But none have matched our collective displeasure for the Essenscum Bombers.

"Essendon hates Hawthorn. And Hawthorn hates Essendon", Brad Sewell 2009.

It inspires the Hawks to storm home from 20 points down at 3/4 time.

It cost "Dipper" five weeks at the tribunal.

But the Hawks went on to beat Essendon in the '83 Grand Final. By a then record margin of 83 points. And just to rub salt into the wounds, Colin Robertson wins the Norm Smith after knocking out Tim Watson.

But it got worse in the Grand Final. The Hawks coughed up a 23 point lead at three quarter time - with Essendon kicking nine goals to two in the last stanza.

Leigh Matthews didn't deserve that for his last game.

The only highlight, apart from arguably one of the biggest brawls of all time erupting just after the opening bounce, was Brereton's lone cameo with 8 goals in a losing side.

In '88 he took it a new level. After having a goal reversed just before three quarter time - Dermie kissed Bomber hard man Billie Duckworth on the cheek before infamously running through the Essendon 3/4 time huddle.

He later described it as one of the scariest things he had ever done.

Croad was then traded to Fremantle a couple of weeks later.

Hawthorn had developed a reputation for succumbing to physical intimidation. Pretty boys. And Dermott Brereton (now a Director) urged his team at half time to make a stand.

The result; All in brawls. Four players suspended for a combined total of 16 weeks. $70k in fines. And a 74 point loss.

There wasn't a lot to be proud of in what they did - but it was definitely a turning point for the Club. Galvanised they went on and began to turn things around. Eventually leading to the 2008 premiership.

Dermie "fans the flames" by having a promotional picture taken of him for the Herald Sun - holding up a burning Essendon guernsey.

The Hawks/Bombers rivalry has been overshadowed by our recent history vs the Cats; the '89 Grand Final, Kennett's curse, The 2013 Prelim comeback (probably my favourite final of all time), and the now traditional Easter Monday clashes.

But my dislike for Essendon trumps all.

"The hatred is that strong for Essendon. Just beat Essendon."

"There is a deep seeded dislike. Hatred is strong, we play on that word. There is an enormous amount of respect."

"It is like Ali and Frazier. They brought out the best of each other. You feel like your biggest nemesis"

"I thought Essendon were such a great advisory during our halcyon days, that they bring out the best in you. Then you would bring out the best in yourself to take it on them and it would go backwards and forwards. They would one up you in some way of being a little bit more brutal, and you would have to then return the favour. It just never stopped, it grew and grew."