TonyK
CibbuanoHawks our big test: Ratten
April 27th 2009 04:41
CARLTON coach Brett Ratten says the clash with reigning premiers Hawthorn will give him a good indication of how much his side has improved.
The Blues - who are looking to reach the finals for the first time since 2001 - have won three of their first five games - the most recent a 43-point triumph over last year's preliminary finalists the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Bu they face a big test at the MCG on Saturday against a side that has dominated them in recent times.
Carlton's recent record against the Hawks make for ugly reading for Blues supporters - they have lost their past five matches against Hawthorn by an average of 51 points and have been thumped to the tune of 100 and 78 points in the past two meetings.
"They have given us a few nasty whacks over the last few years and they look like they are getting their form back," Ratten said.
"It will be a challenge for our players to respond and see if we have taken the next step against a team that has bullied us in the past."
The Blues - who are looking to reach the finals for the first time since 2001 - have won three of their first five games - the most recent a 43-point triumph over last year's preliminary finalists the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Bu they face a big test at the MCG on Saturday against a side that has dominated them in recent times.
Carlton's recent record against the Hawks make for ugly reading for Blues supporters - they have lost their past five matches against Hawthorn by an average of 51 points and have been thumped to the tune of 100 and 78 points in the past two meetings.
"They have given us a few nasty whacks over the last few years and they look like they are getting their form back," Ratten said.
"It will be a challenge for our players to respond and see if we have taken the next step against a team that has bullied us in the past."
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