The game as it stands 

After resetting over the bye, the Blues are back and will need to be ready to take on the Hawks. 

Two weeks ago, delivering a positive performance against the Suns gave the Blues some confidence that they can take into their return to action at the MCG. 

Hawthorn plays a fast, dynamic game, ranking No.1 in the competition for handballs per game. Turning defence to attack through quick ball movement is a hallmark of its game, so Carlton must ensure it is first to the ball and retain possession when going forward.

Key match up 

Jacob Weitering has had some key wins in recent weeks, and he'll once again have a big task on his hands when he gets the head-to-head battle with Mitch Lewis.

The in-form Hawks forward has offered his team a different look in attack, kicking 22 goals in just eight games after his return from a knee injury. He has kicked multiple goals in each of his last five games, kicking 18 goals in that time.

Weitering will be keen to demonstrate the form he displayed just before the bye, where the former John Nicholls Medallist was back to his negating best: he kept Lance Franklin goalless in Round 11 and held Ben King to just the one major in his last game.

Player to watch 

With Marc Pittonet out due to a knee injury, Carlton's midfield will need to be switched on at the fall of the ball in the contest.

While Hawthorn will have Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves in the ruck, the Blues' contested game has had an uptick in recent weeks, and they'll need to be on their game once again against the Hawks' on-ball brigade.

The Blues will look to the two Sams - Docherty and Walsh - to lead the way. Docherty won the 2022 David Parkin Medal as best afield the last time these two sides met, while Walsh has had 30 and 32 disposals respectively in his last two games against this week's opponent.

Goss from Voss

At his weekly press conference on Thursday, AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss referenced the threat that he sees in the Hawks, wanting to restrict their run off half-back and their swift handball game.

“They’re very threatening and a very dangerous team,” Voss said.  

“They’ve got a genuine mode that can really challenge you. It will put some real tension on our defence, so we have to be right up with that. 

“I’ve spoken a lot about the pressure already and what we create around the ball but that has to be absolutely A-grade against this team. They transition the ball really well out of the back half so our defence will have to go beyond.”

Things we love to see

In our second Kids Go Free Round for the year, the MCG is sure to be packed with Junior ‘Baggers and their families, making it a fun Sunday out for everyone. 

Captain Carlton and Navy Nina are making the trip to the ‘G for the occasion, looking to entertain as many junior fans as possible.