MCG will play host to Sunday's Round 1 AFL game between Hawthorn Hawks and Essendon Bombers. The game kicks off at 3:20 pm with Essendon Bombers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Hawthorn Hawks vs. Essendon Bombers game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday March 19, 2023 at 3:20 pm

Where: MCG

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Hawthorn Hawks vs Essendon Bombers Odds

Hawthorn Hawks vs Essendon Bombers Preview

Hawthorn and Essendon will kick off their 2023 campaigns at the MCG on Sunday afternoon. The Hawks had a mixed performance in the 2022 season, winning eight games, but have made significant changes to their squad in the offseason. They traded away key players Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara, and Jack Gunston, while also losing Ben McEvoy to retirement and Liam Shiels to another club. On the other hand, Essendon had one fewer win than Hawthorn in 2022 and have started the new season with a new coach in Brad Scott. They are expected to finish somewhere in the middle of the pack, and are likely to be more defensively-minded under Scott. In the previous season, they conceded an average of 94.9 points per match, which was slightly worse than Hawthorn’s average of 90.5 points per contest.

Their last encounter in 2022 was a high-scoring game, with Essendon coming out on top with a 108-81 win at Marvel Stadium. Peter Wright led the charge with a dominant six-goal performance, while Darcy Parish racked up 32 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances, and a goal. The Bombers have won four of their last five games against the Hawks, and will be looking to continue this trend in the upcoming match.

Both teams have a lot to prove in this game, as they look to start the season on a high note. Hawthorn will be hoping their new squad can step up and fill the void left by their departing players, while Essendon will aim to build on their momentum from the previous season and improve their defensive performance. It will be an intriguing battle between two teams with different aspirations for the 2023 season.