Early-season premiership favourites Carlton slumped to their fourth loss in 5 AFL matches as they suffered a twelve-point defeat at the hands of Geelong in their round-11 clash on Friday night.
Defending premiers Geelong won 14.13 (97) to 11.19 (85) before a crowd of 47,632 at Etihad Stadium, growing the strain on Carlton coach Brett Ratten whose side’s grip on a leading-eight spot is searching shaky with a 6-five record.
Carlton’s Eddie Betts and Geelong’s Steven Motlop booted four targets every.
The Cats enhanced their record to 7-4 right after powerful-bodied midfielders Joel Selwood and Paul Chapman combined for 15 within-50 entries, 53 disposals and three ambitions.
Mitch Duncan, with 24 disposals and two targets, was an additional strong contributor and held Chris Judd for most of the game right up until the Blues skipper worked his way back into the game in the final phrase.
Important defender Michael Jamison held Geelong’s Tom Hawkins to one particular aim, even though running defender Bryce Gibbs had an entertaining duel with Cats’ star Steve Johnson who was aim-less.
The Blues dominated the opening phrase, kicking 4 targets to Geelong’s two, but by halftime Carlton’s advantage had shrunk to five factors.
Betts booted three initial-quarter ambitions before an additional goalsneak Motlop kicked 3 majors to preserve the Cats in touch at halftime.
Right after a quiet initial half, Hawkins helped spark the Cats who grabbed the lead for the very first time considering that the initial minute of the match.
Geelong outscored the Blues 5 objectives to 3 in the 3rd phrase to hold a six-point break at 3-quarter time and one more 4 goals to two in the final quarter kept the Cats in management.
Selwood, with ten possessions and a traditional captain’s objective, led Geelong’s 3rd-quarter revival.
With five minutes left in the game, Mathew Stokes place the Cats 19 points ahead with a goal from a cost-free kick and the Blues could only handle one particular a lot more objective, a determined snap from Judd, who lifted with a 10-possession final quarter.
Kade Simpson and Brock McLean shared the midfield load for the Blues with Judd.
James Podsiadly was a late withdrawal from Geelong’s selected side with a sore hip.
Carlton encounter a challenging trip to Perth to play ladder leaders West Coast subsequent Thursday evening while Geelong have a bye.
In spite of the loss, Ratten could see optimistic indicators.
“We have been a great deal far more bolder with the football, we took the game on and it was true arm-wrestle,” he mentioned.
“The wheel is turning for us as a group.”
The Blues had 30 scoring shots to Geelong’s 27 and had been wasteful in front of goal.
“To kick 2.9 in the final quarter, that harm us,” Ratten mentioned.
Robbie Warnock (hip tightness) was substituted off in the 3rd term and Ratten mentioned he hoped his in-form ruckman would be match to take on the Eagles.
Geelong coach Chris Scott praised Selwood’s performance and stated the Cats were bettering, despite the fact that they are nevertheless to uncover top gear.
“We’re nevertheless in contention. It may not be clicking completely, but we surely aren’t believing the unfavorable press out there about us,” he stated.
