Hawthorn returns to the MCG this Saturday to host Essendon in a Round 20 clash.

The Hawks have won four of their last five matches to sit third, while the Bombers are fresh off their second win of the season, and sit in 17th place.

The Round 20 clash also marks the celebration of the Hawks’ 40 and 50-year anniversaries of the 1976 and 1986 premierships, with an on-field presentation at half-time.

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

WHO: Hawthorn v Essendon
WHAT: Round 20
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Saturday.25 July
TIME: 4.15pm
BROADCAST: Fox Footy/Kayo

How to watch

Following along at home? The game will be broadcast live on 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 (145) defeated Richmond (83) in Round 1, 2026.  

Hawthorn gave the Bombers nightmares in Friday the 13th horror show, as the Hawks stormed home with a 62-point victory.

The Hawks had 11 individual goalkickers, in a game that saw Hawthorn’s fast footy keep Essendon’s defence unsettled.

Connor Macdonald (24 disposals, two goals), largely playing at half-forward, got in on the action, Dylan Moore (24 disposals, one goal) was an elite link inside 50 particularly early in the piece, and wingers Josh Weddle and Massimo D'Ambrosio slid forward with ease.

Josh Ward stood tall in the midfield for the Hawks, with his best game to date finishing with 26 disposals and five clearances.

Tom Barrass, James Sicily and Jarman Impey all showed off their intercepting flair, eventually finding comfort squeezing up to be part of the attack, rather than simply act as stoppers.

What’s On

Quarter-time seems the Superhero Kick for Cash, half-time it’s Auskick and dance cam time, before the three quarter-time KFC Bucket Kick Challenge thanks to our Match Day Partner, KFC.

Plus, stay in your seat at half-time for a special on-field presentation celebrating the 40 and 50-year anniversaries of our 1976 and 1986 Premierships.

Tickets and Membership

We’re back at home in Round 20, find details on Member Access to the MCG HERE.

Tickets to our Round 20 match are available via Ticketek.

It’s not too late 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.

Train Disruptions:

  • Buses replace trains on the Frankston Linebetween Parliament and Caulfield from 8:30pm Friday 24 July to last train Sunday 26 July.
  • Buses replace trains on the Sandringham Linebetween Parliament and Sandringham from 8:30pm Friday 24 July to last train Sunday 26 July.

 

Regional Train Disruptions:

  • There will be service changes on the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 26 July.

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.