Melbourne have leapfrogged Collingwood, for now, and taken top spot on the ladder after blitzing Hawthorn at the MCG by 54 points.
Hawks fans streamed into the stands for Emergency Services Round only to endure emotional whiplash as their side dashed their hopes, then resurrected them, before finally nursing them into the expected result.
Skipper Max Gawn and recruit Brodie Grundy are also proving a dangerous ruck team. In the second quarter, they combined for a goal, which got Dees fans on their feet. Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said he was really pleased with the effort of his side, who were “incredibly disciplined” in making every possession really tough for their opponents and reaping rewards on the scoreboard.
The Hawks opened the third quarter with three quick goals, the first from veteran Luke Bruest – who headlined a return of five players for the Hawks, including defender Changkuoth Jiath – and then back-to-back first career goals from youngsters Cam Mackenzie and Josh Weddle. When the Hawks had possession they opted for shorter handballs and lost the ball quickly. In the first half they had just 14 inside 50s to the Demons’ 35, and just one mark inside their attacking area.
Despite being up against the team languishing near the bottom of the ladder, it appeared a focus of the day for the Demons was bringing heat at the source and physically dominating their weaker opponents.
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