AFL Finals: Geelong Defeats Carlton in Thrilling Elimination Final 2026

In a thrilling AFL elimination final, Geelong defeated Carlton by 33 points, ending the Blues' remarkable season. The match, played at the MCG in front of a record crowd, saw Geelong overcome a 21-point deficit to secure a 14.23 (107) to 11.8 (74) victory.

Match Summary: Geelong's Comeback Victory

Carlton started strongly, leading by 21 points in the second term. However, Geelong fought back to trail by just three points at halftime. After the break, the Cats dominated, kicking 10 goals to six to seal the win. The final margin of 33 points reflected Geelong's superior second-half performance.

Patrick Dangerfield's Masterclass

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield was the standout player, kicking five goals in wet conditions, including three in the final quarter. His leadership and skill were instrumental in Geelong's victory, proving he remains a force in the AFL.

Key Performances

• Shaun Mannagh continued his strong form with 25 possessions and six clearances.
• The Geelong midfield dominated clearances in the second half, setting up their forward entries.
• Carlton's young stars fought hard but couldn't match Geelong's experience in crucial moments.

Carlton's Fairytale Season Ends

Under new coach Josh Fraser, Carlton turned around a disastrous 1-9 start to the season with a stunning run of 12 wins, two losses, and a draw. Despite the loss, their season was a remarkable achievement, and they will look to build on this momentum in the future.

Attendance Record

The crowd of 96,680 was the biggest for an AFL match at the MCG this season, highlighting the excitement and interest in this finals clash.

What's Next for Geelong

Geelong will now head to Perth to face Fremantle in next week's semi-final. With the form they showed in this match, they will be confident of advancing further in the finals series.

Key Takeaways

• Geelong's second-half surge was the difference, kicking 10 goals to six.
• Patrick Dangerfield's five-goal performance was a masterclass in finals football.
• Carlton's season turnaround under Josh Fraser is a positive sign for their future.

Match Statistics

FAQ

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