The final score in Saturday's game against Hawthorn was almost identical to that from their last contest three months ago. Melbourne suffered comprehensive defeats in both games, but the similarities ended there.

When they met in Round 9, the Demons were resurgent, seeking to redeem themselves after a lacklustre start to the season. They approached the game with vigour and dynamism, and were highly competitive for the first three quarters, during which they were at least on par with the Hawks. In the final term, they lapsed into error and were ultimately overrun, but the final result did not accurately reflect their effort and commitment throughout the match.

SCOREBOARD May 10 2025

They were on the comeback trail and it was a precursor to their best performances of the season. In the weeks to come they prevailed over both of last year’s grand finalists and not long after, came ever so close to besting the league leaders Collingwood on the big stage at the MCG on Kings Birthday.

Yesterday, they went into the game after a reasonable run of form in close contests on what has been a disappointing and bumpy road to season's end that saw the dethroning of their premiership coach. The players, young and old, should have been keen to impress the potential contenders (if indeed, there is more than one) for the coaching vacancy, and, absent that, to avenge the earlier defeat or at least play for the pride of the jumper.

They failed on all scores, were sad and lacklustre from the opening bounce, were smashed at the stoppages and played without any urgency or energy until the very end of the game, when the Hawks had already packed up their tent with their thoughts on things to come. The result flattered the Demons.

SCOREBOARD August 16 2025

The game opened badly for the Demons, who once again fell victim to AFL score review after only 45 seconds when Dylan Moore’s snap over his shoulder was paid a goal. The replay appeared to show that Trent Rivers’ finger was bent back in touching the ball, and Moore even signalled to teammates to set up for a kick-in. The verdict went against Melbourne again, and things only went from bad to worse after that. We anticipate another apology from the AFL early next week.

The game marked a reversion to Melbourne's established habits and issues with forward connection, with only eight goals from 56 entries inside-50, in contrast to Hawthorn's 13 goals from 49 at nearly double the conversion rate. Over the weeks since the midseason bye, the club had averaged 92 points per game. That figure crashed to 56 and remember, the Demons' tally was boosted by three straight junk-time goals in the final three or four minutes of play. Hawk veteran Jack Gunston toyed with their veteran 250-game player Steven May before Blake Howes was put on him with barely any effect. 

The usual Kudos must again go to skipper Max Gawn for valiantly holding things together. His more experienced lieutenants, namely Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Christian Salem and Jack Viney stood up well but they were some way from their very best and that is where the alarm bells should start ringing.

I mentioned earlier that the team was monstered at the stoppages, yet the inclusion of those names in the best players sends a clear message to the incoming coach. It’s understandable that younger players tend to lose focus and energy towards the end of a long campaign but when your more experienced players are among your best and yet are struggling in their areas of expertise, then significant changes should be expected at this level when the team comes under new management. 

There are no comebacks from this.

MELBOURNE 1.0.6 2.3.15 4.3.27 8.8.56

HAWTHORN 5.3.33 7.7.49 10.10.70 13.14.92

GOALS 

MELBOURNE Petty van Rooyen 2 Chandler Langford Oliver Pickett

HAWTHORN Gunston 7 Moore 2 Breust Dear Macdonald Watson

BEST

MELBOURNE Gawn Oliver Petracca Viney Salem Petty

HAWTHORN Gunston Moore Macdonald Impey Newcombe Amon Sicily

INJURIES 

MELBOURNE Nil

HAWTHORN Nil

REPORTS 

MELBOURNE Nil

HAWTHORN Nil

SUBSTITUTIONS 

MELBOURNE Jake Melksham (replaced Tom McDonald at half-time)

HAWTHORN Luke Breust (replaced Nick Watson in the third quarter)

UMPIRES Nathan Toner Brent Wallace Martin Rodger Nicholas McGinness 

CROWD 53,871  at The MCG

How much do we miss Nibbler?

Who has replaced him?