BOTH sides are coming off morale-sapping losses in round 11. The Cats suffered a 110-point thrashing at the hands of the Sydney Swans at the SCG, while the Blues were humbled by the lowly Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. As a result, the teams have plenty to prove. Geelong, which is now sixth on the ladder but only percentage off second, should have the firepower to get the result it wants. But if Carlton has shown one thing since Mick Malthouse's arrival, it is resilience. The Blues began this season with four straight losses, yet they were able to bounce back then and they will back themselves to do the same this time around.






WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, June 6, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2013, Geelong 18.11 (119) d Carlton 15.13 (103) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2012, Geelong 14.13 (97) d Carlton 11.19 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2011, Geelong 15.12 (102) d Carlton 14.16 (100) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2010, Geelong 18.13 (121) d Carlton 12.7 (79) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2010, Carlton 15.14 (104) d Geelong 9.14 (68) at the MCG

Want to watch the game LIVE? Click here for your free trial of AFL Live Pass

THE SIX POINTS
1. Geelong has won all 11 of its games against Carlton at Etihad Stadium. The run of success has included five wins by more than 50 points and two by less than a goal.

2. Such has been the Cats' dominance over the Blues at Etihad Stadium, they have kicked an average score of 124 points to Carlton’s 83 in those 11 matches.

3. This game is a battle of the shoddiest shooters at goal. Geelong converts just 45.1 per cent of its shots, making it the least accurate team in the competition. Carlton is 17th when it comes to accuracy, converting just 45.8 per cent of its shots.

4. Geelong is the worst clearance team this season, averaging 33.6 per game. Carlton is the fourth-best, averaging 40 per game.

5.  The Cats have been strong when it comes to marks inside 50 this year. They are averaging 12.9 per game, which ranks them third in the competition. Carlton is ranked seventh, with an average of 11.8 per game.

6. Geelong forward Tom Hawkins recorded the highest score in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade, in the most recent meeting between the Cats and Blues in round three last season. Hawkins' 17 disposals, five marks and three goals earned him 23 points.

Prediction: Geelong by 25 points