SUMMARY: Geelong heads into the match unbeaten after staging tremendous fightbacks against Hawthorn and North Melbourne in the opening two rounds. In contrast, Carlton is winless, although its two defeats have been by a combined margin of 22 points. It all means that a win is more vital for Mick Malthouse's men, but whether they can pull it off against the never-say-die Cats remains to be seen.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday April 13, 7.40pm?
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R11, 2012, Geelong 14.13 (97) d Carlton 11.19 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2011, Geelong 15.12 (102) d Carlton 14.16 (100) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2010, Geelong 18.13 (121) d Carlton 12.7 (79) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2010, Carlton 15.14 (104) d Geelong 9.14 (68) at the MCG
R19, 2009, Carlton 14.13 (97) d Geelong 8.14 (62) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Last season's contest could have gone either way, such was the closeness of the stats. Total possessions were 347 to the Blues and 346 to the Cats. It was 52 tackles to 50 in the Cats' favour. Carlton dominated the hit-outs but Geelong dominated the marks.
2. The Cats have a great recent record against the Blues, winning eight of the last 10 contests, including five wins by more than 50 points.
3. Geelong has won more than 70 per cent of its home games at Etihad Stadium, but Carlton has won only 32 per cent.
4. Carlton has never beaten Geelong at Etihad Stadium. Three of those games have been decided by two goals or less, while five of them have been decided by more than 50 points.
5. Carlton struggled at Etihad Stadium in 2012, losing six of nine games.
6. This will be the 213th clash between the sides. Carlton holds the advantage winning 116 games to 94, with two draws.
