Umpires: P.Cameron & J.Russo

Goalkickers: R.Ashman 4, S.Kourkoumelis 3, J.Madden 3, K.Hunter 3, W.Jones 1, A.Marcou 1, P.Meldrum 1.

Best: M.Maclure, A.Marcou, R.Ashman, K.Hunter, R.Austin

Reports: Nil

Injuries: V.Perovic (bruised rib) & I.Muller replaced W.Johnston in the selected side.

Game Review

This was a crucial match between two finals-bound teams. Hawthorn - along with Essendon - had been flag favourites since early in the season, but a shock defeat by Fitzroy the previous week had strengthened the confidence of every other side fighting for a place in September.

On the other hand, Carlton had been just ticking along, winning often enough to hold onto third spot on the ladder, but rarely striking top form. The stakes were high for both sides in this clash at their shared home ground, and it turned into a cracker.

Hawthorn burst from the blocks and swept Carlton aside, posting a 7-goal first quarter for a 39-point break at the first change. Rod Ashman and Ken Hunter led the Blues fightback, and by half time the margin was cut to 20 points. Carlton's trademark third-quarter blitz saw us just in front at the last break, but then the charge faltered, we ran out of legs, and Hawthorn's Peter Curran kicked three last-quarter goals for the Hawks to get them home by 32 points.

This loss dropped Carlton back into the clutches of fourth-placed Collingwood. Both teams were sitting on 11 wins, although the the Blues' percentage was still superior.

The game was spasmodic at Princes Park. The Hawks bolted to a 39 point lead at the end of the first term, then Carlton got its act together. A steady comeback resulted in a nip and tuck third term when the lead changed three times. A nominal three quarter lead lead of two points was increased to 15 points 10 minutes of the last term. Then came the crunch for the Blues. Hawthorn suddenly took over and pounded on 10 goals in the final 20 minutes or so. - Football Record

Team

Video