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 Melbourne's forward line only kicked seven goals. Three came with the use of a breeze in the first quarter, where they led by 10 points late in the term before 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 turnovers and errors allowed the Hawks to kick goals, and they weren't threatened again. They earned back-to-back goals after kicking one, then winning a free kick when Marcus Seecamp retaliated to taunting from his opponent. Seecamp was reported for striking in the incident, and suspended for one game.
Caretaker coach Greg Hutchison said "our technical efforts let us down", but praised the passion his players demonstrated.
Best were Ingerson, Anthony McDonald and Woewodin. 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