Carlton name 2013 AFL leadership group

Updated December 11, 2012 08:32:57

Carlton on Tuesday named a new five-man leadership group for the 2013 AFL season following Chris Judd's decision to step aside after five years as captain.

Led by veterans Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson and Jarrad Waite, the group also features 2011 John Nicholls Medal winner Marc Murphy.

After two seasons at the Blues, defender Nick Duigan has been voted in for the first time.

Carlton's general manager of football Andrew McKay said the entire playing list was given the opportunity to nominate for a leadership role. The playing group then voted on the nominees.

"We are really pleased with the group chosen, we've got a balanced spread of experience and each line group is represented," he said.

The leadership group has also been trimmed from nine players in 2012.

"It is not about numbers, but instead a mix of respected players that will drive Carlton's expectations on and off the field in 2013," McKay said.

The naming of the group comes after Blues superstar Judd yesterday confirmed he would not captain the AFL club next year.

The two-time Brownlow Medallist, who captained West Coast to the 2006 premiership, has skippered the Blues for five seasons since joining them at the end of 2007.

But the 29-year-old said with new coach Mick Malthouse taking over it was the right time to bring in a new skipper.

Judd will step outside the club's leadership group completely.

Carlton does not expect to name a new captain until February, with Murphy and Carrazzo considered front-runners.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the past five years," Judd said.

"However I have decided I want to step down and hand the job over to someone else and with a new coach it seemed like the right time for a fresh start at the club.

"At this stage of my career, I am looking forward to getting back to enjoying the essence of footy and not having as much responsibility around the club as I have had in previous years.

"I certainly won't be pushing any less hard to bring success and will still have an active role, however it just won't be in an official leadership capacity."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, carlton-3053, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 08:32:57

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Malthouse has big plans for Gibbs at Carlton

Updated November 05, 2012 22:42:06

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has already enjoyed an up-close glimpse of what Bryce Gibbs could deliver in the AFL.

Malthouse has great expectations for the 2006 number one draft pick, who was a big disappointment for the Blues as they dropped out of the top eight to 10th in 2012.

There is a sense that Gibbs' career has stalled, with the highly-rated player having minimal impact across half-back.

Two years ago, Malthouse coached Gibbs during Australia's International Rules tour of Ireland and came away a big fan of the utility.

"He was simply outstanding over there," Malthouse said.

"Let me say, there wasn't any `good' - he was outstanding.

"So I know his capabilities.

"He has to be thrown the ball and (we) say `right, now you have to run with it'."

Malthouse also made it clear that he sees Gibbs as a midfielder, first and foremost.

"I'd like to think he's going to be playing in the middle, but it's coupled with half-back and half-forward," Malthouse said.

"He certainly has to come up that next level.

"There's 20 minutes there (each quarter) - he has to be able to do eight to 10 minutes and that's quite significant.

"That takes half a quarter away from others, to give them a little bit of relief and also be able to play in other positions, which I'm pretty keen to do."

Malthouse took charge of Carlton training for the first time on Monday, a month after the tumultuous end to this season.

The Blues sacked Brett Ratten before their last match and soon after appointed Malthouse, the three-time premiership coach.

Carlton were keen to recruit Collingwood key forward Travis Cloke, but once he re-signed with Malthouse's old club they had a minimal role in the trade period.

That reflects Malthouse's confidence that this group has plenty to offer.

"Any club who finishes outside the eight have a fair bit of work to make up," he said.

"But you know what's on our side? History.

"No eight has ever stayed the same and I'm a great believer in history.

"That gives any side outside the eight great buoyancy to go forward."

"The side has the mechanics to be a good football side.

The first impressions have been encouraging for Malthouse in his fourth AFL senior coaching assignment.

'"I've been very, very happy with what I've seen," he said.

The Blues will soon have a pre-season training camp in Arizona, where Malthouse and his players will start learning more about each other.

The players also have to elect their leadership group, with Malthouse saying current captain Chris Judd had to decide whether he wants to retain the role.

