Round 13, 1997
Hawthorn vs Melbourne
Sunday 29 June
Venue: Waverley
Attendance: 31,517
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Hawthorn | 3.1 | 7.6 | 12.11 | 17.16.118 |
| Melbourne | 3.5 | 4.9 | 6.11 | 7.13.55 |
Hawthorn win by 63 points
Goalkickers: Anthony McDonald 2, David Schwarz 2, Andrew Leoncelli 1, David Neitz 1, Shaun Smith 1
Brownlow Votes:
Nil
Milestones:
Last Game
Todd McHardy
Craig Nettelbeck
In the first match between the two sides since they had come close to a merger at the end of 1997, Hawthorn proved the vast gulf in class between the two sides - and showed just why Melbourne's administration were so keen to shack up with the Hawks and get access to some of their players.
David Neitz and Shaun Smith both returned from injury but the Hawks were too good, with pride and passion unable to sustain the Demons past a strong first quarter. A 10 point lead late in the first term was cut to four when Glenn Lovett conceded a 50-metre penalty which gave the Hawks a free goal.
Two goals after half-time helped the Demons to get within nine points but then they caved and were run over.
Best were Ingerson, Anthony McDonald and Woewodin. Marcus Seecamp was reported for striking Aaron Lord and suspended for one game. Jeff Farmer suffered a back injury and Paul Hopgood hurt his hamstring.
Reserves
Hawthorn 14.13.97 d. Melbourne 5.14.44
Goals - Pesch 2, J. McDonald 2, Newton 1
Best - Newton, Goodale, Irving
Lists
Tribunal
Media
Age - 29/06/1997
Football Record R14 1997