tackle to deny Mackie a certain goal. Yes Fevola ran down an opposition player on the half back line, good work from the Carlton spear head.
Q3 02:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - From the kick in the Blues go from end to end and Fevola will have a shot from just inside the arc. In an instant replay of the last point the ball falls short and is punched through.
Q3 01:00 -
BEHIND CATS - From a free kick Hawkins kicks a long, long ball into the square, it comes off hands for a rushed behind.
Q3 00:00 -
The game is back on but the Cats are down a man with only 2 on the bench for the start of the 3rd quarter.
Q2 32:00 -
The first half is over and the better team is leading, Carlton has been working hard and deserve the 13 point lead. Carlton 7.7.49 lead Geelong 5.6.36.
Q2 31:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Robinson has a flying shot and the ball slides wide for a point, the Blues will go to the main break 13 points in front of Geelong, yes Geelong.
Q2 30:00 -
The Blues have the ball and the siren will sound any second can they increase their lead before the half?
Q2 27:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Houlihan has a free kick and will have a shot 45 metres out on a slight angle. The kick is good and the Blues have their largest lead of the night 12 points.
Q2 25:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Fevola is working hard tonight he forces the turn-over and then passes the ball off to Kreuzer. Kreuzer puts the Blues back in front.
Q2 23:00 -
GOAL CATS - The ball is passed out of the Cats' forward line right to Harley, who despite his surprise manages to keep hold of the ball. The skipper goes back and from 40 out kicks the goal.
Q2 21:00 -
Varcoe has marked the ball 55 metres out and will have a chance to re-gain the lead, the ball does not have the carry and it is marked by Kreuzer.
Q2 20:00 -
The Blues have certainly come to play tonight and the Cats will have to dig deep to win this one.
Q2 18:00 -
GOAL BLUES - The Umpires have penalised the Cats for a throw in the goal square. The Carlton forwards are lining up to receive a certain goal and Murphy is the anointed one. Goal Carlton.
Q2 14:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Judd has a running shot on goal and it looked home all the way...until it hit the post. Scores are level at the G, 30 points each of two.
Q2 13:00 -
Just as Mooney has turned up the intensity this quarter so has Judd who is leaving Ling in his wake.
Q2 12:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Simpson runs into the forward line, he takes a couple of extra steps and blazes away. The ball has the carry...and the accuracy - goal. The Blues are within 1 point.
Q2 10:00 -
GOAL CATS - Mooney is doing it all, he has rucked and run and now he has his second goal, the Cats lead by 5 points.
Q2 09:00 -
GOAL CATS - Hogan finds himself on the end of a Johnson pass and kicks a nice running goal.
Q2 08:00 -
Mooney is working overtime he has moved upfield and is helping the team break through their half forward line.
Q2 07:00 -
BEHIND CATS - From the set shot 'Stevie J' couldn't find the magic and the Cats have another behind.
Q2 06:00 -
Johnson has marked the ball 45 metres out but he is tucked up against the boundary line. If he was running away from goal you would back him in - but from the set shot?
Q2 03:00 -
The Cats with a chance to score but Hawkins is dispossessed by Thornton, the Tomahawk needs to step up and become a serious scoring option not just a big body in the forward line.
Q2 00:00 -
The siren sounds the ball is bounced and we are back under way at the G. Geelong are over possessing the ball and it is costing them as they are turning the ball over far too much.
Q1 29:00 -
It is quarter time and the Blues lead the Cats by 7 points. After a sluggish start the locals settled and really took it up the Cats. Carlton 3.5.23 Geelong 2.4.16.
Q1 28:00 -
GOAL BLUEs - The siren sounds but Judd has spotted Murphy and he marks as the quarter ends. Murphy takes his time over the ball, he kicks and scores a vital goal for the Blues.
Q1 27:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Another rushed behind sees the scores all tied up.
Q1 25:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Murphy soccers the ball to the corner of the goal square where Nick Stevens does another Pele impression and grubs the ball through for the Blues 2nd goal.
Q1 24:00 -
BEHIND CATS - The Blues bustle the ball through for another rushed behind.
Q1 23:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Now it is the Cats' turn to increase their lead centimeter by centimeter as they see the ball come off hands for a rushed behind.
Q1 22:00 -
Behind Cats - Selwood marks well and finds Mooney 20 out on a fairly acute angle. Mooney has a deliberate shot and watches with visible frustration as it goes behind.
