Hawthorn played Melbourne to a stalemate in a much more competitive third quarter.
The only problem was that the improvement came on the back of an embarrassing first half, in which it appeared the Hawks left their spirit on the mainland.
Whatever Sam Mitchell told his charges at the long break – surely the feedback was pointed – worked as Hawthorn almost quadrupled their half-time score.
They finally neutralised, to a degree, the Demons at the contest and looked dangerous on the outside for the first time all afternoon.
But the horse has bolted. No matter how much damage is minimised from here on the scoreboard, Melbourne look set to receive a percentage boost, which could prove vital in the congested upper regions of the ladder.
Max Gawn has been impassable, while Jacob van Rooyen has enjoyed a day out.
Melbourne lead by 78 points – 113-35 at three-quarter-time
