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Highlights: Bolton and the Blues stump Geelong in major upset

29th May, 2016
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Bryce Gibbs. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Roar Guru
29th May, 2016
29
1264 Reads

The resurgent Carlton Blues have stunned Geelong and the football world, beating the Cats for the first time ever at Etihad Stadium by 19 points. The Blues were the better team all day in what was surely their best win of the past few years.

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Carlton played brilliant team football all day, with a willingness to do the little things their foundation for victory. To make the win even more impressive, the Blues were two men down practically all day, losing captain Marc Murphy and new recruit Liam Sumner to injury early.

It was Bryce Gibbs who stepped up in Murphy’s absence with a colossal game, finishing with 34 disposals, eight tackles and two goals. Other heroes for the Blues included Andrejs Everitt who kicked four and Dennis Armfield with three.

It was the backline however that was most impressive, with Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson steadfast all day, halting many Geelong attacks and beginning even more. Tom Hawkins began on fire, but was totally beaten after quarter time thanks to a sensational effort from Sam Rowe.

For Geelong, it was once again a woeful display of inaccuracy in front of goal that cost them, an area of the game in which they sit last. Too many players failed to fire when it counted, including the usually reliable Joel Selwood and star midfielder Josh Caddy.

Steven Motlop was once again held quiet, today via a remarkably disciplined performance from Zach Tuohy – and may face suspension for giving Tuohy a whack to the groin when his frustration spilled over.

In other worrying signs, the Cats seemed to continually make poor decisions and execute their skills at a level we don’t usually see from the premiership favourites. With two shock losses in succession, more questions will be asked of this team and their credentials – and rightly so.

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They will now face the Giants in a must-win clash at Simonds Stadium, while Carlton will take great confidence into their game against the Lions, looking to shockingly go 6-5.

It was a win the Carlton faithful will enjoy – and should enjoy – for a long time.

Final score
Carlton Blues 16.8.104
Geelong Cats 12.13.85

The Roar’s AFL MVP votes
3 – Bryce Gibbs
2 – Ed Curnow
1 – Sam Docherty

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