CARLTON has survived an almighty AFL scare to edge Hawthorn by 23 points, defeating the Hawks at the MCG for the first time in 21 years.
The Blues simply had to take care of the lowly Hawks on Saturday otherwise pressure on coach David Teague would have gone to extreme levels.
It was rarely pretty but Carlton did enough to secure their fourth win of the season and maintain pressure on the top eight.
The Hawks were unable to capitalise on their dominance during the last quarter as Coleman Medal leader Harry McKay roosted the matchwinner with four minutes to go and the Blues prevailed 13.8 (86) to 9.9 (63).
The result broke a run of nine Hawthorn wins against Carlton at the MCG, with the Blues’ previous victory over the Hawks at the ground coming in round 17, 2000.
The Hawks had plenty of chances to secure a third win of the season but were their own worst enemy.
Jacob Koschitzke should have put Hawthorn in front during time-on of the third term but inexplicably played on after taking a towering mark in the goal square and was caught holding the ball.
The Blues then swept the ball down the other end and Michael Gibbons slotted his first goal of the game.
Carlton were able to put through two more before three-quarter-time, including Marc Murphy’s set shot after the siren, to lead by 19 points at the final change.
Blues star Sam Walsh got it done when the game was on the line, gathering 20 touches and kicking a goal in the first-half.
Hawks champion Tom Mitchell was at his prolific best, finishing with 44 disposals, while veteran Luke Breust kicked a game-high three goals.
Carlton face a daunting task against Sydney at the SCG in round 11, while Hawthorn (2-8) travel to Darwin for a clash with Gold Coast on Saturday night.
(C) AAP 2021
CARLTON 4.1 8.3 12.4 13.8 (86)
HAWTHORN 2.3 7.6 8.9 9.9 (63)
Goals: Carlton: E Betts 2 H McKay 2 M Owies 2 J Silvagni M Gibbons M Murphy M Pittonet S Walsh T De Koning Z Williams. Hawthorn: L Breust 3 H Morrison 2 D Howe D Moore J Koschitzke M Lewis.
Umpires: Dean Margetts, Robert O’Gorman, Jamie Broadbent.
Venue: MCG.
