CARLTON’S winning run has come to an end at the hands of Hawthorn.
Outclassed by the Hawks in torrential conditions, the Blues trailed at every change and struggled to make an impression on the contest in the 6.3 (39 to 15.13 (103) defeat.
The Blues couldn’t mark Will Hayward’s 200th, Sam Walsh’s 150th and Flynn Riley’s debut game with a win, kicking the opening goal of the game but otherwise struggling to generate any meaningful offence over the course of the night.
Adam Cerra fought hard all night while Mitch McGovern kicked multiple goals, while Riley provided the highlight of the night with a goal in his first quarter of football.
But after an even start where tempers threatened to boil over at the MCG, it was all Hawthorn, who dominated territory in wet conditions and opened up a lead from the second term.
The Blues were left to do it without George Hewett, with a back injury sidelining the in-form midfield beyond quarter time, with the Hawks getting on top at the coalface.
On a night where the Blues had few winners over the course of four quarters, Cerra finished with 27 disposals and 14 tackles - one shy of the Carlton record - while Walsh registered 35 disposals and seven clearances in his 150th.
Carlton will look to return to winning form when it heads back to the MCG next Saturday night for a clash with old enemy, Collingwood.
CARLTON 2.0 2.1 4.3 6.3 (39)
HAWTHORN 2.2 5.3 10.7 15.12 (102)
GOALS
Carlton: McGovern 2, Ainsworth, Byrne, Cerra, Riley
