Melbourne hold off late Hawthorn run to book preliminary final date with West Coast Eagles

Melbourne has marched into their first preliminary final since 2000 with a clinical win over Hawthorn at the MCG, booking a date with the West Coast Eagles. 

After being tied at quarter time, the Demons led at every change to run out 16.8.(104) to 10.11.(71) winners in front of 90,152 raucous fans. 

The Demons, who have been criticised for their inability to kick straight, were excellent in front of goal as their more experienced opponents blew chance after chance despite having the majority of the possession all night. 

Hawthorn was bundled out in straight sets for the second time in consecutive finals campaigns after losses to Geelong and the eventual premier Western Bulldogs back in 2016. 

Melbourne's efforts were led by Jack Viney who led all players with 27 disposals and five tackles including one inspired effort which led to an Angus Brayshaw goal to give the Demons a 32-point lead in the fourth quarter. 

"We didn't have it on our terms for the whole game but I'm really proud of how we came out of it in the second half," Viney told Fox Footy.

"We're building some nice chemistry in there with some nice (midfielders). We've worked hard on our craft and we're glad that we're able to see the results.

"We want this really badly. To be where we've been, you understand how valuable playing football at this time of the year is. We're not wasting the opportunity. You've got to take the opportunity when it comes around."

Defender Neville Jetta was outstanding for the Demons and co-captain Jack Viney was strong again in the midfield.

The Hawks, missing key players Jaeger O'Meara and Ben Stratton through injury, were left to rue some crucial missed shots on goal through the second and third quarters.

Hawthorn sharp shooter Jack Gunston kicked three goals, but he hit the post in the third quarter with a kick he normally would nail.

Melbourne shot up the other end and kicked the first of three goals at the end of the third quarter that blew out the margin.

Had Gunston goaled, Hawthorn only would have trailed by nine points.

Scores were level at the first break and the Hawks looked more dominant in the second term.

But as they did early in last week's qualifying final loss to Richmond, they missed crucial shots on goal.

Hawthorn kicked 0.6 in the second quarter and Melbourne kicked three goals to take a 13-point lead at the main break.

At half time, it was telling that Hawthorn led the inside 50s 30-23.

Star forward Tom McDonald was also excellent in front of goal, booting four goals straight, while former Bomber Jake Melksham chipped in with two final quarter goals as Hawthorn made a ferocious run in the fourth.

Hawthorn was led by Tom Mitchell who picked up 24 disposals and 10 tackles, but was slowed down by an early hit on his shoulder by Neville Jetta.