AFL 2024 round one LIVE updates: Bombers take slim lead as Hawks chase last term win

The Bombers burned that quarter and they have taken a seven-point lead into the last term thanks to a late goal from Guelfi.

The Hawks will be waiting nervously to see if Ginnivan returns but they also need more from the likes of Karl Amon and other attacking players.

If they take their chances, they will be in a strong position.

Kyle Langford is on the board for 2024 and Essendon’s lead has grown to seven points.

But Karl Amon has responded for the Hawks just moments later taking a pass on the run from Chol and booting a long-distance goal.

You can’t give him an inch or he will be gone.

Dons 69, Hawks 68 with 90 seconds to go in Q3.

Jack Ginnivan has limped off with a knee injury reports Fox Footy.

He is currently being assessed.

It’s a huge moment for the Hawks given he has been their best player so far.

As he is checked, the Bombers have regained the lead.

Perkins has just kicked another goal.

Dons 63, Hawks 62 with five mins two go in Q3.

Dylan Moore is an emotional leader at Hawthorn and he has pulled in a brave mark against the run of play.

He went back and kicked the goal but within seconds of the restart, the Bombers powered out of the middle and Jye Caldwell kicked a running goal.

Moore has kicked two goals but Essendon has a slim lead.

Dons 57, Hawks 54 with nine mins to go in Q3.

The Hawks made a poor kick trying to exit defence and Archie Perkins intercepted the kick and went back to convert for a goal.

The Dons lead again, this is a close, enjoyable battle so far.

Dons 51, Hawks 47 with 15 mins to go in Q3.

Ginnivan has sent in a lovely left-foot pass to Chol who pulled in the mark and kicked his second goal.

Both players are making an impact at their new club, Ginnivan has been brilliant.

Hawks 47, Dons 45 with 16 mins to go in Q3.

Essendon has lost Zach Reid to hamstring awareness. Sub Elijah Tsatas has come on in his place.

This shapes as an intriguing second half, with both sides still finding their “feet” in their opening game of the new campaign.

Ginnivan, after a super summer of pre-season training, is arguably best afield.

If the Hawks can maintain a steady supply of inside-50 ball, the former Magpie can drag the Hawks to victory.

Conversely, Jake Stringer, after a summer disrupted by injury, has been the Bombers’ most threatening forward.

The Hawks have twice fallen asleep when the Bombers have held the ball outside 50, only to then find Stringer on the lead.

High-priced recruit Ben McKay has been strong in defence, a marking presence the Bombers had desperately craved.