SUMMARY
After dispatching the Brisbane Lions with a minimum of fuss, Hawthorn will be looking to fine-tune its preparations before a likely trip west for a qualifying final. There's also still the slim chance that the Hawks could slip ahead of West Coast into second spot on the ladder if the Eagles lose to St Kilda. Carlton is limping towards the end of the season but, in his last game in charge, interim coach John Barker will be keen to stir the Blues to produce one last effort. Pride will be on the line after their shocking capitulation to the Hawks in round 17 resulted in Carlton's biggest-ever loss of 138 points.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, September 4, 4.40pm
AEST
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LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R22, 2011, Hawthorn 10.18 (78) d Carlton 8.18 (66) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn inflicted Carlton's heaviest defeat in its 119-season history when the teams met in round 17, romping to a 138-point triumph at Etihad Stadium.
2. After 21 games Hawthorn is ranked No.1 for kicks per game, disposals, uncontested possessions, average points per game (111), inside 50s and average marks inside 50.
3. The Hawks have dominated the Blues, winning the past 12 matches, including five by 50 points or more and two triple-figure beltings.
4. The Blues' average score per game of only 69 points this season is their lowest in a year since 1964, when they averaged only 64.
5. Carlton is the worst tackling side in the competition, averaging 57.1 while the Hawks are ranked 11th with an average of 66.4.
6. There's a vast chasm in talent between these clubs, which is reflected in the Official AFL Player Ratings. The Hawks have 12 players ranked in the top 100, compared to the Blues' three.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … John Barker. It's the final outing in the hot seat for the Blues' interim coach and Barker would want to coax a fighting effort from his troops after leading Carlton to its biggest-ever loss last time against the Hawks.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 66 points
