Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Melbourne Demons produced one of the most dominant performances of the AFL season before surviving a remarkable Hawthorn comeback to record a 35 point victory at UTAS Stadium in Tasmania on Saturday. Melbourne led by as many as 96 points after controlling the first three quarters, before Hawthorn kicked 12 consecutive goals in a dramatic final term rally that ultimately fell short. The result strengthens Melbourne's finals hopes while handing the Hawks one of their heaviest home defeats in recent years.
Demons dominate from the opening bounce
Melbourne overwhelmed Hawthorn with relentless pressure and clean ball movement from the opening quarter.
The Hawks struggled to cope with the Demons' intensity, with the visitors controlling possession and creating repeated scoring opportunities.
Commentators were left stunned by the one sided contest.
"I can't remember a game like it," Hawthorn premiership player Jordan Lewis said before half time.
"Especially down here, where it's been such a happy hunting ground for the Hawthorn Football Club."
Gerard Healy described the performance as "embarrassing" as Melbourne extended its advantage.
Injury depleted Hawks overwhelmed
Hawthorn entered the match without several key players.
Josh Battle, Karl Amon, Jarman Impey, Josh Weddle, Conor Nash and Nick Watson were all unavailable, leaving the Hawks with an inexperienced lineup.
However, Lewis believed Melbourne's pressure exposed deeper problems.
"They just can't handle the pressure, it's as simple as that," he said.
"They look so far off, Hawthorn, with their ability to move the ball, and then their ability to defend."
As Melbourne continued to pile on goals during the third quarter, Lewis remarked it looked like the Demons were "playing with two extras."
Hawthorn stars struggle
Several of Hawthorn's senior players were kept unusually quiet.
Captain Dylan Moore failed to register a kick across the opening three quarters, while veteran forward Jack Gunston remained goalless until the final term.
Melbourne's defensive structure repeatedly forced Hawthorn into turnovers and denied the home side any sustained attacking momentum during the opening three quarters.
By the final change, the Demons had built a commanding 78 point advantage after Mabior Chol kicked two late goals for Hawthorn.
Incredible final quarter comeback
The contest produced an extraordinary twist in the closing stages.
After trailing by as many as 96 points, Hawthorn suddenly found its rhythm and kicked 12 consecutive goals without a miss.
The Hawks piled on nine straight majors during the final quarter alone, briefly raising hopes of one of the greatest comebacks in AFL history.
Melbourne, meanwhile, failed to score throughout almost the entire final term as Hawthorn surged forward repeatedly.
The comeback finally ended when Bayley Fritsch kicked his fifth goal with just over a minute remaining.
Jacob van Rooyen also finished with five goals as Melbourne secured a deserved 35 point victory despite the dramatic finish.
Important win for Melbourne
While the closing stages exposed areas for improvement, Melbourne's first three quarters ranked among its best football of the season.
The Demons' pressure, contested ball dominance and forward efficiency overwhelmed Hawthorn for much of the afternoon and delivered a valuable victory in the race for finals.
For Hawthorn, the final quarter showed resilience, but the slow start ultimately proved too much to overcome after one of the club's most difficult performances in recent memory.
