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The Essendon Bombers face the most daunting task in football when they face the red-hot reigning premiers Hawthorn Hawks at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:20pm (AEST).
The Hawks are coming off such an impressive opening performance against the Cats on Easter Monday that other teams are wondering how on Earth are they going to stop them claiming their third consecutive flag.
Hawthorn was dominant, particularly in the two middle quarters where they outscored the Cats by 13 goals to two. Their midfield was outstanding, led by Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis and Paul Puopolo.
They won the inside 50 count 60-42, their terrific ball skills reflected in the fact that they averaged just over nine disposals per scoring shot, compared with just over 16 disposals for the Cats.
The Hawks also took 23 contested marks to Geelong’s nine. In fact 16 other teams in the league took no more than 13 on the opening weekend.
The Hawks’ defence was also dominant, with ex-Demon James Frawley fitting in nicely in his first game with the new club finishing with 18 disposals and 11 marks.
The Bombers face the second 2014 grand finalist in as many weeks, after being overrun by the Sydney Swans last week at ANZ Stadium.
The Bombers were dominant for the first three quarters and led by 41 points late in the third quarter. But they were running on fumes for most of the last quarter as a limited pre-season caught up with them and the Swans piled on seven unanswered goals to run out 12-point winners.
Nevertheless the Bombers were impressive and showed their best could match it with anyone.
Jake Melksham played one of his best games and former Bulldog Adam Cooney kicked three goals in his first game with the club, including a 65-metre torpedo at the quarter-time siren.
Prediction
The Bombers need everything to go right to win this one. Their defence was solid last week before being overrun as their midfield was overwhelmed.
It’s hard to see the Bomber forwards kicking a big enough score though. Last week, they took just two contested marks, admittedly the wet conditions were a key factor, but Joe Daniher and Jake Carlisle were very quiet and need to lift significantly to give the Bombers any hope.
The Hawks have won their last five games against the Bombers, whose last victory over the Hawks was early in the 2010 season.
Hawks by 39.
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