Preview AFL Round 11 - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium, 7:50PM Friday 8 June

[SJ]

AFL Premiership Round 11​

Carlton V Geelong​

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Friday June 8​

Etihad Stadium 7:50PM (Local Time)​

Melbourne Forecast Melbourne Radar​

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After putting in a shocking effort against an improving Port Adelaide side last Saturday night, Carlton will be hell bent on getting back on the winner’s list after a poor month. After putting 2011 grand finalist Collingwood to the sword in Round 3 to the tune of 10 goals, the football world was full of praise for Carlton, but since that Friday night, the Blues have lost 4 of their last 7 games by an average margin of 44 points, with the three wins being over Fremantle, GWS and Melbourne.

On the other side of the ledger, the reigning premiers have been rather slow getting out of the blocks so far this season. While both teams currently sit on a 6-4 win loss record, the Geelong side of 2012 looks to be a shadow of the side that swept all before them last season. While the loss of seasoned veterans like Cameron Ling and Brad Ottens to retirement have hurt, the side has also missed the pace of players like Wojcinski and Varcoe, while some of the senior players have either been down on 2011 form, or been missing through injury or suspension. This has resulted in Geelong having blooded the second most debutants this season, only behind new side GWS. While most of these players have shown promise, they can’t be expected to perform to the levels of their better credentialed and experienced teammates.

So, with both teams sitting precariously at the bottom of the top 8 coming into Round 11, this week’s encounter is one of those proverbial “8 point games”, as a loss here to either side could see the hopes of the vanquished earning an all important top four berth vanishing before their eyes.

The last time they met.

Round 9, 2011 – Geelong 15.12.102 d. Carlton 14.16.100

In a pulsating encounter, Carlton got the jump on Geelong early, leading by 2 goals at quarter time. Carlton got out to a 20 point lead halfway through the 2nd term, before Geelong kicked 4 of the last 5 goals of the term to go into half time level. Geelong jumped out to a 14 point lead before Carlton pegged them back, only for Geelong to get the last goal of the term to go to the last change 7 points clear. In a pulsating last term, the lead changed several times before Robert Warnock had a chance to put the Blues ahead in the last minute. Unfortunately for Blues fans, the big ruckman was slightly concussed, and missed the set shot, allowing Geelong to milk the clock and run out narrow winners. For Geelong, Kelly and Selwood both gathered 29 touches and Johnson and Varcoe chipped in with 3 goals each, while for the Blues Heath Scotland and Marc Murphy led the side with 34 and 32 touches respectively, while Kade Simpson kicked 3 majors, with Garlett, Walker and Waite contributing 2 goals each. Heath Scotland got the 3 Brownlow votes, while Selwood and Paul Chapman got the 2 and 1 respectively.

Key match-ups

Jamison vs Hawkins/Podsiadly

Michael Jamison has been one of the best performed defenders in the league this season. With the likes of Lachie Henderson, Jeremy Laidler, Nick Duigan and Bret Thornton all missing, more responsibility falls onto the shoulders of the 25yo defender. While Tom Hawkins was missing last week due to minor knee surgery, it is expected that the Tomahawk will be back in the Geelong side this week. If he is forced to miss another week, I can see Jamison standing alongside James Podsiadly in the Geelong goal-square. While the mature aged forward has been pretty much playing 2nd fiddle to Hawkins thus far this season, and even the unlikely full forward Harry Taylor last week, he still needs watching, as he has shown in the past he is capable of kicking a bag if given the chance.

Kruezer/Hampson/Warnock vs West/Stephenson

After shouldering the ruck duties for Geelong for six weeks earlier in the season, Trent West has recently been joined in the ruck by 29yo recruit Orren Stephenson. The duo will have a challenge on their hands this week, as they come up against the 2nd best ruck combination in the league in terms of hit-outs, who are currently averaging 48.4 hit-outs a game, compared to Geelong’s 39.1, which sees them equal 10th on the table alongside Richmond. Although Kreuzer was a late withdrawal last week, I expect him to be back this week. While the absence of Murphy and Scotland will deplete the Carlton midfield somewhat, they will rely on their ruckmen to give Judd, Curnow, Robinson and Simpson first use of the ball. If West and Stephenson can break even in this regard, it could help Geelong add another win to their tally.

