CATS DISPATCH BLUES; HAWKINS, VARCOE DEBUT IN STYLE
Ben Jensen 9 April 2007

By Ben Jensen GEELONG easily accounted for Carlton in front of 41,113 at Telstra Dome on Saturday night. Debutantes Tom Hawkins and Travis Varcoe kicked three and two goals respectively while key forwards Nathan Ablett and Cameron Mooney continued their potent early form with five goals apiece.

David Wojcinski excelled as did Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel and Matthew Scarlett. Wojcinski's runs across the centre of the ground were a pleasure to watch. His third quarter goal was an obvious highlight but his disposal, mainly by foot, was top notch all game. Gary Ablett combined well with all leading forwards, especially brother Nathan who as mentioned last week really looks like he wants to play AFL level footy.

Mark Thompson and the selection panel will have a tough few days deciding the team to play Melbourne next Sunday at the MCG. Brad Ottens and Mark Blake dominated the ruck all match so don't expect Steven King to displace either big man - King should have a spell in the VFL for at least a week. James Kelly is also a chance to return but may also find himself playing for the Bendigo Bank Cats against Tasmania in Bellerive on Saturday.

The Cats start as short priced favorites for the clash with the Dees - Melbourne will be without spearheads David Nietz and Russell Robertson and midfielder Clint Bartram. Josh Hunt, called up to replace injured David Johnson, may miss himself this week after suffering a leg injury.

GEELONG 4.6 10.8 19.13 24.18 (162) DEFEATED
CARLTON 3.2 5.6 7.9 12.12 (84)

GOALS:
GEELONG: C Mooney 5 N Ablett 5 T Hawkins 3 G Ablett 2 T Varcoe 2 C Ling 2 B Ottens J Hunt J Selwood S Byrnes D Wojcinski.
CARLTON: E Betts 3 B Fisher 2 A Carrazzo 2 A Walker M Murphy L Whitnall C Ackland N Stevens.

BEST:
GEELONG: G Ablett D Wojcinski M Scarlett B Ottens J Bartel S Byrnes N Ablett.
CARLTON: M Murphy A Walker H Scotland.

VFL RESULT

SANDRINGHAM 8.5 16.8 19.10 23.11 (149) DEFEATED
GEELONG 5.5 5.10 16.12 20.19 (139)

Goals: SANDRINGHAM: Sautner 7 Sylvia 3 Garland 2 Yze 2 Valenti 2 Summers Johnson Holland Pickett Newton Ferguson Crowe.
GEELONG: Johnson 5 Urie 3 Davenport 2 Barnes 2 Spencer 2 Hogan 2 Hunt Byrne Djerrkura Grima

Best: SANDRINGHAM: Summers Ferguson Sylvia Valenti Sautner Yze
GEELONG: Johnson Barnes Byrne Playfair West Davenport Reports: Nil. At Trevor Barker Beach Oval.