From the afl.com
NAB Cup match preview: Carlton v Geelong
5:26:02 PM Tue 21 February, 2006
Matt Burgan
Sportal for afl.com.au
CARLTON v GEELONG: Saturday 25 Feb, Telstra Dome, 7.40pm
TV/RADIO/INTERNET: Ch 10 (live), afl.com.au
PRESEASON/NIGHT PREMIERSHIPS WON: Carlton 3 (1983, 1997 and 2005), Geelong 1 (1961)
LAST YEAR'S NAB CUP: The highlight of Carlton's 2005 season was undoubtedly its pre-season win over eventual premiership season grand finalist West Coast. The Blues defeated Essendon, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs before overcoming the Eagles in the pre-season final by 27 points. Full-forward Brendan Fevola was a shining light for Carlton, kicking eight goals in the final which earned him the Michael Tuck Medal. The Cats were bundled out after round one of last year's pre-season competition when beaten by the Kangaroos by 25 points at Manuka Oval. The Cats managed just 29 points for the match.
WHO'S IN/WHO'S NOT: Carlton will enter the match with last year's No.1 draftee Marc Murphy, which will no doubt get the Blues' fans excited. A talented ball-winner, Murphy is the son of former Fitzroy great John. Former Brisbane ruckman Dylan McLaren will also don the navy blue for the first time, but ex-Sydney defender Jason Saddington will have to wait at least three weeks before running out with his new team, after recently undergoing knee surgery. Geelong topped-up with youngsters over the pre-season, including the lightning quick Travis Varcoe, who has been given the honour of wearing No.5 - made famous by arguably the club's two greatest players - Graham 'Polly' Farmer' and Gary Ablett snr. But Geelong fans may also have to wait a little longer to see him in action as he is recovering from a foot injury. Former vice-captain Brenton Sanderson has retired, while Paul Chambers (Sydney) and Cameron Thurley (Kangaroos) have moved on.
WHILE YOU WERE WATCHING THE CRICKET AND THE TENNIS: The Blues re-signed important duo Lance Whitnall and Matthew Lappin until the end of 2007, and they appointed two greats of the game to their coaching ranks - Terry Daniher and Gary Dempsey. Key forwards Brendan Fevola (groin) and Jarrad Waite (leg) had interrupted pre-seasons. Geelong posted a profit over the summer and reshaped its leadership group. Tom Harley, Cameron Ling and Matthew Scarlett have all been appointed vice-captains, while Paul Chapman, Joel Corey and Cameron Mooney are also in the leadership group.
WHY TO WATCH: Despite a miserable 2005 home-and-away season, Carlton will be optimistic about this season's NAB Cup, having claimed last year's title. The unveiling of Murphy, Whitnall repositioned at centre half-back and a bulked-up Irishman named Setanta O'hAilpin up forward will give the Blues plenty to look forward to. The Cats will be one of the teams to beat in 2005 and although the marathon is about to begin, a glimpse into their fortunes via this match will give Geelong fans plenty of reasons to watch.
THE VERDICT: Anything can happen in pre-season fixtures and this is no exception. Several clubs adopt a youth policy and use it to trial certain players, while others are keen to gain a 'triple-m' advantage - momentum, membership and money. Carlton will be keen on the latter, while Geelong is likely to be taking a softly-softly approach. Nevertheless, the Cats should have enough class across the board to overcome the Blues and advance to the quarter finals. Geelong by 23 points.