Hawthorn star Isaac Smith admits the Hawks have their work cut out in trying to bring down in-form Essendon, comparing their opponents' recent form to ladder leaders Richmond.
The Bombers are fighting to keep their finals hopes alive against Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon at the MCG and Smith says they are aware of the massive challenge awaiting them.
"They've probably been the best team in the competition the last ... 10 weeks. Them and Richmond," the midfielder told RSN on Wednesday.
"They've won eight and two - both Essendon and Richmond. So we've got a massive challenge on our hands this week.
"Hopefully, we can stop the Essendon juggernaut that's starting to roll."
The 29-year-old said shutting down the Bombers' "run and gun" ball movement would be key to the Hawks enacting a repeat of their 23-point scalp in round seven earlier this season.
Coach Alastair Clarkson has scaled back to light training this week as the Hawks recover from a six-day break after thumping Fremantle by 59 points in Perth.
Hawthorn sit seventh on 11 wins, one ahead of Essendon, with the league's third highest percentage (122.7) aiding the perennial top-eight side's push to return to the finals after falling to 12th last season.
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