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).
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Hawthorn has defeated Essendon by four points at the MCG in one of the games of the year. It promised everything, with the season on the line for the Dons and a potential top four position still on the cards for the Hawks. Put simply, it turned into a classic. In a clash of styles, as the Bombers looked to use their run and the Hawks reliant on their marking game to make inroads, momentum would play a key role. Both teams had good periods where they were able to assert ascendancy yet it was the Hawks who matched everything the Bombers threw at them and managed to find a way to remain calm in the tight moments. The Bombers jumped the Hawks in the first quarter and potted three early goals before Hawthorn ground their way into the contest and clawed back within two points at the first change. The second term was a mirror image although this time the late run of the Hawks saw them take an eleven point lead into the long break. The second half seesawed and fluctuated and the Bombers outscored the Hawks. In fact they kicked nine goals to seven. However, a few misses and rushed behinds proved to be the numerical difference. With around six minutes remaining and a seventeen point lead, the Hawks looked to have things under control before a chaotic finish brought three late goals for the Bombers and a chance to score from the centre bounce with around fifteen seconds remaining in the game. It wasn't to be and the Hawks move into the top three for now, whilst Essendon may have just said goodbye to season 2019. Jack Gunston was brilliant for the Hawks with five goals and Ben Stratton was a rock in defence. Tom Mitchell had twenty-nine possessions at half time and was as effective as always. The Bombers would be impressed with Jack Stringer's game and Zach Merrett played an epic match, accumulating possessions right across the park. It is sad that the Bombers probably won't play finals this season, on a performance like today, they could really have done some damage. The Hawks......well they are just the Hawks. As professional as ever and they must be now considered a threat to sneak into the top four and make a real impact in September. Final Score Hawthorn 16 11 107 Essendon 16 7 103
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board for the blog. What a game we have seen. Make sure you stay with the Roar for the rest of the night and the remaining action across all codes. Match report to follow in 15 minutes.
James Robinson
Guest
That was disgusting second half from the umpires!!!!! Protect the bloody player, dont put the whistle away!!!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
33' - SIREN! Hawks hold on. What a game. An epic at the MCG.
Hawthorn: 16.11 (107) Essendon: 16.7 (103)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 32' - Colyer scores on the runs for the Bombers with seconds remaining.
Hawthorn: 16.11 (107) Essendon: 16.7 (103)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 30' - Hawthorn go inside fifty from a scrappy kick and Worpel runs into an open goal. That is it!
Hawthorn: 16.11 (107) Essendon: 15.7 (97)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
28' - The Hawks have it. They might run the clock down here.
Hawthorn: 15.11 (101) Essendon: 15.7 (97)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 28' - Another entry and Hooker marks in the square. Easy conversion. A minute remains.
Hawthorn: 15.11 (101) Essendon: 15.7 (97)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
28' - Bombers forward and Hawthorn are desperate in defence. Mitchell handballs out of bounds intentionally....no call. Then a snapped behind.
Hawthorn: 15.11 (101) Essendon: 14.7 (91)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
27' - A series of stoppages on centre wing. Hawthorn looking to run some clock with 2 minutes remaining.
Hawthorn: 15.11 (101) Essendon: 14.6 (90)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
26' - The Bombers with another just until Stratton marks again in defence. Brilliant save.
Hawthorn: 15.11 (101) Essendon: 14.6 (90)
Swannies
Guest
Hawks have booked their place in the finals. What a mighty team!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 23' - The Bombers charge through the centre, kick long to the square and Stringer runs into an open goal after roving the pack.
Hawthorn: 15.11 (101) Essendon: 14.6 (90)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Behind 22' - He misses. Poor kick and the Bombers stay alive.....just.
Hawthorn: 15.11 (101) Essendon: 13.6 (84)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
21' - Roughead marks 35 out and should convert here.
Hawthorn: 15.10 (100) Essendon: 13.6 (84)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
21' - The Bombers butcher a great chance and Frawley marks in defence.
Hawthorn: 15.10 (100) Essendon: 13.6 (84)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Behind 19' - Morrison responds at the other end with a goal but wait........touched off the boot. Behind.
Hawthorn: 15.10 (100) Essendon: 13.6 (84)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 18' - Brown marks for the Bombers 55 out. McGrath roves the pack on the goal square and converts.
Hawthorn: 15.9 (99) Essendon: 13.6 (84)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 16' - Perfect kick from Gunston. What a game he has played.
Hawthorn: 15.9 (99) Essendon: 12.6 (78)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
16' - Gunston marks 45 out. This could be the sealer.
Hawthorn: 14.9 (93) Essendon: 12.6 (78)