Melbourne have fought off a spirited Hawthorn side to lock away a top-four finish with an 87-60 win at the MCG on Sunday.
While it was a battle of fourth versus 16th at the bounce, what played out was a far tighter affair as Hawthorn’s strong form continued following back-to-back wins over Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.
In a game of momentum swings, the lead never got out past 15 points as the side traded blows from end to end throughout.
The Hawks led by one goal at quarter-time before Melbourne led by two at half-time and 11 at three-quarter time, which shows how close the contest was.
While the Hawks kicked the first goal of the last term through Dylan Moore, the Demons were able to steady and hold field position as the clock wound down and ultimately ended 27 points ahead.
Although Melbourne are a side littered with stars, there weren’t many standout performances in a game where they got an even spread of contributors.
Trent Rivers (27 disposals) and Jake Melksham (three goals) stood out but Christian Petracca (22 disposals) and Clayton Oliver (14 disposals) were quiet, with the latter having to deal with the tag of Hawthorn stopper Finn Maginness.
Being able to stem the influence of Petracca and Oliver helped Hawthorn dominate at the stoppage as they claimed a 26-35 clearance win.
Simon Goodwin’s side were able to intercept well off those stoppages and launch attacks from them though, winning the inside 50 count 61-39 as they simply gave their forwards more opportunities to score, particularly late.
With Brodie Grundy out of the side, Max Gawn bounced back from a quiet performance last week to help himself to 20 disposals and 23 hitouts while swingman Joel Smith (two goals) and Jacob Van Rooyen (three goals) helped the Demons kick a winning score as tall forwards in his absence.
The decision to move Smith to the front end of the ground came about with Adam Tomlinson taking his place in defence. He’ll hope to hold his place ahead of a September campaign despite being subbed out today.
For Hawthorn, Karl Amon (27 disposals), James Worpel (30 disposals) and Conor Nash (26 disposals) found the football after Jai Newcombe was a late withdrawal. Youngster Connor Macdonald (two goals, 19 disposals) and Newcombe’s replacement debutant Henry Hustwaite (two goals, 15 disposals) also impressed.
The win momentarily shifts Melbourne into third place and a guaranteed top-four finish. They’ll remain in that position if Port Adelaide loses to Fremantle on Sunday evening.
The victory also keeps their top two hopes alive if Brisbane loses to St Kilda at home next Saturday.
Goodwin’s side rounds out their home and away campaign with a clash against Sydney at the SCG while Hawthorn’s season will end next Saturday against Fremantle at the MCG.
FULL SCORE
Melbourne: 3.2, 6.5, 10.6, 13.9. (87)
Hawthorn: 4.2, 6.3, 8.5, 9.6. (60)
GOALS
Melbourne: Melksham 3, Van Rooyen 3, Smith 2, Petracca, Sparrow, Brayshaw, Chandler, Oliver
Hawthorn: Breust 2, Hustwaite 2, Macdonald 2, Moore, Day, Grainger-Baras
BEST
Melbourne: Jake Melksham, Trent Rivers, Jack Viney, Jake Lever, Max Gawn
Hawthorn: Karl Amon, James Worpel, Connor Macdonald, Conor Nash, Blake Hardwick
INJURIES
Melbourne: N/A
Hawthorn: N/A
CROWD 50,142 at the MCG.