<p>Are the Dees back?</p> <p>Three weeks ago, this Melbourne vs Hawthorn game at the MCG had the tag ‘blowout’ all over it. Now, thankfully, It has a little bit more interest in it given Melbourne’s recent form and fortunes.</p> <p>The Demons have taken care of business in recent weeks. Following the breakthrough win over Fremantle, The dees have gotten the wins they have just needed to get over Richmond and West Coast. In both games, Max Gawn was towering, cementing his legendary status as one of the best ruckmen to ever do it.</p> <p>With three wins on the bounce, can we declare the Dees as officially ‘back’?</p> <p>They face a stern test of their mettle this week against the Hawks, who had a day to remember last Sunday at the MCG.</p> <p>Celebrating their 100th birthday against the Tigers, the same team they faced 100 years ago in their first game in the VFL/AFL, they put a scrappy first half behind them to run rampant in the second half on the way to a 65-point win.</p> <p>They too have banked the wins they have needed over the past fortnight against the Eagles and the Tigers and have slowly ironed out chinks in their game that coach Sam Mitchell had been saying need work despite the early season wins.&nbsp;</p> <p>They’re set to receive a boost at selection with Karl Amon potentially becoming available if he passes through concussion protocols. It might also be the day that Calsher Dear returns to the AFL side after a couple of weeks of match fitness in the VFL following an injury-interrupted start to the year.</p> <p>The Dees are also hopeful that star midfielder Clayton Oliver will return for the clash against the Hawks after missing the trip West due to a ‘wellbeing freshen up’... although reports have suggested otherwise.</p> <p>But we’re not here to speculate on what might happen in October, let’s look at what should be a fun match.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Dees vs Hawks prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs Hawthorn Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <h3>B: Jake Bowey, Steven May, Judd McVee</h3> <p>HB: Trent Rivers, Tom McDonald, Christian Salem</p> <p>C: Ed Langdon, Jack Viney, Xavier Lindsay</p> <p>HF: Christian Petracca, Bayley Fritsch, Harvey Langford</p> <p>F: Daniel Turner, Harrison Petty, Kysaiah Pickett</p> <p>Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Tom Sparrow</p> <p>Int: Koltyn Tholstrup, Charlie Spargo, Jake Melksham, Kade Chandler, Harry Sharp</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Hawthorn Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Blake Hardwick, Tom Barass, Jarman Impey</p> <p>HB: James Sicily, Josh Battle, Changkuoth Jiath</p> <p>C: Karl Amon, Jai Newcombe, Massimo D’Ambrosio</p> <p>HF: Connor Macdonald, Jack Gunston, Jack Ginnivan</p> <p>F: Nick Watson, Mabior Chol, Luke Breust</p> <p>Foll: Lloyd Meek, James Worpel, Josh Ward</p> <p>Int: Finn Maginness, Henry Hustwaite, Bailey Macdonald, Josh Weddle, Calsher Dear</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs Hawthorn Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Dees have had the better of the Hawks in the recent head-to-head, winning four of the past five matches. There’s been a draw in there too.</p> <p>But looking at the current formline of both teams, the script has totally flipped. The Hawks are among the contenders and the Dees are fighting to stay relevant.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s looming as another clash of game-styles here. Look for the Hawks to trouble the Dees, particularly with their speed and precision by foot. However, the Dees have shifted from an ultra-contested game to a more controlled game style through handballs and marks.</p> <p>If they can control the tempo against the Hawks, it might be their ticket into the match here. Don’t even bother trying to match their speed, because you will just play into their hands.</p> <p>The Hawks have gotten their game back on track these past two weeks, and have used the time to experiment too. Unfortunately we didn’t see Tommy Barass wander down to the forward line this week, he was back in defence, clunking big marks and restoring the Hawks backline to being the second best in the league.&nbsp;</p> <p>It will be a good test for Melbourne to see if they have really turned the corner, but the Hawks are a different beast to the likes of the Dockers, Eagles, and Tigers. We’re tipping the Hawks here to keep their winning ways going.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-hawthorn-9166591">Hawthorn</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>The Dees like structuring their forward line with Jake Melksham in it. To the point this year that they prefer him in the side over key forward Jacob van Rooyen.</p> <p>He had seven shots on goal last time he played Hawthorn and is coming off a crafty game in the West last week that only netted one goal. They’ll want to get him involved and on the board early.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-hawthorn-9166591">Jake Melksham</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Plenty of ball magnets on either side in both engine rooms. But it’s pretty hard to go past Big Max at the moment after two weeks of vintage form. Including career-high numbers last week.</p> <p>Lloyd Meek is a big challenge one out in the ruck, but Max is in some imperious form right now. Another BOG loading.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-hawthorn-9166591">Max Gawn (25+ disposals)</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs Hawthorn Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, May 10th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>1:20 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>