Judd vs T.Hunt

With Murphy and Scotland out injured, a lot of midfield responsibility falls onto the broad shoulders of the dual Brownlow medallist. He is more than equipped to handle the pressure though, and will be relishing the prospect of playing against Geelong without Cameron Ling keeping him company all game. However, Taylor Hunt has stepped up to the plate and is Geelong’s new run-with guy. While not as effective as Ling, he has already claimed the scalp of Sam Mitchell, who was free-wheeling in the first half in Round 2, before Taylor Hunt clamped down on him in the 2nd half.

Robinson vs Selwood

On the other side of the ledger, Carlton’s first choice tagger Andrew Carrazzo is currently out with a shoulder injury, which means that Mitch Robinson could fill in that role for his side in Carrazzo’s absence. He has had experience in the role, doing a good job on Gary Ablett during a NAB Cup game a few seasons ago. Joel Selwood has taken on the captaincy role with aplomb, seemingly lifting his game even higher than it has been before. However, it’s been noticed that taggers can get under his skin, and he has lashed out at his minders a few times already this season. If Robinson can frustrate Selwood to the extent that he’s more worried about retribution than winning the footy, it could help Carlton neutralise one of the main cogs of Geelong’s midfield machine.

Betts/Garlett/Yarran vs J.Hunt/Enright/Guthrie

One of the biggest threats to Geelong over the past few seasons has been the pace of Carlton’s small forwards like Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett. In 2010, that trio kicked 9 goals between them on the MCG and were a big reason for Carlton beating Geelong that day by 6 goals. Needless to say, those players need to be closely minded if Geelong are to win on Friday night. Corey Enright has had success playing on quick, small forwards, having completely blanketed the dangerous Cyril Rioli in the Qualifying Final last season. After being battered from pillar to post three weeks ago in the media for ducking his head in a contest, Josh Hunt has rarely put a foot wrong in recent weeks and is playing some of his football. Cameron Guthrie is only playing in his 2nd season, but has shown glimpses this year that he could be a good player for Geelong going forward. However, Hunt’s lack of foot speed and Guthrie’s lack of experience could be a worry against the pacy and experienced Carlton trio. If the Geelong trio are capable of somehow curtailing the influence of Betts, Garlett and Yarran, it could go some way to tipping the game in Geelong’s favour.

Verdict

It will be difficult tipping Friday night’s game, as it is unknown which Carlton side will turn up, and the same could be said for Geelong. While Carlton have been brilliant at times this season, they have also turned in some shocking performances as well, none more so than their effort last week. On the other hand, Geelong have had patches in games where they’ve looked nothing like the premiers of 2011. Saturday’s game against GWS was a prime example. Twice GWS jumped out to multiple goal leads in the first half, only for Geelong to come out after half time and kick 12 goals to 2.

Carlton will be keen to make amends for their poor showing last week, and I can see them going all out to get back onto the winner’s list, particularly early. It will be up to Geelong to match them for intensity from the get-go.

I know it’s an old cliché, but Friday night’s game will be won in the midfield. I think with the absence of both Marc Murphy and Heath Scotland, Carlton could be a little light on for options to rotate through the middle. Steve Johnson, Selwood and James Kelly have been some of the shining lights for Geelong this season, and if that trio can continue with the form they’ve shown in recent weeks, it’ll go a long way towards a Geelong win.

I can see Carlton coming out all guns blazing to answer their critics, but Geelong will weather the storm and end up winning by 3-4 goals.

 

[SJ]

AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

This game is fully ticketed.

Please note general admission seating goes on sale tomorrow (Friday 24 May) at 9:00AM.

http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/even...tistid=779378&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=711

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

Thanks SJ. I had forgotten.

Better get ready for tomorrow.

 

[KarlHungus]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

Thanks for the reminder.

On this, if you enter in your barcode can you get a seat on level three without paying extra i.e just paying the $5 booking fee or whatever it is?

I am hoping to get some Level 3 general admin tickets for a combination of Carlton, Geelong and AFL members. I assume I just select 'Club Members'?

Damn annoying at the MCG now that you can't book a general admin. ticket without paying an extra $15. Never used to be like this and I curse ticketek (and the AFL) because of it.

 

[SpRiGgZy]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

I've just been on ticketmaster now trying to find the general admin link to find prices etc, it has been up for weeks saying it goes onsale 9am tomorrow and now it's all of a sudden gone tonight. The link that was posted goes to a page that no longer exsists aparently. What is going on?! I'm feeling like trying to get tickets in the morning isn't going to happen. They have removed the general admin option all together. No idea what this means but if I can't secure tickets, ticketmaster will be copping more than an earful.

