SUMMARY
Melbourne had a breakthrough victory against Essendon, as it squared its season at 3-3. The Demons overcame the lack of a recognised ruckman against the Bombers, with Cameron Pedersen stepping into the void left by injured big men Max Gawn and Jake Spencer. The Hawks, on the other hand, were thumped by St Kilda by 75 points. Coach Alastair Clarkson warned of "catastrophic change" if the beltings, which have occurred three times this season, continue. A game against former teammate Jordan Lewis should give the Hawks players some incentive to lift. If Melbourne is to be a serious contender for finals this season, this is the sort of game it should win and win handsomely.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, May 7, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R20, 2016, Melbourne 17.8 (110) d Hawthorn 11.15 (81) at the MCG
R11, 2016, Hawthorn 11.16 (82) d Melbourne 10.4 (64) at the MCG
R7, 2015, Hawthorn 24.11 (155) d Melbourne 7.8 (50) at the MCG
R20, 2014, Hawthorn 17.13 (115) d Melbourne 9.11 (65) at the MCG
R10, 2013, Hawthorn 21.17 (143) d Melbourne 6.12 (48) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn has struggled to score consistently in 2017, averaging 76 points per game. Its ability to finish games has been down – kicking 34 goals to its opponents' 71 in second halves.
2. Melbourne’s win in round 20, 2016 ended a long losing sequence against Hawthorn. The Hawks had won the previous 13 matches including seven by 50 points or more, two of which were by three figures.
3. The Demons remain the highest disposal side in 2017, averaging 412.8 per game. Hawthorn is mid-table, ranked ninth, at 391.5 per game. The Hawks are ranked second last in the AFL for contested possessions.
4. After leading by just six points at three quarter-time when the teams last played, Melbourne kicked five goals to one in the final quarter. Jack Viney was best on ground with 39 disposals and eight tackles.
5. Hawthorn is 16th for inside 50s this season, compared to Melbourne, which ranks seventh in the category.
6.In-form Melbourne youngster Clayton Oliver achieved a career-high score (19.5 points) in the Schick AFL Player Ratings against Essendon last weekend.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jordan Lewis.
The four-time premiership Hawk is set to play against his former side for the first time as a Melbourne player. Returning from a three-week suspension against the Bombers last week, Lewis gathered 30 disposals in an impressive display. However, how he fares against his former teammates will be an intriguing subplot to an already interesting game.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 36 points.
