Saturday’s clash against West Coast poses as a difficult task for Hawthorn. 

The reigning premiers looked to have rediscovered their form of last year as they obliterated Essendon last Thursday night, recording 20 more scoring shots than the Bombers.

But if Hawthorn supporters have anything to hang their hats on, it’s the club’s record against West Coast at the MCG over the 32-year rivalry.

The Hawks will host the Eagles at the ‘G for the eighth time this Saturday afternoon, having lost just one of their previous encounters at the venue.

It makes the MCG the Hawks most favourable ground to take on the Eagles of the seven different locations the clubs have met at. 

Read: No excuses - Scully

In fact, historically speaking, if the Hawks were to face anyone at the home of footy, they would prefer West Coast. 

Of every side that the Hawks have played more than three times at the MCG, it is the Eagles that the Hawks have the best winning record against.

At the other end of the spectrum, Hawthorn has won just 11 of its 31 clashes with Geelong at the venue, making the Cats the Hawks’ most unwanted opposition by some margin.

Not far behind in second place is UTAS Stadium, while, interestingly, Waverley Park proved the Eagles’ territory against the Hawks, with West Coast winning five of the club’s seven match-ups there.

Record at each venue against West Coast

Record at the MCG against every opposition side