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).
DeanM
Guest
The harsh truth here is that the Hamstrung Hawks flexed their big biceps and likely ended Essendons hopes of making finals.
Birdman
Guest
Hawks absorbed the Dons' best early then went to work. Would have expected some more % but happy with the win. The Sicilian was BOG. Thanks for your fine work today Lachlan.
Cat
Roar Guru
It will be something lame that’s for sure.
Kane
Guest
Be interested how Harry spins this one, Brendon Bolton's fault or maybe the Umpires this week?
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Cheers for joining me today everyone. I hope you enjoyed the call.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Thoughts on the game Roarers?
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Full Time Hawthorn far too good over four quarters and get a well deserved win. James Sicily the best player on the ground. As for Essendon, they really aren't living up to the hype. Essendon Bombers: 10.7 (67) Hawthorn Hawks: 13.12 (90)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 00.23 - Stewart with a great kick to McDonald-Tipungwuti inside 50. He goes back on the set-shot and converts. Essendon Bombers: 10.7 (67) Hawthorn Hawks: 13.12 (90)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 01.50 - Heppell with a consolation. Essendon Bombers: 9.7 (61) Hawthorn Hawks: 13.12 (90)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 04.10 - Minor for the Bombers. Essendon Bombers: 8.7 (55) Hawthorn Hawks: 13.12 (90)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 05.43 - Minor for the Hawks. Essendon Bombers: 8.6 (54) Hawthorn Hawks: 13.12 (90)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 06.44 - Breust with a spearing kick into Shiels inside 50 and he marks. He goes back and goals. Essendon Bombers: 8.6 (54) Hawthorn Hawks: 13.11 (89)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 08.27 - Smith runs into an open goal and probably gets the sealer! Essendon Bombers: 8.6 (54) Hawthorn Hawks: 12.11 (83)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 08.40 - McEvoy with a great contestant mark when Hawthorn needed it. He goes back, but misses. Essendon Bombers: 8.6 (54) Hawthorn Hawks: 11.11 (77)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 10.17 - Hooker snaps and goals! Perhaps they still have a chance. Essendon Bombers: 8.6 (54) Hawthorn Hawks: 11.10 (76)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 11.28 - Bellchambers wins the free kick inside 50, and then he's awarded 50. He kicks from the goal square and goals. Essendon Bombers: 7.6 (48) Hawthorn Hawks: 11.10 (76)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 13.04 - Roughead marks again in the pocket. He's playing very well today. He goes back and misses. Essendon Bombers: 6.6 (42) Hawthorn Hawks: 11.10 (76)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 13.55 - Daniher finally clunks one directly in front of goal, and gets his first for the afternoon. Essendon Bombers: 6.6 (42) Hawthorn Hawks: 11.9 (75)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 15.13 - Roughead too strong and marks in the goal square. This is becoming embarrassing for Essendon. Essendon Bombers: 5.6 (36) Hawthorn Hawks: 11.9 (75)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 16.55 - Sicily finds Roughead in the pocket. He goes back and misses to the left. Essendon Bombers: 5.6 (36) Hawthorn Hawks: 10.9 (69)