AFTER beating the Brisbane Lions by 72 points, Hawthorn will be looking to fine-tune its preparations before a likely trip west for a qualifying final.
There's also still the slim chance that the Hawks could slip ahead of West Coast into second spot on the ladder if the Eagles lose to St Kilda.
Carlton is limping towards the end of the season but, in his last game in charge, interim coach John Barker will be keen to stir the Blues to produce one last effort.
Pride will be on the line after their most recent match against the Hawks - in round 17 - resulted in Carlton's biggest-ever loss of 138 points.
WHERE AND WHEN
MCG, Saturday, September 4, 4.40pm AEST
TV, RADIO AND BETTING
Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2015, Hawthorn 27.11 (173) d Carlton 4.11 (35) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2014, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d Carlton 13.12 (90) at the MCG
R12, 2013, Hawthorn 15.12 (102) d Carlton 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2012, Hawthorn 18.12 (120) d Carlton 10.10 (70) at the MCG
R22, 2011, Hawthorn 10.18 (78) d Carlton 8.18 (66) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn inflicted Carlton's heaviest defeat in its 119-season history when the teams met in round 17, recording a 138-point triumph at Etihad Stadium.
2. After 21 games, Hawthorn is ranked No.1 for kicks per game, disposals, uncontested possessions, average points per game (111), inside 50s and average marks inside 50.
3. The Hawks have a strong recent record against the Blues, winning the past 12 matches, including five by 50 points or more and two triple-figure wins.
4. The Blues' average score per game of only 69 points this season is their lowest in a year since 1964, when they averaged only 64.
5. Carlton is ranked 18th in the competition for tackling, averaging 57.1 per match, while the Hawks are ranked 11th with an average of 66.4.
6. In the Official AFL Player Ratings, the Hawks have 12 players ranked in the top 100, compared to the Blues' three.
