HEAD TO HEAD:

Played: 158

Won: 96

Lost: 62

Draw: 0 

 

LAST FIVE TIMES:
R13, 2015, Hawthorn 16.18 (114) d Essendon 11.10 (76) at the MCG
R2, 2015, Essendon 12.6 (78) d Hawthorn 11.10 (76) at the MCG
R2, 2014, Hawthorn 13.12 (90) d Essendon 12.14 (86) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2013, Hawthorn 22.11 (143) d Essendon 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2012, Hawthorn 27.18 (180) d Essendon 12.14 (86) at Etihad Stadium

 

LAST TIME WE MET:

The Hawks defeated a brave Essendon outfit, scoring 11 goals in the second half to win by 38-points. The boys took it up to the Hawks in the first half, but the premiers’ experience proved to be too much.  Zach Merrett was one of our best, collecting 31 disposals while Brendon Goddard was inspirational with 32 disposals, three tackles and a goal.

 

KEY PLAYERS:

The Bombers will need to restrict the influence of the Hawthorn midfielders, particularly that of Isaac Smith. Smith is currently ranked 11th in the AFL for metres gained, while also averaging 23 disposals , four inside 50s and five score involvements per game. In the absence of Ryan Crowley, Craig Bird may be used in order to restrict the impact that Lewis has.

Patrick Ambrose, Matt Dea and James Gwilt will need to bring their ‘A’ game in order to cover the in form Hawthorn forward line. The mix of Gunston, Breust, Rioli and Puopolo have combined for 94 goals so far this season. Ambrose has been particularly important over the last two weeks while Dea’s may get the job on one of the Hawks’ smaller forwards.

After his first slow game of the year, David Zaharakis, will be looking to come back firing this week. The star midfielder has averaged 27 disposals this year and just under five clearances a game. It’ll be up to him to lead the midfielders in the right direction on Friday night. 

 

TAKE NOTE:

The Hawks have been strong in clearances this season, ranking fourth in the competition with 39 a game. Jordan Lewis is ranked 11th in the competition with a total of 63. 

Essendon and Hawthorn have played eight times at Etihad Stadium, with the Hawks winning five games to the Bombers' three. The Hawks have won 12 of their past 14 games at the venue.