Best mates Jack Gunston and Luke Breust have shone at a wet MCG as Hawthorn all but sealed a finals spot with an easy win over Melbourne.

Gunston kicked seven goals, adding to his All-Australian claims at the age of 33, and now has a career-best haul of 60 for the season as the Hawks dominated from the start in Saturday's twilight game at the MCG, winning 13.14 (92) to 8.8 (56).

Gunston's 7.4 equalled his career-best game, also this season, in round 16 against North Melbourne.

The Hawks will now head to the Gabba next Sunday for a massive game against reigning premier Brisbane, one of the round 24 clashes that will have a big say in where the top eight teams finish.

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell had pumped up Saturday's clash with the Dees as a danger game, noting Melbourne had not been awful over the past month, despite the sacking of coach Simon Goodwin.

But the game was effectively over at quarter-time after the Hawks booted five goals to one. Gunston put through two of them as he tormented Melbourne's 250-game key defender Steven May.

With the game in their keeping, Breust was brought on as the sub early in the third term, two days after he announced he would retire at the end of this season. 

As is customary for the much-loved small forward, Hawks fans greeted him with resounding cheers.

Those were amplified when he kicked a goal midway through the third, with teammates coming from everywhere as if it was the first goal of his career, not the 553rd.

Gunston should have been even more prolific – the sharpshooter missed a couple of gettable shots in the first half. Another goal in the final term was overruled on review as hitting the post.

He then put through his seventh goal and briefly left the field, before coming on for the end of the game

Other than the veneration of Hawthorn's two three-time premiership forwards, Dylan Moore racked up a game-high 32 disposals and kicked two goals, while Jarman Impey was also excellent.

By contrast, Melbourne was in danger of its lowest score this season before it kicked the last three goals of the game.

It would have been much worse but for captain Max Gawn constantly dropping back to plug holes in defence.

Gawn, headed towards another All-Australian nod, had an even ruck battle with the in-form Lloyd Meek, while midfielders Clayton Oliver and Tom Sparrow also impressed for the Demons. 

Jake Melksham, one of few Melbourne forwards to enjoy consistent form this season, surprisingly started the game as the sub.

Veteran gives Hawks the perfect start
With Demons defender Steven May playing on him, Jack Gunston dominated the first quarter to put the Hawks in control. Gunston found plenty of space and finished in the opening term with seven disposals, five marks and 2.2. As his stunning season continued, Gunston finished with an equal career-high seven goals to take his tally for 2025 to 60. 

Big Max continues brilliant season
In what has otherwise been a forgettable season for the Demons, Max Gawn has again been a star. Saturday was no different as the Melbourne captain fought to the end in a six-goal loss. Gawn finished with 27 disposals, 36 hitouts, six marks and five clearances.

HAWTHORN           5.3     7.7     10.10     13.14 (92)
MELBOURNE          1.0     2.3       4.3         8.8 (56)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Gunston 7, Moore 2, Watson, Macdonald, Dear, Breust
Melbourne: van Rooyen 2, Petty 2, Pickett, Oliver, Langford, Chandler

BEST
Hawthorn: Gunston, Moore, Macdonald, Impey, Newcombe, Amon, Sicily
Melbourne: Gawn, Oliver, Petracca, Viney, Salem

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Luke Breust (replaced Nick Watson in the third quarter)
Melbourne: Jake Melksham (replaced Tom McDonald at half-time)

Crowd: 53,871 at the MCG