AFL.com.au previews Carlton's Round 8 clash against Geelong on Friday night...
SUMMARY
Carlton has been so disappointing in the past three weeks that this shapes as a danger game for Geelong. Surely the Blues' players' pride has been stung enough to hit the Cats hard from the opening bounce. Presuming they bring pressure, the question will be whether the Blues can sustain it for four quarters and use the ball well enough to capitalise. The Cats have struggled for form all season and have not had much luck with injury either. They have only won three more quarters than Carlton and are vulnerable. However the class of Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and Harry Taylor should be enough to get them over the line if their young players chip in.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, May 22, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R9, 2011, Geelong 15.12 (102) d Carlton 14.16 (100) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Both wins for the Cats over Carlton in 2014 went down to the wire. Joel Selwood kicked the winning goal with only minutes left in round 12 and a controversial free kick to Allen Christensen in the dying seconds of the round 21 game resulted in a goal and a win.
2. Carlton is ranked 17th for taking the ball inside 50 in 2015, averaging only 45.1 per game. Geelong has been only marginally better, ranked 14th with 47.9 per game.
3. Geelong has dominated Carlton in recent seasons, winning the past six and eight of the last 10; the past five have been decided by an average margin of eight points.
4. The Blues are the worst ranked defence in 2015, conceding 108.7 points per game; the Cats are 13th, conceding 94.4 points per game compared to 81 points per game in 2014.
5. Despite sitting last on the ladder, Carlton is the No.1 ranked centre clearance team in 2015, averaging 15.1 per game, while Geelong is 6th at 12.7.
6. The Cats have won 13 from 13 against Carlton at Etihad Stadium, including six Friday night games.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Mick Malthouse. The master coach needs to see a response from his players, consistent with the trademarks Malthouse has created in a record 717 games as senior coach. Malthouse won't quit and is at his best when his team has its back against the wall. Winning four points would be brilliant but a competitive, spirited performance is essential.
