- Joined
- Mar 27, 2007
- Posts
- 20,680
- Reaction score
- 34
- AFL Club
- Carlton
- Other Teams
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- #1
Where and when: MCG, Saturday, May 2, 2.10pm AEST
Head to head: Hawthorn 53 wins, Carlton 102 wins
Last time: Hawthorn 24.15 (159) d Carlton 12.9 (81), round 22, 2008, at Docklands
MISSING IN ACTION
Hawthorn
Max Bailey (knee) - TBC
Grant Birchall (thumb) - 1-2 weeks
Trent Croad (foot) - TBC
Xavier Ellis (foot) - TBC
Stephen Gilham (knee) - test
Brent Guerra (hamstring) - test
Rick Ladson (knee) - TBC
Michael Osborne (hamstring) - test
Clinton Young (hamstring) - TBC
Carlton
Adam Bentick (knee) - 6 weeks
Shaun Grigg (ankle) - test
Sam Jacobs (foot) - 6 weeks
Chris Johnson (thigh) - 3-4 weeks
Darren Pfeiffer (shoulder) - 8 weeks
Andrew Walker (shoulder) - indefinite
Robert Warnock (foot) - 6-8 weeks
FORM
Hawthorn: LLWLW
Carlton: WWLLW
SUMMARY
The reigning premiers started the season with two losses while the resurgent Blues jumped out of the blocks with a couple of wins, but both sides bring winning form into this encounter. Hawthorn overcame a plucky West Coast side in Launceston and Carlton upset the Western Bulldogs to set up what should be an enthralling clash.
The Hawks have enjoyed a good run against the Blues in recent times, having won 10 of the last 12 matches between the two. However, Brett Ratten's current team is a different prospect altogether these days while injuries have meant Alastair Clarkson is yet to field his best 22 this season.
The Blues will need to cover the loss of Chris Johnson, who is out for a month with a thigh injury, with Mitch Robinson and Richard Hadley the leading candidates. Hawthorn has a raft of players set for fitness tests, with key defender Stephen Gilham arguably the most important.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)
Lewis, who turned 23 last week, has managed just two games this season due to a shoulder injury over summer, but he was right back to his ball-gathering best last week against the Eagles. He managed 35 touches the last time these teams met and brings a lot to the Hawthorn midfield when he's 100 per cent fit.
Brendan Fevola (Carlton)
Let's face it – naming Fev as your player to watch is a bit of a cheap possession because he's always worth watching. But this week it's particularly true because the big forward looks to be on the verge of a breakout performance. His heel is on the mend, and let's not forget the way the Hawks flooded their backline to stop him kicking his 100th goal despite being a mile in front in round 22 last year.
QUESTION MARKS
Can the Hawks put together some consistent football over four quarters? Injuries have meant multiple changes on a weekly basis, which doesn't help team chemistry.
How will the recent passing of club benefactor Richard Pratt affect the playing group? Several senior Blues were close to their former president. Will they have extra incentive to win?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Carlton looks to have the more settled line-up, which should go a long way to getting the desired result. The hard-running Blues beat the Dogs at their own game last week after overcoming the yips in front of goal that cost them the previous two matches. The Hawks are slowly getting their house in order, but the Blues are a little more advanced at this point of the season.
PREDICTION
Carlton by 13 points
http://www.afl.com.au/Results/tabid/...fixtureid=5075
Head to head: Hawthorn 53 wins, Carlton 102 wins
Last time: Hawthorn 24.15 (159) d Carlton 12.9 (81), round 22, 2008, at Docklands
MISSING IN ACTION
Hawthorn
Max Bailey (knee) - TBC
Grant Birchall (thumb) - 1-2 weeks
Trent Croad (foot) - TBC
Xavier Ellis (foot) - TBC
Stephen Gilham (knee) - test
Brent Guerra (hamstring) - test
Rick Ladson (knee) - TBC
Michael Osborne (hamstring) - test
Clinton Young (hamstring) - TBC
Carlton
Adam Bentick (knee) - 6 weeks
Shaun Grigg (ankle) - test
Sam Jacobs (foot) - 6 weeks
Chris Johnson (thigh) - 3-4 weeks
Darren Pfeiffer (shoulder) - 8 weeks
Andrew Walker (shoulder) - indefinite
Robert Warnock (foot) - 6-8 weeks
FORM
Hawthorn: LLWLW
Carlton: WWLLW
SUMMARY
The reigning premiers started the season with two losses while the resurgent Blues jumped out of the blocks with a couple of wins, but both sides bring winning form into this encounter. Hawthorn overcame a plucky West Coast side in Launceston and Carlton upset the Western Bulldogs to set up what should be an enthralling clash.
The Hawks have enjoyed a good run against the Blues in recent times, having won 10 of the last 12 matches between the two. However, Brett Ratten's current team is a different prospect altogether these days while injuries have meant Alastair Clarkson is yet to field his best 22 this season.
The Blues will need to cover the loss of Chris Johnson, who is out for a month with a thigh injury, with Mitch Robinson and Richard Hadley the leading candidates. Hawthorn has a raft of players set for fitness tests, with key defender Stephen Gilham arguably the most important.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)
Lewis, who turned 23 last week, has managed just two games this season due to a shoulder injury over summer, but he was right back to his ball-gathering best last week against the Eagles. He managed 35 touches the last time these teams met and brings a lot to the Hawthorn midfield when he's 100 per cent fit.
Brendan Fevola (Carlton)
Let's face it – naming Fev as your player to watch is a bit of a cheap possession because he's always worth watching. But this week it's particularly true because the big forward looks to be on the verge of a breakout performance. His heel is on the mend, and let's not forget the way the Hawks flooded their backline to stop him kicking his 100th goal despite being a mile in front in round 22 last year.
QUESTION MARKS
Can the Hawks put together some consistent football over four quarters? Injuries have meant multiple changes on a weekly basis, which doesn't help team chemistry.
How will the recent passing of club benefactor Richard Pratt affect the playing group? Several senior Blues were close to their former president. Will they have extra incentive to win?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Carlton looks to have the more settled line-up, which should go a long way to getting the desired result. The hard-running Blues beat the Dogs at their own game last week after overcoming the yips in front of goal that cost them the previous two matches. The Hawks are slowly getting their house in order, but the Blues are a little more advanced at this point of the season.
PREDICTION
Carlton by 13 points
http://www.afl.com.au/Results/tabid/...fixtureid=5075
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