Hawthorn hold off late Essendon surge to claim 26-point win

Hawthorn continued its red-hot start to the season, holding off a late surge from Essendon to claim a 26-point victory at the MCG on Friday night in Round 1 of the 2025 AFL season.

The Hawks’ small forwards proved the difference, combining for 10 goals in a 17.9 (111) to 12.13 (85) win.

Every time the Bombers challenged, Hawthorn had an answer, keeping control despite a spirited fightback.

Essendon debutant Isaac Kako provided an early highlight, breaking a tense opening-term deadlock with a stunning mid-air goal that sent Bombers fans into raptures.

But their joy was short-lived as the Hawks took over, piling on six unanswered goals to close out the first quarter with a commanding 27-point lead.

After a quiet Opening Round, Nick Watson made an emphatic statement, kicking two of Hawthorn’s first-term majors and finishing with three for the game.

He was a key part of the Hawks’ attacking dominance alongside Dylan Moore (three goals), Jack Ginnivan (two), and Blake Hardwick (two), with the quartet combining for 10 of the team’s 17 majors.

The Hawks extended their lead to 32 points by the final change, but the Bombers refused to roll over, narrowing the margin to 18 points late before Hawthorn steadied to secure the win.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Hawks, with key defender Jack Scrimshaw subbed out before halftime following a heavy head clash with teammate Josh Battle in the second quarter.

The 109-gamer was forced from the field in place of Sam Frost, while Essendon also suffered a key injury blow, with Jordan Ridley ruled out at the main break due to concussion after copping a high hit from Scrimshaw earlier in the game.

Jade Gresham came on as his replacement, but the Bombers couldn’t bridge the gap as the Hawks marched to a 2-0 start to the season.

The Hawks will be on a six-day break as they kick off Round 2 against Carlton, with the Blues looking to bounce back after being embarrassed by Richmond in their Round 1 clash.

Essendon ($1.86) will look to bounce back next Saturday when they host Adelaide ($1.96), with the Bombers a narrow favourite with top sports bookmakers.

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