Summary
Another winnable game went begging when Melbourne fell three points short, giving Hawthorn its second win of the season. A poor start – Melbourne booted 1.1 to 5.4 in the first quarter – meant the red and blue played catch-up football. Although Melbourne produced a dominant third term, kicking 7.4 to 3.0, it wasn’t enough to get over the line. The Demons never got in front – instead, levelling the scores at the eight-minute mark of the final term, when co-captain Nathan Jones registered a behind. From that point, the Hawks booted 2.3 to Melbourne’s 2.0 to gain the four points. The loss means Melbourne has slipped to 10th on the ladder, with a 3-4 win/loss record.
The stat
Melbourne has now lost four matches by an average losing margin of 11.75 points. The Demons have lost to Geelong by 29 points, Fremantle (two), Richmond (13) and now Hawthorn (three).
Leather poisoning
Jack Viney had a game-high 32 disposals, also a season-high. Tom Mitchell had 31 touches, the most for the Hawks.
The number
27 – points was the margin Melbourne trailed by at quarter-time. It proved costly in the wash-up, as the Demons had the edge, booting 13.6 to 9.6 after quarter-time. Hawthorn’s nine scoring shots to Melbourne’s two in the first term was the difference.
Experience differential
Games: Hawthorn (2959) v Melbourne (1860)
Goals: Hawthorn (2364) v Melbourne (1117)
Average age: Hawthorn (26 years, 247 days) v Melbourne (24 years, 307 days)
Did you know …
Hawthorn still had 15 premiership players in its side on the weekend. Melbourne had one premiership player, Jordan Lewis, who, of course, played in four flags for the Hawks.
3 votes: Jack Viney
The co-captain produced his best match for the season. He had a game-high in contested possessions (17), tackles (15) and clearances (eight). He also had four inside 50s and kicked a goal. A top performance.
2 votes: Sam Frost
The key defender played arguably his best game for the club, winning 20 disposals. Yet it was his spoiling and dash from the backline that was most impressive – he finished with a game-high seven rebound 50s.
1 vote: Nathan Jones
The co-captain had 27 disposals and kicked a goal to be among Melbourne’s best. He also laid seven tackles, had six inside 50s and took six marks. Worked tirelessly around the contest.
Submit your 3-2-1 votes to the Hertz Fans’ MVP
Apologies to …
Jordan Lewis, Jayden Hunt and Dom Tyson, who all could’ve gained a vote.
Good to see …
Josh Wagner back in the side after he missed five weeks with a fractured fibula in the JLT Community Series/pre-season, and two games with a thumb injury in rounds four and five. It was his first game of the season, after he played 14 during his debut year in 2016. Even upon his return, he copped a heavy knock in the second half, but played out the game. An underrated player externally, but highly-rated within.
Oppo’s best: Jarryd Roughead
The Hawthorn captain was outstanding with four goals. It was his best haul since his courageous return from fighting cancer, which forced him to miss the 2016 season.
Instagram of the round
Tweet of the round
It took us a while Jim, but we got there #myheartbeatstrue pic.twitter.com/DOKyS9Cyua
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) May 7, 2017
Video of the round
Something out of nothing! Jack Viney gets one to go from the pocket. #AFLDeesHawks pic.twitter.com/bB4inZAiHt
— AFL (@AFL) May 7, 2017
In the mix
Billy Stretch, who was an emergency against the Hawks, was one of Casey’s best and will be right in contention to play in his native state, when Melbourne takes on the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval. Alex Neal-Bullen, another emergency in round seven, and Dean Kent are others likely to come under consideration. Jack Trengove continues to impress in the VFL.
Next round
The Demons are set to head across the border to take on the top-of-the-ladder Crows this Saturday night. Although Adelaide has lost just one match for the season – against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena on Saturday – it will arguably be Melbourne’s biggest test so far, this season. Melbourne has had two fascinating encounters against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval – winning by three points in round seven, 2014 and losing by 25 points in round three, 2015. Melbourne will enter as underdogs, but it will be confident it can return home with the four points.
In the press box …
Which journo didn’t seem to feel the cold at the MCG, wearing shorts as he covered the game, as some other journos had beanies! Even with windows slightly ajar, and blowing a cool breeze, he carried on covering the game with aplomb!
Saw in the rooms ...
Little Freddie Lewis – the son of Jordan – soaking up the atmosphere in the rooms. He graced the MCG just days after he was born – when Jordan won his fourth flag with the Hawks in 2015 – and he was there for his Dad’s first game in the red and blue against his former side.
Song to sum up match
Oh No Not You Again – Australian Crawl
(Following another close loss)
Simon Says …
“I’m proud that we continued to respond when challenged, but I’m very frustrated with what I saw early because if you bring that to a game it’s not going to stand up too often.” – Simon Goodwin