Hawkins stars for Cats, Freo sink Eagles
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A five-goal haul by Tom Hawkins has helped Geelong to a 19-point NAB Challenge win over Carlton.
A week after Mitch Clark booted six goals against Adelaide, the Cats showed what a dangerous proposition they’ll be in attack this season, with Clark also chiming in with three goals in the 0.17.9 (111) to 2.10.14 (92) win at Etihad Stadium.
Cats skipper Joel Selwood was outstanding further afield with 28 possessions, while Mitch Duncan (24 disposals) and Cameron Guthrie (26) also impressed.
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Despite the result, the Blues will take plenty away from their performance – in particular the efforts of youngster Patrick Cripps, who led the way with 32 possessions and a goal.
Marc Murphy (24 disposals) worked hard in his first game of the NAB Challenge, with Chris Judd and Andrew Carrazzo also important.
The Blues jumped out to an early lead, but Duncan was instrumental with 12 first-quarter possessions and two goals as the Cats found their rhythm to lead by 15 points at the first break.
Geelong piled on six unanswered goals to blow the margin out to 36 points in the second quarter, but Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was pleased with the way his charges dug deep to wrest back the momentum.
With the game getting away from them, the Blues put on a four-goal burst to finish the half just seven points in arrears.
Jimmy Bartel was subbed on during the break and he was immediately a factor, with 12 touches, as Geelong stretched their lead back out to 22 points at three-quarter time.
Judd was subbed out for the last quarter, but the Blues – already without the likes of rested trio Bryce Gibbs, Chris Yarran and Kade Simpson – did well to fight the match out.
David Mundy tackles Luke Shuey during their NAB Challenge clash. Photo: Getty
Meanwhile, Nat Fyfe showcased his Brownlow Medal potential as Fremantle weathered a late storm to beat West Coast by 19 points at Domain Stadium.
Fyfe tallied 29 possessions and kicked 1.2 in the 1.13.17 (104) to 1.11.10 (85) victory, with his overhead marking and clean skills at ground level the highlight.
The 23-year-old finished just one vote behind Matt Priddis in last year’s Brownlow medal count, despite missing four matches due to suspension.
But if he can avoid suspension and injury this year, he looms as a strong chance to take home the prestigious medal.
The Dockers controlled much of Sunday’s match, and appeared home once they opened up a 35-point lead late in the third quarter.
But inspired by two goals each from Josh Kennedy and Mark LeCras, West Coast closed the gap to four points early in the final quarter before a super goal from Cameron Sutcliffe settled Fremantle’s nerves in front of 16,032 people.
Fyfe’s heroics were a major positive for the Dockers, but they were left with a fresh injury concern after utility Nick Suban injured his right hamstring in the opening minutes.
The Dockers are hopeful Michael Barlow (ankle), Hayden Ballantyne (calf) and Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) will be fit for their season opener against Port Adelaide on April 5.
Tagger Ryan Crowley is in danger of missing the entire season after failing a doping test last July, with his hearing expected to be held next month.