After a close loss to an undefeated Melbourne outfit last week, the Hawks will be looking to bounce back when they face arch-rival Essendon on Saturday night.
The match will mark Hawthorn’s first game at Marvel Stadium in 2022 and the first time the two sides have met since Round 14 last year.
After a week of being managed, the Hawks have recalled young defender Denver Grainger-Barras and Josh Ward for the clash.
ROUND 8 TEAM: Trio welcomed back
Hawthorn will be without forward Mitch Lewis for another week after illness slowed his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury, while Conor Nash, Connor Macdonald and Liam Shiels are being managed.
James Sicily will continue his captaincy duties in the absence of Ben McEvoy.
Sicily was a natural fit in his first game as stand-in captain, helping the Hawks narrow the margin in their 10-point loss against the reigning premiers.
Hawthorn currently sits on three wins this season, while Essendon have one.
Details:
WHO: Hawthorn v Essendon
WHAT: Round 8
WHEN: Saturday 7 May, 7.25pm
WHERE: MCG
BROADCAST: Chanel 7 & Fox Footy
How to watch
Thinking of going to the game? Tickets are still available via Ticketek.
For those wanting to follow along at home, the game will be broadcast live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, and can be streamed through Kayo.
Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, Facebook and Twiter for updates throughout the game with the hashtag #AFLDonsHawks.
Last time we met
Essendon (73) defeated Hawthorn (86) - Round 14, 2021
Essendon took early control of the match leading from the get-go, as Hawthorn struggled with its goal kicking accuracy.
The Hawks challenged the momentum with countless attacks, even leading early in the final term.
Despite the powerful effort, the Bombers were able to hold their composure, defeating the Hawks by 13 points.
Among the side's best were Tom Mitchell, Jarman Impey, Jaeger O’Meara, Blake Hardwick, Chad Wingard and Luke Breust.
Our last game
Melbourne (91) defeated Hawthorn (81)
Hawthorn took on an undefeated Melbourne side and fell to the reigning premiers by a narrow 10 points.
The Hawks took early control kicking two goals inside the first four minutes. However, the momentum quickly shifted with the Dee’s extending their lead by 28 points in the third quarter.
A late tussle saw the brown and gold narrow the margin, but the Dees ultimately came out on top.
Dylan Moore finished the match with a career-high 33 disposals, amassing 15 touches in the third quarter alone.
Alongside Moore, the Hawks best included James Sicily, Jaeger O’Meara, Jacob Koschitzke, James Worpel, Finn Maginness and Blake Hardwick.
