FOR weeks now the anticipation of the round 17 match between front-running Geelong and Hawthorn has grown more eager. Now suddenly, jarringly, the Cats and Hawks have had a taste of what they can expect before they perform what had been generally considered a grand final dress rehearsal.

After the clinical, sometimes brutal tackling of Collingwood created an incredible 86-point victory over the previously undefeated Cats on Friday night, unloved and seemingly undermanned Melbourne almost caused an even greater upset against Hawthorn yesterday.

Humiliated by 104 points by the Hawks in round one, Melbourne had the lead mid-way through the final quarter before a late burst from the Hawks gave them a 19-point victory and kept their unblemished record intact.

If Hawthorn's class prevailed, then the Demons could feel aggrieved that some of their ferocious tackling went unrewarded - a source of criticism by Melbourne coach Dean Bailey, who said he might seek clarification from the umpiring department.

Moral victories are not the sort the Demons need right now. But on the day they honoured retired captain David Neitz, and in the wake of Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett's suggestion that Melbourne should relocate to the Gold Coast, there was some dignity restored.

For the Hawks, strutting on top of the ladder, there was a dose of humility. Forward Mark Williams had mocked Port Adelaide with a choking gesture when he kicked the winning goal last week. This time, after twice converting at vital times in the final quarter, he barely celebrated.

If it was a tough day for the Hawks, that might be timely. Next Saturday in Launceston they take on the Western Bulldogs who were unable to preserve their almost perfect record (seven wins and a draw after eight rounds) when skipper Brad Johnson missed a shot after the siren having already hit the post twice in the last quarter.

Instead, for the first-time this season, the Bulldogs must attempt to rebound from a desperately disappointing defeat - albeit one against a North Melbourne team that has an incredible capacity to celebrate the achievements of its favourite sons. This time it was the 250th game of diminutive midfielder Brent Harvey who, almost inevitably given the club's blood and guts reputation, was knocked out by a stray boot early in the match yet returned to play his part in a tumultuous finish in which the Bulldogs' class could not trump the Roos' sheer willpower.

If the Hawthorn-Western Bulldogs clash will answer a few questions about both teams, there will also be significant interest in how Geelong respond to just their second defeat in 29 games when they take on the newly competent Carlton at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

The pressure the Magpies applied to the Cats was unrelenting but, for such a highly skilled team, Geelong's inability to hit targets when they were forced wide was startling. The imminent return of ruckman Brad Ottens from the foot injury that has sidelined him all season and small forward Paul Chapman, a late withdrawal on Friday night, will provide instant relief. But the Cats can brace themselves for another tough encounter as Blues attempt to emulate the Magpies' physical attack.

Hawthorn and Geelong retain a firm grip on the top four. But the Bulldogs' loss and Adelaide's surprisingly lacklustre performance against West Coast on Saturday night will give heart to the pack of teams hoping to work their way into contention.

In the thick of that battle is Sydney, whose ability to soak up pressure continues to astound. The leadership of Brett Kirk and the running power of Adam Goodes in the final quarter of Saturday's arm wrestle against Port Adelaide was inspirational. Just as pleasing for the coaching staff will have been the way a now multi-pronged attack functioned without Barry Hall, an eight-goal first quarter allowing the Swans to stay on top in an early shoot-out before they held their nerve in the exhausting final stages.

Brisbane are also mounting a credible challenge. The benefit of monster forwards Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw who kicked six goals each was obvious in the Lions' 46-point victory over the now serially disappointing St Kilda at the Gabba yesterday.