3 minute read
Carlton and Hawthorn are both pushing for a place in the top-eight, and with just three games remaining, the MCG clash is huge.
Carlton are hanging on to eighth spot by their fingernails, while Hawthorn are just spots and four points below them on the ladder.
A defeat for the Hawks could spell the end of their finals hopes, while a win could put them level on points with Blues.
It is too close to call at the moment and there could be plenty of movement in and out of the eight before the regular season is done.
Carlton are 1.25 to make the top eight, while Hawthorn are 2.10.
Sunday's clash will have a huge say in the final outcome so it is all set up to be a tense, exciting encounter.
. What: Carlton v Hawthorn
. Where: MCG, Melbourne
. When: 13:10 (AEST), Sunday 11th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Carlton 1.82, Hawthorn 2.00
Carlton continue to slide
It is not that long ago that Carlton looked sure to finish in the top two, but now they are hanging on to a place in the eight.
That is down to the fact they have lost four of the last five games, and they need to stop the rot quickly.
Last week's three-point loss against arch rivals Collingwood would have been hard to take and they will be keen to bounce back against the Hawks.
After this week they have somewhat easier games against West Coast and St Kilda, but all the focus for now is on Hawthorn.
They do have a good record against Hawthorn, winning the last two games, but the Hawks are a much better outfit these days.
Even so, Carlton can be backed at 6.00 to win by 13-24 points.
At least Charlie Curnow remains in top form. The gun forward has 56 goals for the season and is 8.50 to boot the first.
Patrick Cripps is also averaging almost 29 disposals a game and is 2.15 to collect 30+ against the Hawks.
Hawks look to bounce back
Hawthorn's finals hopes suffered a massive setback last weekend when they lost a thriller against fellow top-eight hopefuls Greater Western Sydney.
They squandered a healthy lead before losing by two points, and could now pay the price for it.
Before that they had won 10 from 12 games to get themselves right in contention, and need to rediscover that form quickly.
Again, with North Melbourne and Richmond on the horizon, they could get themselves back in the mix with a win at the MCG.
Hawthorn can be backed at 6.00 to do just that by 1-12 points.
