Carlton made the stronger start in the AFL elimination final against Geelong at the MCG on Friday night, taking a 16-point lead into the first break as the Cats struggled to match the Blues’ intensity.
Carlton led 4.3 (27) to 1.5 (11) at quarter-time, with the Blues ahead by 31 disposals and 15-4 in clearances. Their tackling pressure was also telling, with Carlton leading that count 19-7. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-04/afl-elimination-final-geelong-cats-carlton-blues-live-blog/107113706))
Light rain at the ground has contributed to a scrappy, contested opening, but Carlton have adapted more effectively. Sam Walsh and Jagga Smith have caused repeated problems through the middle, while Billy Wilson and Adam Cerra have provided quick, direct movement from half-back.
Walsh has so far evaded the close attention of Geelong’s Oisin Mullin, while Bailey Smith has been followed by Carlton tagger Cooper Lord. Lord also kicked a goal for the Blues during the opening term.
Geelong coach Chris Scott made several early positional changes in an attempt to unsettle Carlton. Jeremy Cameron began at half-back before moving to a wing, while Mark Blicavs and Patrick Dangerfield started in attack.
Dangerfield eventually gave the Cats their first goal, but Carlton continued to control the contest and punish Geelong’s hesitant ball movement. Patrick Cripps added a spectacular checkside goal from the pocket, underlining the visitors’ confidence in a sudden-death final.
The match is the first elimination final of the 2026 AFL finals series, with the winner keeping its season alive and the loser exiting the competition. The fixture began at 7.40pm AEST at the MCG, where general-public and AFL Reserve tickets had sold out. ([afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1600016/afl-finals-2026-first-elimination-final))
