Essendon started with Shaun McKernan, Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett and Jobe Watson in at the centre bounce.

Cale Hooker is the deep target in the Dons attack. Joe Daniher is starting deep but then pushing further up the ground. Orazio Fantasia, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Josh Green are also playing in the forward half.

In defence Michael Hurley is on Jarryd Roughead, Michael Hartley is on Ty Vickery and Mark Baguley has the job on Cyril Rioli. Patrick Ambrose is picking up Jack Gunston when he moves forward.

The Bombers made a brilliant start recording the first five inside 50’s and kicking the first three goals of the game. James Kelly had four score involvements in that time.

Hawthorn responded to win five straight clearances in the middle of the quarter. The Hawks kicked two goals in this period.

Essendon created 14 intercepts in their defensive half in the first quarter and scored from these intercepts on four occasions.

Zach Merrett and Dyson Heppell were prominent in the first quarter picking up 22 possessions between them.

The Dons won the contested ball (45-38) in the opening term to take a 13-point lead into the first break.

The Bombers continued to win the contested ball early in the second quarter.  In the first seven minutes to differential was +8 Essendon's way.

By half time the game was evenly poised with the Hawks holding a slight edge in the clearances.