Game Review

This mid-winter night clash, at the ground often referred to as 'Arctic Park', took place in cold, wet and windy conditions. Hawthorn were just outside the 8 and needed the win. Former Carlton assistant coach Ken Judge would oppose his former boss for the first time. He would use his inside knowledge of the Blues to his advantage. Carlton were without Brown, Dean, Spalding, Rice and Hanna.

Paul Salmon was dominating Justin Madden in the ruck, although Brett Ratten would still try his hardest to overcome this, winning 29 possessions. The Hawks were far more desperate. A 1 goal to 5 first quarter would leave the Blues playing catch up football for the rest of the match. The second quarter was not much better - 2 goals to 4 would leave the Blues 38 points down at half time. The Blues fought back in the third quarter, restricting the Hawks to just 2 points, while adding 2 goals, to reduce the 3/4 time margin to 4 goals. But the Hawks responded with a 6 goal to 2 final quarter, to end up doubling Carlton's score.

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