A POOR first quarter has seen Carlton fall by 24 points to Hawthorn.

In Sam Docherty’s final game of AFL football, the Blues weren’t able to send their retiring champion out on the note they were after in the 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) defeat.

In what was also Jacob Weitering’s 200th game, the Blues weren’t at the races early, falling 40 points behind halfway through the second term as the Hawks dominated uncontested possessions.

Youngster Harry O’Farrell stood up well under incessant pressure in the back half, with the Blues struggling to get a foothold on the game as the ball lived in their defensive 50 for large parts of the first quarter.

With Harry McKay and Jacob Weitering both spending extended periods off in the first half, the Blues’ backline managed to stem the bleeding before late goals from Charlie Curnow and Will White brought the deficit back to 30 points at the main break.

The Hawks kicked the first two goals to once again extend the buffer, before the Blues fans - and the AFL community - had the moment they wanted.

Receiving a handball from Corey Durdin, Docherty snapped truly from close range to sign off with a goal - and a bow - to inject some life into the Blues.

Carlton performed well at the contest but struggled to contain Hawthorn on the outside, with their spread of goalkickers too much for the Blues to handle.

George Hewett battled manfully with 25 disposals and eight tackles, while O’Farrell finished with 19 disposals and 13 marks in another solid showing from the young defender.

A late Harry McKay brought the deficit back to 24 points, but it wasn’t to be for the Blues and Docherty in the favourite son’s final game, chaired off by great mate Patrick Cripps and former teammate - now Hawthorn assistant - Kade Simpson.

HAWTHORN        6.1     8.3    12.4     13.7 (85)
CARLTON             1.2     3.3     7.4       9.7 (61)

GOALS
Carlton: Curnow 2, White 2, Cerra, Docherty, Durdin, McKay, Motlop