CARLTON defended valiantly but were outclassed against a strong Hawthorn outfit with plenty of returning stars.

In a wet and contested game, the Hawks were able to show why they will be a contender come finals time.

Quarter one 

It was an even start to the opening term as both sides looked to create opportunities in the dewy conditions. Blues captain Ally Bild was electric to begin with, repelling multiple Hawthorn attacks. Carlton’s positive play against the more fancied Hawks was impressive, and it resulted in multiple marks inside 50, however they weren’t able to take advantage of their chances. Hawthorn finally penetrated the defence late in the term, kicking the first goal of the match after they were awarded a free kick deep in their forward 50. The Hawks were in control for the remainder of the quarter; however, they weren’t able to add to their goal tally.

Quarter two

The Hawks got an early goal to begin the second term, as the home side tried to put their stamp on the game. The weather began to worsen as the quarter went on, which seemed to suit the Hawks, as they nabbed their third shortly after. The Blues steadied thereafter, with the play becoming more contested as the ball got heavier. Despite some impressive rear-guard efforts from Nadia Moore and in-and-under work from Ashlee Thorneycroft, the Hawks managed to score their third goal of the quarter with less than a minute remaining, to ensure they had a commanding lead going into the main break.

Quarter three

As the rain continued to drift down at Box Hill, play became more rudimentary as the players struggled with the slippery ball. The Hawks were able to forge a few chances for themselves, however the Blues’ defence was effective in ensuring there was nothing concrete. As the quarter continued though, the Hawks became more dominant and soon they were able to breach the Carlton defence for their fifth of the afternoon. A bad day for the Blues suddenly became worse when forward Maddi Wilson was carried off the field with an apparent knee injury.

Quarter four

Hawthorn’s star inclusion Abbey Holmes began the final quarter with the side’s first goal of the final term, as the Blues began to tire. Carlton improved their skills during the term, with away side beginning to create opportunities again, however Hawthorn showed class down back and were able to repeatedly repel the attacks. The Carlton resistance was short-lived, and as the match entered it’s last five minutes, Hawthorn were able to convert their seventh of the afternoon.

Match Summary

Carlton      0.1.1    0.1.1     0.1.1        0.1.1

Hawthorn 1.3.9   4.4.28   5.8.38   7.10.52

Best: Thorneycroft, Moore, Klingbeil, Bild, Ingram

Stafford says:

“Tough day today at Box Hill, we were beaten by a very good side, we will regroup and bounce back and I’m looking forward to it next week.”