Melbourne will be sweating on the scans of key players in the aftermath of its strong 55-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
The Demons grabbed the lead early and never lost it to a slow-starting Hawthorn outfit, with Christian Petracca the clear star in front of 43,960 at the ‘G.
Petracca has made a strong start to season 2024 and Round 2 changed little for the 28-year-old star, putting the Hawks to the sword with 29 disposals, seven clearances and a whopping four goal assists, alongside a major of his own.
3QT.
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Chandler and Petracca win the quarter for the Demons.
But the big story are the injuries to May and Lever.
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And while the Demons will bathe in the glory of their second consecutive win, Simon Goodwin will be counting the cost over the coming 24 hours.
Steven May was an instant casualty after copping a knee from Mabior Chol to the side and was subbed out at half-time. Pictures later emerged of the dual All-Australian on his way to hospital in an ambulance and the Demons suspect May has fractured ribs.
The Dees are already counting the injury toll at 3/4 time, with key defenders Steven May and Jake Lever both out of the game.
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Given the early nature of the season, May could spend a few weeks on the sidelines. The Demons don’t have their bye until Round 6.
The severity of Jake Lever’s knee injury is a little more unclear, with the former Crow taken from the field in the third term after landing awkwardly on his right knee. He played no further part in the clash.
Even down a player, Melbourne was in cruise control in the fourth term with four goals to one to lock away the win.
May has played at least 23 games in each of his last three seasons, while Lever has similarly been remarkably durable in his time in red and blue.
Goodwin is already dealing with the likes of Jake Bowey (collarbone), Lachie Hunter (calf), Shane McAdam (hamstring), Jake Melksham (knee), Joel Smith (suspension) and Charlie Spargo (Achilles) currently on the injury list.
The Demons will spend the next fortnight in Adelaide against both South Australian clubs before returning to the MCG against the Brisbane Lions in Round 5.