Friday’s only AFL Round 21 match is between Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats. The opening bounce is set to commence at 7:50 PM local time with the game to be played at Etihad Stadium. The away team Geelong Cats are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats.
Round: Round 21 , August 15, 2014, 7:50 PM
Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Weather: 16° Partly cloudy.
Featured Bookmakers:
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Preview:
THIS shapes as another classic between these two clubs. Geelong almost certainly secured another top-four finish last Saturday, narrowly holding off a fast-finishing Fremantle. Carlton has won three of its past five games, the two defeats being against top-four teams, the Sydney Swans and Freo. The Blues were unlucky not to take the points against the Cats at Etihad Stadium earlier this season, but this time they must find a way to restrict the significant influence of Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins. Unlike past seasons Etihad Stadium holds no fears for Carlton, having won six of its past seven games at the venue.
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R21, 2010, Geelong 18.13 (121) d Carlton 12.7 (79) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In their round 12 encounter Geelong had more disposals and inside 50s but Carlton had more tackles, hit-outs and marks.
2. Geelong has taken more contested marks this season than any other team, averaging 11.3 a game. Carlton is ranked 10th, with an average of 9.4.
3. Geelong enjoys a remarkable record against Carlton at Etihad Stadium, undefeated from 12 contests. Five have been decided by more than 50 points.
4. Despite sitting in the top four, Geelong continues to be the worst clearance team this season, averaging only 33.3 a game. Carlton is equal ninth with an average of 38.7.
5. The two most popular players with the umpires this season will clash in the midfield. Rival skippers Marc Murphy and Joel Selwood are ranked one and two for free kicks with 51 and 50 respectively.
6. Midfielder Tom Bell had a superb game against Gold Coast last Saturday, booting a career-best four goals. He also earned a career-high 26 points in the Official AFL Player Ratings.
Teams:
CARLTON
B: Michael Jamison, Sam Rowe, Ciaran Sheehan
HB: Zach Tuohy, Kade Simpson, Sam Docherty
C: Chris Yarran, Andrew Carrazzo, Marc Murphy
HF: David Ellard, Nick Graham, Dale Thomas
F: Troy Menzel, Levi Casboult, Jarrad Waite
Fol: Cameron Wood, Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd
I/C: Tom Bell, Ed Curnow, Brock McLean, Simon White
Emg: Dennis Armfield, Blaine Johnson, Matthew Watson
GEELONG 
B: James Kelly, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Andrew Mackie, Jared Rivers, Cameron Guthrie
C: Jordan Murdoch, Joel Selwood, Travis Varcoe
HF: Steven Motlop, Harry Taylor, Mathew Stokes
F Shane Kersten, Tom Hawkins, Allen Christensen
Fol Hamish McIntosh, Mitch Duncan, Josh Caddy.
I/C Jed Bews, Mark Blicavs, George Horlin-Smith, Billie Smedts.
Emg Mitch Brown, Brad Hartman, Jackson Thurlow
In Jed Bews, Billie Smedts.
Out Jimmy Bartel (Corked Thigh), Steve Johnson (Foot)
