The third game on Saturday for AFL Round 20 is between Hawthorn Hawks and Melbourne Demons. The game is set to commence at 4:40 PM with the game to be played at MCG. The favourite for the match is home team Hawthorn Hawks. View our preview and teams for the game between Hawthorn Hawks and Melbourne Demons.
Round: Round 20 , August 09, 2014, 4:40 PM
Stadium: MCG
Weather: 17° Possible shower later..
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Preview:
THIS is it for the Hawks, their last opportunity to tweak some things ahead of three tough games – Fremantle, Geelong and Collingwood – heading into the finals. There will be little let-up on the hapless Demons because percentage is so vital for the Hawks given their top-two aspirations, although expect a better showing from Melbourne if the post-match disposition of coach Paul Roos after the loss to the Brisbane Lions is any guide. Melbourne’s defensive structures are vastly improved but Hawthorn still has the edge in firepower and class all over the ground.
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2013, Hawthorn 21.17 (143) d Melbourne 6.12 (48) at MCG
R7, 2012, Hawthorn 15.25 (115) d Melbourne 6.13 (49) at MCG
R18, 2011, Hawthorn 20.12 (132) d Melbourne 12.6 (78) at MCG
R2, 2011, Hawthorn 16.26 (122) d Melbourne 12.5 (77) at MCG
R20, 2010, Hawthorn 15.9 (99) d Melbourne 12.6 (78) at MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn has dominated Melbourne over a long period, winning the past 10 matches since 2007 with an average winning margin of 50 points. Since they last defeated the Hawks, Melbourne has had seven senior coaches (including Paul Roos).
2. The Hawks shouldn’t have too many issues winning the centre clearances – they are ranked second at 13.3 per game; in contrast the Demons are 18th at 9.4 per game. It will also be 1 v 18 in total clearances.
3. Hawthorn’s recent domination of the Demons means they now hold an 82-74 advantage in head-to-head contests.
4. This will be a battle the best and worst inside 50 sides in 2014 – Hawthorn is ranked first, averaging 57.3 per game; Melbourne is last with only 40.7 per game.
5. Hawthorn continues to be the best team in 2014 for goalkicking accuracy with 305 goals, 207 behinds for a 57.3 per cent return. Wests Coast is next, but at 50.9 per cent is well behind the Hawks.
6. Hawk Shaun Burgoyne remains the No.1 small/medium defender according to the Official AFL Player Ratings.
Teams:
HAWTHORN
B: Taylor Duryea, Josh Gibson, Matt Spangher
HB: Luke Hodge, Ben Stratton, Grant Birchall
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Matthew Suckling
HF: Bradley Hill, Ryan Schoenmakers, Luke Breust
F: Paul Puopolo, Jarryd Roughead, Jordan Lewis
Fol: Ben McEvoy, Shaun Burgoyne, Liam Shiels
I/C: David Hale, Jonathan Simpkin, Billy Hartung, Will Langford
Emg: Angus Litherland, Alex Woodward, Jonathon Ceglar
In: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Billy Hartung,
Out: Alex Woodward (Omitted), Jack Gunston (knee), Angus Litherland (omitted)
MELBOURNE
B Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Jeremy Howe.
HB Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Matt Jones.
C Rohan Bail, Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross.
HF Jay Kennedy-Harris, James Frawley, Jack Watts.
F Mark Jamar, Chris Dawes, Dean Kent.
Fol Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson.
I/C Jack Viney, Viv Michie, Aidan Riley, Dom Barry.
Emg Jordie McKenzie, Daniel Nicholson, Jack Fitzpatrick..
In Matt Jones, Daniel Cross, Max Gawn, Viv Michie, Dom Barry.
Out Jordie McKenzie (omitted), Cameron Pedersen (Omitted), Luke Tapscott (knee), Sam Blease (omitted), Dean Terlich (omitted).
