Essendon has booked a finals berth by defeating Hawthorn 16.20 (116) to 14.15 (99) in a gripping encounter at the MCG on Saturday that had all the trademarks of a final.

The Bombers were down by 22 points at half-time after the Hawks went harder at the ball in the first half, but a Matthew Lloyd bump on Brad Sewell, which knocked the Hawks midfielder out early in the third term, sparked a major goal-burst from an Essendon side with 22 fit players to its opposition's 20.

Entering the final quarter down by just five points, Essendon kicked the first four goals with hard-running defender Jarrod Atkinson's goal on the run after two bounces along the wing the best of these.

After the dust settled on the last quarter, the Bombers had kicked six goals to three to give Essendon coach Matthew Knights his first taste of finals footy as a coach. Essendon will play Adelaide in an elimination final at AAMI Stadium next week.

The Hawks were brave throughout without star forwards Lance Franklin (suspended), Jarryd Roughead and Mark Williams (both injured) – but with Sewell gone after a 11-possession, seven-tackle first half and Max Bailey going down with a serious knee injury earlier in the game.

Young gun Michael Hurley booted four goals in the second half after being the only Bomber forward early in the game who looked up to the pressure. Hurley finished with 14 disposals and 10 marks and showed poise beyond his years in the intense second half.

Brent Stanton won 31 possessions to lead the Bombers but his skills were fairly shabby for most of the day and he managed just 1.5 for the game. Brent Prismall was also important for the Bombers.

Nathan Lovett-Murray and Atkinson were very good for an Essendon side that will now sweat on the Match Review Panel's analysis of a massive melee that erupted after Lloyd's bump and several 'spot-fires', most seemingly involving Luke Hodge as either the giver or receiver.

Lloyd's hit will again spark the debate over contact to the head in AFL footy, the Essendon skipper appearing to have eyes for the ball as he and Sewell charged at a loose ball. However, it's anyone's guess as to how the hit will be viewed by those who make the decisions.

Hawks skipper Sam Mitchell had an absolute blinder in this one, finishing with 37 possessions to lead all players. Chance Bateman was also a credit to his team with three goals from 27 disposals.

Beau Dowler kicked three goals as well, but he didn't manage to sot one in the second half. Other good players for the Hawks included; Jordan Lewis, Michael Osborne and Ben McGlynn who held Andrew Lovett very quiet.

Cyril Riol (17 touches) looked dangerous all day and stuck firm during the Bombers' third-term onslaught.

Earlier, Hawthorn gained the early impetus with Hawks more willing to get to the ball first – whatever the cost.

Mitchell was a major catalyst in what Nathan Buckley described as a distinct plan by Hawthorn to play the game in the midfield – Hawks forwards pushing up the ground and taking their defenders with them to create almost a 'Pagan's Paddock-type' scenario.

Bateman kicked the first goal of the game as Bailey was helped from the field but the Bombers hit back with Heath Hocking converting a Hawthorn turnover down back.

Osborne kicked the next goal after taking a mark running back with the flight before majors to Angus Monfries from a good crumb and Stanton after a great tackle gave Essendon a small lead on 23 minutes.

However, Hawthorn deservedly took a quarter-time lead with Dowler slotting the last two goals in the term to give his side a 4.5 to 3.3 advantage.

Both sides were inaccurate early in the second quarter before McGlynn found the radar and kicked a goal to put the Hawks up by 13 points. Lloyd then missed a good chance from a snap on his preferred foot.

Dowler booted his third goal again after a terrific build-up from the Hawthorn defenders – Mitchell involved as the link man and Dowler taking a strong mark from a slick pass.

Monfries missed a great chance from 30 metres as the Bombers still couldn't slot their first goal for the quarter, and Hawthorn made them pay with Muston converting his free-kick for a bone-crunching tackle on Adam McPhee.

Lovett kicked Essendon's first major in almost half-an-hour of play and towards the end of the term it appeared the Hawks were tiring, however, by half-time they still had a commanding 9.7 (61) to 5.9 (39) lead.

Mitchell and Bateman – 20 and 15 first-half possessions respectively - were doing Hawthorn proud while for Essendon Dustin Fletcher was good across half-back but his man had kicked three goals to lead all players.

Hurley was the only Bomber providing a good option up forward with five marks as Lloyd, Jay Neagle and Monfries struggled in the slippery conditions.

The third quarter exploded with Lloyd coming off the square to collect Sewell.

The result of the hit was not only Sewell being knocked out and an ensuing scrap befitting of footy in the 80s. Campbell Brown was helped off the field after the stoush in a very groggy state – pointing and yelling at the Essendon bench that he'd be back.

But the Bombers recovered for the madness first and kicked three goals in the next 14 minutes to reduce the gap to five points. During this goal-run Hodge and Sam Lonergan appeared to trade jabs to each-other's heads.

Essendon and Hawthorn traded two goals apiece before the end of the third term, with Hurley and Rioli stepping up for their respective sides and Stanton and Garry Moss wasting good opportunities when in possession.

Hurley booted two goals in the quarter and looked to have set up Stanton 33 minutes into the term before the latter missed from 30 metres out directly in front – 1.3 next to Stanton's name at the time.

At the other end, after the siren, Lewis missed a 20-metre shot on a tight angle as the Hawks limped to the three-quarter-time huddle with an 11.12 (78) to 10.13 (73) – all to play for in the final, intense term.

VIDEO: Lloyd reported for Sewell hit

Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd has been reported for his heavy bump on Hawthorn midfielder Brad Sewell in the Bombers' win on Saturday. Watch the hit and let 3AW Football if you think he should be suspended.

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Hawks have regrets over defence

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