Carlton Stuns Melbourne 74-55 in AFL Wildcard Final, Eyes Geelong Clash

Carlton defeated Melbourne 74-55 in the AFL’s first Wildcard Final on Saturday night at the MCG, advancing to an Elimination Final against Geelong on Friday, September 4. The Blues’ victory caps an extraordinary turnaround under interim coach Josh Fraser, who took over when Carlton sat 1-8 in mid-season. Since Fraser’s appointment, Carlton has compiled an 11-2-1 record and now faces Geelong, with the winner progressing to a Semi Final.

How Carlton mounted the comeback

Melbourne led by 21 points after the first quarter and appeared the superior team early. Carlton kicked only three goals after quarter-time but shifted their ball movement in the second half, circumnavigating Melbourne’s ruck Max Gawn and hitting targets with precision. The Blues’ improved kicking allowed them to identify gaps and utilise the MCG’s full width. Cooper Lord, a VFL player just weeks earlier, held All-Australian Kysaiah Pickett to three behinds and 31.6 per cent disposal efficiency from 19 touches.

Fraser’s rapid rise from interim to permanent coach

Josh Fraser took over as interim coach when Carlton sat 1-8 after round 9. The Blues won 11 of their next 14 games (including draws) to secure a top-eight finish and earn the Wildcard Final spot. Melbourne coach Steven King said his team was proud despite the loss but acknowledged Carlton’s superior second-half execution. Former coach Michael Voss, who stepped down at 1-8, said on August 31 that he was pleased the Blues had “made something out of the season” and believes they have no reason they “can’t go further than this weekend.” Voss added that if things break right, Carlton could win the premiership.

Key performers in the Wildcard victory

Sam Walsh led Carlton’s vote-getters in the Zero Hanger Finals MVP count, earning five votes from all four judges. Jagga Smith and Ben Ainsworth each received multiple votes. Harry Dean and Jacob Weitering formed a formidable partnership down back, with Weitering recording 18 disposals, 12 marks, 10 intercepts, 11 spoils and six intercept marks. The pairing, dubbed the “Carlton Curtain,” has played limited games together but already established defensive dominance.

What’s next: Geelong showdown on September 4

Carlton will face Geelong in an Elimination Final at the MCG on Friday, September 4 at 7.40pm AEST. The two clubs last met in a finals game in 1995, making this a 31-year gap. Geelong enjoyed the weekend off after finishing higher on the ladder, while Carlton carries momentum from their Wildcard win. The winner advances to a Semi Final against either Fremantle or Hawthorn; the loser’s season ends.

Final Thoughts

Carlton’s rise from 1-8 to Wildcard Final winners marks one of the AFL’s most stunning mid-season turnarounds. With Fraser’s system now producing results and key defenders performing at elite level, the Blues face Geelong as genuine contenders despite their lower seeding.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.