Hawthorn hosts Melbourne in the club’s Variety Inclusion Match at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
In the second clash between the two sides this season, with the Hawks taking the points when they met earlier in the year in Round 9.
Hawthorn sits seventh on the ladder on 14-7, while the Demons are 13th with seven wins and 14 losses.
This marks the Hawks’ last home game of the regular season, make sure you get to the MCG to cheer them on.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the first bounce:
WHO: Hawthorn v Melbourne
WHAT: Round 23
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Saturday 16 August
TIME: 4.15pm AEST
BROADCAST: Fox Footy/Kayo
How to watch
Following along at home? The game will be broadcast on Fox Footy and can be streamed through Kayo.
Don’t have Kayo? Click HERE to check out our Hawks on Demand membership and save on 12 months of Kayo.
Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, X and Facebook to remain updated on all the behind-the-scenes action on game day.
Last time we met
Hawthorn (91) defeated Melbourne (56) in Round 9, 2025.
Jack Gunston delivered when the Hawks needed him once again, the 33-year-old stepped up late with three final-quarter goals to lead Hawthorn to an ugly win over Melbourne. The 35-point win took the Hawks to 7-2 for the first time since 2013.
Hawthorn needed a hero after an underwhelming first three quarters where they kicked seven goals. James Worpel was the most dominant player on the ground in the first half and finished with 28 disposals, 10 tackles and six clearances, while Changquoth Jiath back up his career-high 32 touches the week prior with 25 disposals and 507 metres gained off half-back.
Nick Watson and Mabior Chol both finished with two goals, like Josh ward, Josh Weddle, Dylan Moore and Lloyd Meek slotted individual majors.
What’s On
Round 23 is Hawthorn’s Variety Inclusion Match, with the club proudly partnering with The Inclusion Project to assist with making the match-day experience more accessible for those living with hidden disabilities.
Pre-game there will be a tent with non-playing AFL players set up to sign all your brown and gold merch, you can score some giveaways and snap some pics in the photobooth. As well as face painting happening inside the ‘G. Quarter time will play host to the Superhero Dash for Cash, the AFL NAB Auskickers will take to the ground at halftime, while at three-quarter time it’s the KFC FLG Fan challenge.
MCG Inclusion Project
The Inclusion Project is proudly partnering with the Hawthorn Football Club to assist with making the match-day experience more accessible for those living with hidden disabilities.
We will be operating a Sensory Room supported by an Occupational Therapist who will be available to assist fans as needed in the space.
We will also have our Inclusion Project Officers at main entrances to assist if you require during the match.
If you have any questions or assistance head to Gate 3 and look for our Inclusion Project Officers.
MCG Inclusion spaces
- Changing Places bathroom (Level 1, Gate 3 - Olympic Stand)
- Parent Rooms (Level 1)
- All Gender Bathroom (Level B1, Gate 1 - Ponsford Stand)
- 'G Train Mobility Buggy Service
- Sensory Room (Located within the Australian Sports Museum, Gate 3)
- Multi Faith Prayer Room (Level B1, behind M13)
Tickets and Membership
Tickets for this match are still on sale, be there for the Hawks final home game of the 2025 regular season. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketek - https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=HAWTH2325
Member Access
Reserved seat members have guaranteed entry. Scan your digital or physical cards as normal and sit in your allocated reserved seat.
Ponsford and Dunstall Club Members
Redeem your reserved seat ticket for no charge via Ticketek.
General Admission Members
Hawthorn General Admission members can upgrade to a reserved seat for a reduced price.
Alternatively, members can access a $0 standing-room ticket via Ticketek.
For more information visit - https://membership.hawthornfc.com.au/rd23-dees or if you have any further questions, please contact the Membership Team on (03) 9535 3045 or email membership@hawthornfc.com.au
Getting to the game
Please plan ahead and arrive as early as possible. Enhanced security measures will be in place at the MCG, which may increase wait times. We recommend members and fans arrive early to avoid long queues and ensure access ahead of the first bounce.
Also a reminder to be mindful of what is in your bag, ensure bags are small and items carried meet the conditions of entry https://www.mcg.org.au/the-stadium/visitor-information/conditions-of-entry
Road Disruptions
Flinders Street (eastbound) is closed between Elizabeth and Swanston streets.
The West Gate Freeway outbound is reduced to three lanes until mid-August.
The citybound exit from the Princes Freeway to Clyde Road, Berwick is closed until mid-November.
There are plenty of public transport options to get to the MCG.
By train
There are two train stations close to the MCG - Jolimont and Richmond.
Jolimont Station is north of the ground and offers a five-minute stroll through Yarra Park to the gates to the ground.
Richmond Station is on the south-eastern side of the MCG. It's a slightly longer walk to the ground, past the Punt Road Oval to the Shane Warne Stand side.
Train Disruptions
Werribee Line –Buses replace trains between Newport and Werribee stations from 5:00am Saturday 16 August until the last train Sunday 17 August.
Geelong Line – coaches replace trains on sections of the line at times until Sunday 17 August.
By tram
Three tram routes provide access to the MCG.
The No. 70 tram (Docklands/City-Wattle Park) is the closest tram stop to the ground, travelling from Flinders Street and detouring via Melbourne Park. The tram stop is a short walk across the footbridge to the ground.
Stopping on Wellington Road just north of the MCG, the No. 75 tram (City-Vermont South) travels from Flinders St, and the No. 48 (Docklands/City-North Balwyn) travels from Collins Street, both connecting the city and eastern suburbs.
