SUMMARY
Essendon is on the Friday night stage for the second time this year but it might be another case of Bombers fans looking away rather than tuning in. The Dons' clash with Hawthorn looms as a straightforward win for the Hawks, who are chasing their fifth win from their past six games. It is hard to see how the Bombers will be able to contain Hawthorn's dangerous and damaging forward line, which continues to score well while defending tightly as it chases an historic fourth-straight premiership. Essendon won't enter the game without hope, and John Worsfold has said he’ll resist the temptation to push players behind the ball and limit the damage. The Bombers will see the contest as another learning opportunity for their group of younger and inexperienced players.
Matt Dea can expect a busy night up against the Hawks' potent forwards. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, June 10, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2015, Hawthorn 16.18 (114) d Essendon 11.10 (76) at the MCG
R2, 2015, Essendon 12.6 (78) d Hawthorn 11.10 (76) at the MCG
R2, 2014, Hawthorn 13.12 (90) d Essendon 12.14 (86) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2013, Hawthorn 22.11 (143) d Essendon 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2012, Hawthorn 27.18 (180) d Essendon 12.14 (86) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Bombers' scoring troubles continue, with the club sitting last in the competition for points kicked (averaging only 59 a game). They have kicked fewer than 10 goals eight times.
2. Essendon and Hawthorn have played eight times at Etihad Stadium, with the Hawks winning five games to the Bombers' three. The Hawks have won 12 of their past 14 games at the venue.
3. The Hawks have been strong in clearances this season, ranking fourth in the competition with 39 a game. Jordan Lewis is ranked 11th in the competition with a total of 63.
4. The key numbers don't reflect well on Essendon. The Bombers are ranked last or second last after 11 games in marks inside 50, contested possessions, contested marks, clearances, centre clearances and inside-50 entries.
5. Paul Puopolo, Jack Gunston and Bradley Hill combined for 10 goals the last time these sides met, when Sam Mitchell gathered 32 disposals in Hawthorn's 38-point win.
6. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti's form is reflected in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, with the running Dons defender ranked the best first-year player in the competition.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Matt Dea
The top-up Bomber has impressed in the first half of the season in the backline, and might well remain at the club beyond 2016 given his form. But he faces a test this Friday night trying to contain Hawthorn's dangerous goalkickers in what will likely be wave after wave of forward-50 entries.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 65 points
