The line up
B: Ambrose, Hurley, McGrath
HB: McKenna, Hooker, Saad
C: Redman, Merrett, Langford
HF: Zaharakis, Laverde, Guelfi
F: Parish, McKernan, McDonald-Tipungwuti
FOLL: Bellchambers, Shiel, Heppell
I/C: Fantasia, Stringer, D.Clarke, Begley
EMG: Francis, Baguley, Z.Clarke, McNiece
IN: Shiel, Fantasia, Stringer
OUT: McNiece, Francis, Baguley
What to expect
In many ways, Essendon’s season has followed a very similar storyline to that of Hawthorn’s.
With finals aspirations entering the year, the Bombers, like the Hawks, have shown signs that they have all of the credentials to be September bound.
But, just as often, John Worsfold’s side has looked a step off the pace.
The Bombers lost four of their six games leading into the bye.
Over this period, they won just one of their opening quarters.
This has proven a weakness of the Bombers in 2019, ranking 15th league-wide for first quarters won.
The Hawks will have an opportunity to once again expose this on Friday night.
Essendon is putting up respectable numbers through its midfield, ranking seventh for clearances and eighth for contested possessions.
But it has been where they go from there that has disrupted their ability to make the most of these centre breaks.
Only Carlton and Gold Coast have had less marks inside 50 than the Bombers this year.
This speaks largely to the disconnect between their midfield and forward lines.
Hawthorn has a tough challenge ahead of it on Friday night, but there are certainly some areas of Essendon’s game that they may be able to take a chance on.
Player to watch
Dylan Shiel is Essendon’s number one clearance player and an integral element to its midfield dynamic.
Returning from a one-week absence with injury, Shiel will be refreshed and ready to break the game open against the Hawks.
Although he is often criticised for his ball-use, the 26-year-old’s ability to impact a game is undeniable and he will certainly be one to watch in Round 13.
