Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks Tips, Odds and Teams – AFL Round 1 2024

MCG will play host to Saturday's Round 1 AFL game between Essendon Bombers and Hawthorn Hawks. The game kicks off at 1:45 pm with Essendon Bombers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Essendon Bombers vs. Hawthorn Hawks game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday March 16, 2024 at 1:45 pm

Where: MCG

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Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks Odds

Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview

The first look at two teams not involved in Opening Round, the classic rivalry between the Hawks and Dons will be under MCG sunlight for the first time in 2024.

The Bombers will look to put a lot of doubters to sleep early on, albeit against a developing side in the Hawks, but a win is a win to get the ball rolling.

The Hawks have all eyes on the future and we got a great glimpse into what they can provide last year, with wins over finalists Collingwood, Brisbane, and St Kilda.

Essendon tends to play out a similar narrative each year, start strong, knock off a few finals contenders, and eventually wither away quite embarrassingly it must be said.

The Bombers get clicking when they bring energy around the contest, creating turnovers and letting their exciting midfield crop, who unfortunately may go into the game without Darcy Parish.

The Bombers have shown faith in Kyle Langford, re-signing until the end of 2027, along with Jordan Ridley, bolstering their defensive unit.

Whilst the Hawks showed promising signs in 2023, they also struggled with consistency, either beating tough opposition or getting thoroughly outplayed.

When Hawthorn is on, theyre on, and against a team like Essendon who can fall away quickly when low on confidence, its their best chance to grind out a win.

The Bombers should be too strong in this one, similar to Round 1 last year, but it is Hawthorn, an upset is on the cards.

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