Hawthorn is set to host old rivals Essendon at the MCG under lights this Friday night.

This will be the Hawks first Friday night home game in six years, the last coming against the Pies in Round 16 of 2019.

Hawthorn is coming off an Opening Round win over the Swans, while this will be the Bombers first game of the year.

Here's all you need to know ahead of the game:

WHO: Hawthorn v Essendon
WHAT: Round 1
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Friday 14 March
TIME: 7.40pm AEDT
BROADCAST: Channel 7 and Fox Footy/Kayo

How to watch

Following along at home? The game will be broadcast free to air on Channel 7 and also 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 all the behind-the-scenes action on game day.

 

Last time we met

Hawthorn (83) defeated by Essendon (107) in Round 1, 2024.

Hawthorn fell to Essendon in Round 1 of 2024 by 34 points at the MCG, after the Bombers kicked away in the final quarter to take the win.

The Hawks took the game on and challenged Essendon to bring repeat efforts, the Bombers role to the challenge after an arm wrestle through the middle quarters where the lead changed eight times.

Hawthorn utilised the running power of Josh Weddle (20 disposals, six inside 50s), he regularly gathered multiple possessions in passages of play, burning any opponent trying to trail him. While Dylan Moore overcame glandular fever in the preseason to stand strong inside 50 and kick three goals.

With a combination of Moore, Jack Ginnivan, and Nick Watson roaming the attacking 50, the side's forward pressure was important and allowed it to maintain territory control for large portions of the game.

Among the Hawks best were Weddle, James Worpel, Massimo D’Ambrosio, Ginnivan and Blake Hardwick.

 

What's On

There’s plenty happening for our first home game of the 2025 season! The pre-game playlist will consist of tracks curated by DJ Mass (Massimo D'Ambrosio), before a throwback footy quarter on the big screen and 100 Years of Hawthorn centennial kick-off and interview with Campbell Brown.

Our Irish midfield unit, Conor Nash will play his 100th game in the brown and gold.

At quarter time we’ll have the Superhero Dash for Cash, the usual half-time entertainment with footy stars of the future in AFL Auskick, and at three-quarter time the KFC FLG Fan challenge, before Nature Valley samples post-game.

MCG Inclusion

The Inclusion Project is proudly partnering with the Hawthorn Football Club to assist with making the match-day experience more accessible for those living with hidden disabilities.

Sensory Room

We will be operating a Sensory Room supported by an Occupational Therapist who will be available to assist fans as needed in the space.

Inclusion Project Officers

We will also have our Inclusion Project Officers at main entrances to assist if you require during the match.

If you have any questions or assistance head to Gate 3 and look for our Inclusion Project Officers.

MCG Inclusion spaces

Changing Places bathroom (Level 1, Gate 3 - Olympic Stand)

Parent Rooms (Level 1)

All Gender Bathroom (Level B1, Gate 1 - Ponsford Stand)

Bins 4 Blokes

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

'G Train Mobility Buggy Service

Sensory Room (Located within the Australian Sports Museum, Gate 3)

Multi Faith Prayer Room (Level B1, behind M13)

FOLLOW THE INCLUSION PROJECT FOR MORE DETAILS

 

100 years of Hawthorn v Essendon

  • Hawthorn players kicked Goals of the Year in consecutive seasons against Essendon, with Cyril Rioli doing so in 2009 and Lance Franklin in 2010.
  • When Hawthorn beat Essendon by 160 points in 1992, the Hawks kicked 8 goals in each quarter in a score of 32.24.216.
  • Leigh Matthews played arguably the greatest individual Hawthorn game in the past 100 years against Essendon in 1973, having 41 disposals and kicking 11 goals.
  • Hawthorn clinched a spot in the VFL-AFL Finals for the first time with victory over Essendon in Round 17 1957.
  • Hawthorn won 12 and lost only five of its last 17 games against Essendon at the Bomber’s former home, Windy Hill.

 

Tickets and Membership

Securing a seated ticket with your membership

Exceeding high demand for Friday's blockbuster match against Essendon, this match has now been classified as a fully ticketed match. 
This means all General Admission members wishing to attend must upgrade to a ticket via Ticketek for this match to obtain entry. General Admission members will be unable to scan in using their digital or physical cards.
Hawthorn General Admission members can upgrade to a Level 4 reserved seat for only $10*. Alternatively, members can access a $0 standing room ticket via Ticketek. 
Hawthorn Members with an assigned reserved seat have guaranteed entry and will be able to scan their digital or physical cards as normal.

Read more on Round 1 access for members https://membership.hawthornfc.com.au/mcg-home-games

Redeem your tickets via Ticketek https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=HAWTH0125

Public access

Secure tickets to this Friday night blockbuster online via Ticketek. https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=HAWTH0125

If you have any further questions, please contact the Membership Team on (03) 9535 3045 or email membership@hawthornfc.com.au

 

Getting to the game 

There are plenty of public transport options to get to Hawthorn's home ground, the MCG.

By train

There are two train stations close to the MCG - Jolimont and Richmond.

Jolimont Station is north of the ground and offers a five-minute stroll through Yarra Park to the gates to the ground. View

Richmond Station is on the south-eastern side of the MCG. It's a slightly longer walk to the ground, past the Punt Road Oval to the Shane Warne Stand side.

Train Disruptions: 

  • Buses are replacing trains between Heidelberg and Eltham, so supporters from the Hurstbridge Line should allow extra time. 

By tram

Three tram routes provide access to the MCG.

The No. 70 tram (Docklands/City-Wattle Park) is the closest tram stop to the ground, travelling from Flinders Street and detouring via Melbourne Park. The tram stop is a short walk across the footbridge to the ground.

Stopping on Wellington Road just north of the MCG, the No. 75 tram (City-Vermont South) travels from Flinders St, and the No. 48 (Docklands/City-North Balwyn) travels from Collins Street, both connecting the city and eastern suburbs.

Road Disruptions: 

  • The West Gate Freeway has inbound lane closures and ramp closures at Millers Road and Williamstown Road. Anyone driving from the west might need to plan ahead. 
  • Flinders Street (eastbound) is closed between Elizabeth and Swanston streets, so city traffic might be a bit heavier. 
  • The M80 Ring Road will be closed in both directions overnight from 10pm Friday to 7am Saturday between Boundary Road and the Western Freeway—less impact for the game itself but something to note for late-night travellers.