Hawthorn is set to kick off its 2023 home and away season with a bang as it faces Essendon in front of a home crowd at the MCG.
The two traditional rivals will clash at the home of football, in one of the season’s big grudge matches, meeting in a Sunday blockbuster at the ‘G.
JOIN NOW FOR 2023 AND BE THERE FOR THIS HUGE ROUND ONE CLASH
It will mark the first time the club has hosted Essendon at the MCG since Round 20 in 2018 and just the second time the Hawks have had a home match against the Bombers at the ‘G in seven years.
Hawthorn Chief Commercial Officer Ash Klein said the opening round would deliver some real highlights for Hawthorn members and fans.
“We're thrilled to be able to welcome our brown and gold members and fans back to the MCG to kick off our 2023 season," Klein said.
“An opening match at our Melbourne home against an old rival in Essendon is a really exciting way to launch the season and we look forward to seeing many of our Hawks members and fans fill the stands.
“As a club we requested this fixture in hope to provide the best round one experience for our members and it was great to have the AFL kindly support this.”
The match will also mark the 40th year reunion since the 1983 Grand Final, which resulted in Hawthorn's fifth premiership victory.
The Hawks will kick off their 2023 season on Sunday March 19 at 3.20pm. The match will be televised on Channel 7.
Further home and away match-ups for 2023 are set to be revealed later this week.
ROUND ONE, 2023
Thursday, March 16
Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 7.20pm AEDT, Seven
Friday, March 17
Geelong v Collingwood, MCG, 7.40pm AEDT, Seven
Saturday, March 18
North Melbourne v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, 1.45pm AEDT, Fox
Port Adelaide v Brisbane, Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT, Fox
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.25pm AEDT, Seven
Gold Coast v Sydney, Metricon Stadium, 7.00pm AEST, Fox
Sunday, March 19
Greater Western Sydney v Adelaide, Giants Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT, Fox
Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG, 3.20pm AEDT, Seven
St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 4.40pm AEDT, Fox
Stay tuned across hawthornfc.com.au for further fixture announcements.