Q1 20:00 -
Once again the Cats are struggling with their half forward line, they are getting plenty of the ball but they continue to break down trying to enter their forward 50.
Q1 18:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Carlton are doing it an inch at a time as they creep to within a point of Geelong with another rushed behind.
Q1 16:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - The Blues are storming forward and another quick kick into the goal square is rushed through by a harried Cats' defence.
Q1 14:00 -
So the Blues have settled and are looking good after it was all Geelong for the first few minutes.
Q1 13:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola is running rings around Lonergan and he has marked the ball 40 metres out on the boundary line. Fevola's kick hits the post for another behind.
Q1 12:00 -
GOAL BLUES - A loose Johnson clearance sees the ball turned over and kicked deep into the Carlton goal square. Fevola marks on the line, plays on and kicks the goal
Q1 10:00 -
BEHIND CARLTON - Fevola marks on hands and knees sliding into the ball, he passes off to Gibbs who quickly moves the ball on to Betts who kicks a point.
Q1 09:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola starts his kick wide looking for it to draw back in, it does just that - but not quite enough. The Blues are on the scoreboard with a behind.
Q1 08:00 -
Lonergan tugs Fevola's jumper and gives away the free. So from 45 metres out on the boundary line a shaven headed Fevola will have a shot.
Q1 06:00 -
The Cats have come to play tonight and the Blues are looking a little shell shocked.
Q1 03:00 -
GOAL CATS - Mooney is infringed against and after an aborted attempt to pay advantage, the ball will be called back and he will have a shot from 40 out. Goal Cats and a dream start.
Q1 02:00 -
GOAL CATS - The Cats burst from the centre courtesy of Byrnes, he quickly passes off to Stokes who will have a shot from 30 metres out. Stokes kicks the Cats opening goal.
Q1 01:00 -
The Blues have one change with Wiggins coming in for Mark Austin. Conditions tonight are cold and blustery and that should suit the team from Windy Hollow just fine.
Q1 00:00 -
Welcome to the MCG for the clash between the Carlton Blues and the Geelong Cats. Contrary to rumor the Cats side will line up as named with Joel Selwood and Steve Johnson both in the side.
The Barracking Box
226
Kicks
178
113
Marks
89
194
Handballs
180
60
Tackles
41
29
Frees
23
28
Hit Outs
24
3.5
Q1
2.4
7.7
Q2
5.6
10.10
Q3
8.11
14.13
Q4
8.14
Q4 27:00 -
Geelong are still in all sorts of trouble particularly up forward and will have to sort the Mooney/Hawkins dilemma if they are to win the flag. Carlton 14.13.97 defeated Geelong 8.14.62 by 35 points.
Q4 26:00 -
Game over and the Blues have beaten an undermanned but disappointing Geelong. Carlton played good solid football and deserved to win the game.
Q4 25:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Carlton has the win an fittingly Brendan Fevola will have the last kick of the match and it is a goal.
Q4 24:00 -
The Cats look like they've conceded the game, the heat has gone out of this competition and the Blues are going to take home the 4 points.
Q4 22:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Lonergan is deemed to have impeded Fevola, it must have been the gentlest of touches, and so gives away the free. Fevola with a show of sportsman ship kicks a point.
Q4 20:00 -
How can you expect to win games when your two key forwards are sitting on the bench, Mooney is struggling with his kicking and Hawkins is simply just struggling.
Q4 18:00 -
BEHIND CATS - While Mooney and Hawkins warm the bench for the Cats, Johnson, who looks like he is still carrying some sort of injury, kicks another behind.
Q4 17:00 -
GOAL BLUES - He shaved his head and now he is playing out of his skin, Fevola marks the ball 45 out on the boundary line and kicks his 3rd goal of the night. The Blues are leading by 29 points.
Q4 15:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Stevens marks 50 metres out, he fakes to play on and as he draws the man he pops the ball over the top to Joseph who from 40 out kicks the winning goal?
Q4 12:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Hawkins drops another mark and the Blues sweep it forward to Fevola. Fev will have a shot, this could finish the Cats off...Fevola misses and the Cats are still alive.
Q4 10:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Another costly miss from the Cats, Stokes is awarded the free 25 metres out and misses. Too many fundamental mistakes from Geelong tonight.
