Hawks out to break Dees hoodoo in MCG battle
AFL coaches insist the competition is becoming less about who you play and more about when you play them.
For Hawthorn, a clash with Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday is a far different proposition than it would have been a month ago.
The Demons endured a horror 0-5 start but have rattled off three straight wins to reignite their finals hopes.
Captain Max Gawn has led from the front in vintage form, with Christian Petracca starring as the leader of an evolving midfield group.
Jack Viney (concussion) is unavailable but Clayton Oliver returns for the Dees after a week off due to personal reasons.
"They're strong, contested players and we know it's going to be a pretty physical contest when you go into battle against them," Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe told AAP.
"They're a quality outfit with a lot of experienced guys in their side.
"Gawny is absolutely flying at the moment and it will be another challenge that we're looking forward to."
Few players in the competition are in hotter form than seven-time All-Australian ruckman Gawn, who produced another match-winning display in the Demons' thumping of West Coast last week.
But Hawthorn's understated Lloyd Meek continues to grow in stature and is expected to take the fight to the Melbourne skipper.
"He's been unreal and super reliable for us, both in the way he's playing and the way he leads," Newcombe said.
"He's been amazing and he's a very humble lad, so I'm glad to see him doing well."
Childhood Hawks fan Newcombe, who idolised goal-kickers Mark Williams and Jarryd Roughead, has enjoyed wins over every rival team except Melbourne since his debut in 2021.
Hawthorn's recent poor record against the Demons started in a 2018 semi-final defeat, and includes eight losses and a draw over seven seasons.
Melbourne were 55-point winners when the two sides last met, in round two last year, when the Hawks were in the midst of their own five-match losing streak.
But Newcombe insists that history counts for little this week.
"I haven't been here the whole time but I wouldn't say it's been the same thing each time," Newcombe said.
"Teams evolve and things happen."
Hawthorn had successive losses to Port Adelaide and Geelong last month but have bounced back with comfortable victories over lowly West Coast and Richmond.
"They're confidence-building wins and you can take a lot out of them but I still wouldn't say we're absolutely flying," Newcombe said.
"You've got to beat what's in front of you and we've been able to do that over the last two weeks.
"We're happy if we can keep the momentum going."
Karl Amon (concussion) returns for the Hawks in place of Tom Barrass (managed), while Jacob van Rooyen and Matthew Jefferson have been recalled for Melbourne alongside Oliver.
Jake Melksham (managed), Harrison Petty and Viney (both concussion) are out for the Demons.
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