CARLTON and Geelong open round 15 on Friday night at the MCG when they clash for the second time this season.

The two teams have taken very different paths since their first encounter in round seven, with the Blues winning four from six since their defeat in that contest, while the Cats' seven-match winning streak was snapped the week after and they have only been victorious once more since.

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Carlton (9-4) is looming as the main challenger to frontrunner Sydney after four victories from their past five matches, while only losing to the ladder-leader in that stretch before a bye.

Geelong (8-5) might well have been licking its wounds during the bye.

The Cats have suffered five defeats from their past six matches, almost wiping out their fast start to the season.

The Cats will be out to make a statement against the high-flying Blues in the first of a testing five-match run of games against fellow finals contenders.

Captain Patrick Dangerfield returns in a welcome boost for the Cats, with Zach Tuohy and Ollie Henry also named. Ruckman Rhys Stanley comes out of the side along with Tanner Bruhn, while Shannon Neale has been dropped.

The Blues have made just one change, with Orazio Fantasia replacing Jack Carroll.

Carlton v Geelong at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST

NO LATE CHANGES

SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Corey Durdin
Geelong: Gary Rohan