Looking Back: Hawthorn Tames The Demons

Well, the Game of Round didn't exactly follow the script did it? A supposed Premiership contender in the Melbourne Demons were trounced by 67 points as Hawthorn ran riot on them after quarter time, winning 18.7 (115) to 6.12 (48).

All the while, Cyril Rioli missed the second half with what is likely a 6-8 week knee injury, James Frawley struggled through a migraine, Paul Puopolo pinged his hamstring and Tom Mitchell was kept to 24 disposals, which in his case is a low amount.

It didn't matter though, as Melbourne only kicked one goal after quarter time as they were impressively dismantled at the MCG on Sunday.

Melbourne raced out of the blocks, leading 28-6 early in the first quarter. Their SI Win Probability had jumped to 78 percent as quarter time came, but it was all downhill from there.

They were kept goalless through the second and third quarters, as Hawthorn efficiently ran over the top of their rivals. The Demons dominated the ball in the second quarter but couldn't make it count, and the Hawks made them pay.

Once Hawthorn had control of the game they never let it go, surpassing Melbourne on the Win Probability late in the second quarter and didn't look back. 15 goals to 1 after quarter time made sure of that, and by midway through the third term the game was gone for Melbourne as their chances slipped under 5 percent.

It was an ugly day for the Demons that they'll soon want to forget, as Hawthorn stamped themselves as a side not to be messed with this season.