Since the introduction of the mid-season break in 2011, no team has performed better following their respective bye than Hawthorn.
The Hawks have won seven of their eight games after a week off in the past eight seasons.
Alastair Clarkson has ensured his men have come out firing every year, with their average winning margin sitting at just shy of six goals.
Interestingly, the Hawks have faced either Adelaide or Port Adelaide following their bye in each of the past five years.
This week the Hawks will face Essendon, a club that also enjoyed its mid-season rest in Round 12.
The Bombers have an up and down record in their past eight years, winning four and losing four of their eight outings after byes.
The Hawks and the Bombers entered their weekends off last week with similar moods about the opening halves of their respective campaigns.
Two finals hopefuls, both clubs recorded five wins from their opening 11 matches – with similar levels of inconsistency plaguing them.
Refreshed and ready, Friday night’s clash poses as a must-win for both sides as they look to hold contact with the top eight.
Hawthorn’s record following bye rounds
Round 13 2018
Defeated Adelaide by 56 points
Round 14 2017
Defeated Adelaide by 14 points
Round 16 2016
Defeated Port Adelaide by 22 points
Round 12 2015
Defeated Adelaide by 29 points
Round 10 2014
Lost to Port Adelaide by 14 points
Round 12 2013
Defeated Carlton by 15 points
Round 14 2012
Defeated Carlton by 50 points
Round 18 2011
Defeated Melbourne by 54 points
