VENUE & TIME: MCG, Sunday May 24, 4.40pm (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 149, Hawthorn 75, Melbourne 74
LAST TIME: Hawthorn 14.13 (97) def Melbourne 12.6 (78), Round 9 2008 at the MCG
WALKING WOUNDED: The Hawks will test Cameron Stokes and Clinton Young, who both have hamstring injuries, but will not regain Luke Hodge or any other premiership heroes. After lining up in the VFL a fortnight ago, Xavier Ellis did not play last week. The Demons regain Brad Green but defenders Jared Rivers (ankle), James Frawley (hip) and Paul Wheatley (quadriceps) face tests.

FORM: The Hawks have been far from convincing in their premiership defence. Just when you thought they turned the corner by defeating West Coast and Carlton in successive weeks, they were well beaten by Essendon. A narrow win against Fremantle, albeit in Perth, is hardly going to fill punters with confidence. The Demons, despite one win from eight rounds, have improved considerably this season. Last year they were getting belted, this year they've been highly competitive. Their effort last week to run the Bulldogs to seven points was full of merit.

WHO'S HOT: Despite entering the game under an injury cloud, Chance Bateman was one of the Hawks' best last week against the Dockers. Back in his home state, Bateman relished the wide spaces of Subiaco. His ability to run hard, kick long and shut down opposition stars makes him an invaluable component of the Hawks midfield. Demons midfielder Brent Moloney has in the past fortnight shown some of his best form since leaving Kardinia Park. He amassed 37 touches against the Bulldogs to go with his 30 from the week before.

WE THINK: Match-ups between defending champions and reigning wooden-spooners don't tend to produce decent contests, but this might be the exception. For starters, the Hawks are nowhere near the standards they set last year and the Dees are no longer easy beats. Although they still lack the skill and polish of the better sides, there can be no doubting their competitive spirit. The key to this game will not be in any midfield duel or forward match-ups but rather Hawthorn's attitude. Injuries to key players mean they can't rely on acts of brilliance to get them over the line. More than 17 goals separated these two sides in Round 1 last year but only a fool would bet on a similar result here. Hawthorn by 10 points.