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Essendon’s third-quarter malaise has doomed them again in their 23-point AFL loss to Hawthorn at the MCG.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Essendon Bombers 10.7.67
Hawthorn Hawks 13.12.90
A struggling Essendon Bombers host the in-form Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in a game John Worsfold’s men cannot afford to lose. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 2:10pm (AEST).
It is hard to say anything positive about the Bombers at the minute. All we’ve heard since players returned from their well-documented bans was how they were gunning for a premiership.
They further reiterated that statement when they went out and recruited Jake Stringer, Adam Saad and Devon Smith. But they don’t really look any better than they did last season.
It is a cliché, but they don’t have enough players actually playing their role, with too many who go missing when it gets tough. Joe Daniher has to lead the resurgence from this point on – he’s got that bit of spark that could unite this side.
In team news for the Bombers, Matthew Leuenberger (suspension), Jackson Merrett (omitted) and Matt Guelfi (omitted) come out of the side, while Conor McKenna, Tom Bellchambers and David Myers are the replacements.
As for Hawthorn, they were solid against the Saints last week and currently sit within the top four. Despite only being six rounds in, that is impressive.
This time last season, it looked as if Alastair Clarkson may be entering a complete rebuild, but they’ve found a way to get back to where they belong.
Luke Breust has started the season in superb form, with 19 goals to his name, and is proving quite a nuisance for opposition sides. Tom Mitchell just keeps reeling in the possessions, and no doubt the Dons will have a nightmare trying to limit his impact.
In team news, David Mirra and James Cousins have been omitted, with Liam Shiel and James Sicily coming in.
Prediction
Hawthorn are simply a better side and that will show.
Hawks by 19.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 2:10pm (AEST).
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