AFL 2025 round one LIVE: Emotional Kako presented his debut jumper as Hawks, Dons renew hostilities
Recent history: It might surprise a few, considering Hawthorn’s strong finish to last year, but Essendon holds a 4-1 advantage across their last five meetings. These two teams last met in March 2024 when the Bombers ran out 24-point victors. But that was before the Hawks got warm.
In a nutshell: Many see Hawthorn as a top four team after they set the competition alight at the back end of 2024. They backed up that belief with a big win against grand finalists Sydney at the SCG last week. Essendon are still considered a couple of seasons away from hitting their peak. Mind you, they do tend to start the seasons well.
At the selection table: The Hawks had to swing one change from their opening match. They brought in young midfielder Josh Ward to replace the injured James Worpel. The Bombers have handed first games to excitement machine Isaac Kako and Jaxon Prior.
What the coaches say:
Sam Mitchell: “The history between the two clubs is obviously significant, so a lot of Hawks fans, a lot of Bombers fans perhaps aren’t in love with each other too much.”
Brad Scott: “We’re thinking we’ve got a base now where we can go forward as quick as we possibly can. We’re not waiting. We think we’re in a good position.”
What the experts say: Thirteen of The Age’s 14 tipsters have landed on a Hawks victory. Caroline Wilson is the lone scribe tipping a Bombers upset.
