Carlton have produced a stirring upset over Geelong, holding on for a four-point victory in a high-quality AFL clash at the MCG, with captain Patrick Cripps delivering the decisive moment late in the final quarter.

Under interim coach Josh Fraser, the Blues continued their strong resurgence, recording their third win in as many matches since the coaching change following Michael Voss’s departure.The match was tightly contested throughout, finishing 12.16 (88) to 12.12 (84).

Cripps was instrumental with 30 disposals and eight clearances, but it was his towering late mark close to goal and composed finish that ultimately sealed the result.

Sam Walsh was equally influential in midfield, also collecting 30 disposals and seven clearances, while young midfielder Jagga Smith impressed with 27 disposals and six clearances.Forward Will Hayward contributed three goals to keep Carlton in touch during key stages of the contest.Geelong started strongly, kicking four consecutive goals in the opening term to lead by 19 points at quarter time.However, Carlton gradually wrestled back momentum through the second quarter, reducing the margin to just five points at half-time.

The game remained tight and swung multiple times in the second half, with Geelong briefly regaining the lead late in the final term through Jack Henry before Cripps responded.For Geelong, Bailey Smith was outstanding with 35 disposals, while Jeremy Cameron finished with four goals.

Despite their strong performance, the Cats were unable to withstand Carlton’s late surge, leaving them at risk of dropping out of the top four depending on other results.

The win lifts Carlton to 4-8 for the season and highlights a renewed sense of belief under Fraser, while Geelong are left to rue missed opportunities in a match that slipped away in the closing minutes.