Geelong, Carlton to collide in Sunday clash

GEELONG will hope to carry plenty of confidence out of its Round 6 win over the Hawks into this afternoon’s bumper AFL fixture with Carlton.

The Cats and Blues will clash at the MCG today (Sunday, April 27) in front of what is sure to be another large crowd.

With more than 88,000 people looking on, Geelong came out seven-point victors over Hawthorn on Easter Monday.

Shaun Mannagh bagged his third goal, the sealer, with just under three minutes to play to hold off a speedy Hawthorn side.

Bailey Smith continued his strong form, amassing 28 disposals, while Max Holmes, Tom Atkins, Patrick Dangerfield and Oliver Dempsey were also in the Cats’ best.

After the game, Geelong coach Chris Scott said he was rapt to get the chocolates in what was a really tough contest for both sides.

“It is satisfying, it is early in the season so it still a bit hard to get a sense for where we are at relative to the rest.

 

I think it would be reasonable to suggest that they are a pretty good team, so from that context we are really pleased.”

Scott applauded Mannagh in particular for his brilliance in the centre and up forward during the match.

“I think he is going brilliantly well and he was really good today, but it is not new,” Scott said.

“He has been a really good player for a long time, it is more than just the honeymoon period with my admiration for him.”

This Sunday’s opponent in Carlton are coming off an 82-point dismantling of the Kangaroos.

Geelong will need to stop the offensive prowess of the Blues if they are to come out victorious.

The Cats will wear a commemorative Anzac guernsey to pay tribute to the bravery, resilience, and sacrifice of the Anzacs.

The match will begin at 3.20pm and will be streamed live on Seven, Foxtel and Kayo.