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Carlton vs Hawthorn Tips & Preview - Hawks to add to the Blues' problems in AFL

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 19 Mar 2025

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Adam Cusworth 19 Mar 2025

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Carlton Blues vs Hawthorn Hawks expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 2 AFL game
Hawks have won 14 of their last 17 matches
Blues lost to Richmond despite a 41-point lead in Round 1
Hawks backed to cover the line

Lloyd Meek of the Hawks and Marc Pittonet of the Blues contest the ruck (Getty Images)

Carlton Blues vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview
Head to Head
Carlton Blues Form
Carlton Blues Team News
Carlton Blues Team List
Hawthorn Hawks Form
Hawthorn Hawks Team News
Hawthorn Hawks Team List

Carlton Blues vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview

Hawthorn have had two solid wins to start the season and can extend that winning start by taking down the Blues. Carlton have some questions to answer after squandering a 41-point lead to go down by 13 to Richmond in Round 1.

Wet and windy conditions are forecast for the G and this might be the only thing that holds the Hawks back from a bigger margin.

Hawthorn’s past eight wins have been by an average margin of 59.5 points
They include a 74-point victory the last time these two sides met
Jai Newcombe has averaged just under 28 disposals in his last 10 matches
Hawthorn have averaged just under 17 goals per game in their past 10 matches.

Head to Head

Carlton have won three of the past four between the two sides but the Hawks smashed the Blues big time in 2024, running out 74 point winners in the Round 22 clash. A stack of Hawks picked up 25+ disposals, including Dylan Moore (29), James Sicily (30) and Massimo D’Ambrosio (31).

Four of the past six games between the two sides have been decided by less than 40 points. Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh have been standout players for Carlton, averaging 27 disposals apiece in their last four matches against the brown and gold.

Carlton Blues Form

Since Round 17 of 2024, Carlton have won just two of 10 matches. All but one of those (Hawthorn Round 22, 2024) were in the 1-39 point range.

Last week, they squandered a 41 point lead to go down to Richmond by 13 points in a game that saw them start as red-hot favourites. Inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly and they had 24 scoring shots to 17.

The Blues were hit hard by injuries late last year and have a lenghty list of outs. Curnow’s possible inclusion will be key to helping Carlton’s scoring. They rank 12th in the competition for goals scored in the past 10 matches. In their past seven matches they have averaged just 10 goals per game.

Carlton Blues Team News

The Blues have a lengthy injury list but Charlie Curnow (knee) is set to return.

Jack Carroll (ankle), who had been in line for an AFL debut after a strong summer, is now uncertain to play due to an injury in a VFL practice match.

Jordan Boyd could be in contention following last week's poor loss to the Tigers, while father-son draftee Ben Camporeale (ankle) will make his season debut, likely in the VFL on Friday night.

Carlton Blues Team List

Team list yet to be released.

Hawthorn Hawks Form

Hawthorn have been the form side of the competition since turning things around in the middle of 2024. They have now won 14 of their past 17 matches. Seven of those wins have been by 39.5+, including last year’s match up against the Blues.

Their two victories this season have been by 20 and 26 point margins.

The Hawks top the competition for goals scored in their past 10 matches, going at just under a very healthy 17 goals per game. Hawthorn also rank highly for disposals (2nd). Jai Newcombe has been the standout with just under 28 disposals per game in that period.

Hawthorn Hawks Team News

Jack Scrimshaw is sidelined with a concussion, a broken nose, and a suspension after the Essendon match and will miss.

Jai Serong may be considered to replace Scrimshaw, while Henry Hustwaite is another in contention.

Changkuoth Jiath, who has played two VFL practice games, could be considered for a role in defence.

James Worpel remains at least two weeks away from returning.

Hawthorn Hawks Team List

Team list yet to be released.

Verdict

Carlton v Hawthorn

Hawthorn to cover the line with Jai Newcombe to find plenty of the footy.

Hawthorn -13.5

Handicap +13.5

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