FIERY start as bitter AFL rivalry explodes; new Hawk 'industrious' in ...
One of football’s great modern rivalries adds another chapter as Essendon and Hawthorn clash to open their seasons at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
The Bombers go into the season with added pressure after a busy off-season of recruiting, with Brad Scott’s side to unveil all four of its recruits Ben McKay, Jade Gresham, Todd Goldstein and Xavier Duursma.
It’s meanwhile been a less than ideal build up to the season for the Hawks amid several injury setbacks. However in an exciting prospect for fans, they’ll also unearth all five of their new faces — recruits Mabior Chol, Jack Ginnivan, Massimo D’Ambrosio plus draftee Nick Watson.
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There were no late changes, with Elijah Tsatas (Essendon) and Finn Maginness (Hawthorn) named the starting subs.
Essendon got off to a promising start, kicking the opening two goals through Matt Guelfi and Peter Wright to take an early lead at the MCG.
After Guelfi’s goal, this modern rivalry renewed as multiple players engaged in a scuffle.
Meanwhile Jack Ginnivan enjoyed a hot start for his new side as the early disposal leader including kikcing his side’s first goal of the game — and celebrating like only Ginnivan can.
“He’s been industrious early,” Demons great Garry Lyon said of Ginnivan.
Jake Stringer had his own strong start to the game — kicking two goals late in the second term to extend Essendon’s lead.
“He’s up and he’s going,” Lyon said of Stringer. “He can catch fire.”
Essendon led 4.2 (26) to 2.7 (19) at quarter-time.
Hawthorn flipped the script in the second term to take control of the game, with Ginnivan again prolific including kicking his second goal to extend Hawthorn’s lead.
In an incident set to be probed by the MRO, Mason Redman appeared to intentionally strike Jai Newcombe during a minor altercation to continue the spicy showdown.
Another recruit, Mabior Chol took a huge hanger in the second term and kicked his first goal in his new colours.
The Bombers fought back late though, with Peter Wright nailing a set shot to get Brad Scott’s side back within two points.
Jye Menzie put Essendon back ahead with a goal right before half-time.
This match gets underway at 1.45pm AEDT from the MCG.
Watch it live on Fox Footy (channel 504) from 1pm AEDT.
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