By Kim Densham for AFANA in Melbourne.
Two proud teams, Essendon and Hawthorn, have played 152 games against each other. Essendon have won 95 and the Hawks 57. There was a time when these two sides battled each other for season's honors and there is no love lost between the two. The Friday night blockbuster was billed as the 'Line in the Sand ' game and each season it is a highlight. This week the Hawks were without Buddy Franklin but were confident.
The Bombers were quick off the mark and scored within 20 seconds but from then on it was one way traffic, Hawthorn all the way. It was a tough and bruising encounter with injuries on both sides. Hawthorn lost Cyril Rioli and Brad Sewell and the Bombers lost captain Jobe Watson to a recurring hamstring.
In the end, a pedestrian Essendon side was humiliated by a ruthless and dominating Hawthorn team.
All the match action can be viewed here:
Article last changed on Monday, July 25, 2011 - 8:59 AM EDT