Details: MCG, Saturday 10 July, 4.35pm (AEST)
Broadcast: FOX Footy, AFL app, Kayo
THE GAME IN FOCUS:
The Blues will head to the MCG for the second time in as many weeks to take on the Cats.
Both sides are coming off Round 16, with Carlton recording two wins in a row and Geelong returning to winning ways last weekend.
Carlton's defence has been a strong suit in recent weeks, and will look again to minimise any scoring run ons from the proficient Geelong forward line.
Senior Coach David Teague has lauded the team's connection between all three lines in the last fortnight, but the Blues will have one of the biggest tests in football when they come up against the 11-4 Cats.
LAST TIME WE MET:
It came down to the wire the last time Carlton faced Geelong, with the Blues walking away with their first win down the highway since 1996.
The Blues played some of their best football to open up a 35-point lead at three-quarter time, but they just hung onto a victory by two points after a last-quarter surge from the Cats.
Carlton kicked five goals to one in the first quarter, with Eddie Betts, Levi Casboult, Patrick Cripps, Mitch McGovern and Marc Murphy all slotting two goals for the game.
On his way to a three-vote performance, Patrick Cripps topped the disposals with 24, as well as gathering 12 clearances: seven more than anyone else on the field.
Jacob Weitering was entangled in a gripping battle with Tom Hawkins, with the Carlton defender taking the points despite the eventual Coleman Medal winner recording two goals.
BLUE FOCUS:
One of the standout teams in the competition, last year's Grand Finalists have shown their proficiency in midfield this season.
The Cats sit second in clearance numbers and effective disposals: the Blues will have to be on their game in the middle to deny the Cats first use and get the game on their own terms.
While Jeremy Cameron won't be out there, Carlton's defensive unit will need to rise to the challenge against a Geelong forward line containing the likes of Hawkins, Gary Rohan and the fit-again Gryan Miers.
GET EXCITED ABOUT:
Zac Williams will return to the side this weekend after serving his one-week suspension.
Lining up in the backline, Williams will add some class and experience to the back half against a strong Geelong forward group.
Lachie Fogarty will take on his former side for the first time since becoming a Blue, playing 39 games for the Cats between 2018 and 2020.
Playing every game bar one for the Blues this season, Fogarty’s showings have been a welcome addition to the Carlton forward group, particularly with his strong pressure game in the forward half.
BLUE VIEW:
Is there anything better than a Saturday home game at the ‘G?
Carlton fans can enjoy a twilight occasion at the home of football this weekend when it takes on Geelong.
There’s not many sweeter sounds than a sea of Bluebaggers cheering those in Navy Blue on.