Meanwhile, Carlton announced on Monday that former Melbourne captain Brad Green had joined them as a midfield development coach.

AAP

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First posted November 05, 2012 22:42:06

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Carlton confirms Malthouse as coach

Updated September 11, 2012 15:36:41

Mick Malthouse has been appointed as Carlton's new coach after signing a three-year deal to take charge of the Blues.

The three-time premiership coach was unveiled as the Blues mentor at a media conference on Tuesday.

He replaces Brett Ratten, who was sacked last month after the Blues failed to qualify for the finals.

"It does give me a great sense of honour to be given the opportunity to coach this famous club," Malthouse said.

"I just see it as an extension of life, to be able to stay in the game of football and more importantly ... to be offered the coaching job and be part of this football club."

Malthouse, who has denied any involvement in Ratten's dismissal, will commence his new role on November 1.

He stepped down as Collingwood coach in 2011 after a 38-point grand final defeat to Geelong.

And the 59-year-old says he had no contact with Carlton until after Ratten's departure was confirmed.

"There are going to be those naysayers who say it happened previous to that," Malthouse said.

He insists the first contact he had with the Blues was a meeting with club officials eight days ago.

An early matter for Malthouse's reign will be whether the Blues recruit out-of-contract Magpies key forward Travis Cloke.

Asked if he would go after Cloke, Malthouse replied: "absolutely".

Cloke played under Malthouse at the Magpies after making his senior debut in 2005.

Malthouse is set to overtake Collingwood legend Jock McHale's record of 714 matches as a senior coach.

He is on 664 matches after his stints at the Bulldogs, West Coast and the Magpies.

The Blues have not confirmed who will assist Malthouse in 2013, saying the decision will be made internally at a later date.

Assistant coaches Mark Riley, Paul Williams and Alan Richardson are believed to be at risk of losing their jobs.

Blues president Stephen Kernahan admits "there could be a change" in the assistant coaching ranks.

Meanwhile, Malthouse paid tribute to late Port Adelaide midfielder John McCarthy, who fell to his death on an end of season trip to Las Vegas last weekend.

Malthouse coached McCarthy during their time together at the Magpies.

"It does put things in perspective," Malthouse said.

"It's one of those moments when we come to realise that being an AFL footballer doesn't make you immune to tragedies."

ABC/AAP

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First posted September 11, 2012 10:09:28

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Carlton clinches narrow victory

Updated July 22, 2012 00:04:48

A video score review proved a crucial last-term turning point as a depleted Carlton fought out a valuable win over the Western Bulldogs at Docklands on Saturday night.

Carlton had trailed by as many as 25 points during the first half but fought back to win 16.6 (102) to 12.12 (84).

While the Dogs entered the match on a four-game losing streak and the Blues' win was not quite enough to lift them into the top eight, the four points and the fight Carlton showed were a welcome tonic after its horror week.

The Blues had lost skipper Chris Judd to a four-match suspension and Matthew Kreuzer and Lachie Henderson to injury, with late withdrawal Mitch Robinson also adding to several missing first-choice players, forcing them to field three AFL debutants.

But with Heath Scotland (31 disposals) and Brock McLean (29) gathering a heap of the ball, Andrew Collins (three goals) proving an unlikely target in attack, Chris Yarran adding dazzle in defence and Jeff Garlett firing up forward, the makeshift Blues outfit triumphed.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten said it was no surprise that after making six forced changes and bringing in three first-gamers the Blues took time to get going.

But he said some of the club's lesser lights had taken the opportunity to advance their careers.

Ratten said those players would need to keep performing, as the injury crisis was not necessarily about to ease, with key forward Jarrad Waite to again be missing next round against Richmond and ruckman Matthew Kreuzer also uncertain to be available.

"That's no excuse for us. Whatever happens in the next six weeks, wherever we end up we'll be a lot better as a football club for going through these experiences and how we deal with it," Ratten said.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said his side had missed a great opportunity.

"We did a lot right to create the opportunity and then lost the opportunity," he said.

