AFL Media's Howard Kotton previews Carlton's clash against the second-placed Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Sunday:
SUMMARY
These teams were flat last week after coming off emotion-charged victories the previous round. After four consecutive victories Carlton struggled to cover the absence of injured pair Matthew Kreuzer and Levi Casboult against the unbeaten Kangaroos. The Blues' forward structure was impotent last week and it is difficult to see them kicking anywhere near enough goals against the experienced Cats defence. Many of Geelong's stars had an off day against Collingwood and one would expect much improved performances from skipper Joel Selwood and key playmaker Patrick Dangerfield, who should benefit from the Cats' dominance in the ruck. The Cats thrashed the Blues in their last encounter and Chris Scott's men should have another comfortable victory on Sunday to extend their remarkable winning streak over the Blues at Etihad Stadium.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, May 29, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2015, Geelong 22.8 (140) d Carlton 9.9 (63) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2014, Geelong 11.16 (82) d Carlton 11.10 (76) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2014, Geelong 16.11 (107) d Carlton 15.12 (102) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2013, Geelong 18.11 (119) d Carlton 15.13 (103) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2012, Geelong 14.13 (97) d Carlton 11.19 (85) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Geelong thrashed Carlton from start to finish the last time they played, in round eight last season. The Cats kicked six goals to two in the first quarter and 16 to seven after quarter-time. Jordan Murdoch had a career-best game, finishing with 26 disposals and four goals. It was Mick Malthouse's last game as Carlton coach.
2. The Cats are the No.1-ranked team for marks inside 50, averaging 16.9. Powerhouse forward Tom Hawkins is the best player in the AFL for marks inside 50 with 33.
3. Geelong has dominated Carlton recently, winning the past seven matches. The Blues have not won since round five, 2010, at the MCG.
4. This will be a battle of the two best clearance players in 2016. Carlton's Patrick Cripps leads with 69, two ahead of Geelong skipper Joel Selwood on 67.
5. Carlton's record against Geelong at Etihad Stadium is terrible – 14 contests for 14 losses. There have been some heavy defeats, including six by more than 50 points.
6. Two of Geelong's stars are in the top 10 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Patrick Dangerfield is at No. 2 with 651.2 points and skipper Joel Selwood 10th with 549.3. Captain Marc Murphy is the Blues' best at No. 60 with 436.3.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Lachie Henderson. The key defender faces his former teammates for the first time on Sunday since departing under strained circumstances before the end of last season. Henderson, who has been a solid addition to the Cats' defence this year, is likely to receive a warm welcome from Blues fans and maybe a few old friends turned foes on the field.
