Carlton v Hawthorn at the Telstra Dome, Friday, 7.40pm (AEST)

B: Bryce Gibbs, Bret Thornton, Jason Saddington

HB: Andrew Walker, Jarrad Waite, Heath Scotland

C: Kade Simpson, Adam Bentick, Ryan Houlihan

HF: Marc Murphy, Lance Whitnall, Matthew Lappin

F: Luke Blackwell, Brendan Fevola, Brad Fisher

FOLL: Cain Ackland, Anthony Koutoufides, Andrew Carrazzo

I/C: Jordan Bannister, Setanta O’hAilpin, Simon Wiggins, Jordan Russell

EMG: Paul Bower, Adam Hartlett, Ross Young

No change

When last we met:

Carlton v Hawthorn at the MCG, round 19, 2006: Hawks 17.11 (113) to Carlton 13.12 (90).

The Blues were blown away by Hawthorn in the first half, a seven-goal to two first quarter helping the Hawks to a 48-point lead at half time.

Carlton cut the lead back to 36 points at three-quarter time before Brendan Fevola had Blues fans jumping out of their seats with three early goals in the fourth.

Unfortunately, Carlton’s hopes were soon snuffed out. Fev’s goal spree ended courtesy of teammate Chris Bryan’s elbow.

Soon after, goals to Richie Vandenberg and Mark Williams removed all hope.

Brendan Fevola (eight goals) and Matthew Lappin (36 disposals, 10

marks) were stand-outs for Carlton while Lance Franklin (six goals) and Sam Mitchell (29 possessions) were best on ground for the Hawks.

Carlton win percentage:

Against Hawthorn: 66.67 per cent.

At the Telstra Dome: 26.19 per cent.

Against Hawthorn at the Telstra Dome: 66.67 per cent.

Comments:

In the last two games against Hawthorn, the Blues have lost by 23 and 32 points respectively.

The two clubs have played each other three times at the Telstra Dome, the Blues leading the count 2-1. 

Hawthorn have lost six of their last 10 games at Friday night’s venue, compared to Carlton, who have lost eight of their last 10.

Average disposals:

Carlton: Heath Scotland (25), Andrew Carrazzo (23), Ryan Houlihan (22)

Hawthorn: Sam Mitchell (25), Jordan Lewis (25), Shane Crawford (21)

Goals:

Carlton: Brendan Fevola (35), Brad Fisher (19), Matthew Lappin and Lance Whitnall (14)

Hawthorn: Lance Franklin (35), Tim Boyle (23), Mark Williams (13)

Tackles:

Carlton: Adam Bentick (72), Andrew Carrazzo (57)

Hawthorn: Brad Sewell (51), Sam Mitchell (43)

From the coaches’ box:

Assistant coach Gavin Crosisca said this should be an entertaining match as two young teams go at it head to head.

He said he expected Hawthorn to try and restrict Carlton’s run and ball movement but the Blues will try and continue with their game style and focus on what they have been good at.

Last Five Games

Carlton: Loss-(Coll); Loss-(Kang); Loss-(Adelaide); Win-(Bulldogs); Win-(Port)

Hawthorn: Loss-(Freo); Win-(St Kilda); Win-(WC); Win-(Port); Loss-(Syd)

The Blues head into Friday’s game on the back of a smashing 39-point victory over Port Adelaide.

The forwards fired, without Fev dominating, the midfield generated more than enough opportunities, and together with Carlton’s stable defence, snuffed out the opposition’s forwards.

On top of that Carlton has scored 20 or more goals in both the last two weeks and has kicked 15 or more majors in six of their 11 games so far this season.

Add to that the obliteration of their so called Telstra Dome ‘hoodoo’ last week and it is no wonder Blues fans will be heading to the Docklands on Friday night ready to witness their third win on the trot.

As for Hawthorn, they go into Saturday’s clash with plenty of motivation.

They lost to the Swans last week, which ended their three-game winning streak, and will be keen to head into the break with an eight and four record and a grip on third spot on the ladder. 

Like Carlton, the Hawks have more than enough options up forward with Tim Boyle and Lance Franklin, who have been in blistering form.

Add that to their hard-working midfield, which is more than prepared to work back and help out their defenders, and it shapes as an exciting game for fans.

It will double as an accurate litmus test for both clubs in regard to their chances of making the eight.

The big question: