Melbourne blow AFL top four race wide open with shock win over Hawthorn

• Melbourne defeat Hawthorn 17.8 (110) to 11.15 (81)
• Sydney defeat Port Adelaide 14.16 (100) to 4.9 (33)

Melbourne shocked premiership favourites Hawthorn at the MCG by recording a 29-point win to blow the race for the AFL’s top four wide open. The Hawks were denied a 10th straight victory by a determined Demons outfit on Saturday afternoon, reducing their buffer at the top of the ladder to just one game.

If the three-time reigning premiers – who face North Melbourne and West Coast in the next fortnight – slip up again, they risk throwing away hosting rights in week one of the finals. Coach Alastair Clarkson will rue sloppy goal-kicking, with his side losing 17.8 (110) to 11.15 (81).