Melbourne's resurgence faced a significant test on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as the Demons took on Hawthorn at the MCG. After a rocky start to their season, with five consecutive losses, Melbourne found their footing, winning three straight games against Fremantle, Richmond, and West Coast. This matchup against the Hawks was crucial, as they aimed to maintain their momentum against a formidable opponent.
The Demons, now sitting at 3-5, were up against a Hawthorn team boasting a strong 6-2 record, having recently secured back-to-back victories over West Coast and Richmond. The stakes were high, especially considering Hawthorn's historical struggles against Melbourne, as they hadn't won a match against them in over seven years, dating back to April 2018. This long winless streak included eight losses and one draw, adding an extra layer of pressure to the Hawks.
As the match kicked off at 1:20 PM AEST, both teams were keen to assert their dominance. Melbourne made strategic changes to their lineup, welcoming back star midfielder Clayton Oliver, alongside Jacob van Rooyen and Matthew Jefferson. They replaced Jack Viney, Jake Melksham, and Harrison Petty, who were sidelined due to injuries. Meanwhile, Hawthorn's coach Sam Mitchell opted to manage Tom Barrass, allowing Karl Amon to return from a concussion to take his place in the lineup.
In the early stages of the game, it was evident that both teams were feeling the pressure. The first quarter was scrappy, with neither side able to find their rhythm. Melbourne's Kysaiah Pickett was particularly active, but the Demons struggled with accuracy, managing only two goals from five attempts. They were denied a potential goal when the umpires missed a clear trip on Pickett in the goal square, adding to their frustration.
Despite missing several easy shots, Melbourne controlled the play, winning clearances by six and contested balls by a whopping 20. However, Clayton Oliver's return was muted, with the midfielder only managing six possessions in the first half. His impact was limited, and he appeared to be struggling to find his pace, even though he showed glimpses of his usual explosiveness.
On the other side, Hawthorn's performance was equally lackluster. They were unable to capitalize on their chances, and their struggles were epitomized by a missed opportunity late in the quarter when Jai Newcombe mishandled a simple chip kick, allowing Melbourne's Harvey Langford to swoop in and score a goal. By halftime, the Hawks held a slender one-point lead, 44 to 43, but it was clear that both teams had much to improve upon.
As the second half began, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Hawthorn activated a tactical substitution, bringing on Bailey Macdonald for Henry Hustwaite, in hopes of injecting some energy into their game. The crowd was buzzing, and Melbourne fans were eager to see if their team could turn the tide.
Throughout the match, Melbourne's H. Langford emerged as a key player, scoring three goals and providing vital support to his teammates. Alongside him, K. Pickett, H. Sharp, and T. Sparrow each contributed to the scoreboard, showcasing Melbourne's attacking depth. However, the Demons' inability to convert their opportunities into goals would be a critical factor as the match progressed.
Hawthorn, too, had its share of contributors, with L. Breust, L. Meek, D. Moore, J. Ward, and N. Watson each finding the back of the net. Watson, in particular, stood out with two goals, helping to keep the Hawks in contention. Despite their struggles, Hawthorn's defense, led by Amon, was resilient, managing to stifle Melbourne's advances for much of the match.
As the clock ticked down, both teams fought tooth and nail for every possession. Melbourne's statistics showed they had 51 marks, 142 kicks, and 109 handballs, but their 10 behinds indicated a lack of finishing quality that could prove costly. Hawthorn, with 70 marks and 134 kicks, also struggled with their efficiency, but their defensive efforts kept them in the game.
With the match still hanging in the balance, the outcome was uncertain. Melbourne needed to improve their kicking accuracy and maintain their dominance in the contests, while Hawthorn had to find a way to generate more meaningful chains of possession. The tension was thick as the final quarter approached, with both teams aware that this was a pivotal moment in their respective seasons.
As the game continued, the atmosphere remained electric, with fans on both sides urging their teams to victory. With Melbourne looking to shake off their historical burden against Hawthorn and the Hawks desperate to end their winless streak, the stage was set for an exhilarating finish.
In the end, this match was not just about the points on the board but also about pride and history. The rivalry between these two teams has always been fierce, and with both sides showing flashes of brilliance, it was clear that neither would back down easily. As the siren approached, the outcome remained in doubt, promising an exciting conclusion to this highly anticipated clash at the MCG.
