Essendon pulled off a stunning two-point upset against reigning premiers Hawthorn at the MCG, kicking the last three goals of the match to win 12.6 (78) to 11.10 (76). The Bombers looked set to be overrun after leading by 35 points late in the second term, but a gutsy display of pressure football saw them hold on for a memorable victory.
Cale Hooker was the unlikely hero, snapping a goal with 57 seconds remaining to put his side back in front. Hawthorn had one final chance when Cyril Rioli launched the ball into their forward 50, but Luke Breust could not get his kick away before the final siren. The win came a week after Essendon surrendered a 41-point lead in a round-one loss to Sydney.
Hawthorn fought back from a 35-point deficit to lead by 16 points in the final term, with Jack Gunston kicking three goals in the third quarter. However, goals to Jake Carlisle and Travis Colyer set up Hooker's sealer. Jordan Lewis (34 disposals) and Luke Hodge (30) were key for the Hawks, while Jobe Watson and Dyson Heppell (33 each) impressed for the Bombers.
Hawthorn were without Josh Gibson and Sam Mitchell, who were named but did not play, and lost James Frawley to a shoulder injury in the first quarter. The Hawks now sit at 1-1 for the season, while Essendon level their record at 1-1.
