The Demons have had little trouble with the Hawks in recent years and that should continue on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
Best Bet
Melbourne have not lost to Hawthorn since 2018 and should maintain that record in this game.
The Dees put a few doubts to rest with a dominant victory over the Dogs last week. The backline, in particular, was outstanding, Steven May absolutely blanketing Aaron Naughton while Tom McDonald slotted in nicely as the third tall defender alongside Jake Lever.
In the midfield, Clayton Oliver showed he has put his pre-season drama behind him with 35 disposals in a vintage display, while Max Gawn was back to peak form.
Hawthorn could take some positives out of their Round 1 loss to Essendon as well – 17.5 to 11.17 really tells the story of that game, but coach Sam Mitchell will be worried about the lopsided clearance count and tackle count, metrics that Essendon dominated.
The Hawthorn backline looks problematic as well. Apart from captain James Sicily, it is short on talent and experience, and gave the Dons too many good looks at goal.
The Dees easily had the Hawks measure in both of their games last year and the same result can be expected here.
Same Game Multi
Be wary about including Clayton Oliver in your SGMs. In their most recent match Hawk tagger Finn Maginness did a great job of shutting down the Melbourne star and he will likely get that role again.
Jack Viney has started the season in red-hot form and with the extra attention on Oliver should get his chance once again.
With Jack Bowey out of the side, Judd McVee took six of the Demons ten kick ins last week and he looks great value to get 20 or more for the third straight game.
Tom McDonald had 18 disposals in his first game for several seasons as a backman, he can clear 15 again.
Value Bet
Nick Watson finished his debut without a snag but the fifth pick in last year’s draft had three behinds. He’s a much better kick than he showed there and I would much rather be with the Hawks smalls rather than talls against the Dees backline.
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