From Dermott Brereton burning Essendon jumpers to a bunch of bruising Grand Finals, this fixture is a must-watch every year, and has some extra spice this time around considering the sides occupy first and second spot on the ladder.
Despite missing captain Jobe Watson for another week, the Bombers will go into the match with their confidence high.
Watson has the fourth-highest AFL Fantasy average against the Hawks within his club, yet the three best scorers will all take the field this week. Brent Stanton averages more against the Hawks than any other of his side's remaining opponents, with a very healthy tally of 105.31, including scores of 119 and 127 in two of his last three against the brown and gold.
I'd also expect a big game from star midfielder David Zaharakis, who averages over 90 against Hawthorn, including a very handy 115 points the last time he stepped out against this week's rivals.
The third-highest average scorer is Brendon Goddard, playing his first game against the Hawks in a Bombers jumper. The former Saint averages 87.29 against Hawthorn from seven matches, and is certainly in some great form with an average of 105 from his past five rounds.
The Hawks have also been buoyed by some handy inclusions, including Lance Franklin and Sam Mitchell. Buddy has kicked nine goals on two occasions against the Bombers and averages over 88, while Mitchell has scores of 98, 128 and 109 in his past three appearances against Essendon.
The last time these two met, the Hawks blew away the Bombers by 94 points, but recent AFL Fantasy stats suggest this game will be much tighter.
Mr Fantasy's trade recommendations
Ins: Steve Johnson (Geelong), Adam Carter (West Coast)
He's back! Stevie J has had an awesome AFL Fantasy season, averaging 120, but some suspensions meant he has missed some very important matches. I think he'll be on the straight and narrow from hereon, and is worth every bit of his $557,000. Carter is a young kid who has impressed in two matches to date with a price rise on the horizon.
Outs: Beau Waters (West Coast), Daniel Kerr (West Coast)
Another bad week on the injury front for the Eagles, with Waters ruled out for the season thanks to a sore knee. Kerr has also had a year to forget, averaging just 68 this season and has been missing since his side's round 14 loss to Essendon.
