Hawthorn will face old rival Essendon at the MCG on Saturday to kick off its 2024 AFL campaign.

The Hawks welcome the return of a premiership star plus four fresh faces for the much anticipated match-up.

Hawks fans have much to look forward to with some exciting new additions to the team in the likes of Nick Watson, Jack Ginnivan, Mabior Chol, and Massimo D’Ambrosio, while returning favourite Jack Gunston will play his first game back in the brown and gold.

VIEW THE FULL TEAM SET TO TAKE ON THE BOMBERS

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The Wizard Is Coming To Round One

The playing group suprise Nick Watson as his debut was announced at today's training

Details:

Who: Essendon v Hawthorn

What: Round 1

When: Saturday March 16

Time: 1.45pm AEDT

Where: MCG

Broadcast: Fox Footy

 

How to watch

Want to watch the action at the ground? Purchase your tickets HERE.

Following along at home? The game will be broadcast on Fox Footy and can be streamed through Kayo.

Don’t have Kayo? Click HERE to check out our Hawks on Demand membership and save on 12 months of Kayo.

Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, X and Facebook to remain updated on the action.

 

Last time we met

Essendon (124) defeated Hawthorn (65) in Round 1, 2023

After a hot start to the match in Round 1 last year, where the Hawks lead in both midfield clearances and tackles for the first quarter, unfortunately it was not their day as Essendon got the final say.

Some key player performances saw James Sicily finish the match with 30 disposals and 15 marks, while James Worpel recorded 29 touches.

Chad Wingard also worked his brilliance booting a goal in the first quarter, which was later nominated for Goal of the Year, while Cam Mackenzie had a massive game on debut finishing with 18 disposals for the match.

 

Our last game

Western Bulldogs (119) defeated Hawthorn (62) in the AAMI Community Series practice match

The Bulldogs were able to prevail over Hawks in their pre-season practice match played at UTAS earlier this month. 

Although the result didn’t go Hawthorn’s way, it left fans with much to be excited about going into the official season. 

Some key Hawks stepped up during the match to produce some strong performances, including star midfielder Jai Newcombe finished the game with 37 disposals and seven clearances, while new addition Jack Ginnivan finished up with two goals.

 

Tickets & Membership

Tickets are available via Ticketek and on game day outside gates one and three. Limited reserved seats remain available and all general admission areas are on level four, or level one standing room.

Want to jump on board the Hawthorn family for 2024? Check out our membership options HERE to become part of the action this season.

 

Getting to the game

Hawks fans are encouraged to plan their trip to the MCG and consider all available travel options to them.

Don’t miss the opening bounce! Check before you travel with multiple public transport and road disruptions over the weekend

UPDATED DISRUPTIONS BELOW IMPACTING SATURDAY'S GAME:

Belgrave Line

  • Buses replace trains between Ringwood and Belgrave stations.

Pakenham Line

  • Buses replace trains between Dandenong and Pakenham stations.

Sandringham Line

  • Buses replace trains between South Yarra and Sandringham stations.

Seymour and Shepparton lines

  • Coaches replace trains between Southern Cross and Shepparton and Seymour stations

Gippsland Line

  • Coaches replace trains between Southern Cross and Pakenham stations

Footscray Road

  • Lane closed in both directions between Shepard Bridge and Waterfront Way

M80 Ring Road, Greensborough

  • Lanes closed overnight between Plenty Road and M80 interchange

Greensborough Bypass, Greensborough

  • Lanes closed overnight on Greensborough Bypass between M80 interchange and Plenty River Drive

Greensborough Highway, Watsonia

  • Lanes closed on Greensborough Highway between Watsonia Roadand Grimshaw Street