Geelong Cats win against Carlton Blues important hit out ahead of finals

Geelong’s undefeated run continues for an eighth week after the Cats managed to shake off a persistent Carlton at the MCG.

Geelong’s undefeated run continues for an eighth week after the Cats managed to shake off a persistent Carlton at the MCG.

After trailing at quarter time, the Cats kicked nine goals to four to run out 12.13 (85) to 8.7 (55) winners.

It was a contested affair between the two sides, with both sides laying more tackles than they average this season, with Geelong winning the count 61-59.

Geelong’s ability to put the Blues under consistent pressure in the contest meant Carlton’s midfielders had to rely on handballing more often than usual.

Geelong’s ability to put the Blues under consistent pressure in the contest meant Carlton’s midfielders had to rely on handballing more often than usual. Picture: Darrian Traynor

Carlton dished out 177 handballs, 16 more than the season average, while Geelong used it by hand just 149 times.

Because of this differential, the Cats were able to be more damaging and dangerous when they did have possession despite losing the disposal count 386-360.

Carlton had five of the top six ball winners for the game, with midfielder Sam Walsh (33 disposals), defender Sam Docherty (29) and forward Zac Fisher (27) recording more than any Cat on ground.

Winger-turned-defender Mitch Duncan was Geelong’s leading disposal getter, with 26 touches for the game.

But Geelong dominated the game for metres gained, with utility Zach Tuohy leading all players with 471 metres.

But Geelong dominated the game for metres gained, with utility Zach Tuohy leading all players with 471 metres. Picture: Michael Klein

Six of the top nine players for metres gained in the match were Geelong players, including star forward Jeremy Cameron who recorded 417 metres from just 18 disposals.

The key forward also kicked 3.3 and was one of Geelong’s best, but his ability to push up the ground and provide a linking option from defence to attack provided the Cats the most value for the night.

Cameron also kicked 3.3 and was one of Geelong’s best, but his ability to push up the ground and provide a linking option from defence to attack provided the Cats the most value for the night. Picture: Michael Klein

Both Cameron and Carlton’s Charlie Curnow kicked three majors for the match, meaning their battle for the top spot in the Coleman Medal race will continue for another week.

Curnow has now slotted 53 goals for the season, while Cameron remains four majors behind on 49.

Veteran forward Tom Hawkins currently occupies third spot, with his two goals against Carlton moving him to 45 for the season.

Originally published as Geelong Cats win against Carlton Blues important hit out ahead of finals