Q4 08:00 -
The Cats are looking tired, Ling is being taken apart by Judd, Ablett has barley been sighted and Steve Johnson is on one leg, they need someone to spark them up - but who?.
Q4 06:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Varcoe has the ball on the 50 metre arc, he loads up the kick and it sails wide for another point. The Cats need to start scoring goals not points.
Q4 04:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola has a long snap on goal - the ball drifts wide for another point.
Q4 02:00 -
GOAL BLUES - The nightmare continues as the Blues have the first goal of the last term. Simpson is having a blinder and kicks his third of the night.
Q4 00:00 -
The Blues are a quarter away from recording their best win in years. The Cats on the other hand are going to have to pull out another miracle to win this one.
Q3 28:00 -
The siren sounds and the Blues hand onto their lead, Carlton leads by 19 points and is on the cusp of their best win of the season. Carlton 10.10.70 lead Geelong 8.11.59.
Q3 27:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Hogan has a chance to close the gap as he marks 35 metres out on a fairly acute angle. The ball is pushed wide for another point to the Cats.
Q3 26:00 -
BEHIND CATS - The Blues concede on the last line of defence and the Cats' fans plead with the Umpire for deliberate.
Q3 25:00 -
In another blow for the Cats Stokes has hobbled off and is talking to the trainers, they cannot afford to lose another player.
Q3 22:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Scotland has the ball in the pocket after Judd bursts through the centre and hits him with a pin-point pass. Scotland's kick is ugly off the boot but it is good - another Carlton goal.
Q3 21:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola has another flying shot on goal, it is close, so close...goal? No...the ball was touched off the boot.
Q3 20:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Johnson with a trade mark twisting snap sends the ball sailing through for a behind.
Q3 18:00 -
GOAL CATS - A quick kick into the Cats forward line, Rooke runs onto the ball, he doges and weaves and bullocks his way into - a goal.
Q3 16:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Mooney leads through centre half forward and marks the ball. He will slow the play down and go back and have a set shot from 35 metres out. His kicking is still a problem - a point.
Q3 15:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Fevola is still leading Lonergan a merry dance, he burns him off on a quick lead marks the ball, plays on and kicks his second goal.
Q3 13:00 -
GOAL CATS - Mooney with a strong grab in the centre of the ground dashes forward a couple of steps and kicks long to find Stokes deep in the pocket. Stokes goes back and kicks the goal.
Q3 11:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - The Blues continue to apply forward pressure and they continue to force the scoreboard to trickle over, they add another rushed behind.
Q3 10:00 -
Wojcinski is back on the Cats' bench - however he is in the track suit so it looks like his night is over. And worse the Cats are a man down.
Q3 08:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Fevola is playing his heart out, he takes the ball and from 50 hits Simpson who is only 20 metres out but on a very acute angle. Simpson's kick is immaculate Carlton by 13 points.
Q3 06:00 -
GOAL CATS - Johnson somehow makes a one handed hand-pass and finds Ling who kicks the Cats 6th goal. The Cats are back within 7 points.
Q3 04:00 -
Fevola makes a great run down tackle to deny Mackie a certain goal. Yes Fevola ran down an opposition player on the half back line, good work from the Carlton spear head.
Q3 02:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - From the kick in the Blues go from end to end and Fevola will have a shot from just inside the arc. In an instant replay of the last point the ball falls short and is punched through.
Q3 01:00 -
BEHIND CATS - From a free kick Hawkins kicks a long, long ball into the square, it comes off hands for a rushed behind.
Q3 00:00 -
The game is back on but the Cats are down a man with only 2 on the bench for the start of the 3rd quarter.
Q2 32:00 -
The first half is over and the better team is leading, Carlton has been working hard and deserve the 13 point lead. Carlton 7.7.49 lead Geelong 5.6.36.
Q2 31:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Robinson has a flying shot and the ball slides wide for a point, the Blues will go to the main break 13 points in front of Geelong, yes Geelong.
Q2 30:00 -
The Blues have the ball and the siren will sound any second can they increase their lead before the half?
Q2 27:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Houlihan has a free kick and will have a shot 45 metres out on a slight angle. The kick is good and the Blues have their largest lead of the night 12 points.
Q2 25:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Fevola is working hard tonight he forces the turn-over and then passes the ball off to Kreuzer. Kreuzer puts the Blues back in front.
