What better way to kick off the season than playing against a traditional arch-rival in a Round 1 blockbuster.
Hawthorn will begin its campaign for 2023 when the club takes on Essendon at the MCG on Sunday.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR SUNDAY'S BLOCKBUSTER CLASH HERE
The latest instalment of this long-held rivalry will unfold when James Sicily and Zach Merrett will captain their sides for the first time.
As announced earlier this week, Hawthorn recruits Karl Amon, Lloyd Meek and Fergus Greene will don the brown and gold for the first time, while new draftee Cam Mackenzie will make his AFL debut.
Hawthorn enters the season with the youngest team across the competition, with its line-up for Sunday boasting an average age of 24.5 with an average 68.3 games of experience.
Details:
WHO: Hawthorn vs Essendon
WHAT: Round 1
WHEN: Sunday 19 March
TIME: 3:20pm AEDT (pre-game entertainment begins at 2:30pm)
WHERE: MCG
BROADCAST: Channel 7
What’s on
Hawthorn will be reminiscing on its 1983 premiership - with this year marking the 40th anniversary - with a special pre-game and half-time performance by Absolutely 80s, plus a special half-time lap of honour to celebrate our ’83 Premiership Heroes.
In more exciting news, we will be launching an exciting opportunity for fans and members to get an original team photo. Located outside Gate 3 near the member Club Hub, visit our ‘Get your team Photo’ station to have your photo taken to receive a personalised 2023 team photo to cherish forever.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON ATTENDING THE GAME
How to watch
Thinking of going to the game? You can purchase tickets HERE.
For those wanting to follow along at home, the game will be broadcast live on Channel 7, and can be streamed through Kayo.
Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for updates throughout the game.
Last time we met
Essendon (108) defeated Hawthorn (81) - Round 8, 2022
After Hawthorn led for most of the match, Essendon kicked eight final-quarter goals to surge to a 27-point win.
Essendon initially burst out of the blocks with the first two goals, but the Hawks fought back to take a 11-point lead at the first change.
Goals were traded in the second term, before late goals to Dylan Moore and Jacob Koschitzke saw the Hawks extend their lead to 18 points at the main change.
Skill errors for both sides riddled the third term as back-to-back goals for Wright and Ben Hobbs kept the Bombers in it, later storming home to take the win.
Hawthorn youngster Jai Newcombe, who was named among the best on ground, produced an impressive 28-disposal performance.
Our last game
Collingwood (106) defeated Hawthorn (100) - Pre-season practice game
While premiership points weren't on the line, Collingwood did just enough in the end to hold off Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium earlier this month.
The highly competitive clash saw the Hawks maintain their fight right until the final siren.
After Collingwood broke out of the blocks early, the Hawks came out blistering to begin the second half, booting the first two goals including one from prized pick Cam Mackenzie.
Hawthorn unveiled the draftee for the first time since selecting him at Pick 7 last November and the young gun didn't disappoint in his first appearance in brown and gold, finishing with 24 disposals.
Meanwhile former Western Bulldogs forward Fergus Greene who arrived at Hawthorn last last year, slotted a game-high three goals in his first official outing.
James Worpel produced a team-high 30-disposal performance after enduring a frustrating 2022 campaign that featured time at Box Hill followed by a shoulder reconstruction.