 

[SJ]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

Yes that link has disappeared. Hopefully it's back at 9.

 

[Rellik666]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

Thinking I had gone mad too!

Waiting!

 

[Rellik666]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

Not seeing anything.....

 

[SJ]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

Ah, they are now available through 'Club members' or 'Reserved seating': http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Carlton-tickets/artist/779378

 

[Rellik666]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

Thanks!

I don't understand, I just want a seat, not a $25 seat......whats the go?


All good....blimey that ain't straightforward!

 

[SpRiGgZy]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

thanks heaps for that SJ! finally got them

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

Done.

Not hugely amused about the $6 booking fee but at least I'll be there.

 

[Tomahawk_]

Re: AFL Round 11 tickets - Carlton v Geelong, Etihad Stadium

I haven't been to a game in a loooong time (2 years) due to some bad experiences at the footy.

How do I buy tickets, as dumb as it sounds.

I'm not a member, but I'm planning to get a membership soon though.

Really looking forward to this game.

 

[SJ]

Well we've copped them at the right time but I wouldn't mind having Christensen, Kelly, Hawkins and co. in.

 

[catempire]

Hawkins still might play. Scott said hopefully just the one week out.

 

[marshhhhh]

Well Boris and Corey will be back next week for sure.
Hopefully Hawkins only had a bit of a scrape on the knee and will return.

Bundy is massive this week I think.

 

[SpryCorpse]

Massive game for both clubs now.
Both teams with loads of injuries.
We've had trouble with Carlton over the years with their pace.

Is it too early to start praying?

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Well we've copped them at the right time but I wouldn't mind having Christensen, Kelly, Hawkins and co. in.

Agreed. The first two in particular are critical given our failure to win a contested ball count all year until yesterday.

Unfortunately I don't think Hawkins will play, and I doubt Bundy will either, given our history of being conservative with concussions.

I still think we can beat them though if we can get control of the contest on the inside that won't allow them to burn us on the outside. If we can't do that then their pace can and will really hurt us.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

I think our three late withdrawals will be back in, and they will probably roll the dice on Wojo (particularly if Bundy can't play), even if he can't play a full game he will be hugely useful for us. Simpkin will probably be in the frame to come straight back in as well.

Those inclusions should strengthen the side a fair bit, even if it will be offset by Kelly's likely suspension.

 

[marshhhhh]

So Wojak is right to play this weekend PO?

Depending on which angle you look at, there wasn't much in Kel's bump.
It only looks bad in reverse angle slow-mo.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

So Wojak is right to play this weekend PO?

Depending on which angle you look at, there wasn't much in Kel's bump.
It only looks bad in reverse angle slow-mo.

Listen to Scott's presser if you can from yesterday.

Makes it pretty clear Wojo has been training the house down and though he hasn't played all year he is in the frame to come straight in.

I agree there's not much force in Kel's bump, but they are red hot on them now. Also remember he has carryovers so even if he gets away with just a reprimand, that becomes a suspension.

 

[marshhhhh]

But is Wojak eligible?
I thought he couldn't come back until after the bye?

 

[TEDDY24INC]

So Wojak is right to play this weekend PO?

Depending on which angle you look at, there wasn't much in Kel's bump.
It only looks bad in reverse angle slow-mo.

1 week at worst for kel... Hopefully lack of force gets it thrown out

 

[AM]

Well we've copped them at the right time but I wouldn't mind having Christensen, Kelly, Hawkins and co. in.

Geez hope you’re on the money SJ. Not so sure myself. With Kreuzer, Henderson, Duigan and Waite back and us most likely without Kelly, Christensen and maybe Hawkins and Selwood. Throw in a steamed-up Blues after the Port surrender. Well!!!!!!! Then again, I’m a footy pessimist.

 

[fpm84]

I'll be shocked of Wojcinski doesn't play. He will likely be the sub. Hope Hawkins is OK but realistically he'll be back for the Swans. Shame about Bundy.

IN: Corey, Enright, Motlop, Wojcinski
OUT: Kelly (susp), Schroeder, Gillies, McCarthy

I'm a bit worried about Smedts under pressure in a big game, but he played well yesterday. Wouldn't mind seeing Smedts out and Gillies keep his place, allowing Harry to swing forward and take advantage of Carlton's undermanned backline.

Goes without saying this is a huge game and despite our injuries, we're getting them at the right time.