Carlton will put its seven-match winning streak under Josh Fraser on the line against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday night. Well, they don’t really have a choice about it, but it’s still fun to speculate.

The Blues have surged into wildcard contention under their caretaker coach after sitting outside the finals picture just two months ago.

After seven losses in a row under Michael Voss the Blues have done the unthinkable and won seven in a row now; from the longest active loss streak to the longest active win streak in the same season. Crazy times.

Their latest triumph came in a 74-72 win over Richmond last Saturday, holding on to a two-point lead in the final minute.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn will look to respond after going down to Melbourne 125-90 at UTAS Stadium last Saturday.

The final margin failed to reflect the contest, with the Hawks trailing by as many as 96 points during the third quarter before a face-saving run home.

It was the kind of afternoon every club has once a season and Sam Mitchell will be desperate to see it stay just once.

Star small forward Nick Watson is set to return after missing one match with a hamstring injury, and his class inside 50 could be exactly the spark Hawthorn need.

A win here entrenches the Blues in wildcard territory, whereas a loss likely sees them tumble out of the top 10.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Carlton Blues vs Hawthorn Hawks Round 18 prediction and preview below.

Carlton Blues vs Hawthorn Hawks Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Seven wins on the trot, and now the Blues face a real test against a hungry Hawks side desperate to atone for last week's whitewash.

Carlton's game has come an enormously long way, with improved ball use, improved run, and personnel changes that all feel far more in line with the way footy is played in 2026.

For the most part we have loved Hawthorn's output too, especially at the MCG, but last week was truly bizarre viewing.

Will Day versus Patrick Cripps looms as a genuine highlight, and that should be an excellent contest in its own right.

George Hewett will likely line up alongside Jai Newcombe as that battle plays out.

The Hawks are mixing and matching their key forward posts, some through injury and some through form, and that is an area where they can stretch the Blues.

But Carlton's makeshift defence, built around Nick Haynes and a returning Ollie Hollands, has stood tall when called upon in recent weeks.

This feels like the most likely game where the Blues come back to earth, but an eighth straight win here would blow the lid clean off the joint.

Betting tip: Hawthorn Hawks by 12 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Nick Watson slots straight back into the side off a hamstring niggle and there's no better way to announce his return than getting on the scoreboard early.

The Wizard thrives on instinct and space and a fired-up Hawthorn side chasing early momentum after last week's disaster will look to get him involved from the first stoppage.

Watson's magic at ground level makes him a nightmare to match up on, and we like him to snap the opener against a makeshift Blues defence.

Betting tip: Jack Gunston.

Most Disposals Prediction

Whether he's winning it at ground level or providing a target through the middle, Newcombe's work rate rarely dips, regardless of the occasion.

With Carlton likely to lean on Cripps and Walsh through the corridor, Newcombe's ability to match that physicality will be crucial and you just know he’ll be taking this match personally.

Betting tip: Jai Newcombe.

Carlton Blues vs Hawthorn Hawks Predicted Teams

Carlton Blues Predicted Team List

FB: Nick Haynes, Wade Derksen, Oliver Florent

HB: Billy Wilson, Ollie Hollands, Lachlan Cowan

C: Blake Acres, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra

HF: Ben Ainsworth, Mitch McGovern, Matthew Cottrell

FF: Talor Byrne, Harry McKay, Brodie Kemp

FOLL: Marc Pittonet, Patrick Cripps, Jagga Smith

I/C: Will Hayward, Nic Newman, George Hewett, Cooper Lord, Francis Evans

Hawthorn Hawks Predicted Team List

FB: James Sicily, Josh Battle, Jarman Impey

HB: Karl Amon, Josh Weddle, Bailey Macdonald

C: Massimo D'Ambrosio, Cam Mackenzie, Josh Ward

HF: Dylan Moore, Jack Ginnivan, Nick Watson

FF: Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Mabior Chol

FOLL: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, Flynn Perez

I/C: Bodie Ryan, Lloyd Meek, Will Day, Cameron Nairn, Connor Macdonald

Carlton Blues vs Hawthorn Hawks Match Details

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:35pm AEST.

Location: MCG, Melbourne.

How to Watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.

*Odds are subject to change.