The Essendon and Hawthorn Football Clubs have despised each other for decades. The infamous rivalry has intensified in recent weeks, after the Hawks’ failed attempt to lure Bombers captain Zach Merrett during the trade period.

Footy fans are already salivating at the prospect of an opening round Essendon v Hawthorn clash next year.

Zach Merrett’s clash against the Hawks early next AFL season will be must-watch.Credit: AFL Photos

Does that animosity flow over into the women’s game?

The two teams arrived in the AFLW on the same night – playing a history-making game at Marvel Stadium in front of 12,000 fans. It was the most recent AFLW game at Marvel Stadium and it lived up to the anticipation, with star Bombers recruits Bonnie Toogood and Maddy Prespakis leading the new team to a 26-point victory.

Three years on, they clash again on Saturday at Windy Hill and their path through their first four seasons couldn’t be more different.

The Hawks stuttered through the first two years, before eventually parting ways with coach Bec Goddard.

Respected assistant coach Natalie Wood was given the reins to the Bombers. They made the finals in two of the first three years.

Bonnie Toogood greets Essendon fans at Windy Hill.Credit: AFL Photos

But since then, the Hawks have soared and the Bombers have........

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