AFL Live: Hawks remain unbeaten after Carlton test; Modest night for Curnow

Michael Voss’ side gave an improved effort at the MCG against the Hawks.Credit: AFL Photos / Getty Images

Carlton were asked for a response to last week’s showing, and they provided one – of sorts.

They were better, but the clear comment was that they lack the class of the better teams.

They showed spirit and desperation, but they were fundamentally lacking the run, plan, skills and depth of class of Hawthorn.

The Blues won contested possessions and clearances. They didn’t stop. They didn’t wave the flag, but ultimately, they managed just two goals for the second half to Hawthorn’s seven. So, the Hawks leave the MCG undefeated, Carlton without a win.

A few things can summarise the game on the night, but one is that Hawthorn had 13 marks inside 50 to Carlton’s five. Charlie Curnow, rushed back into the team, tried but was plainly unready and underdone. Jack Silvagni was what he is – an earnest competitor – and he provided a target but was unable to convert his chances, one shot at goal touched on the line and another shaving the post. And Harry McKay was a late out.

Massimo D’Ambrosio and Cam Mackenzie were influential in the second half as the Hawks’ superior run and kicking illustrated the difference in the teams.

Round two began with a bang. There’s so much to like about Hawthorn, a well-fancied club for many in the pre-season that has begun 2025 with three straight victories.

And each win has had a different complexion; in the opening round they enjoyed a super-impressive win on the road against grand finalists Sydney, last week they stood up to every challenge that Essendon threw at them, and tonight they rallied at different stages and closed out Carlton with a decisive final quarter.

It’s barely past the middle of March and Hawthorn have 12 premiership points.

Enjoy your night, folks. The 2025 AFL season is really starting to click into gear.

Hawthorn member Nick Graham thought this game was “a bit of a struggle” but that his team’s more accurate kicking helped propel them to a 3-0 record to start their campaign.

Tom Barrass has already proven himself to be a vital inclusion for the Hawks.Credit: AFL Photos

“We haven’t had a lot to cheer about so it’s nice that we bought that moment on from the second half of our [2024] season into this season,” said Graham.

He thinks the Hawks should return to the finals this year – if they stay consistent – but “I can take nothing for granted”.

“Hopefully with the additions of Battle and Barrass, hopefully we can solidify and be more of a threat to those top teams with the defensive stocks,” he said.

Meanwhile Carlton fans savoured the improved effort of the Blues in a game in which they were outplayed late.

Carlton supporter Jack said, despite some costly turnovers, he was pleased with his team.

“[They played] a lot better than last week,” he said outside the MCG after the game.

“I feel like some players play with heart and some aren’t consistent enough, but it’s early days in this season.”

His friend and fellow supporter Erving said he was “disappointed” to lose again, but Hawthorn deserved the win.

“You’ve got to be a good sport about it,” he said.“Well done to the Hawthorn players.”

Jai Newcombe (Hawthorn) – 32 possessions
Patrick Cripps (Carlton) – 29
Adam Cerra (Carlton) –28
George Hewitt (Carlton) – 27
Will Day (Hawthorn) –26
Massimo D’Ambrosio (Hawthorn) – 25

Dejected Blues fans began filing out of the ’G well before the final siren for an early train, but some loyal supporters were pleased with their team’s improved effort from round one.

Among them was Helen Littlejohn, from Port Melbourne, who has supported the team for nearly six decades.

“I think they’ve done much better than last week,” she said.

“All we wanted to see was a good effort, and they’ve put in a good effort, but Crippa [Patrick Cripps] is doubled over. He’s exhausted, and so are some of the others.”

Blues skipper Patrick Cripps put everything on the line for his side, yet again.Credit: Getty Images

Her praise of the Carlton captain didn’t extend to fellow club leader Charlie Curnow, who returned from injury but was ineffective and moved gingerly.

“He’s done nothing,” said Littlejohn.

“We’ve carried him, and he’s not fit. He hasn’t had a pre-season. So you can’t come out and play this level with no pre-season.”

Despite a poor start from Carlton, who fell away late in this game and lost to Richmond after leading by 41 points a week ago, 72-year-old Littlejohn will stand by the team she’s seen claim premierships and wooden spoons.

“You’re a supporter – you’ve got to show up and support!”

Former AFL player David King, on Fox Footy, wasn’t too critical of the Blues. “The effort’s there, the attitude’s right, they just don’t have the weaponry,” he said.

Michael Voss’ side gave an improved effort at the MCG against the Hawks.Credit: AFL Photos / Getty Images

Carlton were asked for a response to last week’s showing, and they provided one – of sorts.

They were better, but the clear comment was that they lack the class of the better teams.

They showed spirit and desperation, but they were fundamentally lacking the run, plan, skills and depth of class of Hawthorn.

The Blues won contested possessions and clearances. They didn’t stop. They didn’t wave the flag, but ultimately, they managed just two goals for the second half to Hawthorn’s seven. So, the Hawks leave the MCG undefeated, Carlton without a win.

A few things can summarise the game on the night, but one is that Hawthorn had 13 marks inside 50 to Carlton’s five. Charlie Curnow, rushed back into the team, tried but was plainly unready and underdone. Jack Silvagni was what he is – an earnest competitor – and he provided a target but was unable to convert his chances, one shot at goal touched on the line and another shaving the post. And Harry McKay was a late out.

Massimo D’Ambrosio and Cam Mackenzie were influential in the second half as the Hawks’ superior run and kicking illustrated the difference in the teams.

A very impressive final quarter by the Hawks – really mature footy. The match was up for grabs, but they closed out Carlton when it counted. The Blues didn’t boot a goal in that final quarter.

Hawthorn 12.8 (80) defeated Carlton 8.12 (60)

Deep into time-on in the final quarter – it’s three goals to zip this term for Hawthorn. The brown and gold will be rapt to come away with the four points tonight and stay unbeaten.

Hawthorn’s fans get up and about.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Nick Watson (right) and a teammate.Credit: Getty Images