SUMMARY
Essendon has lost four of its past five games and its most recent two defeats have been shockers. Its best players are (mainly) out of form and it has been the focus of plenty of attention since its back-to-back losses to Collingwood and Melbourne. All of which will make sure the Hawks are on their toes for this clash in the traditional Saturday afternoon timeslot, given the Bombers regularly perform better when under the pump. Hawthorn, however, has had a much steadier start to the season than the underwhelming Bombers. The Hawks saw off St Kilda last week in Tasmania to post their fourth win of the season, and they sit in the top four heading into round seven. They are dangerous at ground level, their midfield is in form, and the club continues to blood its impressive youngsters alongside some of its remaining premiership heroes. It's hard to see the Bombers picking up enough confidence after two drubbings to overcome the Hawks.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, May 5, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2017, Essendon 17.14 (116) d Hawthorn 12.19 (91) at the MCG
R12, 2016, Hawthorn 23.13 (151) d Essendon 6.7 (43) at Etihad Stadium
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn is the most accurate team kicking for goal so far in 2018, going at 56.1 per cent. Luke Breust has kicked 19.4 and is placed third in the Coleman Medal after six rounds.
2. Essendon is yet to win a third term this season. Last week it was especially costly, as the Bombers conceded seven goals to one in the third quarter and were blown away by Melbourne.
3. The Bombers midfield will need to lift to stay in the contest. The Hawks are ranked fifth in the League for clearances, averaging 38.3 a game, while the Bombers are the second worst in the competition with an average of 32.7.
4. Hawthorn will head into the clash confident of being able to shut down the Bombers, who have managed just 17 goals in total the past two weeks. They are averaging 83 points a game – well down on their 95-point average last season.
5. The long-time rivals have played 27 times at the MCG with Essendon holding the ledger winning 16 games to the Hawks' 11. The Hawks have won three of four games at the ground this year while the Bombers have lost their only MCG clash (round five against Collingwood).
6. Isaac Smith is in some brilliant form, averaging 23 disposals and kicking 10 goals for the season. It's reflected in the Schick AFL Player Ratings team of the year, where Smith is selected on the wing.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
In Bomber star Joe Daniher's 100th game he will be hoping for a turnaround in form after kicking only seven goals in six games so far this season. He was held goalless last week against Melbourne but his side needs him back at his best.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 21 points