"We felt in the last quarter there were just a significant number of little one-on-one battles that they won."

Bryce Gibbs overcame a poor start to kick two crucial last-term goals, with Eddie Betts also snaring two majors in a nerve-tingling, drama-packed final quarter.

It started with three lead changes, Bret Thornton and Gibbs each goaling to put Carlton a point up, either side of Luke Dahlhaus kicking his fourth for the Dogs.

Betts made it a seven-point lead with a brilliant snap from tight in the pocket, before a rushed behind reduced the gap to a straight kick.

Then came the pivotal episode.

Thornton gave away a free kick for a deliberate rushed behind.

Dahlhaus took the shot, which was initially called a goal to level the scores.

But, after desperate Carlton protests, a video review revealed the shot grazed the post.

The score was changed to a behind and the Blues stayed ahead for the rest of the match.

Dogs midfielder Ryan Griffen had a chance to give his side the lead almost immediately after, but missed a snap.

The Blues made him pay, Betts setting up a Gibbs goal, then scoring one himself to seal the win.

Griffen and Tom Liberatore, with 28 touches each, fought hard for the Dogs, who lost Shaun Higgins to a hamstring injury early in the second half.

Dogs: 12.12 (84) - Dahlhaus 4, Williams 2, Grant 2, Picken, Giansiracusa, Higgins, Tutt.

Blues: 16.6 (102) - Collins 3, Garlett 2, Thornton 2, Gibbs 2, Betts 2, Bower, Joseph, Bell, Carrazzo, Dale.

AAP

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First posted July 21, 2012 22:33:05

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Cats punish Carlton errors at Docklands

Updated June 08, 2012 23:41:40

Geelong struggled early but showed more composure in front of goal to defeat Carlton by two goals at Docklands on Friday night.

The game was tight for most of the night before the Cats kicked clear in the final quarter to win 14.13 (97) to 11.19 (85).

The loss was Carlton's fourth in five matches but it could have been so different for the Blues, who missed a string of chances and hit the woodwork on no less than five occasions.

Geelong's Steve Johnson told Grandstand that the team had struggled but had kept faith in its ability to finish with a win.

"We haven't started games too well (this year)," Johnson said.

"But when you come in at half-time and you're not far behind, and the way we've been able to finish off games so far this year, we had a lot of confidence we could win."

Carlton started with greater enthusiasm and far greater speed than Geelong.

The Blues' ball movement was far superior and Eddie Betts had a day out in the first quarter alone, kicking three goals by the first break.

Geelong steadied and deployed some pace of its own, with Steven Motlop finding gaps in the Blues defence to kick three goals before half-time to bring the deficit back to five points.

The lead disappeared in the third quarter as Geelong lifted with goals to Taylor Hunt and Joel Selwood before Motlop's fourth put the Cats in front for the first time at the 23-minute mark.

Carlton did not give up but the experienced Geelong side held enough in reserve and, as the likes of Betts and Chris Yarran wasted chance after chance, there was only going to be one winner.

The play of the game was almost dead even, with Carlton winning the inside 50s by three (54-51) and having a single extra disposal for the match.

But the most telling stat was that the Cats outscored Carlton 8.6 to 5.13 in the second half, with the Blues kicking 2.9 in the last quarter alone.

Carlton could now face a struggle to make the eight - their next three matches are against West Coast in Perth, Hawthorn and Collingwood.

Geelong have the bye next week, followed by Sydney, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast.

Johnson told Grandstand there was some relief in the Cats' rooms that the team had secured the win going into the break.

"We really wanted to finish off this game, 7-4 sounds so much better than 6-5," he said.

"We had to treat this game without looking too far ahead of it, but now we've got the win into the break we can go in with a lot of confidence.

"We've got a lot to work on, but our season is up there now, we're going to be competitive in the second half of the year."

