Overview
- Geelong beat Carlton 14.23 (107) to 11.8 (74) at the MCG on Friday, September 4, 2026, a 33-point win watched by 96,680 fans.
- Captain Patrick Dangerfield kicked five goals and created repeated scoring chances, driving a decisive second-half swing in momentum.
- Carlton started strongly and led at stages, but Geelong piled on a run of goals after halftime that the Blues could not match.
- Carlton’s season ends after an improbable comeback under coach Josh Fraser following a 1‑8 start, with the club’s young players now facing off-season reflection.
- Young Blue Harry Dean passed a head injury assessment after a facial blow, Max Holmes will be monitored for soreness, and Geelong now heads to Optus Stadium to face minor premiers Fremantle, who lost their qualifying final to Hawthorn.