After a testing week, Melbourne returns to the hallowed turf that is the MCG, to take on Hawthorn.
Melbourne have lost their past eight matches against Hawthorn (stretching back to 2006), and were never really in the match last time they played. The Demons will be looking to continue and improve on their improving form, which was again evident last week. Melbourne had their highest possession count for a game this season against the Cats, and even beat Geelong in the contested possession count. Melbourne are going to have to do this again if they are to stand any chance this week.
Fans have been crying out for Ricky Petterd to return, and after some good games for Casey, he returns to the side. Combine Ricky Petterd with Mitch Clark and Jeremy Howe, and Melbourne's forward line seems quite attractive. He also adds forward pressure to the forward line - something Melbourne has been lacking. Don't be surprised if he fires.
On the back of kicking four goals for Casey and being named among the best, Jack Fitzpatrick will play his first game of the season. He'll probably act as a tall forward and tag in and out of the ruck with Mark Jamar.
Versatile forward Jamie Bennell also returns after a couple of good games for Casey.
James Sellar is out with a calf injury, whilst Luke Tapscott and Lynden Dunn have been omitted.
Lynden Dunn, Joel Macdonald and Luke Tapscott have been named as emergencies.
Players to look out for:
James Frawley - He was OK last week but he'll need to to very good this week if Melbourne want to keep Buddy Franklin quiet.
Nathan Jones - Again, he was amongst the best for Melbourne last week. Jones leads by example every week, and seems to be getting better and better. As always he is key if Melbourne are any chance of beating Hawthorn.
Prediction:
It's been a tough road for Melbourne so far this season and it doesn't get any easier this week. The Dees are huge outsiders and, unless a miracle happens, Melbourne won't win. Again, like last week, Melbourne fans should expect a much improved performance and passages of the gameplan Mark Neeld is implementing. If they can shutdown Buddy and Rioli they'll go a long way to doing that. On top of everything else, they can't ever give in. Keep fighting, and Melbourne fans will probably be satisfied.
Realistically, it'll be Hawthorn by 25-35 points. Still, I'll end with two words: Go Dees.
Melbourne have lost their past eight matches against Hawthorn (stretching back to 2006), and were never really in the match last time they played. The Demons will be looking to continue and improve on their improving form, which was again evident last week. Melbourne had their highest possession count for a game this season against the Cats, and even beat Geelong in the contested possession count. Melbourne are going to have to do this again if they are to stand any chance this week.
Fans have been crying out for Ricky Petterd to return, and after some good games for Casey, he returns to the side. Combine Ricky Petterd with Mitch Clark and Jeremy Howe, and Melbourne's forward line seems quite attractive. He also adds forward pressure to the forward line - something Melbourne has been lacking. Don't be surprised if he fires.
On the back of kicking four goals for Casey and being named among the best, Jack Fitzpatrick will play his first game of the season. He'll probably act as a tall forward and tag in and out of the ruck with Mark Jamar.
Versatile forward Jamie Bennell also returns after a couple of good games for Casey.
James Sellar is out with a calf injury, whilst Luke Tapscott and Lynden Dunn have been omitted.
Lynden Dunn, Joel Macdonald and Luke Tapscott have been named as emergencies.
Players to look out for:
James Frawley - He was OK last week but he'll need to to very good this week if Melbourne want to keep Buddy Franklin quiet.
Nathan Jones - Again, he was amongst the best for Melbourne last week. Jones leads by example every week, and seems to be getting better and better. As always he is key if Melbourne are any chance of beating Hawthorn.
Prediction:
It's been a tough road for Melbourne so far this season and it doesn't get any easier this week. The Dees are huge outsiders and, unless a miracle happens, Melbourne won't win. Again, like last week, Melbourne fans should expect a much improved performance and passages of the gameplan Mark Neeld is implementing. If they can shutdown Buddy and Rioli they'll go a long way to doing that. On top of everything else, they can't ever give in. Keep fighting, and Melbourne fans will probably be satisfied.
Realistically, it'll be Hawthorn by 25-35 points. Still, I'll end with two words: Go Dees.
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