Round 18, 2004
Melbourne vs Hawthorn
Sunday 1 August
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 28,392
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 5.4 | 9.8 | 11.12 | 15.17.107 |
| Hawthorn | 2.6 | 5.8 | 9.8 | 9.9.63 |
Melbourne win by 44 points
Goalkickers: David Neitz 5, Russell Robertson 4, Cameron Bruce 1, Travis Johnstone 1, James McDonald 1, Peter Walsh 1, Jeff White 1, Adem Yze 1
Brownlow Votes:
3 - Adem Yze
2 - Travis Johnstone
1 - David Neitz
Milestones:
100 Games
Brad Green
A battling win over the Hawks saw Melbourne climb to the top of the ladder late in the season for the first time since 1964.
Hawthorn had lost nine straight, but for three quarters they frustrated a side playing for top spot. Donald McDonald was in charge for his first game after the resignation of Peter Schwab, and his side stayed in touch with the Demons all day until falling apart in the final term.
Neale Daniher - who had been at the forefront of supporter anger a year before, and possibly only survived because Melbourne couldn't afford to sack him, said "We'll sit back tonight and feel it's good to be top, but as long as we don't dwell on it for too long."
Media
"Demons, Hawks go back to the future" - The Age 01/08/2004