Cats: 14.13 (97) - Motlop 4, Selwood 2, Duncan 2, Chapman, Bartel, T Hunt, Hawkins, West, Stokes,

Blues: 11.19 (85) - Betts 4, Tuohy, Collins, Armfield, Gibbs, Kreuzer, Simpson, Judd,

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First posted June 08, 2012 22:42:39

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Port give Carlton the Blues

Updated June 02, 2012 23:11:23

Port Adelaide made a mess of pre-match predictions, winning its third game in a row with a 54-point belting of Carlton at Football Park on Saturday night.

The Power kicked five goals to three in the opening term and went on to steamroll the Blues 14.15 (99) to 6.9 (45) on a wet night in Adelaide.

On a night of upsets in the AFL, the Power were clearly the hungrier team in the contest all night.

The win for Matthew Primus' men followed victories over North Melbourne and Gold Coast - Carlton was expected to provide a much sterner test, but it never eventuated.

Port Adelaide's Matthew Broadbent told Grandstand the main goal before the game had been to stop the Blues dangerous outside runners like Chris Yarran, Jeff Garlett and Eddie Betts.

The trio averaged less than 10 disposals for the night in a clear win for the home side.

"It was a big focus, probably our biggest focus, we shut down their outside run and matched their inside run, which helped us get the ball forward in slippery conditions," he said.

Broadbent - who had 31 disposals, 3 tackles and two goals - said that the Power had taken heart from its final quarter comeback against the Kangaroos, and had carried a new confidence into succeeding weeks.

"I think that's where the confidence and belief comes from, a win like that, now we're rolling on with some momentum, and we're looking forward to next week against Hawthorn," he said.

Aside from big man Jay Schulz, who kicked three goals for the Power, the leading lights for the home side came from younger players like 22-year-olds Broadbent and Hamish Hartlett.

Hartlett had 26 touches, four marks, nine tackles and three goals in a best on ground display.

"It's been good, we've got a really good young group here and we're really excited about the future," Broadbent said.

Port Adelaide was only headed once at the 13 minute mark of the first quarter after a goal by Carlton's Andrew Walker.

Carlton could manage only 3.8 to Port's 9.13 after quarter time, and Port Adelaide's dominance in scoring shots (29-15) and inside 50s (61-41) told the story.

Port Adelaide: 14.15 (99) - Schulz 3, Hartlett 3, Broadbent 2, Brett Ebert, Pearce, P Stewart, Thomas, Westhoff, Wingard

Carlton: 6.9 (45) - Betts, Garlett, Gibbs, Hampson, McLean, Walker

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First posted June 02, 2012 22:34:59

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Murphy injured in Carlton calamity

Updated May 20, 2012 20:20:04

Brett Ratten slammed his Carlton side after its 69-point drubbing by Adelaide on Sunday, a loss compounded by Marc Murphy suffering a shoulder injury.

The Crows climbed to a 7-1 record and second on the ladder by thrashing the Blues 19.10 (124) to 8.7 (55).

The Blues, premiership favourites after round three, have stalled, losing three of their past five games including their past two, to fall out of the top four.

The Crows' Patrick Dangerfield, who starred with 35 touches and two goals, collided with Murphy in a crunching contest during the second quarter and the Blues midfielder did not return to the field.

Ratten, who described Murphy's injury as a "sprained AC joint", did not seek to use the star's absence as an excuse, instead detailing how he feels his team has slipped from their early season performances in terms of skill, commitment and teamwork.

"Our players knew exactly where the Crows sat on the ladder," Ratten said. "We weren't surprised with how good they were today.

"They smashed us in contested ball. We couldn't put the same pressure onto them as they gave us.

"At the moment, we're more about the individual rather than the team.

"I think we've fallen away. We don't seem to have that flair anymore. We're being beaten around the stoppages too easily.

"Their blokes around the ball were exceptional. Thompson and Dangerfield had 31 touches to half time. Gibbs and Curnow had 11.

"It comes down to work rate. Things need to change soon."

On Murphy, Ratten said: "I don't know how many weeks Murphy miss ... (He) probably won't play next week."

Murphy had managed only five touches and tellingly, was also well held in last round's loss to St Kilda, suggesting his absence will be sorely felt if he misses a stretch of games.

