SUMMARY
Hawthorn meets Carlton in their final JLT Series clash before the start of the season proper. The Blues looked impressive in their opening hit-out, defeating St Kilda by 22 points. While, despite not recording a win against the Western Bulldogs, the Hawks looked as if they were primed to improve on a disappointing 2017 campaign. Both sides will be keen to put their best foot forward in their final tune-up before the beginning of the home and away season.

WHERE AND WHEN: University of Tasmania Stadium, Saturday, March 10, 7.05pm AEDT 

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide        

LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2017, Carlton 12.5 (77) d Hawthorn 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2016, Hawthorn 10.14 (74) d Carlton 7.13 (55) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R23, 2015, Hawthorn 17.11 (113) d Carlton 8.8 (56) at MCG
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 MCG

THE SIX POINTS

  1. Tom Mitchell appeared back to his dominant, ball-getting best in the Hawks first JLT Series hit-out against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday. The reigning Peter Crimmins Medallist collected 30 disposals, six marks, four tackles, seven inside 50s and a goal. The only other players to reach the 30-possession threshold in the opening round of the pre-season games were fellow All Australian midfielders Matt Crouch (36 touches) and Andrew Gaff (35).

 

  1. Another 2017 Hawk recruit, Jaeger O’Meara gave Hawks fans a taste of just how good he could be alongside Mitchell in the midfield this season. The 24-year old gathered 16 touches (at 81 per cent efficiency), four marks, five inside 50s and four tackles against the Dogs. Having managed just six games last year, every outing will contribute towards O’Meara’s confidence as he looks to emerge as a star for the brown and gold in 2018.

 

  1. James Frawley is set to pull on the brown and gold jumper for the first time since suffering a toe injury in Round 8 last season that ultimately derailed the rest of his year. The key defender was sorely missed throughout the second half of 2017 as his 187 games of senior experience sat on the sidelines. The 29-year old has since had a strong summer and will look to start his year off positively this Saturday.

 

  1. Luke Breust had five shots at goal against the Bulldogs last weekend and, although he was only able to finish truly with one of them, small defenders watching on would have been shuddering at the sight of the 27-year old seemingly back to his busy best. Add to this the recruiting of an impressive Jarman Impey and the ever-reliable Paul Puopolo as well as the fact that a four-time premiership hero in Cyril Rioli was watching on from the sidelines, and you suddenly realise that the Hawks small forward brigade still figures as arguably the best in the competition when up and running.

 

  1. Carlton coach Brendan Bolton has publically outlined that his side will take on a greater offensive approach in 2018. “We probably had to focus in on our defensive part of the game (in my first two years at the club). The second layer to that is just starting now where we put some offensive flair into the group and hopefully that starts to change now”.

 

  1. The Blues suffered a bitter blow in the opening weeks of their pre-season as Sam Docherty ruptured his ACL in a training drill in mid-November. An All Australian in 2017, Docherty figured as one of the Blues key players as they continue their re-build. Instead his replacement, or replacements, have had an entire summer to audition for his part in the Blues Round 1 line-up. Former Kangaroo Aaron Mullett had 14 touches in his first hit-out in the navy blue last week in a sign that he could resume that role as a rebounding defender, while Irishman Ciaran Byrne is another who figures to benefit from his star teammate’s injury.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Harry Morrison

Having received just 22 per cent game-time in the Hawks opening JLT Series hit-out against the Western Bulldogs, Morrison will be keen to show his wares against the Blues. Touted as potential A-grade talent by coach Alastair Clarkson earlier in the summer, the 19-year old will be keen to add to his senior experience early in 2018.

Tim O’Brien

Having spent his time in the back six against the Dogs last week, O’Brien will be keen to build on his performance that saw him gather just six touches from 84 per cent game-time. The 23-year old also managed just one mark, despite aerial power being one of his key strengths. There is certainly a spot in the Hawks 22 for the swingman but he will be keen to assert his claim this Saturday.