Q2 23:00 -
GOAL CATS - The ball is passed out of the Cats' forward line right to Harley, who despite his surprise manages to keep hold of the ball. The skipper goes back and from 40 out kicks the goal.
Q2 21:00 -
Varcoe has marked the ball 55 metres out and will have a chance to re-gain the lead, the ball does not have the carry and it is marked by Kreuzer.
Q2 20:00 -
The Blues have certainly come to play tonight and the Cats will have to dig deep to win this one.
Q2 18:00 -
GOAL BLUES - The Umpires have penalised the Cats for a throw in the goal square. The Carlton forwards are lining up to receive a certain goal and Murphy is the anointed one. Goal Carlton.
Q2 14:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Judd has a running shot on goal and it looked home all the way...until it hit the post. Scores are level at the G, 30 points each of two.
Q2 13:00 -
Just as Mooney has turned up the intensity this quarter so has Judd who is leaving Ling in his wake.
Q2 12:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Simpson runs into the forward line, he takes a couple of extra steps and blazes away. The ball has the carry...and the accuracy - goal. The Blues are within 1 point.
Q2 10:00 -
GOAL CATS - Mooney is doing it all, he has rucked and run and now he has his second goal, the Cats lead by 5 points.
Q2 09:00 -
GOAL CATS - Hogan finds himself on the end of a Johnson pass and kicks a nice running goal.
Q2 08:00 -
Mooney is working overtime he has moved upfield and is helping the team break through their half forward line.
Q2 07:00 -
BEHIND CATS - From the set shot 'Stevie J' couldn't find the magic and the Cats have another behind.
Q2 06:00 -
Johnson has marked the ball 45 metres out but he is tucked up against the boundary line. If he was running away from goal you would back him in - but from the set shot?
Q2 03:00 -
The Cats with a chance to score but Hawkins is dispossessed by Thornton, the Tomahawk needs to step up and become a serious scoring option not just a big body in the forward line.
Q2 00:00 -
The siren sounds the ball is bounced and we are back under way at the G. Geelong are over possessing the ball and it is costing them as they are turning the ball over far too much.
Q1 29:00 -
It is quarter time and the Blues lead the Cats by 7 points. After a sluggish start the locals settled and really took it up the Cats. Carlton 3.5.23 Geelong 2.4.16.
Q1 28:00 -
GOAL BLUEs - The siren sounds but Judd has spotted Murphy and he marks as the quarter ends. Murphy takes his time over the ball, he kicks and scores a vital goal for the Blues.
Q1 27:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Another rushed behind sees the scores all tied up.
Q1 25:00 -
GOAL BLUES - Murphy soccers the ball to the corner of the goal square where Nick Stevens does another Pele impression and grubs the ball through for the Blues 2nd goal.
Q1 24:00 -
BEHIND CATS - The Blues bustle the ball through for another rushed behind.
Q1 23:00 -
BEHIND CATS - Now it is the Cats' turn to increase their lead centimeter by centimeter as they see the ball come off hands for a rushed behind.
Q1 22:00 -
Behind Cats - Selwood marks well and finds Mooney 20 out on a fairly acute angle. Mooney has a deliberate shot and watches with visible frustration as it goes behind.
Q1 20:00 -
Once again the Cats are struggling with their half forward line, they are getting plenty of the ball but they continue to break down trying to enter their forward 50.
Q1 18:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Carlton are doing it an inch at a time as they creep to within a point of Geelong with another rushed behind.
Q1 16:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - The Blues are storming forward and another quick kick into the goal square is rushed through by a harried Cats' defence.
Q1 14:00 -
So the Blues have settled and are looking good after it was all Geelong for the first few minutes.
Q1 13:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola is running rings around Lonergan and he has marked the ball 40 metres out on the boundary line. Fevola's kick hits the post for another behind.
Q1 12:00 -
GOAL BLUES - A loose Johnson clearance sees the ball turned over and kicked deep into the Carlton goal square. Fevola marks on the line, plays on and kicks the goal
Q1 10:00 -
BEHIND CARLTON - Fevola marks on hands and knees sliding into the ball, he passes off to Gibbs who quickly moves the ball on to Betts who kicks a point.
