Geelong has put together a dominant display at IKON Park, overwhelming Carlton in the second half to claim a commanding 50-point victory and extending their lead on top of the VFL ladder.

Carlton came out of the blocks firing in the opening quarter and established an early lead, before Geelong fought their way back into the contest on the back of strong midfield pressure.

The Blues kicked three goals in the opening 12 minutes while Geelong could only manage three minor scores, the quick start putting the Cats on the back foot early. 

Jamieson Ballantyne was crucial in turning the tide, snapping Geelong's first goal at the 15-minute mark which provided the spark the team needed.

Just a minute later, Ballantyne struck again to pull Geelong back in the contest and it sparked a lift in forward pressure, helping to keep the ball in Geelong’s forward 50.

Jack Costello produced an outstanding mark running back with the flight, before converting from 35 metres out to give Geelong the lead for the first time.

The Cats had clawed their way back from that early deficit, but Carlton responded with two goals to reclaim the lead by seven points at quarter time. 

Geelong came out with a vengeance in the second quarter. Oli Wiltshire got the Cats on the board within the opening minute, then struck again just four minutes later to put Geelong back in front.

The momentum was flowing as they capitalised again, kicking three goals straight in the opening five minutes which gave Geelong a 13-point lead, an incredible 20-point turnaround from where they stood at quarter-time. After that explosive start, both teams settled into the contest with neither side able to break clear.

George Stevens continued his dominance through the first half, leading all possession getters with 21 disposals.

Wiltshire stepped up to another level, finishing the half with 15 disposals, four marks and two goals. Jack Costello also started fast, accumulating 15 disposals, four marks and a goal to help drive Geelong's attack going into the second half.

The third quarter was simply superb footy from the Cats.

Geelong's experience was on full display as they dominated the middle of the ground, winning clearance after clearance and keeping the ball in their forward 50 to create relentless scoreboard pressure. The captain, Dan Capiron led the way kicking three goals. 

The dominance was reflected in the stats with Geelong winning the inside 50 count 18-4, controlling clearances 10-3 and kicking nine goals in the third term. By quarter's end, the lead had ballooned from 11 points to a commanding 53 points.

The Cats applied relentless forward pressure with run-down tackles and continued to dominate the transition game, keeping Carlton at arm's length throughout the final term.

The Blues did manage to narrow the margin to 38 points at one stage, but Geelong responded, pushing the lead back out to 50 points by the final siren, an important win to continue their hot form. 

George Stevens turned a hot start into a game to remember, finishing with 42 disposals, four marks and five clearances.

Wiltshire continued his strong performance and ended the day with three goals, 19 disposals and seven marks, while Jack Costello finished with 25 disposals, three tackles, three marks and a goal. 

Capiron led the way up forward with five goals, while Bowes and Ballantyne also kicked three apiece. 

2026 VFL Season - Round 10

CARLTON     5.1   5.3      7.5     12.9   (81)  
GEELONG    3.6   6.8   15.10   20.11  (131) 

GOALS
Carlton: Lord 3, Sammartino, Hogg 2, Warburton, O'Keefe, Howard, Fogarty, Cottrell 1
Geelong: Capiron 5, Wiltshire, Bowes, Ballantyne 3, Mellor 2, Pike, Lewis, Knevitt, Costello 1

DISPOSALS
Carlton: Camporeale 30, Lord, Hogg, Cottrell 26, Saad 24
Geelong: Stevens 42, Bowes 28, Costello 25, Clark 22, Worpel 21, Holmes 20