It was Adelaide's fifth straight victory and the Crows seem look impressive by the week under first-year coach Brenton Sanderson.

The men from West Lakes have already matched last year's win tally.

The win backed up notable performances over the previous two rounds - a hard-fought victory over Sydney at the SCG and a 50-point home thrashing of Geelong.

Inaccuracy contributed to Adelaide trailing by three points at quarter time, but the visitors powered away with a 5.1 to 0.2 second term in which the Blues' only two scores were rushed behinds.

By the time young big man Josh Jenkins booted a two-bounce running goal to put Adelaide 40 points up late in the third quarter, the game was effectively over, the Crows rubbing it in with a last term spree.

Adelaide's win came despite the absence of suspended star Taylor Walker, the AFL's leading goalkicker at the start of the round.

It was built on a hard-nosed midfield performance, with Dangerfield and fellow strong-bodied on-baller Scott Thompson outstanding, well served by ruckman Sam Jacobs.

Dangerfield's combination of brute power and skill was best illustrated by his first-term goal - when he wrenched the ball out of a forward pocket pack, spun and snapped truly - but his highlights came all day.

Bernie Vince kicked three goals, as did hard-working forward pocket Ian Callinan.

It was the Crows' first win in Victoria since beating Carlton at the same venue late in 2009.

For Carlton, skipper Chris Judd battled hard with too little midfield help, while Jeff Garlett kicked three goals.

The Crows also had some injury scares, Graham Johncock (shoulder) and Tippett (knee) both spending time off the ground in the second term, but both returned to finish the game.

Adelaide: 19.10 (124) - Goals: B Vince 3, I Callinan 3, K Tippett 3, J Jenkins 2, D Mackay 2, P Dangerfield 2, J Petrenko, J Porplyzia, S Thompson, N van Berlo.

Carlton: 8.7 (55) - Goals: J Garlett 3, K Simpson 2, L Henderson, M Kreuzer, B Thornton.

AAP

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First posted May 20, 2012 18:08:55

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Carlton finishes off brave Giants

Updated May 06, 2012 19:32:44

Carlton produced a solid but uninspiring performance to beat a stubborn Greater Western Sydney side by 67 points at Docklands on Sunday.

Coach Brett Ratten would not have given his players many style points for their display, but the Blues held their composure and kicked away in the second half to win 15.20 (110) to 6.7 (43).

Carlton forward Eddie Betts - who played his 150th game against GWS - told Grandstand that the Blues were happy to have ground out after a poor first-half effort.

"The first half I think most of us weren't running as hard (as we should),'' Betts said.

"We might have been playing for ourselves but we got a little bit of a spray, and after half-time we came out and ran, ran, ran, and tackled and got ourselves back into it.''

Betts was optimistic that Carlton still had potential to improve, even after an opening to the season where the team had won five out of the first six matches.

"We didn't play our best footy (today), I think we played our worst brand of footy for the year, apart from the Essendon game, so there's still a lot of improvement to go,'' he said.

Just as they did against the Bulldogs in round five, the Giants started strongly and kept with Carlton for the opening half.

Indeed the Blues appeared outdone for intensity at times, with players like Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene and Taylor Adams all having strong patches of play.

Debutant Liam Sumner kicked a first-half goal, while Setanta O'hAilpin enjoyed playing against his old side, kicking two goals for GWS.

Carlton's senior players steadied the ship in the third quarter, and the Blues consolidated their position to lead by 25 points at the final change.

The Blues ran freely in the final term, kicking 6.6 to no score to run out easy winners.

The Giants ran out of legs, finishing the game with only two players on the bench.

O'hAilpin finished the game on crutches after injuring his knee in the third quarter.

The AFL reported O'hAilpin's season could be over, amid fears the Irishman had torn his anterior cruciate ligament.

Earlier, GWS veteran ruckman Dean Brogan was subbed after injuring his arm in a contest with Carlton's Heath Scotland.

