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Demons Run Riot Early to Claim Hawks Scalp in Tasmania

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Melbourne Demons defeated Hawthorn 125-90 in Launceston, while the Greater Western Sydney Giants upset ladder leaders Fremantle 109-88 in Canberra, ending the Dockers' 14-game winning streak.
Hawthorn's slow start and injuries, including the loss of Defender Josh Battle to surgery on Thursday, left them trailing 86-9 at halftime, while Fremantle entered seeking their 15th consecutive victory.
Giants forward Jake Stringer starred with seven goals, while Melbourne's Bayley Fritsch and Jacob van Rooyen kicked five goals each to lead their respective teams to victory.
Rallying with 12 unanswered goals, Hawthorn closed within 23 points in the final quarter, yet the Demons held firm, while the Giants controlled clearances 42-28 and inside-50s 62-47 to maintain their upset.
Melbourne moved to 10-6 for the season on the AFL ladder, while the Giants demonstrated resilience against top-tier opponents despite GWS player Max Gruzewski being sidelined four weeks with a knee injury.

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Demons run riot early to claim Hawks scalp in Tasmania

The Melbourne Demons have beaten Hawthorn by 35 points in Launceston, with a stunning 13-goal-to-one first half setting up the victory.

5 days ago·Australia

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PerthNow

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The streak is dead! GWS produce giant upset over Dockers

Dreams of Fremantle going through the rest of the season without a loss are well and truly over after GWS produced an emphatic victory in Canberra that left the Dockers searching for answers.

5 days ago·City of Perth, Australia

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The Examiner

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Hawthorn kicks 12 in a row to avoid unwanted records, but Demons hold on

Hawthorn launched an incredible 12-goal unanswered rally after a historic slow start. Discover how Melbourne ultimately held on for a dominant victory.

5 days ago

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ABC Australia

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Demons blitz Hawks early as Giants, Dockers meet in Canberra

Hawthorn hosts Melbourne in Tasmania as the GWS Giants take on a red-hot Fremantle side in Canberra. Follow live.

5 days ago·Australia

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Sydney Morning Herald

+3 Reposted by 3 other sources

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Carlton climb to 10th under ‘perfect’ Fraser; winning streak ends for ‘off’ Fremantle

Richmond play Carlton in round 17 of the 2026 AFL premiership season at the MCG, Melbourne at 7.35pm AEST. Seven, Kayo and Fox Footy are broadcasting the match live. Follow this live blog for minute-by-minute updates, scores, results, odds, squads, injury updates and start time. This blog also includes posts from Hawthorn vs Melbourne, GWS GIANTS vs Fremantle and Gold Coast SUNS vs Collingwood played earlier in the day.

5 days ago·North Sydney, Australia

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