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 across the AFL and the impact of the new rules A statistical deep dive into Hawthorn’s game style and where Essendon can attack them Lessons from last year’s Round 1 meeting between the two sides Key tactical battles including clearances, turnovers and Hawthorn’s intercept defence How Essendon can limit Hawthorn’s dangerous small forwards Our final thoughts and expectations for the Bombers in Round 1 It’s the first real test of the season, with three debutants, new roles across the ground and plenty of intrigue around how Essendon will look in 2026. Can the Bombers take advantage of Hawthorn’s midfield vulnerabilities and start the season with a statement win? Breaking down the Zach Merrett ‘Deal’ - https://www.donthestat.com/post/the-zach-merrett-trade-that-never-was ____ Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat Don The Stat Website: https://www.donthestat.com/ Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky: Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh / https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjwalsh.bsky.social Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1 / https://bsky.app/profile/kyptastic.bsky.social Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat Follow Don The Stat on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/donthestat?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==