Carlton: 15.20 (110) - Thornton 3, Hampson 3, Lucas 2, Simpson 2, Walker 2, Robinson, Bower, Garlett.

GWS: 6.7 (43) - O'hAilpin 2, Davis 2, Sumner, Scully.

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First posted May 06, 2012 15:54:58

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Carlton recruit treated for testicular cancer

Updated May 03, 2012 12:59:30

Carlton has confirmed recruit Sam Rowe has been diagnosed with stage one testicular cancer.

The club said the tumour has been removed and 24-year-old Rowe will undergo chemotherapy for six weeks.

The Blues say after treatment Rowe, yet to play an AFL game, will be able to resume his career with Carlton.

Rowe was drafted by Carlton at pick 44 in the 2011 AFL Draft.

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First posted May 03, 2012 12:59:30

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Kreuzer flies high in Carlton trial

Updated February 17, 2012 16:22:52

Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer lifted the spirits of Carlton fans with a dazzling performance on Friday as he dominated an intra-club AFL trial match.

Kreuzer's stunning effort in wet conditions at the Blues' training ground proved he was no longer troubled by the foot complaint which kept him out of both of Carlton's finals games last September.

"If you saw the way he moved today, you'd have to agree," Blues senior assistant coach Alan Richardson told reporters on Friday.

"He's right to go. He's flying."

The 2007 number one draft pick was strong in the air and at ground level, as the Blues ponder whether to play the 22-year-old on the ball or up forward this season.

"He was outstanding. He's a bit like another onballer when the ball hits the deck so we were pleased with 'Kreuz'," Richardson enthused.

"He'll play a lot of footy in the ruck.

"We have the luxury of having three quality ruckmen in (Robbie) Warnock and (Shaun) Hampson as well.

"Certainly at times, he will play forward but predominantly he'll play ruck.

"On today's performance, both he and Hampson were really good.

"Certainly, those three guys could play in the one team."

The Blues open their preseason cup campaign at AAMI Stadium on February 26 against Port Adelaide and the Crows.

Skipper Chris Judd (shoulder), big forward Jarrad Waite (hip), key defender Michael Jamison (back) and Warnock (shoulder) were among those who rested on Friday but they are expected to be fit for round one against Richmond on March 29.

Carlton's 2011 club champion Marc Murphy was one of the star players in Friday's game while key forward Bret Thornton, onballer Andrew Carrazzo and young key defender Matthew Watson were also prominent.

Richardson said Kane Lucas, Paul Bower and Jordan Russell, who struggled with injuries last year, were also impressive.

Watson showed promise on Friday but Richardson warned the 19-year-old is still learning the game after playing three matches in 2011.

"Given that (Lachie) Henderson and Jamison didn't play today, you can see we've got a bit of depth back there now," he said.

The Blues recruited former Norwood player Nick Duigan and ex-Cat Jeremy Laidler in 2010 to bolster their backline.

"'Watto' is going to have to work really hard to get a game," Richardson added.

Judd is being aimed at round three of the pre-season cup on March 10.

Richardson said senior coach Brett Ratten was keen to give young players opportunities in the preseason cup.

Andrew Walker and Chris Yarran were also rested on Friday.

AAP

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First posted February 17, 2012 16:22:52

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Bulldogs lose Williams to Carlton

Updated October 04, 2011 13:36:11

Assistant coaches Paul Williams and Peter Dean will leave the Western Bulldogs, with Williams switching clubs to join Carlton.

Williams was interim senior coach at the end of the season when the Bulldogs sacked Rodney Eade.

He applied for the full-time job, which went to Brendan McCartney.

Williams will join the Blues in the new position of midfield stoppage coach.

"Paul will bring to our club valuable coaching experience, particularly in relation to his stoppage knowledge in the midfield," Blues coach Brett Ratten said.

"He has had great success as a player and has been involved in successful programs, not only as a player but also a coach.

"So we are very much looking forward to having him join our coaching staff."

Williams, a 306-game player at Collingwood and Sydney, had been an assistant at the Dogs for three seasons.

