The Melbourne Demons have claimed their biggest scalp of the season, knocking of Hawthorn at the MCG by 29 points.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Melbourne Demons 17.8.110
Hawthorn Hawks 11.15.81
The Hawthorn Hawks are going for ten wins in a row when they face the resurgent Melbourne Demons, who will take on the task at the world’s greatest sporting ground, the MCG. Join The Roar from 2:10pm (AEST) for all the action.
Last time these two met, the Hawks toughed out an 18-point victory after a disappointing final quarter fadeout from the Demons – something they’ll be sure to rectify this time around.
Last week the Dees just scraped home against the Suns through a couple of heroic moments from Jack Watts, while the Hawks continued their incredible run at Tasmania, dealing with an impressive Carlton side by 19 points.
Cyril Rioli makes a welcome return for the Hawks, at the expense of first-year player Blake Hardwick.
Melbourne have made three changes, headlined by the exciting debut of last year’s pick nine in the draft, tall forward Sam Weidemann. He comes in along with fellow top-ten pick Clayton Oliver and the hard-nosed Tomas Bugg, replacing Chris Dawes, Josh Wagner and Matt Jones, who have all been omitted.
Hawkthorn currently sit on top of the ladder, yet with no less than four teams within two games’ reach they cannot afford any slip-ups.
The Demons have succeeded in 2016 in distancing themselves from the doldrums they resided in for the better part of a decade, but against the three-time premiers, with finals out of the question, there’s not much left to play for.
Poor kicking let the Demons down last weekend – repeat that against intercept kings Hawthorn and the scoreboard will get ugly. Jack Gunston is flying and due for a bag of goals if Tom McDonald can’t keep him in check. If Melbourne can let perennial ball-winners Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis off the leash they will be punished, so expect a close checking game with plenty of niggle.
Max Gawn is key as well – his activity around the ruck will surely influence the result.
Prediction
The Hawks don’t lose games they’re meant to win.
Hawthorn by 30.
Can Melbourne take their biggest scalp of the season, or will the Hawks solidify top spot, fending off the chasers? Join The Roar from 2:10pm (AEST) for all the action.
Penster
Guest
That wasn't a punch, it was an open handed beechslap, he was being eye gouged at the time. Did you miss that?
MG
Roar Rookie
See: https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/afl/a/27952052/follow-hawks-lead-afl-clubs-urged/#page1 This explains a lot to me about how Mitchell and Hodge can get away with what they get away with. Clear punch yesterday - MRP says OK.
Rod
Guest
I heard a couple of things on the weekend about the Hawks: 1. They train with umpires. 2. They travel and stay in the same accommodation as the umpires on interstate trips. 3. They've assisted with the cost of umpires' travels? Any of this true?
Paul
Guest
Cyrils bump was the best I have seen in this so called game of footy in years,as for Sicily it was late and not on purpose so what was it for.A slap in the face big deal it once was a contact sport.Tell my nose about it more then once it was broken.Take it and hard the hell up.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report The Roar's AFL MVP Votes 3 - Cyril Rioli 2 - Jack Viney 1 - Max Gawn
Peppsy
Roar Guru
Well holding the man is officially no longer a rule. Plenty missed against both sides
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
So many heroes today for the Demons. Hard not to feel good for them after a decade of hard times. Cyril Rioli was sensational for the Hawks, as was Isaac Smith, but as a team they were soundly beaten in the end by a team that will soon be a force in this league. Full match report and votes to come.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
BEHIND MELBOURNE The siren sounds to end the game - and Gawn!.. misses. Doesn't matter! At the MCG the Melbourne Demons have defeated the Hawthorn Hawks by 29 points! Melbourne 17.8.110 Hawthorn 11.15.81
shawn kewley
Guest
I tipped this boil over, great win beating the hawks and their umpiring division!
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
GAWN MARKS! Q4 28′ Melbourne 17.7.109 Hawthorn 11.15.81
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Gawn takes another huge defensive mark and the Demons aren't done piling on the pain yet! Brayshaw marks on 50 and soaks up time. Q4 28′ Melbourne 17.7.109 Hawthorn 11.15.81
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
GOAL MELBOURNE 3 minutes left but Melbourne will win! Jack Watts comes up from defence to pounce on a loose ball - he kicks long to Dom Tyson who is alone again in a similar position, marking uncontested. He nails his second in a row, putting this one to bed! Q4 26′ Melbourne 17.7.109 Hawthorn 11.15.81
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
BEHIND HAWTHORN That was it! Sicily has a chance to keep the Hawks alive but his dribble kick from the pocket stays left and the Dees get the ball back! Should've gone with the drop punt James! 3:30 left! Q4 24′ Melbourne 16.7.103 Hawthorn 11.15.81
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
GOAL MELBOURNE ANOTHER! Dom Tyson with a miraculous left foot snap from the pocket puts the underdog 23 points up! The 13 game winning streak the Hawks have over them will end today! Q4 22′ Melbourne 16.7.103 Hawthorn 11.14.80
mattyb
Guest
Big ten minutes here for the umpires I suppose.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
GOAL MELBOURNE Pedersen drills it and are now up by 17 points at the MCG! Q4 20′ Melbourne 15.7.97 Hawthorn 11.14.80
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
With 6 minutes left, Jack Watts delivers a perfect low pass into the chest of the leading Pedersen. He walks back to take his shot, 25m out in front of goals. Huge result brewing! Q4 20′ Melbourne 14.7.91 Hawthorn 11.14.80
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
GOAL MELBOURNE Looked dodgy, but doesn't matter! A mongrel kick off Vince's boot somehow wobbles into the waiting arms of Tom Bugg, 35m out from goal dead in front. He lines up, winds up, and sends the Sherrin between the big sticks! Demons lead by 11! Q4 18′ Melbourne 14.7.91 Hawthorn 11.14.80
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
GOAL MELBOURNE Billy Stretch puts Melbourne back in front! Oscar McDonald and Pedersen involved in the lead-up, but a lovely finish from Stretch makes it all alright. Q4 16′ Melbourne 13.7.85 Hawthorn 11.14.80
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Harmes and Sicily fight out a fierce one-one-one in the Hawthorn forward line - Harmes wins! Brayshaw marks strongly on the wing, but his kick is neutralised and we have a stoppage. Q4 14′ Melbourne 12.7.79 Hawthorn 11.14.80