Melbourne has marched to a fourth consecutive win by overcoming a plucky Hawthorn outfit by 54 points at the MCG on Saturday evening.
There were early warning signs of a bloodbath when the Hawks had just five inside 50s in the opening term for one behind, with the Demons kicking 5.5 in that time.
The story hardly improved from a brown and gold perspective before half-time with only one goal at the main break, but Sam Mitchell’s men surprised a few with a five-goal to three third term, narrowing the margin to 35 points at the final change.
But it was a margin never in any doubt of getting mowed down, with Melbourne ultimately running out 7.7. (49) to 15.13. (103) victors.
After being beaten by the Suns last week, the midfield trio of Jack Viney, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver rebounded with monster individual games to all be among the best afield.
Petracca was the pick of the Melbourne midfielders, finishing with 30 disposals and six clearances. Steven May in his 200th game also led from the front and enjoyed a superb game lined up on Mitch Lewis.
"I reckon we got a little bit 'Hollywood' at the end there." - Steven May on the Demons first half performance.
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 13, 2023
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The only negative for the Dees comes with a foot injury to Harrison Petty, who was spotted in a precautionary moon boot after being subbed off at half-time.
James Sicily was a shining light for the Hawks with 27 disposals and an equal game-high eight rebound 50s, but couldn’t put the young Hawks on his shoulder in his side’s sixth straight defeat.
Rivers from range 🎯#AFLHawksDees pic.twitter.com/GImC47gFhX
— AFL (@AFL) May 13, 2023
Hawthorn’s best chance to get in the win column this season comes next week against the injury-ravaged Eagles, while Melbourne meets Port Adelaide on the big stage of Friday night lights.
FULL SCORE
Hawthorn: 0.1, 1.3, 6.5, 7.7. (49)
Melbourne: 5.5, 8.6, 11.10, 15.13 (103)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Weddle, Newcombe, Meek, Mackenzie, Lewis, Butler, Breust
Melbourne: Petty 2, Spargo 2, Fritsch 2, Viney, Van Rooyen, Sparrow, Rivers, Pickett, Oliver, Grundy, Gawn, Langdon
BEST
Hawthorn: Sicily, Meek, Newcombe, Day, Hardwick
Melbourne: Petracca, Viney, Rivers, Oliver, Gawn
CROWD TBC