SUMMARY

There will be plenty of interest in how the Bombers fare on Sunday, given their round-one loss to the Sydney Swans was full of spirit. James Hird's men will have an eight-day break before facing Hawthorn, and they'll need every part of it to recover after more than half of their team played their first game of the year against the Swans after sitting out the NAB Challenge. The Hawks will be keen to continue their run of form against the Bombers after a brilliant season-opening win over Geelong last week. Alastair Clarkson's team looked formidable on every line and will be hard to beat.

WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, April 12, 3.20pm AEST TV,

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES

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
R14, 2011, Hawthorn 23.8 (146) d Essendon 12.9 (81) at the MCG
R13, 2010, Hawthorn 14.18 (102) d Essendon 13.8 (86) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. It might have been the wet conditions, but in round one Essendon took only 60 marks, ranking them third last in the competition. The Bombers took only one mark inside-50, which was the lowest of any side.

2. Hawthorn has dominated Essendon in recent seasons, winning the past five matches between the clubs. Essendon hasn't defeated the Hawks since round six, 2010.

3. The Hawks dominated Geelong in all areas last week, leading the Cats in disposals, marks and also managing to lay more tackles (59-56).

4. Luke Breust booted five goals in the Hawks’ opener, and is one of the most productive small forwards in the competition. Expect Essendon to use stopper Mark Baguley to restrict Breust at stages.

5. Last time these clubs met, in round two last year, Hawthorn won a thriller by four points at Etihad Stadium. Patrick Ambrose kicked three goals for the Bombers while Cyril Rioli starred for the Hawks.

6. The reigning premiers have four players inside the top-40 of the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. Essendon, meanwhile, has two (Jobe Watson and Brendon Goddard).

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …

Jake Carlisle. The Essendon forward had a largely interrupted pre-season as he managed a knee injury, but will have plenty of importance placed on his broad shoulders against the Hawks. Across half forward plenty of traffic will go through him as the Bombers shift the ball into attack.

PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 36 points