Hawkins boots Cats to win over Blues

A five-goal haul by Tom Hawkins has helped Geelong to a 19-point NAB Challenge win over Carlton.

A week after Mitch Clark booted six goals against Adelaide, the Cats showed what a dangerous proposition they’ll be in attack this season, with Clark also chiming in with three goals in the 0.17.9 (111) to 2.10.14 (92) win at Etihad Stadium.

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood was outstanding with 28 possessions, while Mitch Duncan (24 disposals) and Cameron Guthrie (26) also impressed.

Despite the result, the Blues will take plenty away from their performance – in particular the efforts of youngster Patrick Cripps, who led the way with 32 possessions and a goal.

Marc Murphy (24 disposals) impressed in his first game of the NAB Challenge, with Chris Judd and Andrew Carrazzo also important.

The Blues jumped out to an early lead, but Duncan was instrumental with 12 first-quarter possessions and two goals as the Cats found their rhythm to lead by 15 points at the first break.

Geelong piled on six unanswered goals to blow the margin out to 36 points in the second quarter, but Carlton coach Mick Malthouse will be pleased with the way his charges dug deep to wrest back the momentum.

With the game getting away from them, the Blues put on a four-goal burst to finish the half just seven points in arrears.

Jimmy Bartel was subbed on during the break and he was immediately a factor, with 12 touches, as Geelong stretched their lead back out to 22 points at three-quarter time.

Judd was subbed out for the last quarter, but the Blues – already without Bryce Gibbs – did well to fight the match out.

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