Round 1 Preview: Bombers vs Hawks | Can Essendon Exploit Hawthorn’s Weaknesses?
The wait is over. Round 1 of the 2026 AFL season has arrived.
In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey preview Essendon’s season opener against Hawthorn.
After months of pre-season training, match simulations and practice games, we finally get our first real look at the Bombers when the points count.
The guys break down everything you need to know ahead of Friday night.
In this episode we cover:
Angus Clarke’s injury and what it means for Essendon’s early season plans
Lachlan Blakiston’s contract extension and his role as the Bombers’ Round 1 ruck
What we learned from Opening Round…
The skinny
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