HAWTHORN has pulled away from a hard-nosed Carlton on Friday night, reaching top gear in the final quarter to prevail by 28 points for its 11th consecutive win against the Blues.
Made to scrap for three quarters in an entertaining clash at the MCG, the Hawks kicked eight of the last 10 goals to win 18.10 (118) to 13.12 (90).
With sharpshooter Jack Gunston withdrawn late because of a corked calf, the Hawks shared the workload in attack, with 12 separate goalkickers.
It was speedster Brad Hill who sparked their late run, however, finishing with a game-high seven inside 50s and crumbing skilfully to kick the opening goal of the fourth quarter.
When Cyril Rioli, who finished with three goals, waltzed into an open goalsquare 17 minutes into the final term, the Hawks were five goals clear and home for their ninth win this season.
The news wasn't all good for Hawthorn, with Rioli reported for rough conduct early in the third quarter after making glancing high contact to Zac Tuohy in a clumsy tackling attempt.
With their 11th consecutive victory against Carlton, the Hawks extended their longest winning streak in 161 matches between the clubs. Carlton's last win over Hawthorn came way back in round six, 2005.
Tough on-baller Brad Sewell was superb for the reigning premiers, finishing with 29 possessions and a goal, while captain Luke Hodge steadied the Hawks through the first half when they were off the boil.
Hawks interim coach Brendon Bolton said his team, which lost the contested marks (6-22) and contested possessions (125-149) was challenged.
"We were under a fair bit of heat there, but it was terrific that our guys stood up and showed resilience," Bolton said.
"They're battle-hardened professionals some of our players and it was a really good result.
"No doubt about it, it was a challenge."
Carlton played some of the best football of its stuttering season through the first three quarters, and hit the lead briefly late in the third quarter in Mick Malthouse's 700th game as a coach.
The Blues were honest at the contest, kicked long and direct and tackled ferociously to throw the Hawks off their precise kicking game, but couldn't add to their four wins this season.
They coped admirably without key talls Lachie Henderson and Michael Jamison, who were withdrawn pre-game because of injury, with forward Levi Casboult (four goals) and defender Sam Rowe lifting.
Champion Chris Judd also reminded the football world of his class with a brilliant return from injury, finishing with 26 possessions and six inside 50s, and he enjoyed great support from form midfielder Bryce Gibbs (23 and nine clearances).
In stark contrast to the first five minutes of Judd's previous match in round five, which saw him hobble off Etihad Stadium with a serious hamstring injury, the dual Brownlow medallist was in vintage touch early.
He started in the centre square and had two inside 50s and a clearance within the first thee minutes, setting up Mitch Robinson's opening goal for the Blues.
In the second quarter, the Blues were sparked into action by the strong marking and straight kicking of Casboult.
The Blues big man, who had kicked 4.7 in eight previous games this season, booted three goals from three kicks in the second quarter.
Opposed to Matt Spangher, Casboult took an outstanding pack mark to set up his first and converted his next two set shots from long range, finishing with a career-best four goals.
For all the Blues' good work in the second term, they were unable to take full advantage on the scoreboard, kicking 4.4 to 3.3.
"I thought our endeavour was OK, I thought our tactics were quite sound," Malthouse said after the match.
"But the class level under pressure, the fumbling and the decision-making, killed us.
"They were the two distinct areas that we didn't capitalise on with the football when we could have really put some more heat on the scoreboard.
"I guess in many instances the endeavour is there but the class may not be."
The Hawks were able to turn half-chances into goals, most notably when Hodge set up a forward entry with a brilliant underground handball on the wing.
Rioli also provided moments of brilliance, kicking two first-half goals.
The pair scuffled after Armfield pushed Birchall over the boundary line and into the fence.
Birchall, who had a cut just below his right eye in the rooms, downplayed the incident after the match.
"There was a bit of push and shove but there wasn't much in it," the Hawk defender told AFL.com.au.
"I wasn't really expecting it. With his momentum I went flying into the fence. I got a little bit of blood there (near his eye) but I'm OK."
Carlton players react after Cyril Rioli was reported for collecting Zach Tuohy. Picture: AFL Media
CARLTON 2.1 6.5 11.9 13.12 (90)
HAWTHORN 6.2 9.5 12.8 18.10 (118)
GOALS
Carlton: Casboult 4, Robinson 3, Menzel 2, Gibbs, Thomas, Waite, Walker
Hawthorn: Rioli 3, Roughead 3, Suckling 2, Ceglar 2, Shiels, Hale, Breust, O'Brien, Sewell, Smith, Hill, Ross
BEST
Carlton: Judd, Gibbs, Robinson, Casboult, Rowe, Carrazzo, Yarran
Hawthorn: Hill, Sewell, Rioli, Hodge, Smith, Suckling, Birchall
INJURIES
Carlton: Lachie Henderson (tight hamstring) replaced in selected side by Matthew Watson, Michael Jamison (shoulder) replaced in selected side by Nick Graham
Hawthorn: Jack Gunston (calf) replaced in selected side by Tim O'Brien
SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Matthew Watson replaced by Nick Graham in the third quarter
Hawthorn: Tim O'Brien replaced by Ben Ross in the third quarter
Reports: Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn) for engaging in rough conduct against Zach Tuohy (Carlton) in the third quarter
Umpires: Margetts, Stevic, Hay
Official crowd: 49,615 at the MCG
