Follow AFL round 20 scores, results, odds, squads and start time from the MCG in Melbourne.

Hawthorn accepted the role of “bad guys” when they set out to increase the AFL Final Hopes in Carlton Hero Sam Docherty’s farewell match.

Port Adelaide is new to a win, the fifth row Hawks (12-6) is entering the MCG contest on Thursday night as hot favorites aiming to lock at the top eight points.

However, Embattled Blues (7-11, 12.), Melbourne, who passed to coach Michael Voss, alleviated the pressure with a very needed win and has a lot to play despite the low stair positions.

Docherty, who has a beaten testicular cancer twice, will play the 184th and final match in a famous career with three knee conquering, the best and the broadest award and the entire Australian choice.

Carlton will help the Captain Jacob, who does something to send him correctly and celebrate in his 200th match.

“For this, bad guys’s cards were distributed for this,” Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said.

“What is about Sam is beyond sport. There are three knee reconstruction and it returns from it and is still a completely Australian player.

“But at that time, frankly cancer treatments and that’s why he comes back, exceeds the sport. He is an inspiring person.

“We will definitely try to ruin his party, but I think it is definitely one of the players that should be celebrated this season.”

Hawthorn beat Carlton at his last two meetings, but Mitchell was careful that Blues was the highest score in the first quarter this season.

Mitchell said, “They’re more than being talented and they will play a little bit with Docharty and 200.”

“They’re going to be quite a lot, so you expect them to come out with a lot of energy and vitality.”

Hawthorn sits in two matches away from the ninth, but in the last month of the Ev-Away campaign, Adelaide, Collingwood and Brisbane Lions, are facing a harsh running house.

“Every game is as good as the final, M Mitchell said.

“We understand where we live and make sure that we are very focused on getting the best result we can.”

Hawks will be supported by the return of Young Gun Will Day from the foot injury when you play their first matches in MCG since May.

Mitch Lewis healed after the return match last week and will come back, but his teammate Finn Maginness was ignored in the rest of the season due to a kidney.

Carlton Key Forward Harry McKay returned to his first match since 11 rounds after getting rid of small knee surgery, and Blake Acres was recalled.

Francis Evans and Flynn Young were injured.

AAP