Q1 09:00 -
BEHIND BLUES - Fevola starts his kick wide looking for it to draw back in, it does just that - but not quite enough. The Blues are on the scoreboard with a behind.
Q1 08:00 -
Lonergan tugs Fevola's jumper and gives away the free. So from 45 metres out on the boundary line a shaven headed Fevola will have a shot.
Q1 06:00 -
The Cats have come to play tonight and the Blues are looking a little shell shocked.
Q1 03:00 -
GOAL CATS - Mooney is infringed against and after an aborted attempt to pay advantage, the ball will be called back and he will have a shot from 40 out. Goal Cats and a dream start.
Q1 02:00 -
GOAL CATS - The Cats burst from the centre courtesy of Byrnes, he quickly passes off to Stokes who will have a shot from 30 metres out. Stokes kicks the Cats opening goal.
Q1 01:00 -
The Blues have one change with Wiggins coming in for Mark Austin. Conditions tonight are cold and blustery and that should suit the team from Windy Hollow just fine.
Q1 00:00 -
Welcome to the MCG for the clash between the Carlton Blues and the Geelong Cats. Contrary to rumor the Cats side will line up as named with Joel Selwood and Steve Johnson both in the side.
The Barracking Box
226
Kicks
178
113
Marks
89
194
Handballs
180
60
Tackles
41
29
Frees
23
28
Hit Outs
24
3.5
Q1
2.4
7.7
Q2
5.6
10.10
Q3
8.11
14.13
Q4
8.14
Brave Blues arrive
Carlton all but closed the chapter on the darkest days of the club's history and secured its first finals berth since 2001 with a break-through 35-point win against a limping Geelong at the MCG on Friday night.
Having failed to taste success against the Cats since 2004, the Blues not only ended that disappointing sequence but have also put themselves within one game of securing a spot in September.
The seventh-placed Blues, with 11 wins, including five from their last six matches, will remain at least one game clear of Port Adelaide, Essendon and Hawthorn at the end of Round 19.
They should notch at least the 12 wins required to rubber-stamp a spot in the eight with victory against either the Power (AAMI Stadium), Melbourne (Etihad) or Adelaide (Etihad) in the run home to the finals.
Already missing key defenders Matthew Scarlett and Harry Taylor and brilliant half-forward Paul Chapman, the Cats now have another injury headache.
Rebounding defender David Wojcinski (ankle) didn't return to the field after half-time and is in doubt for next Saturday's clash against Sydney at ANZ Stadium.
The Blues were led by midfield dynamo Bryce Gibbs (32 disposals), who had the better of a fascinating battle with Joel Selwood (28 and 11 tackles) and Joel Corey (27).
Cats' master tagger Cameron Ling is rarely beaten but he was manhandled by Chris Judd, who had 27 possessions, including six inside 50s.
The Blues' simply out-ran their older opponents after half-time when the game turned into a speed duel.
The contest was still on the line at three quarter-time with the Blues enjoying an 11-point lead but a free-wheeling final quarter where they banged through four unanswered goals turned this into a one-way street.
Bret Thorton marshalled the Blues defence superbly as the Cats were held to their lowest score of the season and were beaten across the board, including 60-41 in the tackle count.
The bullocking work of Setanta O'hAilpin across centre half-forward was also important for the Blues and he provided a great foil for Brendan Fevola (four goals), who enjoyed not having nemesis Scarlett by his side and was a spark all night with his leading and pressure around goal.
The Cats lumbered through the night, with their spluttering forward line a particular concern.
Marking options Cameron Mooney and Tom Hawkins struggled to find space, while Steve Johnson – in doubt before the match with an ongoing hip injury – was held goal-less by Jordan Russell.
Gary Ablett finished with 24 possessions but had only one inside 50, claiming most of his touches – many meaningless – in the backhalf.
Unbeaten leading into the Round 14 clash against St Kilda, the Cats have since dropped three of their six matches and their once-great aura has taken a pounding.
GEELONG 2.4, 5.6, 8.11, 8.14 (62)
CARLTON 3.5, 7.7, 10.10, 14.13 (97)
GOALS: Geelong: Mooney 2, Stokes, Hogan, Harley, Rooke, Ling, Stokes.
Carlton: Fevola 4, Simpson 3, Murphy 2, Kreuzer, Stevens, Houlihan, Scotland, Joseph.
BEST: Geelong: Corey, Enright, Selwood, Harley.
