The official AFL pre season fixtures are in full swing, and the build up to Opening Round is officially on. Who’s finding plenty of the footy? Who’s logging serious CBA's? Who's snagging every kick in? We’ve got the review and the numbers for you.
CARLTON v GEELONG
Carlton have wrapped up their AAMI Community Series campaign with a strong showing against Geelong, pulling away late to secure the win after a tightly contested battle for much of the afternoon.
For three quarters, the game was played at a high intensity with both midfields trading blows around stoppage. However, the Blues established a solid buffer heading into the final term, and the Cats were unable to claw their way back as Carlton’s midfield control and ball use proved decisive.
Both sides recorded 28 centre bounces, and the contest was heavily shaped by the on-ball brigade, with key names logging serious midfield exposure ahead of Opening Round.
Midfield Arm Wrestle
This was a genuine stoppage battle.
Carlton’s core group shouldered the load, with George Hewett (19 CBAs) and Jagga Smith (18 CBAs) leading the way. Patrick Cripps (16 CBAs) and Sam Walsh (16 CBAs) were heavily involved as expected, while Lord (14 CBAs) and Marc Pittonet rotated through key moments.
The Blues’ ability to win first possession and link up on the outside became increasingly influential as the game wore on, helping them establish scoreboard separation late.
For Geelong, Tom Atkins was the standout in terms of midfield workload, attending 23 of the 28 CBAs — a significant share. James Worpel (18 CBAs) was also prominent, while Holmes (14), Tanner Bruhn (12) and George Stevens (12) rounded out the Cats’ midfield mix.
The CBA splits from this game provide strong insight into how both teams are shaping structurally heading into Round 1.
High Possession Numbers
The contest translated into big disposal numbers for the key midfielders.
Jagga Smith was the standout ball winner on the ground with 37 disposals, underlining his heavy centre bounce presence. George Hewett (30), Patrick Cripps (29) and Sam Walsh (29) followed closely behind, as Carlton’s prime movers controlled large stretches of play.
For Geelong, Tanner Bruhn (27) and Tom Atkins (27) were the Cats’ leading accumulators, both combining strong midfield minutes with consistent involvement around the ground.
When your CBA leaders are also your disposal leaders, it’s a clear sign of role stability — and that was evident for both sides.
Defensive Distribution
Kick-in roles offered some subtle structural clues.
Carlton recorded five total kick-ins, shared between McGovern (2), Boyd (1) and Young (1). The relatively even spread suggests flexibility in their defensive ball movement setup.
Geelong had eight total kick-ins, with Stewart (2) leading the way. Holmes (1), Bruhn (1) and Jack Martin (1) also featured, hinting at a shared responsibility approach out of defence.
These early-season kick-in splits are always worth monitoring as teams refine their back-half structure before Opening Round.
Standout Performers
For Carlton, Walsh, Jagga Smith and Cripps were clearly the most influential. Walsh’s outside work complemented the inside strength of Cripps, while Smith’s 37 disposals highlighted a breakout level of involvement.
For Geelong, Bruhn, Atkins and Holmes were the Cats’ most impactful contributors. Atkins’ 23 CBAs stood out in particular, reinforcing his importance to Geelong’s stoppage setup.
Stats
Disposal Leaders - Jagga Smith 37, George Hewett 30, Patrick Cripps 29, Sam Walsh 29, Tanner Bruhn 27, Tom Atkins 27
CBA Leaders - Tom Atkins 23, George Hewett 19, Jagga Smith 18, James Worpel 18, Cripps 16, Walsh 16, Holmes 14, Lord 14, Tanner Bruhn 12, George Stevens 12
Kick In Leaders - Stewart 2, McGovern 2, Holmes 1, Bruhn 1, Jack Martin 1, Boyd 1, Young 1
Best Carlton - Walsh, Jagga Smith, Cripps
Best Geelong - Bruhn, Atkins, Holmes