MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey won't be underestimating Hawthorn in round one of the AFL season despite the Hawks missing four key players due to suspension.
Midfielders Shane Crawford, Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis will all miss because of indiscretions in last year's finals series.
Tough defender Campbell Brown joins the trio on the sidelines following the Hawks' NAB Cup semi-final loss to Adelaide.
Brown accepted a two-match ban for charging Carlton boom recruit Matthew Kreuzer and because the Hawks have been knocked out of the pre-season competition, Brown must now serve the remaining match of his ban in the opening round of the AFL home and away competition.
But Bailey says he won't be taking an undermanned Hawthorn lightly, declaring they will be a top four side this season.
"There's always a danger in saying, 'Isn't it great these sorts of players aren't playing'," he said.
"The reality is they're a well-run club, well-coached, they're on the improve, they're probably a top four team."
"Regardless, who they send out, they'll be super-competitive."
Melbourne takes on North Melbourne on Saturday at Casey Fields in outer eastern Melbourne in its final practice match.