SUMMARY
The Hawks close out their Tasmanian schedule for 2016 with the first ever visit from the big-drawing Blues, ensuring a bumper crowd at their Launceston fortress. The Blues will be well schooled on what makes the Hawks tick, and their best chance to spring the upset is for Patrick Cripps and Bryce Gibbs to take charge in the midfield and get the ball moving quickly. Saturday represents a great chance for the well coached and improving Blues to measure themselves against the best team in the competition, and they will competitive for long periods, but talent and experience will get Hawthorn home here. Two games clear on top of the ladder, there seems no chance the Hawks will jeopardise the perfect launching pad they have built for their flag assault.
Brendon Bolton's coaching against friend and mentor Alastair Clarkson for the first time. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Aurora Stadium, Saturday, July 30, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2015, Hawthorn 17.11 (113) d Carlton 8.8 (56) at the MCG
R17, 2015, Hawthorn 27.11 (173) d Carlton 4.11 (35) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2014, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d Carlton 13.12 (90) at the MCG
R12, 2013, Hawthorn 15.12 (102) d Carlton 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2012, Hawthorn 18.12 (120) d Carlton 10.10 (70) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. When these teams last played Sam Mitchell was the star with 34 disposals, six tackles and three Brownlow votes. Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston kicked four goals each.
2. Hawthorn is ranked fourth for scoring this season, kicking 100 points per game compared to Carlton, which is ranked 17th with only 71 points per game.
3. Hawthorn has dominated Carlton over a long period, winning the last 13 matches, a club record; the Blues haven't won since round six, 2005.
4. The Blues are ranked last for contested possessions after 17 games, averaging only 131.7 per game, but the Hawks are only marginally better, 14th at 135.9 per game.
5. The Hawks will be looking for their 19th consecutive win at Aurora Stadium, a league record. They haven’t lost there since round five, 2012. Carlton will be playing for the first time in Tasmania.
6. Cyril Rioli dropped one place in the Schick AFL Player Rankings on the weekend and is now 11th overall with 545.6 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Brendon Bolton.
Back in his home state, coaching against the Hawks for the first time, what tricks does he have up his sleeve against Alastair Clarkson, his friend and mentor?
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 18 points
