Hawthorn returns to the MCG this Friday night to take on old rivals Essendon in a Round 1 blockbuster.

With more than 90,000 fans anticipated to pack the stands, it’s sure to be one of the games of the round as the Hawks and Bombers go head-to-head.

Hawthorn is coming off an Opening Round loss to the Giants, while this marks Essendon’s first game for the 2026 season.

In added excitement for the occasion, versatile Hawk Blake Hardwick will run out for his 200^th game in brown and gold.

Here's all you need to know ahead of the first bounce:

WHO: Essendon v Hawthorn
WHAT: Round 1
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Friday 13 March  
TIME: 7.40pm AEDT
BROADCAST: Channel 7 and Fox Footy/Kayo

How to watch

Following along at home? The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy and can be streamed through Kayo.

Don’t have Kayo? Click HERE to check out our Hawks on Demand membership and save on 12 months of Kayo.

Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, X and Facebook to remain updated on all the behind-the-scenes action on game day.

Last time we met

Hawthorn (111) defeated Essendon (85) in Round 1, 2024.

Hawthorn cut through Essendon with dashing play, precise kicking and a plan the Bombers couldn’t find its way through to secure a 26-point win.

Hawthorn had five multiple goalkickers in the 17.9 (111) to 12.13 (85) win over Essendon, with Nick Watson and Dylan Moore (three) and Mabior Chol, Jack Gunston and Blake Hardwick (two each) too quick and creative for Essendon’s defence.

Nothing summed up the dash and dare of the F1 Hawks more than their opening goal of the last quarter. Off a step, James Sicily's long bomb kick-out bounced over Essendon's zone in the centre square and into the lap of Jarman Impey.

The set play saw Impey gather the ball at pace, run and hit Connor Macdonald inside 50, who went back calmly and slotted the goal. The three-possession major was coast-to-coast (brown and) gold.

Tickets and Membership

This is the first Member Replacement Game for 2026. As the Hawks play four home games in Tasmania, members receive general admission access to four designated away games in Melbourne.

Due to exceedingly high demand, the Essendon Football Club in association with the AFL and MCC have declared Hawthorn’s Round 1 blockbuster as fully ticketed.

As this match is a Member Replacement Game, all members with General Admission access wishing to attend must now upgrade to a ticker via Ticketek using their membership barcode number to obtain entry.

Members with General Admission access will not be able to scan in using their digital or physical cards.

Tickets to our Round 1 match are available via Ticketek.

In 2026 we’re doing it Our Way. On the eve of Opening Round, it’s the perfect time to become a 2026 member with a variety of packages available. SIGN UP HERE!

Getting to the game 

By Train

Jolimont Station is a five-minute walk (350m) through Yarra Park to MCG Gate 2.

Richmond Station is 850m from the MCG.

To plan your journey visit ptv.vic.gov.au/journey.

By Tram

Three tram routes provide access to the MCG:

- Route 75 (City-Vermont South) - Stop 11 Jolimont Station/MCG is 300m from MCG Gate 2.

- Route 48 (Docklands/City-North Balwyn) - Stop 11 Jolimont Station/MCG is 300m from MCG Gate 2.

- Route 70 (Docklands/City-Wattle Park) - the stop is 500m from Gate 2.

By Bus

Bus route 246 stops in Punt Road and is 600m from MCG Gate 3.

By Car

Parking is extremely limited on event days at the MCG. The use of public transport is strongly recommended.

Parking for Australian Disability Parking (ADP) permit holders is available in Yarra Park. More information can be found here.

Drop off/Pick up locations

Need a ride to the game? Use DiDi, proud partner of the Hawks.

Patrons are advised to use Clarendon Street (near the Pullman Hotel) for their rideshare drop off and pick up.