The last time these sides met was round 18 in 2013, when Hawthorn was top of the ladder and Essendon beneath them holding second spot. A lot has happened between then and now, but both sides appear primed for an entertaining clash at Etihad Stadium on Friday night. Essendon has a forward line structure that might stretch the Hawks' defence, but a lot will depend on how both midfields go. If Jobe Watson and Brendon Goddard get a run on like last week the Bombers will fancy their chances, but the Hawks have been able to negate them in past encounters and will be keen to step up their form after a workmanlike win over the Brisbane Lions last weekend.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday March 28, 7.50pm

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

R6, 2010, Essendon 15.16 (106) d Hawthorn 9.9 (63) at the MCG

1. Can the Bombers keep the ball off the Hawks? Last week Essendon had 450 disposals, comfortably the most in the competition. A remarkable 299 of those were uncontested, again the most in the League for round one. 

2. The Hawks have dominated the Bombers in recent seasons, winning the last four matches by 16, 65, 94 and 56 points. Essendon's last win was by 43 points in round six, 2010, at the MCG.

3. Expect a very healthy crowd. At Etihad Stadium the average attendance to watch these teams is 47,596 in seven games, with four wins to three in Hawthorn’s favour.

4. The Bombers should relish the prospect of taking on Hawthorn without Lance Franklin. Franklin kicked 50 goals in 10 games against Essendon. 

5. But another danger man will be out there for the Hawks, with Cyril Rioli back into the team after serving a one-match suspension from the Grand Final. A big job looms for Mark Baguley. 

6. Bombers captain Jobe Watson started the year as the fifth-ranked player in the Gatorade Official AFL Player Ratings. After his 38-disposal and two-goal effort last week against the Kangaroos, he looks set for an ascent.  

PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 22 points