CARLTON’S 2026 season has come to an end at the hands of Geelong.

Despite a promising start, the Cats ran over the top of the Blues in the second half, seeing the Blues fall 14.23 (107) to 11.8 (74).

In front of an incredible crowd of 96,680, Sam Walsh once again led the way with 29 disposals while Francis Evans fought all night against his former side.

After last week’s brilliant performance, Walsh had the company of Oisin Mullin at the first bounce, as the rain started to fall at the MCG to open proceedings.

Playing against his former side, a customary Francis Evans rundown tackle led to the Blues kicking the first goal of the game.

It was a tense opening with both sides wasting opportunities going forward, as Carlton youngsters Jagga Smith and Billy Wilson led the way with nine disposals apiece in the first term.

Adam Cerra produced an assured first term, driving the Blues forward from half-back with eight disposals at 100 per cent disposal efficiency, while going at 100 per cent disposal efficiency.

Just as it looked like the Blues would take a narrow lead into the opening change, Patrick Cripps came to life, producing a sensational banana from deep inside the forward pocket. When Cooper Lord converted a set shot from the resulting clearance, Carlton had opened up a 16-point lead.

Jacob Weitering was an imposing figure behind the ball in the second term, as the Cats put the foot down and challenged the Blues. The co-vice captain repelled a host of Geelong forward entires, doing so in the absence of Harry Dean, who underwent a head injury assessment and missed the second term.

Evans continued his strong work in the front half by finding Ollie Hollands, who hit the scoreboard the third consecutive week to open up what was a game-high 21-point lead.

However, Geelong responded once again and found its kicking boots, converting three consecutive goals heading into half time to cut the margin to three points.

The Blues’ midfield brigade was dominating around the ball, recording +10 clearances in the first half, but they failed to get bang for buck going forward, with inside 50s level.

After losing the lead for the first time in the third term, the Blues were quick to respond, with Evans once again turning provider for Brodie Kemp before Ben Ainsworth found Harry McKay close to goal.

However, looking to be full of run on the back of last week’s bye, the Cats surged, piling on five consecutive goals to close the term to open up a 23-point lead at the final change.

When Shannon Neale kicked the opening goal of the final term, Geelong had produced 10 of the last 12 goals of the contest.

GEELONG      1.5      4.10      10.13        14.23 (107)
CARLTON      4.3      5.7        7.8            11.8 (74)

GOALS
Carlton: Evans 2, Lord 2, Ainsworth, Cottrell, Cripps, Hollands, Kemp, McKay