"Hawthorn vs Carlton 2025: Hawks Dominate as Docherty Bids Emotional Farewell"

Hawthorn vs Carlton: Hawks Soar as Blues Falter – A Complete AFL Match Recap

Date: Thursday, 24 July 2025
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Result: Hawthorn 13.7 (85) def. Carlton 9.7 (61)

When the fixture list for the 2025 AFL season was released, few would have circled Hawthorn vs Carlton in Round 20 as a must-watch clash. But as Thursday night at the MCG proved, footy always finds a way to write its own compelling script. With a finals push for the Hawks and an emotional farewell for a Blues champion, the stage was set for a match full of drama, moments to remember, and a big statement about where these two proud clubs stand in the AFL landscape.

A Night of High Stakes at the ‘G

More than 51,000 fans packed into the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground under crisp winter skies to witness a game that would mean so much to both sets of supporters. For Hawthorn fans, this was a chance to solidify a top-four dream that’s been building all season. For Carlton, the night was about one man — Sam Docherty. The retiring club stalwart was cheered at every touch in what would be his final AFL game after 184 courageous appearances.

But sentiment doesn’t win you games. From the opening bounce, it was clear Hawthorn weren’t here to play the supporting act in Carlton’s farewell party. They came with a plan, ruthless efficiency, and an intensity that overwhelmed the Blues early — a blueprint that has been the Hawks’ trademark under coach Sam Mitchell.

First Quarter Blitz – Hawks Make Their Mark

If ever there was a quarter that defined a game, it was the first. Hawthorn flew out of the blocks, piling on six goals to Carlton’s solitary major. Jack Gunston, the veteran forward who has become the reliable heartbeat of the Hawks’ attack, kicked two goals in the opening term alone.

Young forward Calsher Dear provided one of the highlights of the night with a towering mark in the goal square, reminding fans that the Hawks’ future is just as bright as their storied past. Meanwhile, Mitch Lewis and Josh Ward chimed in with majors that left Carlton’s defense scrambling for answers. By quarter-time, the scoreboard told the story: Hawthorn 6.1 (37) to Carlton 1.2 (8). The MCG’s Hawthorn faithful were in full voice, while the Blues fans looked on anxiously, hoping this wouldn’t become a blowout.

A Glimmer for Carlton – But the Hawks Stay in Control

The second term brought a more measured contest. Carlton, stung by a spray from interim coach Ash Hansen, found a bit of composure. Docherty — determined to make his mark one last time — lifted with a couple of classic intercepts and even drifted forward to help set up a rare Blues goal. Liam Stocker and Harry McKay managed to break through Hawthorn’s defensive wall, and for a brief moment, the Carlton faithful found their voice again.

But the Hawks were simply too polished. Jarman Impey and James Sicily marshalled the midfield and half-back line with authority, ensuring that whenever Carlton sniffed momentum, Hawthorn snuffed it out. By half-time, the margin was 30 points: 8.3 (51) to 3.3 (21). The Hawks were cruising, but the question remained — would they maintain the rage or let Carlton back in?

An Emotional Third Term – Docherty’s Moment

If there was one point where the Blues looked like they might script a fairytale twist, it came in the third quarter. After a string of inside 50s and repeat entries, the ball fell to Sam Docherty on the half-forward flank. In a moment that seemed almost scripted by the footy gods, Docherty wheeled around onto his left boot and snapped truly from 40 meters. The roar from the Blues fans was deafening. Teammates mobbed him. Even Hawthorn fans stood and applauded the warrior’s final goal.

Spurred on, Carlton strung together a handful of classy passages. George Hewett, battling manfully in the middle, linked with Patrick Cripps and Adam Saad to launch a counterattack that ended with Charlie Curnow marking strongly and kicking truly. The Blues won the third quarter 4.1 to 4.1 — a small moral victory, but still they trailed by five goals at the final change.

