Geelong has suffered a tough loss to Carlton on Saturday, going down by two points at GMHBA Stadium.
The Blues led by 42 points in the third term and looked set to comfortably run away with the game, but were nearly overrun by last year's preliminary finalists, who booted five goals to none in the last quarter to almost snatch the win.
Geelong had its chances late, too, with some fumbled efforts, Gryan Miers' decision to play on after a free kick and Gary Ablett's missed set shot proving costly in the 12.7 (79) to 11.11 (77) result.
Carlton set up its first win at the Cattery since 1996 with a brilliant opening quarter, as co-captain Patrick Cripps (24 disposals and two goals) and recruit Jack Martin dominated the midfield battle. Forwards Mitch McGovern and Levi Casboult also impressed as the Cats looked set to succumb to their overlapping run and inside grunt.
Mitch Duncan was outstanding in the final term and finished with a team-high 24 disposals, while Tom Hawkins and Gary Rohan kicked two goals each.
Carlton will be thankful for shorter quarters as they only just slipped over the line, and they now sit alongside the Cats as having one win from their first three games in this disrupted season.
GEELONG 1.2 4.6 6.7 11.7 (77)
CARLTON 5.3 9.5 12.6 12.7 (79)
GOALS
Geelong: Hawkins 2, Rohan 2, Bews, Guthrie, Miers, Selwood, Stanley, Taylor
Carlton: Betts 2, Casboult 2, Cripps 2, McGovern 2, Murphy 2, Gibbons, McKay
BEST
Geelong: Duncan, Dangerfield, Tuohy, Narkle, Miers
Carlton: Cripps, Betts, Gibbons, Martin, Docherty
INJURIES
Geelong: Dahlhaus (concussion), Menegola (hip)
Carlton: Nil
