'Season defining': Carlton back on track, downing Geelong in MCG epic
Carlton has officially found their footing in the 2025 season, picking up what Garry Lyon described as a "season defining" win over Geelong at the MCG.
After starting the season 0-4, they have now won three games in a row and re-emerged as a top eight threat.
They led all day and survived a huge late challenge from Geelong in order to hold on and claim the four points.
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Harry McKay was enormous for Carlton in his return AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Blues took control of the game in the second and third terms, kicking nine goals to Geelong's five.
Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay provided a huge presence for Carlton, while their forward pressure was immense.
McKay played his first full game since returning from his mental health absence, kicking three goals and taking five contested marks, while Curnow also kicked three and took nine marks.
It's the first time the Blues have had McKay, Curnow, Jacob Weitering, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni in a full game since June of 2023.
Up the other end, Nick Haynes played his best game for the club, taking seven intercept marks and earning praise from Jonathan Brown.
"He's had a game for the ages. He copped some criticism (in his first game for the club), but he has been outstanding," Brown told Fox Footy.
Carlton was in full control at three quarter time, leading by a game-high 28 points, but Geelong was immediately ready to pounce and send a shiver through the opposition camp.
Jeremy Cameron stunned the Blues with a goal 11 seconds into the fourth term, and the Cats quickly snared two more to get within 10 points.
A McKay contested mark and goal steadied things for Carlton, but the intensity was at boiling point at the MCG.
The Blues celebrate AFL Photos via Getty Images
The final 10 minutes was carnage, with Garry Lyon praising the Blues for holding on amidst all the chaos.
"It has been a super performance by this club," he said.
"A season defining win."
Cameron was a constant threat meanwhile for Geelong, booting four goals, while Bailey Smith found 29 and kicked a goal, though his impact was down on previous weeks.
Sam Walsh led the way for the Blues with 30 touches, while Patrick Cripps found 20 and Elijah Hollands played his best game for the club, finishing with 25 and a goal.
Carlton faces another big test in round eight, facing the Crows in Adelaide, while Geelong gets set for a blockbuster clash with Collingwood.
