Hawthorn v Carlton Round 22 2008

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Preview: Carlton v Hawthorn
By Jason Phelan
28/08/2008 11:09:00 AM

Where and when: Telstra Dome, Saturday, August 30, 7.10pm AEST
Head to head: Carlton 102 wins, Hawthorn 52 wins
Last time: Hawthorn 27.18 (180) d Carlton 12.8 (80), round 12, 2007 at Telstra Dome

FORM
Carlton: WLWLW
Hawthorn: LWWLW

SUMMARY
Both sides are coming off a win. The Blues powered home over the Brisbane Lions with a six-goal final term to seal a six-point victory, while the Hawks were untroubled in disposing of the Eagles by 71 points in the west.

Carlton's reliance on full-forward Brendan Fevola in attack was less evident against the Lions, who added two of his side's 18 majors on a night when it had six multiple goalkickers.

The Hawks had a host of players find plenty of the ball in Perth with six gathering 29 possessions or more, led by captain Sam Mitchell with 34.

Carlton was more reliant on regular contributors Chris Judd (33 disposals) and Nick Stevens (35), but has been getting solid support from youngsters Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs and Shaun Grigg.

In a quirk of the fixture, it has taken until the very last round for the sides to meet for the first time this season.

Carlton's Jordan Russell will play his 50th AFL match.

KEY MATCH-UP
Brendan Fevola v Lance Franklin
Sure, they'll be at opposite ends of the ground, but it's the shoot-out between these two great forwards that everyone will be cramming into the Dome to watch. Fev's chances of making it to 100 goals look tough with his return against the Lions taking him to 92, but he has booted eight in a match this season. Buddy's kicking for goal has been highly scrutinised, but there's little doubt he'll hit the ton and then some.

WILDCARDS
Carlton – Ryan Houlihan
Houlihan was the forgotten man of Carlton's resurgent season since hip surgery forced him out after round three. But the 26-year-old fought his way back to reclaim a spot last week and showed what he's capable of with 19 possessions and three first-quarter goals.

Hawthorn – Dead rubber syndrome
It will be interesting to see how the Hawks carry themselves in what is essentially a meaningless prelude to a much bigger game the week after – a qualifying final against the Western Bulldogs. Forgive the players for casting an eye forward to that game, but coach Alastair Clarkson will be hell-bent on going into September with his players breathing fire.

QUESTION MARKS
With a finals series looming, can the Hawks regain the form that saw them roll through the first nine rounds undefeated?

Can the Blues finish an encouraging season on a high?

When will Buddy kick his 100th? And is it possible that Fev could go on a rampage and break the ton himself?

BLUFFER'S GUIDE
The Blues have improved greatly under Brett Ratten and are a dangerous proposition. They can throw absolutely everything at the final game of the season, but the Hawks will be keen to ice this one early to keep Carlton's distance from a strong finish. Look for Luke Hodge to play a key role after serving a one-week suspension and the Hawks to get over the line through superior scoring power.

PREDICTION:
Hawthorn by 19 points
 
CARLTON v HAWTHORN
Carlton
B: Joe Anderson, Jarrad Waite, Bret Thornton
HB: Andrew Carrazzo, Paul Bower, Shaun Grigg
C: Nick Stevens, Bryce Gibbs, Heath Scotland
HF: Andrew Walker, Brad Fisher, Kade Simpson
F: Ryan Houlihan, Brendan Fevola, Matthew Kreuzer
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Marc Murphy, Chris Judd
I/C: Dennis Armfield, Adam Bentick, Shaun Hampson, Jordan Russell
EMG: Mark Austin, Darren Pfeiffer, Simon Wiggins

No change

Hawthorn
B: Campbell Brown, Stephen Gilham, Brent Guerra
HB: Rick Ladson, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Clinton Young
HF: Michael Osborne, Lance Franklin, Chance Bateman
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C: Stuart Dew, Thomas Murphy, Brent Renouf, Cameron Stokes
EMG: Beau Dowler, Xavier Ellis, Jarryd Morton

In: Campbell, Hodge
Out: Shane Crawford (rested), Simon Taylor (general soreness)
 
WILDCARDS
Carlton – Ryan Houlihan
Houlihan was the forgotten man of Carlton's resurgent season since hip surgery forced him out after round three. But the 26-year-old fought his way back to reclaim a spot last week and showed what he's capable of with 19 possessions and three first-quarter goals.

Well if Houlihan is their wild card god help them :D

To be honest I'm more worried about their midfield of Stevens, Judd, Murphy & Squibbs. That said I think our bigger bodies will prove the difference.
 

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Hawthorn v Carlton Round 22 2008

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