Last time they met
Rd 22, 2017: Carlton 12.5 (77) d Hawthorn 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
- The 14 game hoodoo was finally broken in what was probably Carlton's "grand final" for 2017
- Jed Lamb absolutely dominated Sicily, forcing him into giving away 7 free kicks and only taking 2 marks for the entire game
- Sam Docherty was the Blues best, with 31 possessions
- Tom Mitchell had 44 possessions in a dominant midfield display
What I'm excited about
An opportunity to get more game time into Harry McKay who looked like he was relishing his opportunity.
Our younger players matching up against elite premiership stars.
Seeing continuity in players who have missed chunks of the season and are regaining match fitness.
Brendon Bolton's game day tactics against his mentor.
The Lions have set the blueprint for beating Hawthorn.
Some players are now playing for their careers which could yield a better effort.
What I'm concerned about
I am really just looking for positives above - this looms as a dark matchup for the Blues.
Hawthorn will be seething after their loss to the Lions - who simply outhunted them and used the ball better at crucial stages of the game.
Sicily roaming as a free man with no Jed Lamb to match up on him.
The experience that Hawthorn possess will be in the minds of our group, who won't fully believe that we can beat the former champs.
With the end of the season looming, it is harder to motivate yourself to the same level as a team contending for finals.
Team changes
IN - Nick Graham | Darcy Lang
OUT- Jed Lamb | Cameron Polson
Jed Lamb is out with a suspension which is disappointing given his previous success playing on Sicily.
Polson simply hasn't won enough of the footy for a midfielder and would be better suited developing in the VFL.
Kreuzer could also be an out with the elevated heartbeat but I am more confident of him playing very much like Marchbank did.
Prediction
The Hawks simply have too much at stake to lose this game.
Hawthorn by 42
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