Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell is gearing up for a challenging match against the Carlton Blues, set to take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Despite Carlton's rough start to the season, Mitchell isn't taking them lightly, particularly when it comes to their midfield strength, which he describes as ‘extraordinary.’
In their last outing, Hawthorn defeated Essendon, but Mitchell admitted their performance wasn't up to par. “The way we won is not sustainable,” he stated after the match on Friday, March 14, 2025, where the Hawks struggled at stoppages. This comes as Carlton, although having faced a disastrous loss to Richmond, still managed to win the clearance battle in their last game.
Interestingly, even after their defeat, Carlton excelled in several key areas. The team won the inside 50 count by an impressive 25 and dominated time in the forward half, more so than any other team that round. “Everyone has been pretty hard on Carlton but they got a lot right,” noted Mitchell, acknowledging the Blues' capabilities despite their loss. “They just weren’t able to finish it.”
Mitchell's analysis shows a knowledgeable approach, recognizing that it’s still early in the season, and he believes Carlton’s performance is more indicative of their potential than their current record. The Hawks coach is keenly aware that his team will need to be at their absolute best to seize control of the game right from the outset.
“Carlton’s potency, their centre bounce numbers are extraordinary, they’re a very, very good scoring team from centre bounce,” Mitchell elaborated. As such, the Hawks’ strategy hinges on countering this aspect effectively to limit Carlton’s offensive potential.
In terms of player availability, Mitchell faces a dilemma as defender Jack Scrimshaw is appealing a three-match suspension due to high contact. Regardless of the outcome, he will miss at least one game due to a concussion. Meanwhile, Changkuoth Jiath, who has recovered from a previous hip complaint, is in contention to play after having successfully completed two games at Box Hill. Mitchell hinted at his decision-making process, stating, “We’ll finish off selection after training today and he’s one of the names that will be in the mix.”
The upcoming match is particularly significant for both teams. Carlton aims to bounce back from their disappointing performance against Richmond, where they hilariously squandered a 41-point lead, while Hawthorn looks to build upon their recent gains. Their impressive track record, having won 14 of their last 17 matches, including previous clashes with Carlton, tips the scales in favor of the Hawks.
Hawthorn’s most recent victory over Carlton saw them triumph by a staggering 74 points, and the Hawks have scored an average of 17 goals per game in their past 10 outings. Jai Newcombe has also been a pivotal player, showcasing his prowess with nearly 28 disposals per game in that timeframe.
Mitchell remains steadfast that his team will need more than strategy alone to secure a win. “We need to get the game on our terms as early as possible,” he emphasized. This mantra encapsulates the importance of setting the pace and maintaining control throughout the match, a critical factor that would enable Hawthorn to capitalize on their strengths and subdue Carlton’s offensive threats.
Hawthorn and Carlton's match is not just about points but also redemption and establishing momentum in the early stages of the 2025 AFL season. With both coaches under scrutiny, the clash at the MCG adds another layer of intensity to what is anticipated to be a thrilling encounter, as they strive to balance tactical execution with adapting to the dynamics as they unfold.
As for Carlton, coach Michael Voss has emphasized the importance of collective effort. Despite welcoming star forward Charlie Curnow back into their lineup, Voss has stressed that the team's strength lies in their unity rather than relying on any single player. Curnow, recovering from knee issues post-major surgery, represents a crucial addition, although Voss cautioned: “We’re not in this conversation around that one person is going to make a difference here.”
In the aftermath of their loss to Richmond, Voss indicated that the review process was beneficial, stating there was a “fair bit of honesty” internally about their performance. He pointed out that the Blues do not need to recapitulate their mistakes repeatedly, stressing that accountability is key as they strive to shake off the effects of their defeat. “We also have to be big enough to accept that the standards weren’t acceptable,” Voss mentioned, looking towards a rebound performance against the Hawks.
This encounter promises to test both teams, as Hawthorn seeks to continue their winning streak while Carlton aims for a powerful response to their prior defeat. As they gear up for this crucial match, anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike, setting the stage for an intense battle on the field.