Carlton: Gibbs, Thornton, Judd, Russell, Bower, Murphy.
INJURIES: Geelong: Wojcinski (ankle), Milburn (ankle)
Carlton: TBC.
REPORTS: Nil.
CHANGES: Carlton: Mark Austin replaced by Simon Wiggins.
UMPIRES: James, Stevic, McInerney.
CROWD:55,047 at the MCG.
Having failed to taste success against the Cats since 2004, the Blues not only ended that disappointing sequence but have also put themselves within one game of securing a spot in September.
The seventh-placed Blues, with 11 wins, including five from their last six matches, will remain at least one game clear of Port Adelaide, Essendon and Hawthorn at the end of Round 19.
They should notch at least the 12 wins required to rubber-stamp a spot in the eight with victory against either the Power (AAMI Stadium), Melbourne (Etihad) or Adelaide (Etihad) in the run home to the finals.
Already missing key defenders Matthew Scarlett and Harry Taylor and brilliant half-forward Paul Chapman, the Cats now have another injury headache.
Rebounding defender David Wojcinski (ankle) didn't return to the field after half-time and is in doubt for next Saturday's clash against Sydney at ANZ Stadium.
The Blues were led by midfield dynamo Bryce Gibbs (32 disposals), who had the better of a fascinating battle with Joel Selwood (28 and 11 tackles) and Joel Corey (27).
Cats' master tagger Cameron Ling is rarely beaten but he was manhandled by Chris Judd, who had 27 possessions, including six inside 50s.
The Blues' simply out-ran their older opponents after half-time when the game turned into a speed duel.
The contest was still on the line at three quarter-time with the Blues enjoying an 11-point lead but a free-wheeling final quarter where they banged through four unanswered goals turned this into a one-way street.
Bret Thorton marshalled the Blues defence superbly as the Cats were held to their lowest score of the season and were beaten across the board, including 60-41 in the tackle count.
The bullocking work of Setanta O'hAilpin across centre half-forward was also important for the Blues and he provided a great foil for Brendan Fevola (four goals), who enjoyed not having nemesis Scarlett by his side and was a spark all night with his leading and pressure around goal.
The Cats lumbered through the night, with their spluttering forward line a particular concern.
Marking options Cameron Mooney and Tom Hawkins struggled to find space, while Steve Johnson – in doubt before the match with an ongoing hip injury – was held goal-less by Jordan Russell.
Gary Ablett finished with 24 possessions but had only one inside 50, claiming most of his touches – many meaningless – in the backhalf.
Unbeaten leading into the Round 14 clash against St Kilda, the Cats have since dropped three of their six matches and their once-great aura has taken a pounding.
GEELONG 2.4, 5.6, 8.11, 8.14 (62)
CARLTON 3.5, 7.7, 10.10, 14.13 (97)
GOALS: Geelong: Mooney 2, Stokes, Hogan, Harley, Rooke, Ling, Stokes.
Carlton: Fevola 4, Simpson 3, Murphy 2, Kreuzer, Stevens, Houlihan, Scotland, Joseph.
BEST: Geelong: Corey, Enright, Selwood, Harley.
Carlton: Gibbs, Thornton, Judd, Russell, Bower, Murphy.
INJURIES: Geelong: Wojcinski (ankle), Milburn (ankle)
Carlton: TBC.
REPORTS: Nil.
CHANGES: Carlton: Mark Austin replaced by Simon Wiggins.
UMPIRES: James, Stevic, McInerney.
CROWD:55,047 at the MCG.
226
Kicks
178
113
Marks
89
194
Handballs
180
60
Tackles
41
29
Frees
23
28
Hit Outs
24
3.5
Q1
2.4
7.7
Q2
5.6
10.10
Q3
8.11
14.13
Q4
8.14
Geelong
2
T Harley
1.0
3
J Bartel
4
A Mackie
5
T Varcoe
0.1
10
K Tenace
11
J Corey
13
T Lonergan
14
J Selwood
17
S Byrnes
20
S Johnson
0.2
21
C Mooney
2.2
25
T Gillies
26
T Hawkins
27
M Stokes
2.1
29
G Ablett
33
M Rooke
1.0
34
S Hogan
1.1
39
D Milburn
40
D Wojcinski
41
S Mumford
44
C Enright
45
C Ling
1.0