Isaac Smith has sent a pre-finals shudder through Hawthorn, suffering a knee injury in their cakewalk 57-point AFL win over Carlton.
The speedster was hurt during the third term and did not return in the 17.11 (113) to 8.8 (56) win on Saturday at the MCG.
Carlton’s loss, coupled with the upset Brisbane win over the Western Bulldogs, meant the Blues finished bottom.
It is their fourth wooden spoon since 2002.
The immediate speculation was that Smith had hurt a medial ligament in his left knee.
He is in doubt for next weekend’s qualifying final against West Coast and perhaps deeper into the finals.
While Smith’s absence would be a major blow for Hawthorn, fellow runner Bradley Hill continued his welcome return to form with 27 disposals.
But this was all about the two-time defending premiers freshening up for the finals.
Cyril Rioli was a late withdrawal because of gastro and fellow Hawks indigenous star Shaun Burgoyne was subbed off at halftime.
Smith’s injury came a day after news broke that captain Luke Hodge, serving a suspension, was fined for drink-driving.
Hawthorn will decide in the next 24 hours whether further action is warranted against their star skipper.
Carlton surrendered to Hawthorn by 138 points in round 17, a club record for the Blues.
They were better in John Barker’s last game as interim coach, with new mentor Brendon Bolton also watching from the stands.
But Hawthorn kicked five goals to one in the first quarter and the game was a procession.
Hawks star Sam Mitchell did his Brownlow Medal chances no harm with 34 possessions.
Jordan Lewis and Jarryd Roughead, who kicked four goals, also impressed.
In his last match before retirement, Carlton onballer Andrew Carrazzo starred.
Teammate Kade Simpson was reported in the second term for a high bump on Hawks ruck-forward David Hale.
There was a touching tribute before the start of the game for Hawks assistant coach and Carlton great Brett Ratten.
His son Cooper died in a car crash last month and the two teams ran through a banner that read “Family” in large letters.
Ratten was in tears on the boundary line as players and officials from the two teams acknowledged him.
Col from Brissie
Guest
Macca, my thinking behind the Dangerfield trade is that Adelaide might match any offer that Geelong make forcing them to deal with Adelaide. That way Adelaide can get Geelongs first round pick and player or even their first round pick next year as well. Geelong isn't the only club chasing him so Adelaide would rather be controlling what they get rather than what they might get through compensation.
Macca
Guest
Isn't Dangerfield a free agent meaning the Carts won't need to trade? I would think that by trading Henderson & Yarran the blues should end up with 2 more top 20 draft picks - I would hate to see Kreuzer go but I think the blues will play hard ball at negotiations now knowing that they will get pick 2 as compo rather than possibly pick 4 (or even 5) if Brisbane got a comp pick or a first round pick for Leuenberger. If Menzel went you would have to be looking for a top 10 pick (I don't see the point in letting Kreuzer walk just to replace him with another 26 year old ruckman who isn't as good - better off using Wood & Casboult with Warnock as back up and recruiting the best ruckman from this years draft) and I can't consider the possibility of losing Bell but Aish would be a handy replacement. If all those thing panned out and the blues ended up with Schache, Weitering, Aish and 4 picks between 10 and 20 it would be a very solid start to a rebuild especially when added to Cripps, Graham, Buckley & Casboult. If the blues could convince Treloar to come and walk him through to the pre-season draft (unlikely) you would have a very colid base to build off.
The Original Buzz
Roar Rookie
2 Walkers at the Blues, that would be interesting. Lol. I agree with you on the Dangerfield Trade but think he will stay in Adelaide.
Col from Brissie
Guest
Maybe their 2nd round pick plus Josh Walker. I think their 1st round pick will be involved in Dangerfield trade.
The Original Buzz
Roar Rookie
Fair call, Col. I think losing Kreuzer would be a tragedy, I think he is better than Lobbe and has more to offer. Yes, he hasn't played much footy recently but a good preseason and no injuries next year will hold the Blues in good stead. I would hate to see Menzel go, I think he still has some good footy ahead of him, just needs the right coach to bring it out of him. If he wants to go, getting a first round pick for him would be better in my opinion. That can be used in the draft or traded on for an experienced player. Rice and Silvagni are exciting prospects and hopefully can live up to the standards set by their predecessors. Can we be that lucky with 3/3 Silvagnis being champions? Yarran to Richmond and Hendo to Geelong should give us two first round picks to deal with. There is some real talent in the draft and they could pick up some good key position players with 3 or 4 first round picks. Bell in a straight swap for Aish from Brisbane is a win for Carlton. He has pedigree and I am a Norwood fan and followed his father and uncle's careers way back when I was just a lad. I also saw him play in the SANFL including a grand final. Who would we get from Geelong for Henderson?
The Original Buzz
Roar Rookie
According to Foxtel, we finished 0th. Does that mean we are no longer 18th? Carlton Season 2015 Snapshot Position Goals Avg For Avg Against 0th 211 70.0 106.7
Col from Brissie
Guest
Buzz, now that we have the first pick I am thinking it might be a good thing if Matthew Kreuzer leaves and we get a compensation first round pick which would give us picks 1 & 2. We could then draft Weitering & Schache, our CHF and CHB for the next 10 years. We could chase Lobbe from Port as a replacement ruckman by trading Menzel to Port and maybe a swap of second round picks. I don't know what we will get for Henderon but possibly get a second round plus player from Geelong. If Yarran goes to Richmond we might get their 1st round pick. Hopefully we will also get Rice and Silvagni under father/son. What do you think?
The Original Buzz
Roar Rookie
I was impressed by the way the Carlton youngsters played. I think there is a basis for a good team there, they just lack experience. With a chance to get a few more first round picks with some shrewd trading, the Blues will be back on the rise and could be in the eight in three years.
Freo As
Guest
Didn't Clarkson claim he's not a fan of resting players? Or was that some spin?