Following a much needed win down in Tassie, the Hawks return to Melbourne for their first game at the MCG since round 12.
With five games left in the season, and the competition at the top end of the ladder tightening, it’s time for Hawthorn to get a much needed percentage booster, especially if they are to secure their chances of finals and potentially a home final.
Hawthorn currently sit at fifth on the ladder, with 12 wins, six losses and a 199 percentage.
The Hawks are coming off the back of a solid win against Port Adelaide, defeating the Power by 38 points in the pouring rain.
Despite the poor weather and intense pressure, Hawthorn managed to maintain a lead for over 70% of the match, keeping Port at arms length right up until the final quarter where they blazed away, kicking 5.3 to 1.1 for the quarter.
Dylan Moore had a stand out game. With 32 disposals, nine tackles, seven score involvements, six clearances, and two goals; a performance that earned him nine coaches votes.
Veteran defender Jarman Impey also turned heads with a move up forward late in the game, kicking three majors in ten minutes of exceptional footy.
Meanwhile, this week’s competitors in the Carlton Blues recorded their first win since round 13, defeating the Melbourne Demons by eight points.
Tale of the Tape
This should be another likely win for Hawthorn, even though Carlton has won the last three out of five against the Hawks.
Carlton have had a massive drop off from their form last season due to both a string of injuries and disrupted preseasons to many critical players. As a result, Hawthorn have already beaten Carlton this season back in round two, with the Blues going on to have a slew of infuriating losses to sides like the Kangaroos, encouraging scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
In Round 22 last season, Hawthorn flattened the Blues by 74 points in a spectacular demolition that helped secure their spot in the finals.
This is Hawthorn’s first game back at the MCG since their demoralising defeat at the hands of the Collingwood Magpies back in round 12.
Since then, the Hawks have fought hard to find some form and managed to course correct their season, defeating finals contenders like the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide Crows. It is also their first Thursday night game since Round 13.
Carlton currently sit at 12th on the ladder, a position they have managed to cling onto despite their injury woes and flailing form.
The Last Time They Met
As mentioned earlier, this will be the second time the Hawks face the Blues this season. It was a close contest as Hawthorn looked to start their season 3-0, with neither side leading by more than a goal at any of the major breaks.
Jai Newcombe had a sensational game in the midfield, registering a game high 32 disposals, 11 tackles, nine clearances, and nine score involvements. Newcombe is Hawthorn’s most prolific player against Carlton, averaging 23.3 disposals and 6.5 tackles in his last four outings against them.
In the ruck, Lloyd Meek was thoroughly challenged by Tom De Koning. The Blues ruck had 40 hitouts to Meek’s 37, while also registering seven clearances, three marks, and a goal assist from his 19 disposals.
Mabior Chol was the leading goal kicker for the night, slotting three from eleven disposals. Meanwhile, Blake Hardwick, Nick Watson, and Jack Gunston combined for six with two each.
Forward Zac Williams was the only dual goal scorer for Carlton that night, with their typical scorers Harry McKay a late out and Charlie Curnow kept goalless by Hawthorn’s defence.
It was Hawthorn’s accuracy around the big sticks that saw them build the winning lead, kicking 3.1 in the fourth while keeping the Blues goalless. The Hawks finished the night 12.8.80 to Carlton’s 8.12.60.
The Side
After the heart-warming inclusion of embattled forward, Mitch Lewis, last week, Hawthorn fans are eager to welcome the long awaited return of star midfielder, Will Day.
After months of rehab following the discovery of a stress fracture in his foot following his clash with Carlton in round three, Will Day was officially medically cleared this Monday, sparking excitement across the fan base.
He will take the place of Finn Maginness, who tragically lacerated his kidney last week, ending his 2025 season prematurely.
The Short of It
If they play much like they did this time last year, this could be another huge percentage booster for Hawthorn, which may prove critical for them coming into September.
The ladder is extremely tight coming into Round 20, with four teams sitting on 48 points and a game separating third and fourth. Predictions show that Hawks need at least three wins in the next month if they are to keep their spot in the eight so every game counts.
In saying that, the expectation, whether it’s through blue collar means or a total clinic, the Hawks should put away the Blues this Thursday night.
