Geelong will be looking for their third win of 2013 when they host the winless Carlton at Etihad Stadium. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 7.40pm AEST.
The meeting is the 213th between these foundation sides, and the eleventh at Etihad Stadium.
Amazingly, Geelong have prevailed in all of the first ten – usually with a high degree of comfort.
The Cats go into the match with a 2-0 season record – a stat which alone doesn’t tell the story of their first two rounds.
Geelong fought back from five goals on Easter Monday to continue the ‘Kennett Curse’ and went even better last week, erasing a 41-point deficit against North Melbourne.
A touch of magic returns to the side in the form of Steve Johnson. The other ‘in’ is Jordan Murdoch. James Kelly and Mitch Brown go out of the side.
Carlton have started shakily under Michael Malthouse – who tonight faces Chris Scott for the first time since grand final day in 2011 – losing narrowly to fierce rivals Richmond and Collingwood.
They showed enough promise in both matches to give their supporters hope.
Four players – Laidler, Casboult, Bell, Bootsma – were omitted, a sign that Malthouse has yet to settle on a preferred 22.
In come Aaron Joseph, Shaun Hampson, Dylan Buckley and the experienced Heath Scotland.
Debutant Buckley will begin with the green vest for Carlton; Josh Caddy will do the same for Geelong.
Does Malthouse get his first win as the Blues coach or will Chris Scott inflict another defeat on his counterpart?
Find out from 7.40pm AEST as we cover the action and if you’re watching or following along don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts below.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Someone from a non footy background might be excused for not understanding what you just said there Nathan FP!!
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Thoughts: very happy. Watched my Eagles get up and then watched the wife's Cats get up!
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
GOAL KICKERS... Geelong - Hawkins 3, T Hunt 3, Christensen 2, Motlop 2, Smedts 2, Taylor 2, Podsiadly, Selwood, Stokes, West. Carlton - Lucas 2, McLean 2, Rowe 2, Yarran 2, Armfield, Buckley, Garlett, Hampson, Judd, Murphy, Scotland DISPOSALS... Geelong - Stokes 30 (and 14 marks!), Johnson 26, Bartel 25, Christensen 24, Duncan 24 Carlton - Walker 33, Judd 28, Murphy 27, McLean 26 That's all from me. Be back on theroar.com.au from 1:00pm AEST tomorrow for coverage of another three massive games...
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
The siren sounds on a thoroughly entertaining game of footy. Geelong 18.11.119 - Carlton 15.13.103. For the third week running, Geelong win narrowly and Carlton lose narrowly. Footy is a game of fine margins and the Blues, at 0-3, are now behind the eight ball for this season. It doesn't get any easier for them, as next week they play West Coast at Subiaco WITHOUT Matthew Kreuzer. They fought back strongly but it wasn't enough. Again they've conceded over 100 points, no doubt to the chagrin of their new coach. Geelong, as is their trademark, found a way to win. They converted chances when they got them and defended well enough to close the match out. They've now won 24 out of 28 at Etihad Stadium. The Cats join Essendon and Sydney - who they meet in a cracker next Friday night - on 12 premiership points. -- GOT any thoughts? Comment below! Goal kickers and a few stats to come...
Jack
Guest
Not a good year to be a blues fan we could be zip and 5 in two weeks
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
Yet again Harry Taylor escapes forward, finds space and takes a mark. This time, though, his shot misses everything. Steve Johnson misses what could have been the sealer. The fat lady is warming up the vocal chords, however, as with 90 seconds left Geelong lead 119-102
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
Steve Motlop nails a much, MUCH needed steadier. 4 minutes left... Geelong 18.10.118 - Carlton 15.11.101
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
It's all happening... We now have a streaker! The naked intruder holds up play and allows the players to take in some breath. "Boy oh boy," BT gasps. I couldn't put it any better. With 5 and a half minutes remaining... Geelong 17.10.112 - Carlton 15.11.101
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
Carlton, who are full of running, break quickly. Chris Judd kicks to Yarran in the square, who JUST saves the ball from crossing for a behind, shows composure to set up Dennis Armfield - who marks 15 metres out and converts! Geelong 17.10.112 - Carlton 15.11.101
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
All 36 players are in Carlton's attacking half as the Cats look to bottle things up. The congestion doesn't help James Bartel, however, as he holds onto Shaun Hampson's arm in a marking contest and concedes a free kick directly in front. Hampson converts and the margin is back to 17. We know they're coming! Can Carlton do a Geelong, to Geelong? Geelong 17.9.111 - Carlton 14.10.94
Jack
Guest
Blues matches are too intense ... Can't follow then this year lol
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
Murphy and Judd - yet again - combine to set up Kane Lucas who converts a set shot from 40. That's two goals running for Carlton. Geelong 17.9.111 - Carlton 13.10.88
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
A chain of handballs ends with Chris Yarran unmarked in the square. Geelong 17.9.111 - Carlton 12.10.82 15 minutes left on the clock...
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
I think Malthouse is still figuring out his best 22, Jack. Much like Ross Lyon, he loves players who play their role without flashiness. He's searching for his new, reliable Alan Toovey or Ben Johnson.
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
Here are the MAJOR BALL WINNERS - for those with fantasy footy players to think about, or for those who are interested in such matters... CARLTON - Walker 27, Judd 24, McLean 20, Murphy 19 GEELONG - Stokes 22, Johnson 19, Motlop 18, Bartel 18, Christensen 18
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
Christensen marks just before three quarter time and makes no mistake with the shot after the siren to make the margin 33 points. Carlton are now staring down the barrel of an 0-3 start for the first time since 2008 - and the first for Michael Malthouse as a coach since 1987. Will they respond here? Or will Geelong come home with a wet sail yet again? 3QT: Geelong 17.7.109 - Carlton 11.10.76
Jack
Guest
How does Joseph keep gettin games for the blues .... Thought blues would be better the. This
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
Geelong's stalwarts - Johnson, Bartel, Taylor, Enright, et al - have really lifted to put the clamps on Carlton, who are having immense trouble scoring. Tom Hawkins takes a mark in front of goals and does what Geelong players do - runs around and snaps the kick home. With half a minute left until 3QT, the Blues really have to hold on here... Geelong 16.7.103 - Carlton 11.10.76
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
The Blues are looking vulnerable to fast Geelong breaks. With players tiring, such attacks are going to keep coming. Billy Smedts runs in and makes the margin 22 points once more. Geelong 15.7.97 - Carlton 11.10.76
Simon McInerney
Roar Guru
Geelong are largely in control here, though the scoring has stopped. As I type that, Marc Murphy shows poise to take the ball, balance and split the middle from about 25. Game on! Geelong 14.6.90 - Carlton 11.8.74 We have 8 minutes remaining in this 3rd term...