The VFLW Bombers had their first official practice hitout for the year, against rivals Hawthorn.

The Hawks proved to be fast starters in the match, kicking the first within minutes, from there the first half proved to be a back and forth affair. 

Essendon's backline, lead by Tamsin Crook stood tall, allowing the side to rebound effectively outside the back 50. 

Mia-Rae Clifford got the Bombers off the mark, kicking the first of the match.

Olivia Manfre marked inside 50 shortly after, converting the Bombers second.

From here the Hawks wrestled back momentum, placing the Essendon backline under siege as the Hawks entered halftime with the lead.

The second half followed a similar trend, where the Bombers were unable to get on top out the middle. 

With the margin growing, a settling goal by Leah Spargo brought the margin back to just nine points.

The Bombers fired back again with another quick goal from Clifford.

Unfortunately a late Hawthorn goal all but sealed the victory, for the Hawks with the Bombers falling by only nine points.

Essendon: 6.0 (36)
Box Hill: 7.5 (47)