Hawthorn returns to the MCG for Saturday night football for the first time since 2021 in a Round 18 clash with the Blues.

In added excitement, Ollie Greeves set to play his first game in the brown and gold as Hawthorn’s seventh debutant of the season.

The Hawks will look to return to the winners list after suffering defeat at the hands of the Melbourne Demons at UTAS Stadium last weekend. Hawthorn’s 10 wins, five losses and a draw see them maintain third position on the ladder ahead of Round 18.

Meanwhile, Carlton sits 10th and are on a seven-game win streak, taking their record to eight wins and eight losses for the season.  

Here's all you need to know ahead of the game: 

WHO: Carlton v Hawthorn
WHAT: Round 18
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Saturday 11 July
TIME: 7.35pm
BROADCAST: Fox Footy/Kayo

How to watch

Following along at home? The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy and can be streamed through Kayo.

Don’t have Kayo? Click HERE to check out our Hawks on Demand membership and save on 12 months of Kayo.

Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, X and Facebook to remain updated on all the behind-the-scenes action on game day.

Last time we met

Hawthorn (85) defeated Carlton (61) in Round 20, 2025.  

Hawthorn kept its top four hopes alive with a 24-point victory over the Blues at the MCG.

The Hawks showed their signature vibrancy and energy, with Calsher Dear taking repeat hangers inside forward 50, while the returning Will Day took a superb mark of his own.

A rejuvenated James Sicily (25 disposals, 11 marks), a classy Jarman Impey (25 disposals, eight marks) and a busy Dylan Moore (27 disposals, six marks) were predominantly to thank for laying the foundation for the win.

The Hawks’ attacking end was dominant with Jack Gunston (18 disposals, three goals), Dear (11 disposals, two goals) and Mitch Lewis (14 disposals, two goals) all hitting the scoreboard multiple times.

Tickets and Membership

This game is a replacement game for Hawthorn members.

Members with general admission access can scan in for general admission access or upgrade to a reserved seat for an additional fee.

Replacement game reserved seat holders will have access to redeeming a seat on Level 1 via Ticketek for $0.

It’s not too late to become a 2026 member with a variety of packages available. SIGN UP HERE!

Getting to the game 

By Train

Jolimont Station is a five-minute walk (350m) through Yarra Park to MCG Gate 2.

Richmond Station is 850m from the MCG.

To plan your journey visit ptv.vic.gov.au/journey.

Train Disruptions:  

  • Buses replace trains on the Sunbury Line between Flagstaff and Sunshine from 8:30pm Tuesday 7 July to 11pm Friday 10 July 
  • Buses replace trains on the Sunbury Line between North Melbourne and Sunbury from 11pm Friday 10 July to 5am Sunday 12 July 
  • Buses replace trains on the Sunbury Line between North Melbourne and Sunshine from 5am to last train Sunday 12 July 
  • Buses replace trains on the Werribee and Williamstown lines between North Melbourne, Laverton and Williamstown from first train to 11pm Friday 10 July 
  • Buses replace trains on the Werribee and Williamstown lines between North Melbourne, Newport and Williamstown from 11pm Friday 10 July to last train Sunday 12 July 
  • Cranbourne and Pakenham services start and end at South Yarra from first train Friday 10 July to last train Sunday 12 July.

Regional Train Disruptions:

  • Coaches replace trains on the Ballarat, Ararat & Maryborough lines for all or part of the journey from Friday night 10 July to last service Saturday 11 July 
  • Coaches and buses replace trains on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines for all or part of the journey from Friday night 10 July to last service Saturday 11 July 
  • Coaches replace trains on the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines for all or part of the journey from Friday night 10 July to last service Saturday 11 July 

By Tram

Three tram routes provide access to the MCG:

- Route 75 (City-Vermont South) - Stop 11 Jolimont Station/MCG is 300m from MCG Gate 2.

- Route 48 (Docklands/City-North Balwyn) - Stop 11 Jolimont Station/MCG is 300m from MCG Gate 2.

- Route 70 (Docklands/City-Wattle Park) - the stop is 500m from Gate 2.

By Bus

Bus route 246 stops in Punt Road and is 600m from MCG Gate 3.

By Car

Parking is extremely limited on event days at the MCG. The use of public transport is strongly recommended.

Parking for Australian Disability Parking (ADP) permit holders is available in Yarra Park. More information can be found here.

Drop off/Pick up locations

Need a ride to the game? Use DiDi, proud partner of the Hawks.

Patrons are advised to use Clarendon Street (near the Pullman Hotel) for their rideshare drop-off and pick-up.