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There are questions over the form of new Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield after another subpar performance as the reigning premiers suffered a second straight loss.
After being overrun by Collingwood in round one, Geelong spent most of round two trailing a hungry Carlton side who eventually ran out 13. 12. (90) to 12. 10. (82) winners at the MCG despite a nervy finish.
While Carlton was excellent, Dangerfield followed his 22-disposal outing against the Magpies with another 22 against the Blues.
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The 32-year-old assumed the captaincy from the retired Joel Selwood this season, and AFL icon Mick Malthouse questioned whether the added duty was having an impact on the Cats superstar.
“He’s had two shockers. Last week he didn’t play (well), this week he’s really struggled,” Malthouse told ABC.
“I don’t know if it’s the expectations or leadership. He just doesn’t look like the same dynamic player.”
The loss drops Geelong to its first 0-2 start to the season since 2015. The Cats are the first reigning premiers to lose their first two games the following season since Hawthorn started 0-2 in 2009.
The Cats were without premiership defensive trio Tom Stewart, Jack Henry and Jake Kolodjashnij and reigning Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow took full advantage.
Curnow was outstanding up forward as the leading man for Carlton, kicking 5.2 in a thrilling shootout with Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron, who finished with 6.1.
The Blues led by as many as 28 points in the third quarter but had to withstand a furious Geelong rally in the final stanza.
Geelong will hope to get off its two-game slide when it travels to the Gold Coast to face the Suns in round three.
Carlton will look to build a winning streak next week when it travels interstate to take on the GWS Giants.
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