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Hawthorn has defeated Essendon by four points at the MCG in one of the games of the year.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Hawthorn Hawks 16.11.107
Essendon Bombers 16.7.103
Hawthorn and Essendon meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in a match that could end the season for the loser. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:45pm (AEST).
Saturday afternoon looms as D-Day for both Hawthorn and Essendon. The Hawks sit just inside the eight on percentage and one slip up will see them removed from a finals position.
The Bombers cannot afford another loss and must win their remaining matches to have even a chance at September action.
In saying that, two wins separate third to eleventh on the ladder so a run of three wins should just about lock must of those clubs into the finals.
Essendon come off a string of wins, with only a loss to Collingwood in Round 16 tarnishing their last month, whilst Hawthorn have been less consistent.
Three wins from their last four have kept them in the eight and last weeks thumping of Fremantle was a tough game to gauge, with the Dockers looking awful from go to whoa.
The reality is that the Hawks could still manage a top-four spot, miss the eight or scrape in on percentage, so tight the scenario appears. The Bombers have far less wriggle room and this is a must win.
Hawthorn will need to combat the Bombers’ run off half back which has been destroying oppositions recently and Essendon will attempt to find a way to limit the effective possessions of Tom Mitchell in the midfield.
Prediction
This is looming as an epic with so much at stake and two traditional foes involved. Logic will play little role in this prediction, as arguments can be found for both.
It will come down to a few moments on the day and experience and poise telling at crucial times. For some reason I feel the Hawks might just have the edge in that area.
Hawthorn by 8 points
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).