CARLTON has fallen by 30 points to Geelong at the MCG. 

The Blues' inefficiency around the ground cost them against a classy Cats outfit, with the ladder leaders producing seven goals to two in the second and third quarters to secure the win.

Three goals from Charlie Curnow gave the Blues hope in the early going, but in the end, were unable to get the game on their terms for long enough throughout the course of the game.

Quarter one

The Blues started slow out of the blocks, allowing the Cats to get the first two goals on the board. The tone was set physicality-wise when Sam Walsh wrestled the ball from Jeremy Cameron in the defensive 50, with momentum starting to turn after 93 per cent of the first seven minutes were played in Geelong's forward half. Carlton’s chains through the corridor improved as the quarter went on, with Zac Fisher, Jack Silvagni and Walsh being the main contributors. Will Hayes got off to a hot start in his first official game in Navy Blue, picking up six disposals, while Liam Stocker was a welcome return to the backline with his physicality behind the ball. Charlie Curnow slotted the Blues’ first two goals, while strong forward pressure and clean ball movement led to goals from Patrick Cripps and Jesse Motlop, putting Carlton three points ahead going into the quarter-time break.

Quarter two

It was a low-scoring quarter for the Blues, with Geelong registering four goals to Carlton’s one. The first part of the term resulted in a lot of end-to-end play with neither side able to lock the ball in their half. A powerful kick from Walsh resulted in Curnow’s third goal, but that would end up being the Blues' only goal for the quarter. Geelong’s transition game was strong, able to move the ball quickly down the centre of the ground. Initially, Carlton’s defence held up well, with Adam Saad and Sam Docherty able to cut off the ball before it hit Geelong’s forward 50, but repeat entries and inaccurate kicking saw the tide eventually turn in the favour of Geelong's forwards. The Blues headed into the main break with work to do, trailing by 17 points.  

Quarter three 

The Blues were able to pick their way slowly through the ground to begin the third quarter, as George Hewett slotted a much-needed goal for the Blues after some earlier inaccuracy. Sloppy free kicks against Carlton didn't help the home team's cause, however, as Geelong continued to one-up its opposition both at ground level and in the air. Harry McKay began to work further up the ground after being restricted of the usual ball use he thrives on, despite the Blues beginning to get an ascendancy in the clearance stakes after a slow start. After drawing within two straight kicks, it was a tale similar to the preceding quarter as the Cats once again extended the margin to hold a 29-point lead.

Quarter four 

The first two goals of the term went Geelong's way, effectively icing the contest. Carlton's defence continued to battle away against their direct opponents, but the Blues were unable to capitalise on turnover throughout the night, recording just 3.5 (23) from the source. Goals from clearances were Carlton's most likely avenue to goal, as evidenced by a goal to Tom De Koning halfway through the term. Fisher continued to be a livewire for the Blues across half-forward, while a late Jack Silvagni major narrowed the deficit. However, the Blues' inability to impact the scoreboard throughout the course of the night meant they would ultimately come away with a 30-point defeat.

CARLTON        4.1     5.1     6.3        8.7 (55)
GEELONG       3.4     7.6     10.8      12.13 (85)

GOALS
Carlton: Curnow 3, Cripps, De Koning, Hewett, Motlop, Silvagni

BEST
Carlton: Walsh, Docherty, Fisher, Hewett, Curnow