Essendon vs Hawthorn: AFL Live Scores, Updates & Reactions | Friday Night Football

The highly anticipated Round 1 AFL clash between Essendon and Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night carries a weight beyond the usual opening-round fervor. Not only does it pit two historic rivals against each other, but it too marks Zach Merrett’s first game facing the Hawks since his attempted move to the club last year fell through. The match is set to begin at 7:40 PM AEST, with both teams eager to start the season with a win.

Merrett’s Contentious Off-Season

The narrative surrounding this match is inextricably linked to the saga of Zach Merrett’s desire to leave Essendon for Hawthorn. As reported by The Age, Merrett, frustrated with the lack of success at Essendon, explored options to join their long-time rivals. The process involved a dinner at Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell’s house, alongside Essendon’s then-president David Barham and CEO Craig Vozzo, where Merrett voiced his concerns about the Bombers’ trajectory. Although he didn’t explicitly request a trade during that meeting, the intention was clear.

The attempted move, however, ultimately failed. Merrett remains at Essendon, and the failed transfer has added an extra layer of intensity to Friday’s contest. He has since reflected on the ordeal, acknowledging the toll it took on him and his family, as detailed in Fox Sports. The emotional weight of the situation, he indicated, extended beyond the football field.

The Bombers’ New Generation

Beyond the Merrett storyline, Essendon will be fielding three debutants: Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis, and Hussien El Achkar. Dean Bilton of ABC News highlights the excitement surrounding Sharp, a tough midfielder who was considered ready for AFL action last year. The inclusion of these young players signals a shift towards the future for the Bombers, and the MCG provides a significant stage for their first taste of AFL football. Further reinforcements are on the horizon, with Jacob Farrow expected to debut soon and Sullivan Robey continuing his recovery from a back problem in the VFL.

A History of Rivalry

The Essendon-Hawthorn rivalry is one of the most storied in Australian Football League history. It dates back over four decades, marked by fierce competition and, at times, outright animosity. The Age notes the historical roots of the rivalry, tracing it back to clashes in the 1980s involving accusations of thuggery and even a fabricated drug scandal. This deep-seated animosity makes every encounter between the two clubs particularly significant, and the added drama of Merrett’s attempted defection only intensifies the stakes.

The Hawthorn Perspective

While Hawthorn ultimately didn’t secure Merrett’s services, their pursuit of the Essendon captain demonstrated their ambition to bolster their playing list. The Hawks, under coach Sam Mitchell, are rebuilding and see themselves as a team on the rise. Their interest in Merrett was a clear indication of their desire to add experienced leadership and talent to their squad. The failed attempt, however, hasn’t deterred them, and they will be looking to make a statement against Essendon on Friday night.

Craig McRae’s Incident

Adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend’s AFL action, Collingwood coach Craig McRae was involved in a car smash on Thursday. While details remain limited, this incident occurred just days before Collingwood’s own Round 1 clash against Carlton. The incident is reportedly unrelated to the Essendon-Hawthorn match, but it serves as a reminder of the pressures and unpredictable nature of the AFL season.

What’s Confirmed, What’s Unclear

Confirmed: Zach Merrett will play against Hawthorn for Essendon, marking his first encounter with the Hawks since his failed trade attempt. Essendon will debut three players: Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis, and Hussien El Achkar. The match will be played at the MCG on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 7:40 PM AEST. Collingwood coach Craig McRae was involved in a car accident on Thursday.

Unclear: The full extent of the impact of Merrett’s failed trade on his performance and team dynamics remains to be seen. The specific details surrounding Craig McRae’s car accident have not been fully disclosed. The long-term implications of the incident on Collingwood’s season are currently unknown.

Looking Ahead: The AFL Season Unfolds

Following this opening round encounter, both Essendon and Hawthorn will face challenging schedules. The Bombers will aim to build on their youthful energy and establish themselves as a competitive force, while the Hawks will continue their rebuilding process, hoping to climb the ladder. The early rounds of the AFL season will be crucial in setting the tone for the year and identifying the genuine contenders. The performance of the debutants for Essendon will be a key storyline to watch in the coming weeks, as will Merrett’s ability to channel his focus and lead the team effectively. The broader AFL landscape will be shaped by the performances of all 18 teams, with each match offering valuable insights into their respective strengths and weaknesses.

The AFL season is available to watch live and ad-break free on Kayo Sports, offering comprehensive coverage of every match. Fans can follow the action and stay updated on the latest news and developments throughout the year.