Dean played 248 games for Carlton and was defensive coach at the Bulldogs for four years.

AAP

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First posted October 04, 2011 13:36:11

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Walker on his way to six goals for Carlton

Published:Sunday, June 5, 2011 7:31 AEST

Andrew Walker of the Blues attempts a mark in front of Michael Pettigrew of the Power during the round 11 AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Carlton Blues at Football Park on June 5, 2011 in Adelaide.

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Top Cats answer Carlton challenge

By Raman Goraya

Updated May 20, 2011 23:31:00

Undefeated Geelong honoured the passing of club legend Bob Davis with another thrilling Friday night victory, downing Carlton by two points at Docklands.

After prevailing in a heavyweight clash against the Pies seven days ago, and following an emotional week after the death of AFL Hall of Famer Davis, the slow-starting Cats did well to reel in Carlton's early 20-point advantage and kick on for an emotional 15.12 (102) to 14.16 (100) triumph.

After drawing level at 8.6 apiece by half-time, a three-goal burst by the elusive Travis Varcoe gave Geelong its first lead of the match in the third term but the Blues battled back to trail by just seven points at the last change.

Victorious in every fourth quarter this season, the Cats surprisingly surrendered the lead early as an injury-hampered Chris Judd inspired the Blues back into the contest.

But true to their 2011 form late in games, Geelong answered the challenge with goals to Paul Chapman, Steve Johnson (three goals) and James Podsiadly pushing them back in front once again.

Carlton would not lie down and following a clever goal by the outstanding Jarrad Waite, ruckman Robbie Warnock had a point blank opportunity to put the Blues in front with 90 seconds left but shanked his set shot.

The Cats are now nine from nine in their clashes with Carlton at Docklands and boast one, two and three-point wins on Friday nights this season after absorbing victories over both last year's grand finalists.

"We probably don't want it to be like that (so close), but it just shows the boys tenacity, the grit to fight it out," youngster Allen Christensen, who called the toss for the Cats as part of Indigenous round, told Grandstand.

"They are one of the best tackling sides in the comp, Scotty made sure that we knew that before the game," Christensen added after the Blues won the tackle count 75-57.

"We knew the pressure was going to be there and we tried to match it with them.

"They probably beat us on the night but we keep fighting it out and got the bikkies."

Blues still a threat

Joel Selwood had a quiet last quarter after amassing 25 touches through three quarters but was vital in sparking the Geelong comeback along with the likes of James Kelly, Jimmy Bartel, Johnson and Varcoe.

Veteran full-back Matthew Scarlett also showed his experience, popping up late in the match with a pair of crucial marks to quash Carlton's desperate final raids.

Following consecutive, gutsy wins over Adelaide, Sydney and St Kilda going into the bye, the narrow defeat - just their second of the season, still fails to hurt the Blues' top four credentials.

Waite led a terrific marking performance by the powerful Carlton with 11 grabs leading from half-forward and two goals while Kade Simpson kicked three.

One came courtesy of some vintage Judd vision in the fourth quarter as the Carlton skipper tried valiantly to rally his charges with a brilliant running goal just minutes earlier despite limping into half-time with a foot injury.

Judd's protege Marc Murphy was also influential with 32 touches, including 17 contested possessions, but said the Blues needed to win those type of games considering their form of late.

"It was such a hectic pace out there. They are a great side, Geelong," he said.

"I don't think we let up at any time. It was a real battle all night and unfortunately we coudln't finish off in the end.

"We had our chances but it's a game of inches. We had a few touched on the line and they kicked a few on the line.

"That was probably the difference in the end."

Geelong: 15.12 (102) - S Johnson 3, T Varcoe 3, J Bartel 2, M Stokes 2, P Chapman 2, B Ottens, J Podsiadly, T Hawkins.

Carlton: 14.16 (100) - K Simpson 3, A Walker 2, J Garlett 2, J Waite 2, C Judd, E Betts, M Murphy, N Duigan, S O'hAilpin.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, carlton-3053, geelong-3220

First posted May 20, 2011 22:27:00

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