The Hawks will be looking to keep their finals hopes alive when they face Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday,
The Blues, meanwhile, will be hoping to replicate their feats of almost twelve months ago when they knocked off the Hawks by seven points, as they look to add to their solitary win in 2018.
A host of potential key matchups are set to be crucial in deciding the contest, with some of the most exciting forecast below:
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Jonathon Ceglar v Matthew Kreuzer
Jonathan Ceglar will face a tough task coming up against one of the competition’s premier big men in Matthew Kreuzer. The Blues’ ruckman suffered a heart issue in his side’s game last weekend but is a strong chance to come up for the clash with the Hawks. The pair will provide an intriguing match up with both tap-work and mobility around the ground strengths of both big men.
Tom Mitchell v Patrick Cripps
Two midfield bulls going head-to-head is a mouth-watering proposition for fans of both sides. With both Mitchell and Cripps arguably having career-best seasons in 2018, this battle could be the most crucial of them all. Cripps is averaging close to 29 disposals this season, with the prolific Mitchell sitting on just over 35 a game this year.
Zac Fisher v Isaac Smith
One a bone-a-fide Star and the other one on the rise, who can be the most effective on the outside of the contest will also go a long way towards winning the game. The Hawks’ vice-captain has been in excellent touch in 2018, while Fisher continues to enhance his reputation as one of Carlton’s best young midfielders. Averaging just under 20 disposals this season, Fisher has been strong both on the inside and outside. Smith meanwhile is averaging close to 23 disposals to go with more than a goal a game this year.
Charlie Curnow v Ben Stratton
With James Sicily out of the side due to injury, Stratton looms as a likely candidate to man the high-flying Curnow. The Hawks defender has returned to his best this year after missing much of 2017 through injury, while the 21-year-old Blue is having his best season at AFL level, kicking 27 goals from 14 appearances. With Curnow arguably the Blues’ most effective avenue to goal, this match-up could be critical in deciding the fortunes of both sides.
