Hawthorn has played a number of memorable matches against its arch nemesis Essendon over the years.

Both teams were dominant during the 1980s, where their hatred for one another grew over the decade. 

This intense rivalry has carried over into the 21^st Century, with Hawthorn and Essendon playing out some unforgettable matches that stick in the minds of many. 

Here are three of the best from the vault to get the blood pumping before our important clash with the Bombers on Saturday.

Round 11 2004 – Line in the sand

Hawthorn 12.8.(80) defeated by Essendon 24.10.(154) 

One of the most famous matches between the two clubs, the Line in the Sand game made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Down by 32-points at half-time sitting on the bottom of the ladder, the Hawks emerged for the second half determined to make a statement to the dominant Essendon outfit of the time. Bomber Jason Winderlich copped an accidental rough knee to the head from Hawk Chance Bateman, sending players from both sides into a frenzy on the Great Southern Stand wing. An all-out melee ensued for the next five minutes, with Channel 10 commentary team dubbing it “the 1980s revisited”. The fallout was significant from the ugly brawl, with eighteen players fronting the tribunal that week. Five players received suspensions and a combined $70,700 of melee fines were laid out. Hawthorn hard nut Richie Vandenberg was the main instigator, receiving six weeks suspension and $4,000 worth of fines. Essendon ran out 74-point victors at games end but while the Bombers won the battle, the Hawks won the war. Despite losing by two points in their next encounter, Hawthorn went on to win the next 10 matches against their arch rivals.

Round 2 2014

Essendon 12.6.(78) defeated Hawthorn 11.10.76 

A dramatic finish saw Essendon clinch a see-sawing contest by two-points thanks to an unlikely goal from then defender Cale Hooker. After giving up a 41-point lead to the Swans the week before, it was déjà vu for the Bombers, leading by 35-points late in the second quarter until momentum swung the Hawks’ way. Down to three on the bench after James Frawley succumbed to injury, the brown and gold piled on 10 of the next 12 majors in a gutsy fightback. The Hawks looked to have the match sewn up midway through the last quarter with a 16-point buffer, until a Jake Carlisle goal brought the Bombers within striking distance. The Dons left their run late, striking consecutive blows within 20 seconds to pinch the lead with a minute left on the clock. A nail-biting 60 seconds ensued with the Hawks bombing it long inside 50 in the dying moments. Luke Breust crumbed the ball to perfection close to goal and sure enough, the siren sounded just before he was able to run into an open goal. The MCG thriller was one of the games of the year and one of the better finishes in recent memory.

Round 2 2015

Essendon 12.14.(86) defeated by Hawthorn 13.12.(90)

Hawthorn evened the ledger the following year but only just, scraping over the line by four points following an Essendon third quarter surge. The Hawks had the game in control leading at 32 points at half-time before the Dons slammed home six straight goals to claim the lead at three quarter time. With Luke Hodge ruled out early in match and Sam Mitchell a late withdrawal, the resurgent Hawks managed to turn the tide, going goal-for-goal with the Bombers in the last quarter but still trailing by under a goal. When Cyril Rioli received a handball over the top from Brad Hill deep inside 50, a goal was a fait accompli, putting the Hawks in front with a minute left on the clock. The Hawks managed to hold on by a slender four points. Shaun ‘Silk’ Burgoyne lived up to his nickname with a fantastic performance while Josh Gibson was a match winner down back, keeping Joe Daniher goalless and collecting 22 touches.