GEELONG spearhead Tom Hawkins has said he is expecting a ‘ripper’ contest against the Demons on Saturday night.

Hawkins told Triple M that the form of both sides leading into the clash suggests the two teams can prepare for a tight tussle.

“We’ve been a little bit up and down and Melbourne have played some really good football and I suppose not too dissimilar to us to be honest, haven’t been at their best against other sides,” Hawkins said.

Geelong’s best footy has been convincing this season, with strong wins over Collingwood, GWS, Port Adelaide and Sydney showing the side can match it with the best.

The flip side of the coin has been a whole different story with the Cats dropping games to Hawthorn, Essendon, Adelaide and the Bulldogs.

Melbourne’s form has been just as erratic, while the both sides could claim to have been the better team in the team’s round one matchup.

“For those that can remember Max Gawn had a shot from 30 out, effectively to win the game with only seconds left and missed,” Hawkins said.

“Fortunately for us we won that game, but it could have gone the other way.”

Hawkins doesn’t believe a change of venue from that game at the MCG will impact the result.

“Melbourne have got a bit of mixed history down in Geelong, involved in a famous loss but also beat us in Corey Enright’s 300^th game,” he said.