CARLTON travel to Launceston this Sunday to take on the Hawks for its Round 6 clash at York Park.
Fresh from their triumphant 44-point victory over the Bulldogs the Blues will be hoping to go back-to-back against the Hawks.
Carlton will come face to face with a motivated Hawks outfit keen to get back on the winner’s list after two narrow losses.
Details: York Park, Sunday, April 28, 3:20pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and here for all game day info.
THE GAME IN FOCUS:
The Blues go into Round 6 hoping to continue the momentum that saw them notch their first four points of the season against the Bulldogs.
Carlton were comprehensive through the centre, eclipsing the Bulldogs in clearances 42 to 26 at the final siren. It will take another dominant showing in the middle if the Blues are to down the experienced Hawks.
Hawthorn had an inconsistent start to their 2019 campaign, winning two of the first five matches.
Our cross-town opponents will head to Launceston determined to recapture some form after losses to St Kilda and Geelong.
View this post on InstagramA rising @samoseton takes on a consistent Jaeger. Can our man rise to the occasion? #BoundByBlue
THE LAST TIME THEY MET:
It was a disappointing day for the Blues last time they met Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium in Round 18 last year.
The Hawks were too strong from the outset, with the Blues kept scoreless in the opening quarter of the game.
Carlton got on the board in the second, but it was too little too late with the Hawks running out the match to finish 72 points the victors.
The Blues woes intensified with Zac Fisher and Liam Jones sustaining game-ending injuries in the first half.
The usual suspects stood up for the Blues, with Marc Murphy (35 disposals) and Patrick Cripps (30 disposals and two goals) at their best despite the defeat.
BLUE FOCUS:
History will be made this Sunday when journeyman Kade Simpson runs out in his 313th game in navy blue.
Simpson will overtake Stephen Silvagni on Carlton’s all-time playing list, moving into fourth position.
The dependable backman has only missed six of the previous 306 games, his longevity a hallmark of his career.
This Sunday, Simmo surpasses SOS to sit fourth for games played in the Navy Blue.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) April 26, 2019
From one legend to another, here's what the man himself had to say about the warrior in the No.6.#BoundByBlue
GET EXCITED ABOUT:
Blues fans will be treated to a fierce ruck contest with the in-form Ben McEvoy named in Hawthorn’s Round 6 team.
Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer’s return against the Western Bulldogs coincided with the Blues first win of the season, the big man notching 25 hitouts in his first outing.
The battle between two of the competition's premier ruckmen could make or break Carlton’s chances of defeating the Hawks.
BLUE VIEW:
With one win on the board, the Blues have the chance to build momentum in enemy territory.
Carlton developed some much-needed midfield to forward line connection against the Bulldogs, recording its first score over 100 points in 60 games.
If they can maintain this connection in Launceston, the Blues look a dangerous prospect.
