While the Hawks have exhibited some exceptional form, the Western Bulldogs showed last week that their armour can be dented. The Dogs gave Hawthorn a reality check by dominating the clearances and tackle count which resulted in the Hawks' first loss of the season. The loss may fire up the brown and gold, however it also places a question of doubt in their minds and could provide an opportunity for a major Bomber upset.
Essendon meanwhile, have their mojo back after taking top four side in Adelaide, to five points at AAMI stadium last week. The performance of the young guns was a highlight with Sam Lonergan, Bachar Houli, Kyle Reimers, and Angus Monfries standing up to be counted.
Lonergan's star is rising despite battling a hamstring injury earlier in the season. He has shown he has skill and fire in the belly to make it at AFL level but, even with his confidence brimming, Lonergan and his fellow comrades will have their work cut out for them this week in order to win the battle of the midfield.
He will have the support of Monfries, Houli, Brent Stanton and Mark McVeigh and it is crucial that the Essendon midfield plays inspired, desperate footy this week.
Like any top-of-the-table team, the Hawks are star-studded in the centre. Brad Sewell, Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge and Rick Ladson are just some of their damaging midfielders who use the ball well to make opposition pay.
One area in which the Hawks were left wanting last week was their tackle count and this is an area where the Bomber midfield could gain the upper hand. The team showed earlier in the season, and again last week, they have the ability to apply pressure and when they do, it can be damaging. The likes of Leroy Jetta, Reimers and McVeigh will need to lead from the front from the very first bounce and every Bomber must follow in order to hold the Hawks accountable.
While the midfield battle looms large, there is one element of the gameplan that is even more critical for the Bombers – shutting down Hawthorn’s scoring options for it is the forward line that really sets the Hawks apart.
Lance Franklin currently leads the competition's goal tally, averaging five per match. The spearhead kicked nine goals against Essendon last season and continues to boggle opposition sides with his ability to create freakish goals out of minor opportunities. Essendon’s own emerging superstar, Patrick Ryder, is the obvious candidate to accept the challenge of limiting his opportunities.
But Franklin isn’t the only ace up Hawthorn’s sleeve.
Jarryd Roughead, at only 21-years of age, has shown he too can kick a bag, averaging three goals a game. Dustin Fletcher has seen it all before and after taking care of one emerging key forward last week will be ready to shut-down another on Saturday night. Reimers and Henry Slattery could take dangerous goal sneaks Cyril Rioli and Mark Williams who combine to give Hawthorn all the ingredients to create plenty of headaches.
At the other end of the ground Essendon also boasts some serious fire-power through Scott Lucas, Matthew Lloyd and Adam McPhee. Lucas would be keen for a strong performance in his 250th AFL game and, with last week's return-game out of the way, will be primed to do some damage. Lloyd will be ready to answer his critics and add to his 24 goals this season, while McPhee was back to his best last week and is working himself into games. Jetta and Andrew Lovett have been threatening to run riot near goal and Essendon, more than ever, need them to deliver.
The odds are in Hawthorn’s favour this week, however, after stringing together six quarters of good football, Essendon are slowly winning back respect.
