Roughead reported, Clarkson keeps calm

Star Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead had a mixed night at the MCG, kicking five goals and going on report for tripping during a convincing Hawks victory.

Hawthorn's Jarryd Roughead

Jarryd Roughead's strong performance at the MCG was spoiled after being put on report for tripping. (AAP)

Faced with the prospect of missing two gun forwards for an away clash with Fremantle, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson was a picture of nonchalance.

Jarryd Roughead was reported for tripping on Saturday, but Hawthorn otherwise banked an uneventful 50-point AFL win over Melbourne at the MCG.

The Hawks warmed up for a challenging run to the finals by downing the Demons 17.13 (115) to 9.11 (65).

The ladder-leading reigning premiers face Fremantle, Geelong and Collingwood before September.

Roughead risks missing at least the grand final rematch against the Dockers, in Perth next Sunday.

The 27-year-old, who kicked five goals against Melbourne to bring his season tally to 55 and get closer to defending his Coleman Medal, was reported in the second quarter when he clashed legs with Dom Tyson.

Tyson evaded the key forward, who then seemingly flung his left leg out instinctively rather than maliciously in front of 37,082 fans.

Even if the panel classify Roughead's charge as negligent, he's likely to miss a match due to 64 carryover demerit points from a one-week ban earlier this season.

"Can't do anything about it. The tribunal will look after it during the week," Clarkson said.

"If we've got him, great.

"If we haven't, we'll have to get by without him won't we?

"It's no different to any other week. Whether it's injuries or suspensions, you just deal with it as best you can."

Jack Gunston remains sidelined with a knee injury, meaning the absence of Roughead would force Clarkson to significantly reshape his forward line.

"It wouldn't be ideal," Clarkson said.

"I'm not going to forecast what we're going to do. Because I don't even know if he's playing or not.

"We've got a whole host of options."

Brian Lake will be available for selection, having served a four-game suspension, but Clarkson said it was too early to say whether he'd return via the VFL or AFL.

Inspirational captain Luke Hodge was substituted off at three-quarter time after a bruising collision with Melbourne ruckman Mark Jamar, while Jordan Lewis continued his sensational year to be best on ground.

Hodge punched the ground after copping an accidental knee to his side in a third-term marking contest, but shooed officials away and played the rest of the quarter out.

"He was fine. We didn't sub him out for that reason," Clarkson said.

The contest started in scrappy fashion, Hawthorn needing 13 minutes before Roughead booted the opening goal.

"It was a pretty scratchy and uninspiring game, but we should be pleased with a 50-point victory," Clarkson said of his side, who increased their lead at every break.

Lewis finished with a game-high 34 disposals, seven tackles and eight clearances,


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