The Carlton Blues will be eager to regain some respectability when they take on an inconsistent Geelong Cats at the Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
The Blues have hit rock bottom in 2015, anchored to last spot on the ladder after a resounding loss to an inspired Greater Western Sydney.
The Cats have had form trouble of their own, they currently sit in 13th and continue to search for the consistency needed to crack into the top eight.
Geelong has only just had the wood over their opponents in their last five meetings, with an average winning margin of eight points. With both teams coming off convincing losses, and Carlton under immense pressure to give their fans a glimmer of hope, this clash may follow suit.
The possible addition of plagued Blues big-man Matthew Kreuzer might aid their search for goals, as well as continue their good record from centre bounces – they are ranked #1 in the competition for centre clearances. Meanwhile, James Kelly looks set to return for the Cats, and provide some composure across half-back.
The superstars of the Geelong team should carry them over the line comfortably, but expect Carlton to hit the Cats hard early.
Prediction
Geelong by 35 points
So, will the Blues finally show some fight and put it to Geelong, or will the Cats inflict another heavy defeat on the lowly Carlton side? All will be revealed on Friday.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage as we follow the action from Docklands live from 7:50pm (AEST).
If you are watching the action, be sure to share your thoughts on the game in the comments below.
John Hamilton
Roar Pro
Overreaction much? There has always been teams who struggle at the bottom of the ladder. If I remember correctly it was Carlton for a large part of the 2000s There is a strong argument to say the afl got their Friday night fixtures wrong in 2015 but to claim carltons woes is due to GWS and Gold Coast is way off the mark
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Thanks guys, might have to catch a game Rob
Otto Gross
Guest
Well AFL you got what you wanted. You've sucked out the talent pool to stick in places that don't give a stuff in order to get a few extra 100 viewers on 7 Mate in the northern states. Meanwhile the golden goose that brings in the revenue to drive the sport has been deprived. Talk about feeding caviar to hogs!
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
Nice work Mick, get down to the OPs footy club!
Jack
Guest
Good work cheers
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Anyway, thank you all for joining me for my first live blog. Not the most intriguing of clashes, however, plenty of goals ensured that neutrals were provided with SOME entertainment. I hope you all enjoyed, look out for me in future games and be sure to check out some of my articles in the future. Have a great weekend of footy!
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
4 wins, 4 losses, I reckon Carlton fans might have something to say about 'tough times'
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Another sorry display from the Blues, perhaps better than previous weeks, but still well beaten by a better team. Kade Simpson led all comers with 31 possessions, along with 10 marks and a whole heap of heart on his return. For Geelong, Blicavs collected 27 touches, coupled with 8 marks, 4 tackles and 7 clearances in a dominant display. Jordan Murdoch was the most notable contributor to the scoreboard with a career high 4 majors, with Josh Caddy and Mitch Clark adding 3 each. Thomas and Menzel were the only multiple goal getters for the Blues, with Menzel's haul of 4 also a career high. The contest between Selwood and Cunrow was focussed on all night, with Selwood having the last laugh. He had a quiet night by his lofty standards, as they both had 16 touches each. Being the champion that he is, Selwood found other avenues for involvement, with 2 goals and 7 contributions to teammates' goals. The win puts Geelong at 4-4, and 10th on the ladder, only outside the 8 by percentage. Carlton remain rooted to the bottom of the ladder in their 'rebuild', and it looks like they'll have a tough run ahead. It's looking ugly for the Blues, as their lack of confidence is looking to be telling
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
Tough times for the cats? Are you sure?
ja
Guest
Tough times at the Cattery. Non result really. Carn Hawkers.
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Geelong with a resounding 77 point victory. Geelong 22.8.140 Carlton 9.9.63 I'll provide a little game wrap shortly
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Behind Geelong Second biggest win here by Geelong against Carlton. Murdoch goes BANG from 50 to cap off the game
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Goal Geelong '25 Selwood with a flukey kick to Stanely inside 50, who finds Clark easily inside. He slots it from about 30 out, he has 3 now Geelong 22.7.139 Carlton 9.9.63
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Behind Geelong A bit of a delay as a review took place. Touched on the line Geelong 21.7.133 Carlton 9.9.63
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Correction - 21.6.132 to 9.9.63
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Interesting, not going very well at either end
Macca
Guest
Exactly Jack!
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Goal Geelong '20 Stanley kicks his first, adding to the list of individual goalkickers for the Cats Geelong 20.6.126 Carlton 9.9.63
Jack
Guest
and we have a abonded attacking game plan for defense ...
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Interesting stat - this is the 6th time in 8 games that Carlton have conceded over 100 points in a game. Very leaky