Hawks, Bombers gunning for annual blockbuster clash ahead of 2024

The two arch rivals are hoping to lock in a consistent fixture.

WRITER | March 6, 2024 - 4:59pm

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Hawthorn and Essendon are looking to lock in a permanent, early-season fixture going forward, eyeing an annual Round 1 clash heading into the future.

The two Victorian powerhouses have a long-standing rivalry, including a hat-trick of grand final appearances in the 1980s, as well as multiple incidents fuelling their hatred over time.

Despite some unsavoury moments between the two clubs, their history is set to span 100 years and Essendon Chief Executive Craig Vozzo believes an annual marquee game will help celebrate that, according to the Herald Sun.

“We put forward the proposal with our fixture submission for 2023 and we put it forward again in 2024 and we got granted both, so we're hoping they (the AFL) support it ongoing,” Vozzo said.

“Nothing's a guarantee, but we're hoping we can keep building it.

“We had 68,000 people there last year, we're hoping to make it an 80,000-fan blockbuster in the afternoon slot in round 1 and breaking the all-time home-and-away attendance record between the two clubs.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Brad Sewell of the Hawks handballs during the round 14 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

In support, Hawthorn Chief Executive Ash Klein sees the Round 1 clash as fitting given both clubs are hoping to welcome 80,000 fans to the MCG in less than two weeks.

“We have a rich, competitive and longstanding rivalry with Essendon," Klein said.

“After facing off in round 1 last year, this clearly has potential to continue as an early blockbuster for both clubs and we will continue to advocate for that with the AFL.”

This year marks 20 years since the infamous 'Line in the Sand Match' between the Hawks and Bombers that witnessed an all-in brawl, resulting in over $70,000 in fines paid and a combined total of 16 matches in suspension.

Five years later, chaos descended once again onto the MCG, where Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd - in his last AFL game - caught Brad Sewell high, sparking another melee.

Four players were suspended while another $27,000 was 'donated' to the AFL for bad behaviour.

Following the Bomber's drug scandal in 2012, Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell escaped sanction for his injection gesture toward his opponents, adding another piece of memorabilia to this long-standing history.

In 2023, both sides recorded over 80,000 memberships and are expecting that number to climb, with Essendon (86,274) topping Hawthorn (80,698).

For some time, those members have flocked to see the two clubs do battle, whether that be hosted at the MCG or in the Docklands.

Their last 10 clashes at the MCG - dating back to Lloyd's bump in 2009 - have seen an average of 64,820 fans find seats in the stands to watch the old foes duel.

If approved by the AFL, the Bombers-Hawks clash will join other annual matches like Carlton-Richmond at the MCG as well as the traditional ANZAC Day game and King's Birthday Eve.