Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG Friday, March 14, 7.40pm AEDT

Last time: Essendon 17.5 (107) d Hawthorn 11.17 (83), R1 2024

What it means

Hawthorn quickly proved that it is more than just a one-season wonder after a scintillating rise through the second half of last year as it powered away from Sydney in the season-opener at the SCG. The Hawks can make another statement and at the same time put the Bombers on the back foot early with a victory over their rivals that they have not beaten since the same round four years ago.

Essendon has set out to temper expectations over summer after a couple of mediocre seasons under coach Brad Scott but could undo all that hard work with a spirited showing against the high-flying Hawthorn. The Bombers thrashed the Hawks when the two sides met at the same stage last year and have only lost once – by one point – against their old foes since 2018.

Game shapers

Dylan Shiel will get a chance to impress in a new role after a run of injury-interrupted seasons and as the Essendon midfield continues to evolve. The former Giants onballer has grasped the opportunity to add dash out of defence and break the lines more coming off half-back as the Bombers look to add more verve to their style.

James Sicily is never one to take a backwards step and will surely relish the opportunity to come up against one of the Hawks' fiercest rivals on the main stage. The Hawks skipper went a long way to setting up the season-opening win over the Swans as he ruled the airways in defence and later showed in the dying stages that he can be just as influential when thrown forward.

Let’s see who comes out on top

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