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Hawks smash Demons, Buddy off the mark

Reigning AFL premiers Hawthorn have capped their flawless pre-season with a 110-point slaughter of Melbourne.

The enormity of the task facing new Demons coach Paul Roos was laid bare at Casey Fields on Saturday as the Hawks mauled his team 21.16 (142) to 4.8 (32).

Coleman Medallist Jarryd Roughead kicked six goals and Sam Mitchell also starred in the midfield and across halfback with 29 disposals.

The Hawks have hit the ground running hard as they try to win back-to-back flags for the first time since 1988-89.

Their other two pre-season games were a 131-point win over Brisbane and a 65-point win against North Melbourne.

The loss was a resounding setback for Melbourne after two encouraging games.

They upset Richmond and then stayed competitive in their loss to Geelong.

Hawks youngster Will Langford left the field in the last quarter after a high hit, but otherwise it was a perfect day for the premiers.

Melbourne defender James Frawley also came off late after a heavy collision.

New Demons co-captain Nathan Jones was collected high at a centre bounce in the first term, but he was soon back on the field and played out the match.

Midfielders Bernie Vince and Dom Tyson were best on a dirty day for Melbourne.

Hawthorn will start the regular season in Launceston on Saturday, March 22 against the Lions.

The same day, Melbourne play St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

In what has the makings of a trivia night question, former Hawk and $10 million man Lance Franklin picked an unlikely location to kick his first goal for Sydney in a 12.14 (86) to 8.11 (59)  win over Brisbane Lions.

“Buddy” brought the vocal crowd to their feet at the remote AFL outpost of Burpengary, north of Brisbane, when he finally broke his goal-scoring duck for the Swans.

He finished with two goals and eight disposals in an encouraging display before being put on ice for the second half.

But at the other end, Lions veteran forward Jonathan Brown made little impact in his first half cameo.

The ex-skipper managed just two touches in his official return from a serious foot injury before being rested.

And Port Adelaide‘s enigmatic forward John Butcher and midfielder Brad Ebert both kicked three goals in a nine-point win against St Kilda.

The Power overran the Saints to win 18.7 (115) to 16.10 (106) at Alberton Oval.

Port’s Chad Wingard, captain Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett and Dom Cassisi booted two goals each while onballer Ollie Wines, newcomer Jarman Impey and forward Angus Monfries were influential.

St Kilda midfielder David Armitage kicked three majors, all in the first quarter, skipper Nick Riewoldt and Shane Savage both potted two, and veteran Lenny Hayes, Farren Ray, Jarryn Geary and Luke Dunstan were prominent.

Port recruit Matthew White and utility Paul Stewart didn’t return after suffering leg injuries, though both ailments didn’t appear overly serious.

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