Hawkins fires Geelong past sorry AFL Blues

Jul 29, 2017 - 1:19 PM Geelong coach Chris Scott is confident his side's 65-point mauling of Carlton won't also be the match that costs Patrick Dangerfield a second Brownlow Medal.

The Cats made short work of their insipid opponents on Saturday night, winning 18.15 (123) to 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium.

Tom Hawkins kicked six goals in a best-afield performance as a roaming forward.

But the match's biggest moment came with Cats already streets ahead in the third term.

Dangerfield pinned Matthew Kreuzer's arms and dumped the ruckman head first into the turf in a dangerous tackle.

The concussed ruckman was ushered to the Carlton rooms and wasn't sighted for the rest of the night.

Scott, who called the overall display a "professional performance", said he didn't believe Dangerfield had a case to answer.

"He was unaware whether the ball had spilled out so he tried to take the player to ground and roll him in the tackle to avoid an in-the-back free kick which is exactly the way we coach it," he said.

"It wasn't a sling (tackle) that's for sure. I don't think he deliberately drove him into the ground.

"I would expect that would be fine ... but I've got my Geelong scarf on don't I?"

Coming into the match, Dangerfield was a joint favourite to become the first back-to-back winner of the Brownlow Medal since St Kilda champion Robert Harvey.

He will endure restless nights until Monday's MRP findings.

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton will also have trouble sleeping for other reasons.

The Blues remain firmly in the wooden spoon mix after their dreadful showing.

Only Geelong's inaccuracy stopped the contest from becoming a total blowout.

Hawkins ran riot with his biggest haul of the season as well as five score assists and a career-high 27 touches.

The Cats' dominance allowed Dangerfield to spend much of his night in attack, where he was one of five multiple goalkickers.

In his absence, Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola led the way in midfield.

Zac Smith impressed in the ruck while Jordan Murdoch kicked three and provided the run for Scott's side.

There were few positives for Bolton, with Levi Casboult's three-straight goals among them.

Sam Kerridge did an effective job tagging Joel Selwood, while Harry McKay presented well for two goals.

It is tough to see where Carlton's next win comes from, with Essendon, Hawthorn and away trips to West Coast and Sydney closing out their season.

Bolton admitted a gulf in class between the two sides.

"What you're seeing really is a club that's in contention versus a club that's in the second year of a reset," he said.

"We said there were going to be some ups and downs and a bit bumpy. In time we think it'll pay us back."

Source: AAP