AFL Media's Howard Kotton previews Carlton's clash with Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night:
SUMMARY
Hawthorn remains a slim chance of making another finals campaign, depending on several results falling its way. The Hawks are six points behind eighth-placed West Coast but firstly they must defeat Carlton on Saturday night. They have enjoyed a 14-game winning streak against the Blues, who last defeated them in Round 6, 2005. In Hawthorn’s first game at Etihad Stadium in 14 months, the ruck battle between All-Australian aspirants Matthew Kreuzer and Ben McEvoy should be enthralling, but Carlton lacks depth in the midfield and the Hawks have much more firepower up forward. While the gallant Blues played a more attacking style against the Eagles last Saturday, they struggle to score more than 80 points and will not find it any easier against a revitalised Hawks defence led by exciting youngsters James Sicily and Ryan Burton.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, August 19, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2016, Hawthorn 10.14 (74) d Carlton 7.13 (55) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R23, 2015, Hawthorn 17.11 (113) d Carlton 8.8 (56) at the MCG
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. When these clubs last played in Round 19 last season, it was a low-scoring affair from start to finish. Hawthorn led by six points at half-time (2.8 to 1.8) before finishing strongly with eight goals to six in the second half. Shaun Burgoyne was best on ground with 25 disposals and one goal.
2. Carlton remains the lowest-scoring side this season, averaging only 73 points a game and is yet to kick 100 points in a game. Hawthorn has averaged 84 points.
3. Neither team has been strong in the clearances this season. The Blues are ranked 16th with an average of 34.8, just ahead of the Hawks with an average of 34.1.
4. This will be the 10th contest between the clubs at Etihad Stadium with the Hawks winning seven games to two. The Blues have lost five of their past six games at the venue.
5. The teams’ recent form in the past few months has been contrasting. Carlton has lost its past eight games and Hawthorn has won five of their past eight and had a draw.
6. Veteran Shaun Burgoyne has enjoyed another fine season and remains the second-ranked small-medium defender in the Schick AFL Player Ratings with 491.1 points. Carlton’s Sam Docherty is ranked fifth in this category with 429.5 points.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Taylor Duryea
The 26-year-old has been reinvented as a forward since returning from a knee injury and has been one of the Hawks’ most consistent performers. The dual premiership player would love to celebrate the milestone of his 100th game with a victory on Saturday night.
