<p>Still riding the high from last Thursday night, Hawks fans? Fair enough if you are.<br /> That 64-point demolition of Collingwood at the MCG not only warmed hearts across the footy world - especially those who love seeing Collingwood get beaten -&nbsp; but also gave Hawthorn a huge boost in their push for September. Now, a top-four finish is suddenly within reach.</p> <p>But despite that statement win and a nice patch of form, the Hawks still sit precariously in seventh, tied on points with the Suns and Giants. Finals aren’t locked in just yet — and it looks like they’ll be walking the tightrope right to the end.</p> <p>One more win should be enough to get them in, but with the top nine flipping every week, the Hawks will want to keep things in their own hands — starting by taking care of business against Melbourne on Saturday.</p> <p>The Dees, meanwhile, almost pulled off a classic “new coach bounce” last weekend. They pushed the Bulldogs all the way in one of the games of the season. That seven-goal third quarter? Some of their best footy all year. They looked loose, free, and maybe a bit unlucky not to come away with the points.</p> <p>Could they bring that energy again this week and spoil the Hawks’ path to the finals? Melbourne fans will certainly be hoping for another spirited showing to give them something to hold onto heading into a big off-season.</p> <p>On the selection front, the Hawks will again be without Harry Morrison. There were no fresh injuries in the win over the Pies, and Cam Mackenzie and Sam Butler have pushed their cases with strong showings for Box Hill.</p> <p>For the Dees, Steven May is available again after serving a three-week ban and recovering from a concussion — but interim coach Troy Chaplin faces a tough call: does he drop promising debutant Jed Adams, who held his own last week?</p> <p>Speedy winger Caleb Windsor is out for the rest of the year after a hamstring injury, with Charlie Spargo and Koltyn Tholstrup in the mix to come in.<br /> Also in the frame is mid-season draftee Luker Kentfield, who continues to knock loudly after another bag of goals for Casey.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Hawks vs Dees prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs Melbourne Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Hawthorn Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: James Sicily, Tom Barass, Blake Hardwick</p> <p>HB: Jarman Impey, Josh Battle, Jack Scrimshaw</p> <p>C: Massimo D’Ambrosio, Conor Nash, Karl Amon</p> <p>HF: Jack Gunston, Calsher Dear, Nick Watson</p> <p>F: Jack Ginnivan, Mitch Lewis, Dylan Moore</p> <p>Foll: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, James Worpel</p> <p>Int: Connor Macdonald, Josh Ward, Mabior Chol, Changkuoth Jiath, Luke Breust</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Jake Bowey, Steven May, Trent Rivers</p> <p>HB: Christian Salem, Tom McDonald, Daniel Turner</p> <p>C: Judd McVee, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon</p> <p>HF: Harvey Langford, Bayley Fritsch, Kade Chandler</p> <p>F: Jake Melksham, Jacob van Rooyen, Kysaiah Pickett</p> <p>Foll: Max Gawn, Jack Viney, Clayton Oliver</p> <p>Int: Jai Culley, Jed Adams, Harrison Petty, Blake Howes, Tom Sparrow</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs Melbourne Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Dees hold sway in the recent head-to-head, winning four of the past five games.</p> <p>Earlier this season, the Hawks broke a nine-game losing run to the Dees in a game that looked to turn the tide, and really, dictate the fortunes of both sides for this year.</p> <p>The Hawks’ defence has lifted and elevated at the right time. They are now the third-best defensive profile in the game, and a massive tick to the recruitment of Barass and Battle in the off-season. While at the other end of the ground, the four-pronged tall forward line showed more promising signs, with Sam Mitchell saying he was going to stick with it for the time being.&nbsp;</p> <p>Against the Pies, they got their handball game going again, and as the night wore on, ‘HokBall’ looked like it made its triumphant return.</p> <p>It should be too hot for the Dees.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-melbourne-9480906">Hawks</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Nick Watson is growing every week.</p> <p>Ok, maybe not in the height department, but he’s certainly growing into an elite AFL footballer.</p> <p>Fresh off his two-goal game last week and signing a new contract midweek, we’re picking him for the first goal again this week.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/news/nick-watson-afl-contract-update-hawthorn">Nick Watson</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>The handball-happy Hawks were back last week, and they certainly were happy to share the ball around!</p> <p>11 Hawthorn players recorded north of 20 disposals last week, with none going over 30 possessions. Coming up against a Demons midfield this week, which is still strong on paper, but weaker in output, points to another midfield beating.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hawks uptick in form can also be linked back to the skipper James Sicily who is back to his intercepting and kicking best. He’s averaged over 20 disposals in each of his last five games against the Hawks, and he’s our pick to top the charts here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-melbourne-9480906">James Sicily 25+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn Hawks vs Melbourne Demons Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, August 16, 2025.</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 4:15pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne.</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>