Australia's best network.
afl.com.au
The Round 8 match between Essendon and Hawthorn bears no similarities to the mid 1980s glory days that Essendon and Hawthorn enjoyed. At this early stage of the year both teams find themselves in the predicament of fighting to keep their season alive. Essendon and Hawthorn head into this game with the same win loss ratio - three wins and four losses. The stakes are high tomorrow night for both teams - a position in the top eight is up for grabs.
Unfortunately over the past two seasons it has become a common trend at Essendon that star players are sidelined with injury. An undermanned Essendon will again head into tomorrow night's match against Hawthorn. Adam Ramanauskas, Dean Rioli and Dustin Fletcher are definite non-starters and there is still a big question mark hanging over James Hird. Hird trained well yesterday afternoon but a fitness test tomorrow will confirm if he is available to take on Hawthorn. The stakes are high tomorrow night for both teams - a position in the top eight is up for grabs.
Read nowDons to play 17 games in Victoria.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Custodians on whose Country we are based. We acknowledge their ongoing connection to Country and pay respect to their Elders, past and present. We extend that acknowledgement and respect to all First Nations peoples throughout Australia.
Up Next
