SUMMARY
Melbourne coach Paul Roos said he erred in not picking a more match-hardened team for the Port Adelaide clash last week, but he won't make the same mistake twice. He'll load up with experience to take on Hawthorn on Saturday although the issue then becomes the 12 straight wins the Hawks have against the Demons and the mental scars that come with that. Nor will the absence of Jack Viney help because the key to Melbourne having a chance is to control the stoppages where the Hawks' fortunes have ebbed and flowed this year. Hawthorn is in the midst of a relatively softer part of its draw and needs to take care of business, so there must be no letup here.
James Sicily will be looking to continue his impressive start to the season. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, June 4, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Last Five Meetings:
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
R7, 2012, Hawthorn 15.25 (115) d Melbourne 6.13 (49) at the MCG
R18, 2011, Hawthorn 20.12 (132) d Melbourne 12.6 (78) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these teams played Hawthorn led at half-time by 45 points before kicking 14 goals to four in the second half. Jarryd Roughead was the star with 30 disposals, 10 marks, four goals and later the three Brownlow votes.
2. While Melbourne's scoring has increased dramatically this season, the Hawks' defence has fallen away. In 2015 the Hawks conceded 70 points per game but so far in 2016 this has increased to 93.
3. Hawthorn has dominated Melbourne over a long period of time, winning the past 12 matches including seven by 50 points or more and two by more than 100.
4. Both sides have been strong in clearances in 2016. The Demons are ranked second averaging 39.3 per game just ahead of the Hawks in fourth with 39.1 per game.
5. And both sides have been impressive in front of goal, Melbourne is the top ranked team for accuracy at 57.7 per cent and Hawthorn is third at 56.9 per cent.
6. Cyril Rioli will be the top-ranked player on the ground according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings. He is ranked No.12 in the competition with 533.7 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … James Sicily. Has been unlucky not have received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after some great performances earlier this season, but the spring-heeled Hawk forward has played his role every week in a team that's 7-3. A couple of goals this week might finally prompt his overdue nomination.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 20 points
