Following an impressive win in the season opener for 2025, the Hawks are heading home to the MCG for a Friday night blockbuster against traditional rivals, Essendon.
After a convincing performance last week, defeating the Sydney Swans at the SCG by 20 points, the Hawks are looking to start off their season 2-0, should they prevail over the fresh Essendon Bombers side, who unfortunately had their opening round match against the Gold Coast postponed due to Cyclone Alfred.
Whether starting their season early proves an advantage or not remains to be seen. Regardless, the Hawks will still have to bring their A-game when facing The Dons, who looked sharp all throughout the pre-season.
Last Time They Met
The last time they met the Bombers was back in round one of season 2024. It was a disappointing affair, with Essendon overcoming the Hawks and defeating them by 24 points in front of a 73,800 strong crowd – the first loss in what would become Hawthorn’s worst start to a season in years.
After a brief arm wrestle in the second quarter, the Bombers surged late in the game, dominating in the clearances and kicking true in the forward fifty. Meanwhile, Hawthorn’s accuracy around the goals created headaches for those in the coaches box, kicking 11 goals 17 behinds to Essendon’s 17 goals, five behinds.
It was a big game for the likes of midfielders Andrew McGrath and opposition captain, Zack Merrett, who both garnered over 30 disposals each. Meanwhile, Massimo D’Ambrosio and Mabior Chol were Hawthorn’s standouts.
D’Ambrosio was the Hawks’ lead disposal getter, with 29 disposals for the game, playing his first game against his old side and his debut for the Hawks simultaneously. Chol, who joined Hawthorn in the 2023 trade period alongside D’Ambrosio, albeit coming from the Suns, kicked two goals two behinds in his debut, leading the score count for his new side.
The Hawks look to break a frustrating run of losses against the Bombers, having not beaten Essendon since round one, 2021 – back when Alistair Clarkson still held the reins at Hawthorn.
Sam Mitchell is yet to win a game against Essendon as head coach.
The Hawks Side
Hawthorn will be without midfield stalwart James Worpel, who was subbed out mid game last week with a concerning ankle injury. While the syndesmosis diagnosis was thankfully mild, it will be at least three weeks until the Worpedo is fit to play again.
In his stead, young Josh Ward will joining the midfield this Friday night.
Meanwhile Changouth Jiath has been cleared of injury, putting his hand up for selection, and has been shortlisted as an emergency alongside veterans Jack Gunston and Luke Bruest.
The Match Ups
All eyes are on Will Day who had an absolute blinder last Friday. Expectations are that Essendon coach, Brad Scott, would place a tagger on the star midfielder, who kicked a career high three goals against the Swans in his first game since returning from a season ending collarbone injury late last year.
Should no tagger appear, it should be an interesting competition between Day and three time All Australian Zak Merrett, who has been prolific in his last three games against the Hawks.
And in our defensive fifty, questions arise as to which defenders will take responsibility for the explosive small forward Issac Kako, who kicked four goals in Essendon’s practice match against Geelong, and fellow high draft pick, Nate Caddy, who kicked three majors that same night.
Jarman Impey or Finn Maginness could take on the role of negating the spry Kako, while Josh Battle should provide sufficient contest for the young key forward in Caddy.
In Short
The Hawks come into this home game with a taste for Friday night footy and plenty of confidence, having knocked off the premiership runners up on the road.
Last week’s game may have vindicated the work Mitchell’s men have put in over the preseason, but they’ll need level heads if they are to take on the fresh, fit, and sharp looking Dons and win, especially in what looks to be a sell out crowd at the MCG.
Hawthorn v Essendon
Round 1 • Friday 14 March 2025 • 7:40 PM (AEDT)
MCG, Melbourne • Wurundjeri
