The Banner Man: From Arizona trouble to Nick Watson’s birth date

The Banner Man has set his sights on Friday night's blockbuster between arch-rivals Essendon and Hawthorn, and he didn't disappoint.

Comedian Danny McGinlay - aka The Banner Man - has made a name for himself writing football banners, utilising his wit and comedic sense, coupled with embedded tensions between the two opposing clubs.

The Essendon-Hawthorn rivalry has long lived in football folklore, dating back to the 1980s and recurring during infamous moments in 2004 (Line in the Sand) and 2009 (Matthew Lloyd's nasty bump on Brad Sewell).

It reared its ugly head once again when Bombers captain Zach Merrett attempted to join the Hawks at the end of last year. He failed. But many won't forget.

McGinlay didn't hold back in his Essendon banner, referencing the Line in the Sand brawl, while playing up Hawthorn duo Dylan Moore and Connor MacDonald's arrest in Arizona.

The pair were caught on a scissor lift under the influence of alcohol, and were jailed by the Scottsdale Police Department.

A witty response (from the Hawks) suggests that since Nick 'the Wizard' Watson was born in 2005, the contests have been a one-sided affair.

Since Watson graced Earth, the Hawks have won four premiership and featured in many finals series. However, Essendon's last final win was in 2004.

Enjoy The Banner Man McGinlay's work below.

Tickets to McGinlay's show can be found here: 

Essendon

Hawthorn