By John Van Klaveren
It must be those nine lives.
The Cats escaped again, and once again it was Carlton left singing the blues.
It was Carlton’s injury woes that left it undone in the end, leaving the rotations desperately short.
It could be argued Geelong suffered its injuries before the game, losing Stevie J, Jimmy and the speed of Jordan Murdoch.
At least Geelong had fit replacements although Billy Smedts thought he was still playing VFL and was subbed out.
Jed Bews demonstrated his reliability with another solid showing, giving coach Chris Scott the knowledge that he will be ready to go whenever called upon.
Through the first three quarters it was almost goal for goal with a number of lead changes.
There were some great passages of play through the middle of the ground but once the ball crossed the imaginary plane of the 50 metre arc, the fumbles and inaccuracy took hold.
Throughout the final term Geelong was playing catch up and it was only Carlton running out of puff that cruelled its chances.
It was the improvised goals where Geelong looked purposeful, eschewing structure, preferring to make it up as they went along.
There could be some questions about Tom Hawkins after he appeared to be somewhat restricted in movement, with fears his back may again be upsetting him.
That would spell disaster for the Cats with Hawthorn next week and the finals starting two weeks later.
