Hawthorn has opened its 2007 account with a 22-point win over an injury-hit Melbourne side at the MCG.

The Hawks seized control after the first quarter and repelled a late Melbourne fightback, running out winners 17.14 (116) to 14.10 (94).

Mark Williams kicked six goals, four of them in the third quarter as Hawks opened up a match-winning 29-point lead.

The Demons fought their way back as the Hawks appeared to ease up in the final term, cutting the lead to just seven points at the 17-minute mark.

But strong-marking forward Tim Boyle added a vital steadier and Williams’ sixth goal capped off the win.

Five straight goals before half time had the Hawks in front after Melbourne had started the stronger.

The Demons lost captain David Neitz to a knee injury midway through the quarter, an incident that seemed to turn the game.

Melbourne lost direction and Hawthorn's runners began to gain control. Brad Sewell was superb, blanketing Melbourne danger man Travis Johnstone while collecting 20 touches himself.

Rick Ladson did similarly well in shutting down Aaron Davey, while giving his side run from the halfback line.

Ruckman Robert Campbell was another unlikely hero, having the best of Melbourne's Jeff White and Mark Jamar for most of the day.

His good work helped out the Hawks' fleet of midfield running players, with Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Shane Crawford and Ben McGlynn all making important contributions.

Hawthorn's young key forwards Lance Franklin and Boyle (three goals) both showed exciting glimpses of their talent, with Boyle's third-quarter goal after he grabbed the ball from a boundary throw-in a highlight.

Experienced key defenders Trent Croad and Danny Jacobs also put in solid games.

The Hawks led by 13 points at the main break, before producing an eight-goal third term to seemingly put the result beyond doubt.

HAWTHORN 2.4 7.8 15.9 17.14 (116)

MELBOURNE 4.5 5.7 10.10 14.10 (94)

Goals:

Hawthorn: M Williams 6 T Boyle 3 B Dixon 2 T Croad 2 S Crawford B McGlynn L Franklin C Young.
Melbourne: B Miller 3 B Moloney 2 S Godfrey 2 M Jamar 2 M Bate D Neitz D Ward R Robertson J White.

Best:

Hawthorn: B Sewell R Ladson M Williams S Mitchell R Campbell J Lewis.
Melbourne: C Bruce J McDonald B Miller M Bate N Brown.

Injuries:

Hawthorn: C Bateman (thigh) replaced in selected side by B McGlynn
Melbourne: D Neitz (knee) R Robertson (knee) C Bartram (knee) replaced in selected side by S Godfrey.

Reports: Nil

Umpires: B Rosebury D Sully S Ryan.

Official Crowd: 43,197 at the MCG.