The Preview | Carlton v Hawthorn | AFL Round 16, 2023
Click here for Terry’s Preview on the Blue Abroad YouTube Page
“They got us in the first half I ain’t gonna lie”
We’re officially counting down to the last round of the season as the Blues face the Hawks this week coming off the bye.
Strap in, it’s the round 16 preview
Hok
This hawks team is an interesting debacle.
Exciting their fans through patches this season, the young Hawthorn playing list have struggled to find consistency as they continue to ride the highs and lows of an unfair 2023 season.
The Hawks, amidst some tough losses earlier in the year, still average 10 goals a game whilst also ranking in the top 6 for disposals per game at 388.
Finding their stride in the past 4 weeks alone, with wins against top 8 sides in St Kilda and Brisbane, the juvenile spirit of this hawks outfit has shaken matchups to the core.
However, could it simply be a case of some individual brillance in 2023?
Will Day has risen above preseason expectations as one of the best on the hawks playing list. Averaging 26 disposals, as well as 31 in the last 5 games alone, it’s scary to think his best is still yet to come.
Although hawks fans will sorely miss his presence on field this Sunday, James Sicily is having one of those seasons. To think it was just 6 years ago when Jed Lamb gave this man a bath, as we watch him lead the league in intercept possessions and marks is quite remarkable.
Though it’s easy to pick out individual brillance as a case for, the spotlight this week is simply a case of a team with the license to play freely and express themselves.
Coach Sam Mitchell describes the work on field as a product of having “a lot of trouble around the middle of the ground last year,” creating a system that thrives off “chaos and disruption around the hall.”
And interesting approach to be sure, especially against a team who’s signature focus is the contest. Nevertheless, the hawks are primed for another “scalping” on the G this week.
Messy Swaps.
Against the chaos and controversy that this group has faced to find their groove, the ball bounced our way in very positive signs.
Rejuvenation is a strong word, but a 57-3 2nd quater after not being able to kick over 100 points since round 7 is a true rarity in this unpredictable season.
Yet, as all good things end for this club, we’re dreading availability and selection this week once again.
As Marc Pittonet recovers from an MCL strain sidelining him for 2-3 weeks, Champion Data’s Daniel Hoyne had some stark insight on the channels of SEN this week.
As it turns out, it’s never a straight swap in the ruck department for the Blues, with the likes of Tom De Koning and Pittonet have “the second biggest gap on record” when it comes to influence on field.
“It’s an interesting debate for the Blues with what they do with the two rucks. When Marc Pittonet attends a ruck contest, Carlton wins the clearance seven per cent more than their opposition – a really good return,” Hoyne told SEN’s Sportsday.
“When Tom De Koning attends a ruck contest, they lose the clearance seven per cent more often than their opposition.
“That’s a gap of 14 per cent between the two rucks and the second biggest gap on the record between one ruck to the second ruck within a club over our time.”
In no surprise at all, Carlton is a significantly better clearance team when Pitto hits the ruck. And while TDK continues to battle against the top rucks in the game whilst providing around the ground, is it that sustainable as we continue to get out classed by hungrier engine rooms?
Food for thought this week.
Predictions
We can and will only build from our last performance.
As much as we despise the revolting performances that have been served in 2023, there’s no point in backing this team at all if we can’t applaud them for finding their feet.
Whilst the bye record this year doesn’t do us any favours (0-8 for teams coming off their annual bye), what more does this group need if they simply forget how well they can gel together after 2 weeks?
Stick it to them…and belt some birds.
Blues by 23