Final Quarter: Hawks Shut the Door

Any hopes of a miracle comeback were quickly dashed. Hawthorn’s structure held firm. Sicily and Tom Barrass mopped up everything Carlton threw forward. Jack Gunston bagged his third goal after a clever crumb and snap, and Mitch Lewis iced the contest with his second major, reminding everyone why the Hawks’ tall forwards are the envy of so many teams.

Carlton did find a couple of late consolation goals — Charlie Curnow adding his second and Sam Docherty driving the ball forward one last time before being substituted off to a standing ovation. The final siren saw the Hawks victors by 24 points: 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61).

Stat Standouts: Who Shone Brightest?

• James Sicily was immense down back, racking up 25 disposals and taking 11 marks — many of them intercepts that blunted Carlton’s rare attacks.

• Jarman Impey (25 disposals) and Dylan Moore (game-high 27 disposals) were the engine room that kept the Hawks humming.

• Jack Gunston proved once again he’s Mr. Reliable with 3 crucial goals and 18 touches.

• Calsher Dear thrilled fans with his aerial prowess and chipped in with 2 goals.

• Will Day, back from injury, was clean and classy with 15 disposals and a soaring grab that brought the Hawks’ cheer squad to its feet.

For Carlton, Patrick Cripps (27 disposals) fought valiantly all night, George Hewett provided grunt with 25 touches, and Charlie Curnow worked tirelessly to finish with two goals. But the night belonged to Sam Docherty, who bowed out with 16 disposals, a goal, and the gratitude of every Blues fan in the stands.

What Went Right for Hawthorn – And Wrong for Carlton

Tactically, Hawthorn’s blueprint was clear: win it at the source, spread quickly, and isolate their big forwards. Their pressure early was suffocating. Every time Carlton tried to exit defense, they ran into a wall of brown and gold jumpers. The Hawks’ intercept game — led by Sicily and Barrass — gave them repeat opportunities, and their midfield’s spread meant the Blues were forced to chase shadows.

Carlton, on the other hand, were undone by poor defensive effort. Footy commentators roasted Adam Saad at half-time for jogging after his man, a clip that will surely be replayed in Monday’s review. Forward entries lacked purpose. Too often, Curnow and McKay found themselves double-teamed or leading to dead pockets. Their transition game was laboured, and by the time they found any rhythm, the contest was out of reach.

The Fans: A Tale of Two Tribes

The emotional heartbeat of the night was all about Sam Docherty. As he was chaired off by Cripps and Curnow, the MCG rose to applaud a player who has faced more adversity than most — injury, cancer, and relentless setbacks — yet always led with class and courage. Even Hawks fans stood and clapped, a fitting tribute.

For Hawthorn’s fans, the final siren meant relief, celebration, and renewed belief that this team’s rebuild is truly turning the corner. Their forward line is humming, their midfield is deep, and with players like Will Day returning, they suddenly look like a side nobody wants to meet in September.

Ladder Watch: What This Means

Hawthorn’s win pushes them to 13-6, solidly inside the top four with just a handful of games remaining. While tricky clashes with Collingwood, Brisbane, and Adelaide loom, they hold their fate in their own hands. Win two of the last three, and a home final could be a reality — an outcome few predicted at the start of 2025.

For Carlton, the equation is stark. This loss all but ends their finals dream, consigning them to another season of rebuild and reflection. The retirement of Docherty leaves a leadership gap, and questions linger over whether the current list — talented as it is — can gel under pressure.

Final Thoughts

This game will be remembered not for its closeness, but for what it said about two clubs at different stages of their journey. Hawthorn’s ruthless first quarter showed a team with a plan, belief, and the hunger to make a September statement. Carlton’s flashes of spirit were overshadowed by a lack of cohesion and consistency — themes that have haunted them for years.

But on a cold Thursday night at the ‘G, the real takeaway was simple: football remains a beautiful, brutal, and brilliantly unpredictable game. Hawthorn march on to bigger dreams, Carlton say goodbye to a champion, and the rest of us watch and wonder where these two famous clubs will go next.