It looms as THE greatest challenge yet confronted by Marc Murphy and his fellow players – the reigning Premier Hawthorn on the MCG on the eve on the club’s 150^th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner.

Not since the sixth round of 2005, when the Blues overran the brown and gold with a six-goal to one final quarter (Jarrad Waite five goals), have they come close to their Mulgrave adversaries.

In Hawthorn, Carlton confronts a team first in the AFL for disposals, third for contested disposals, second for uncontested disposals, first for clearances and 2^nd for inside 50s. The numbers don’t lie and the scenario confronting Carlton is indeed formidable.

The Hawks are truly well-equipped on every line – from Grant Birchall in the back half, through Jordan Lewis in midfield and the clinical finisher who is Jack Gunston up front.

In Sam Mitchell’s absence, Lewis has lifted the tempo. He averages the most contested and overall disposals per game, most clearances and gets his mitts dirty as the heavy lifter in midfield.

Then there’s Gunston, leading the Hawks in marks and marks inside 50. Jack’s bagged 29 goals so far, rarely misses from a set shot and must be shut down.

Without question,  Carlton victory over Hawthorn, on the eve of its 150^th birthday celebration, would truly be a famous victory.