MATCH CENTRE
Preview
Essendon vs Hawthorn – Round 1, 2026
The Essendon Bombers face the Hawthorn Hawks in Round 1 of the 2026 AFL season. Follow the live scores, team lists, match statistics and key moments from the game at MCG.
Injury Report
Essendon
| NAME | REASON | EXPECTED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Rhys Unwin | Calf | 1 week |
| Tom Edwards | Knee | 2 weeks |
| Jordan Ridley | Calf | 2 weeks |
| Nick Bryan | Knee | 4-5 weeks |
| Will Setterfield | Foot | 5-6 weeks |
| Cillian Bourke | Hamstring | 6-7 weeks |
| Angus Clarke | Syndesmosis | 6-8 weeks |
| Nic Martin | Knee | Next Season |
| Lewis Hayes | Knee | TBC |
| Isaac Kako | Hamstring | Test |
Hawthorn
| NAME | REASON | EXPECTED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Hustwaite | Ankle | 2-4 weeks |
| Will Day | Shoulder | 3 months |
| James Blanck | Groin | TBC |
| Matt LeRay | Ankle | Test |
| Cameron Mackenzie | Concussion | Test |
| Cam Nairn | Back | Test |
Previous 5 Games
Essendon
| DATE | OPP | RESULT |
|---|---|---|
| 27/8/25 | Gold Coast | L 153 - 58 |
| 21/8/25 | Carlton | L 56 - 90 |
| 15/8/25 | St Kilda | L 75 - 77 |
| 8/8/25 | Geelong | L 109 - 65 |
| 2/8/25 | Sydney | L 68 - 54 |
Hawthorn
| DATE | OPP | RESULT |
|---|---|---|
| 7/3/26 | GWS | L 122 - 95 |
| 19/9/25 | Geelong | L 115 - 85 |
| 12/9/25 | Adelaide | W 67 - 101 |
| 6/9/25 | GWS | W 88 - 107 |
| 24/8/25 | Brisbane | L 89 - 79 |
Match Summary
Team Stats
Essendon
Hawthorn
Player Stats
Essendon
Hawthorn
Team Lists
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