IT was a low-scoring affair for the Blues as they took on the Cats at the MCG. 

Despite a strong defensive game, Carlton couldn't make their efforts count on the scoreboard, leading to a 26-point loss to Geelong. 

Quarter one: 

It was a slow start to the game, with neither side able to lock the ball in their 50 or make any scoreboard impact. The end-to-end play finished with Esava Ratugolea kicking the first goal of the game at the nine-minute mark, however a superb grab out of the centre by Tom De Koning saw Sam Petrevski-Seton answer Geelong’s goal within seconds. There were a few surprising highlights in defensive 50, with both Jack Newnes and De Koning taking contested grabs to ease the Geelong pressure, along with the usual quality of Jacob Weitering and Liam Stocker. Geelong’s intercept marking was too good as Carlton tried to move the ball through the corridor, resulting in a lopsided inside 50 count in favour of the Cats. Ed Curnow had a significant impact early, taking contested marks at both ends of the ground. But inaccuracy in front of goal hindered the Blues momentum, heading into the second term trailing by two points. 

Quarter two: 

Weitering was a solid competitor in defence, taking the job of containing Tom Hawkins while also providing leadership in the absence of Liam Jones. Petrevski-Seton moved the ball well in the contest while Jack Silvagni and Stocker administered pressure at every opportunity. Lachie Plowman and Nic Newman were consistent contributors in moving the ball away from dangerous Geelong territory as the Cats gained the lion's share of time inside 50. Jack Henry and Lachie Henderson proved difficult to deal with in Carlton’s forward 50, keeping Harry McKay and Jack Martin contained and leaving the Blues with limited options in front of goal. Sam Walsh was instrumental in moving the ball down the wing, but Geelong’s intercepting was too strong in the forward half. While the ball lived in the Cats forward half for most of the quarter, the Blues did well to minimise scoring opportunities, preventing a big blow out heading into half time. 

Quarter three: 

Carlton started the term with opportunities in front of goal but, like most of the first half, they were unable to make them count. Two quick goals from Geelong were costly, as Carlton’s inaccuracy in front of goal started to become glaringly obvious on the scoreboard. Adam Saad’s pace and tackle pressure was valuable for the Blues’ defence, while Newnes and Walsh were able to move the ball freely down the ground, but having viable forward targets was where the Blues’ game consistently fell down. A goal finally came in the very late stages of the quarter off the boot of McKay, putting Carlton within sniffing distance heading into the final term. 

Quarter four: 

Two goals from Zach Tuohy was not how Carlton wanted to start the quarter, with Geelong pushing out the margin early. The Cats intercept ability was definitely a deciding factor of their game, scoring six goals directly from intercept possessions, as the Blues struggled to out mark the finals contenders. Carlton pushed to finish the game on a high note, moving the ball forward with accuracy, but were soundly beaten in their forward 50. Two goals from Walsh and a goal from McKay were the highlights for the quarter but any fightback from the Blues was left too late, as the Cats took home a 26-point win. 

Match summary:

CARLTON     1.5     1.9      2.13      5.14 (44)
GEELONG     2.1     3.4       6.7      10.10 (70)

GOALS
Carlton: Walsh 2, McKay 2, Petrevski-Seton

BEST
Carlton: Walsh, Weitering, Newnes, Cripps, Saad

Crowd: 31,834 at the MCG