CARLTON has finished its season on a disappointing note, going down to Geelong by 68 points at GMHBA Stadium.

While there patches of the Blues' best throughout the game, the team struggled to find the consistency present over previous weeks, and were outplayed by a truly classy opposition.

Sam Walsh capped off a truly brilliant debut year breaking the AFL record for most disposals by a player in their debut year, registering 24 disposals to take his season total to 554. 

Patrick Cripps was also at his very best, while Jacob Weitering also finished off strong season keeping Geelong's Tom Hawkins goalless. 

Q1 Breakdown:

The Blues faced a big challenge from the first bounce, with the Cats electing to kick with the strong breeze. Geelong raced out of the blocks, taking full advantage of the breeze to kick the opening two goals of the game. However, the Blues steadied as the quarter progressed - repeatedly surging forward to eventually be rewarded with a goal to Matthew Kennedy. Around the ground, Kade Simpson was impressive in the backline, providing plenty of run and carry, while Ed Curnow scrapped his way to a team high 12 disposals.

Q2 Breakdown:

A heavy downpour of rain at quarter time did not make things easier for the Blues, with the wind also changing to follow the Cats into the second term. Despite a more competitive start to the quarter, the Cats once again pulled away to extend their lead to 35 points. Co-captain Patrick Cripps truly lifted in the second quarter, working tirelessly in the scrappy conditions to try and bring the Blues back into the game. Cripps recorded 12 disposals for the quarter, while also kicking a much needed goal for the Blues. Josh Deluca’s pressure once the ball was in the forward line was also impressive, with the mid-season recruit doing everything he could to keep the ball trapped in the attacking half. 

Q3 Breakdown:

The Blues didn’t let down the fight in the third term, and did everything possible to make the most of the slightly improved conditions. Deluca’s efforts in the forward half were finally rewarded when he kicked his first goal of the game, before Harry McKay also got involved in the action after marking strongly just inside the 50. Carlton were cruelly denied a third goal in the row when a score review ruled a Cuningham attempt touched. There was also a reshuffle in the Blues’ midfield following an injury to Ed Curnow. A late goal to Lochie O’Brien saw Carlton cut Geelong’s lead to 41 points at the final change. 

Q4 Breakdown:

The Cats finished strongly in the final term, dominating the run of play and keeping the ball locked in their forward half. Young Blues Will Setterfield and Paddy Dow continued to fight as the game went on. There were no answers for a rampaging Geelong, who stormed home with four final quarter goals. A late running goal to Sam Walsh capped off another standout individual performance, finishing with 24 disposals, a goal, and the AFL record for most disposals in a debut year. 

 

Moment of the match:

It was an emotional day for Dale Thomas in the final game of his career. In a true mark of respect for the veteran, who celebrated a well-decorated 257 game career, Thomas was given the send off he deserved with players from both sides forming a guard of honour as Daisy was chaired off. 

 

Three things from the game:

  1. Patrick Cripps definitely did his Brownlow medal chances no harm with a brilliant individual performance in difficult conditions. The Carlton co-captain recorded 35 disposals, including 19 contested possessions, seven tackles and a goal. 
  2. Sam Walsh capped off his amazing debut season when he recorded his 10th disposal at the beginning of the third quarter. The possession saw Walsh break the record for most disposals by a player in their first year since 1999. Toby Greene of the Giants who managed 539 in his debut year. 
  3. In a tough day for the Carlton defenders, Jacob Weitering once again stood tall having being given the tough assignment of matching up against Geelong superstar Tom Hawkins. Weitering worked hard to Hawkins goalless, and restrict him to just seven disposals.

GEELONG        5.4       12.5     14.6     19.15 (129)
CARLTON        1.3       3.8       6.13     8.13 (61)

GOALS
Geelong: Dangerfield 4, Ablett 3, Dahlhaus 3, Tuohy 2, Ratugolea, Kelly, Narkle, Duncan, Stanley, C.Guthrie, Miers
Carlton: Kennedy, Cripps, Murphy, Deluca, McKay, O'Brien, Fisher, Walsh

BEST
Carlton: Cripps, Walsh, Murphy, Weitering, Simpson

INJURIES
Carlton: E.Curnow (Achilles)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Ryan, McInerney, Mitchell

Official crowd: 31,669 at GMHBA Stadium