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MELBOURNE fans can breathe a sigh of a relief: Max is ready for round one.
The Demons' new skipper, Max Gawn, had been in some doubt for the season-opener after injuring his knee on the club's Queensland training camp in January.
But the three-time All-Australian ruckman, who missed the Demons' first pre-season hitout, returned in Friday night's 32-point Marsh Community Series win over Hawthorn in Tasmania for a crucial tune-up.
The 28-year-old's performance in the first half was the most pleasing aspect for Melbourne in its 12.9 (81) to 6.13 (49) victory in Tasmania.
Hawthorn's loss was soured by an ankle injury to young forward Mitch Lewis, who had to be helped from the field in the final term after rolling his left ankle.
Gawn had seven disposals, 14 hitouts and four marks (including one memorable strong grab) before running laps at half-time and sitting out the second half as part of his planned time on the ground.
The only concern for the Dees was foot bruising for hard-nut Aaron vandenBerg, who was left off the field after half-time as a precaution. Foot injuries have curtailed vandenBerg's career in the past two seasons.
HAWKS SWEAT ON BIG MAN Key forward's ankle a concern for round one
Melbourne came home stronger in the scrappy contest and ran over the top of the Hawks at UTAS Stadium, although star Hawks midfielder Tom Mitchell stepped up his return from his broken leg.
Two weeks ago the 2018 Brownlow Medal winner played three quarters of the Hawks' first pre-season clash against St Kilda before sitting out the final term, but against the Demons the ball-winner played out the full contest and gathered 24 disposals, including a goal.
It was hardly a strong dress rehearsal for either of the sides pushing to break into this year's top-eight, with poor skills and turnovers marring the contest.
But the performance of new pair Ed Langdon (25 disposals) and Adam Tomlinson (32) for the Dees was a key factor, with former Giant Tomlinson particularly dominant across the night.
Forward Bayley Fritsch was excellent, booting 5.3 from 13 disposals and being a threat throughout.
He teamed up well with Jake Melksham (four goals), with the former Bomber showing how missed he was last season for the Demons as he endured an injury-riddled campaign.
Defender James Sicily picked up 28 disposals and was his usually composed self in the Hawks' back half, while Jaeger O'Meara (24 disposals), Harry Morrison (23) and Tom Scully (two goals, 21 disposals) were among Hawthorn's best.
NEW FACES
Hawthorn: Ex-Giants forward Jonathon Patton was quiet with six disposals but showed his class with a booming long goal in the first term. Former Demons defender Sam Frost came up against his old side for the first time and was serviceable in the back half.
Melbourne: The performances of Langdon and Tomlinson on opposing wings was exciting for the Dees. The duo was recruited for an immediate impact and will hit round one in good form. No.3 pick Luke Jackson rucked in the second half with Gawn on the bench, and showed his agility when he pushed forward.
WHO'S MISSING?
Hawthorn: The Hawks will be without important defender Blake Hardwick until likely the middle of the home away season as he deals with a chest injury. Ricky Henderson was also rested for the contest, while Jack Gunston remains on the recovery trail from ankle surgery.
Melbourne: Illness ruled Christian Salem out of the trip to Tasmania, but otherwise the Demons were close to full strength in their final tune-up before round one.
FANTASY WATCH
Jay Lockhart (FWD, $419,000) did a good job of showing Dees coach Simon Goodwin he should be a part of the club's round one side. He could be a cheaper AFL Fantasy option, too. Lockhart gathered 21 disposals and 70 Fantasy points against the Hawks.
If you're keen to spend your money away from your ruck division, Hawks big man Jon Ceglar (RUC/FWD, $562,000) could be an option for you. Ceglar will shoulder ruck duties this season and scored 98 points on Friday night.
NEXT UP
The real stuff isn't far away now. Melbourne will open its season by heading to Perth to take on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday, March 22, while Hawthorn hosts Brisbane at the MCG on the same day.
HAWTHORN 2.2 4.7 6.10 6.13 (49)
MELBOURNE 2.5 5.6 8.7 12.9 (81)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Scully 2, Mitchell, Worpel, Patton, Breust
Melbourne: Fritsch 5, Melksham 4, Neal-Bullen, Bedford, Viney
BEST
Hawthorn: Sicily, Scully, Mitchell, O'Meara, Ceglar
Melbourne: Tomlinson, Fritsch, Melksham, Hibberd, Langdon, Viney
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Lewis (ankle)
Melbourne: vandenBerg (foot)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Fisher, Power, Gianfagna
Crowd: 2712 at UTAS Stadium
