Hawthorn delivered a statement win on Friday night, dismantling Essendon at the MCG with a display of controlled, dynamic football that signals a genuine leap forward for the young side. This wasn’t simply a victory; it was a demonstration of a system clicking into gear, and a potential harbinger of a challenging season for the rest of the competition. The 62-point margin wasn’t just about Essendon’s errors – it was about Hawthorn’s relentless pressure and ability to exploit them with surgical precision.
- Hawthorn’s Midfield Maturity: The Hawks’ midfield, previously a question mark, decisively won the day, silencing critics and providing a platform for the potent forward line.
- Essendon’s Trade Fallout: Zach Merrett’s performance, while strong statistically, couldn’t prevent the loss, adding a layer of narrative complexity to his off-season trade request.
- Gunston’s Remarkable Form: Jack Gunston’s continued excellence, now with nine goals in two matches, is a major boon for Hawthorn and a testament to his enduring class.
The context surrounding this match is crucial. Hawthorn entered the season with cautious optimism, rebuilding under Sam Mitchell but possessing a core of exciting young talent. Essendon, conversely, had high expectations after a strong finish to last season and a failed attempt to lure Zach Merrett to the club. The Bombers’ ambition to contend immediately is now under serious scrutiny. The failed trade request for Merrett clearly hung over the match, and while he collected 32 disposals, it wasn’t enough to stem the tide. The Hawks, meanwhile, appear to have seamlessly integrated new pieces like Xavier Duursma (who showed flashes despite a quieter overall game) and are benefiting from the continued development of players like Connor Macdonald and Josh Ward.
Hawthorn’s ability to seamlessly shift between high-speed attacking play and a more controlled, possession-based style was particularly impressive. They didn’t force the issue, instead patiently waiting for opportunities to exploit Essendon’s defensive vulnerabilities. The dominance in the marks inside 50 (23-7) speaks volumes about Hawthorn’s forward pressure and the midfielders’ willingness to push forward and create an overwhelming presence. Ben McKay struggled to cope with the aerial assault, highlighting a potential weakness in the Essendon defense that opponents will undoubtedly target.
The Forward Look: This result isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a sign that Hawthorn is rapidly accelerating its timeline. The Hawks’ midfield, once considered a liability, is now a genuine strength, and their forward line is firing on all cylinders. The next few weeks will be critical for both teams. For Hawthorn, maintaining this level of performance against other top-eight contenders will be the true test. We can expect opponents to study the Hawks’ game plan closely and attempt to disrupt their flow. For Essendon, a period of honest self-assessment is needed. They need to address the defensive issues exposed by Hawthorn and find a way to unlock their own offensive potential. The pressure is now firmly on coach Brad Scott to deliver results, and questions will inevitably be asked about the team’s list construction and strategic direction. The Bombers’ upcoming matches against fellow finalists will be pivotal in determining whether their season is salvageable, or if the early promise was merely a mirage. Expect a significant tactical adjustment from Essendon in the coming weeks, potentially focusing on a more aggressive defensive press to disrupt Hawthorn-like teams.
Mabior flies
After some failed attempts at Mark of the Year honours in last week’s Opening Round, Mabior Chol submitted his nomination for the award with a stunning pack mark in the second term. As the Hawks sent the ball long and high to the hot spot at the top of the goalsquare, Chol flew high among a crush of bodies to not only get first hands on the footy but – crucially – to also pull it down. Following the leap with an accurate shot on goal, it was an important momentum-shifter for the Hawks.
Merrett, oh my
The story of the trade period, the reception for former Bombers captain Zach Merrett had everyone on their toes. After a failed trade request to the Hawks last year, the reigning Essendon best and fairest winner was in the gun. With his first possession, it was a mixed, albeit loud, vocalisation, with the response relaxing as the game wore on. What wasn’t mixed, however, was the cheer in the second term as Merrett gathered the footy at the top of the 50m arc and pumped through a big goal to maintain his side’s momentum. It was nothing but love for Merrett.
All Gunstons blazing
Rewind 12 months, and Jack Gunston couldn’t break into Hawthorn’s side to face Essendon. While the Hawks won that fixture, as small forwards Nick Watson and Dylan Moore did the damage, this time around, it was Gunston’s continuation of his All-Australian form that did the early damage. With a beautiful set shot in the opening minute to start the game, Gunston set the tone for Hawthorn’s attack. Unfortunately for his direct opponent Zach Reid, it was a horror start to the season, with Gunston making light work of the match-up, until a change was forced, and Mason Redman was handed the task for the remainder of the game. Two matches into his 17th season, Gunston stunningly has nine goals to his name.
ESSENDON 4.3 6.3 9.5 13.5 (83)
HAWTHORN 5.4 12.11 18.14 21.19 (145)
GOALS
Essendon: Durham 2, Sharp 2, Duursma 2, Merrett, Fiorini, Caddy, El Achkar, Perkins, Wright, Caldwell
Hawthorn: Gunston 5, Watson 4, Macdonald 2, Reeves 2, Weddle 2, Chol, D’Ambrosio, Moore, Nash, Ginnivan, Newcombe
BEST
Essendon: Merrett, Prior, McGrath, Duursma
Hawthorn: Gunston, Macdonald, Watson, Newcombe, Ward, Reeves
INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
Hawthorn: Nil
Crowd: 71,384 at the MCG
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