A five-goal haul by Tom Hawkins has helped Geelong to a 19-point NAB Challenge win over Carlton.
A week after Mitch Clark booted six goals against Adelaide, the Cats showed what a dangerous proposition they'll be in attack this season, with Clark also chiming in with three goals in the 0.17.9 (111) to 2.10.14 (92) win at Etihad Stadium.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said he had tried to temper his expectations since luring Clark to the club at the end of last year, but admitted he was excited at how well his two key forwards had worked together during the pre-season series.
"It means that the opposition are thinking about two really strong targets," Scott said.
"It makes it difficult to choose which one to go to and puts a bit of pressure on their second tall defender.
"It gives us some options as well. Tom's a fantastic focal point, but when the guys up the field see two targets they can take the best option rather than thinking that Tom's not the best option but then kicking it to him anyway.
"We're careful not to get too excited about Mitch Clark, but it's hard based on what we've seen through the pre-season."
Cats skipper Joel Selwood was outstanding further afield with 28 possessions, while Mitch Duncan (24 disposals) and Cameron Guthrie (26) also impressed.
Despite the result, the Blues will take plenty away from their performance - in particular the efforts of youngster Patrick Cripps, who led the way with 32 possessions and a goal.
Marc Murphy (24 disposals) worked hard in his first game of the NAB Challenge, with Chris Judd and Andrew Carrazzo also important.
The Blues jumped out to an early lead, but Duncan was instrumental with 12 first-quarter possessions and two goals as the Cats found their rhythm to lead by 15 points at the first break.
Geelong piled on six unanswered goals to blow the margin out to 36 points in the second quarter, but Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was pleased with the way his charges dug deep to wrest back the momentum.
With the game getting away from them, the Blues put on a four-goal burst to finish the half just seven points in arrears.
Jimmy Bartel was subbed on during the break and he was immediately a factor, with 12 touches, as Geelong stretched their lead back out to 22 points at three-quarter time.
Judd was subbed out for the last quarter, but the Blues - already without the likes of rested trio Bryce Gibbs, Chris Yarran and Kade Simpson - did well to fight the match out.
Malthouse was delighted with the way his players stuck at the task against a line-up that looked superior on paper.
"It was a good hitout against a top side from last year," Malthouse said.
"We challenged them a few times. There were some good signs - we closed the gap in a lot of areas. "We got what we wanted."
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