Blues stun Cats in big AFL upset

Undermanned Carlton have stunned premiership fancies Geelong by 19 points in a massive AFL upset.

The Blues were down two men from the first quarter, but they were relentless and beat the Cats 16.8 (104) to 12.13 (85) on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

It was Carlton's first win against Geelong at Etihad Stadium in 15 matches.

It is also the second upset loss in a row for Geelong, following last week's poor performance against Collingwood.

Questions will now be asked of Geelong, who were listless and received a big spray from coach Chris Scott at quarter time.

By contrast, the Blues have an outstanding 5-5 record under new coach Brendon Bolton.

Ruckman Mathew Kreuzer and key forward Levi Casboult also returned far quicker than expected from leg injuries for this match.

The Blues suffered a double blow in the first quarter when captain Marc Murphy and Liam Sumner were forced from the field because of injuries, leaving them two short on the bench.

But scores were level at the first break and the Blues could not be faulted for their workrate.

Geelong also paid for early inaccuracy, kicking 3.6 in the first quarter.

The Cats briefly took the lead at the start of the second term, but the Blues kept pressing.

Two goals just before halftime - the second following a 50m penalty - gave Carlton a 20-point lead at the main break.

Geelong's scratchy form continued as the Blues refused to go away and Carlton still had a 19-point break at the last change.

The Cats kicked two goals in a row early in the last term to trail by only 18 points, but Carlton steadied quickly to snuff out the challenge.