The rivalry between Hawthorn and Essendon is alive and well in 2024.
It took just one goal in the opening minute from Bombers forward Matt Guelfi to ignite at the MCG.
The tussle was on with veterans and newbies clashing in the first quarter of their round one match.
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It began with Hawthorn captain James Sicily hip-and-shouldering Essendon's Andrew McGrath after the Bombers began celebrating Guelfi's goal.
McGrath was flipped and landed on his back on the turf, before teammates came to his aid and pounced on Sicily.
He could face scrutiny for the unnecessary bump.
Hawthorn and Essendon have a long history of intense matches.
The 1983, 1984 and 1985 grand finals which were contested by both sides, were violent, aggressive affairs.
Most recently, the 2004 line in the sand game resulted in over 16 weeks worth of suspensions for players from both teams.
On top of that, the league issued over $70,000 worth of fines.
Sicily coughed up a free kick for his action against McGrath.
Meantime, Jack Ginnivan booted his first goal in the brown and gold since his move from Collingwood at the end of last season.
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