Liam Shiels and Jesse Lonergan compete for the ball. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Amid treacherous conditions that featured a hail storm in Launceston, the Hawks fell behind early in the term, before kicking the final three goals of the half to take a 14-point lead into the main break.

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Sam Mitchell has 21 disposals at half time, while Luke Breust and David Hale have two goals each.

Earlier, the Suns were forced to use their sub when Jack Martin injured a hamstring in the opening five minutes.

MELBOURNE kicked the opening three goals at Traeger Park to take a 12-point lead over Port Adelaide into the first break.

Jesse Hogan, Jake Spencer and Heritier Lumumba got the Demons off to a strong start, while Jay Schulz has Port’s only major.

There was no late changes, with Jack Viney and Nathan Krakouer starting in green.

Saturday’s Round 9 fixtures:

Hawthorn v Gold Coast (AO) 13:45pm (AEST)

Melbourne v Port Adelaide (TIO) 2:10pm (AEST)

Western Bulldogs v GWS Giants (Etihad) 4:35pm (AEST)

Richmond v Essendon (MCG) 7:20pm (AEST)

Adelaide v Fremantle (AO) 7:40pm (AEST)