The rivalry is always fierce and Hawthorn and Essendon are preparing to write a new chapter this weekend as they face off in a marquee AFL clash at the MCG.
Just one win separates the seventh-placed Hawks from the 11th-placed Bombers, who have turned their fortunes around to win eight of their past 10 games.
While a number of traditional feuds between Melbourne-based teams have fizzled out over time, the infamous "line in the sand" match in 2004 was a reminder of the genuine acrimony that has persisted between the Hawks and Bombers.
In terms of what's at stake, Saturday's game could be the biggest contest between the sides since round 22, 2009 when Essendon prevailed by 17 points in a fiery encounter to edge out Hawthorn for the final spot in the top eight.
The Hawks have lost just twice at the MCG this season but are certain to be challenged by a Bombers side that has proven its ability to run over opponents in recent weeks.
"They've played really good footy and they've beaten some good opponents," Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson told reporters on Friday.
"We've got high regard for Sydney and they were right in that game in the first half last week and then got blown out of the water late in the game.
"We've got a lot of regard for the Essendon side and what they've been able to do over the past eight to 10 weeks in particular, so we're going to need to play some of our best footy."
The Bombers will line up unchanged from last week's 43-point win over the Swans after Matt Dea and Kyle Langford both overcame head knocks.
Hawthorn have added youngster Harry Morrison in place of big man Jon O'Rourke with the Hawks keen to match the speed of the Bombers.
Clarkson was pleased with his side's 63-point demolition of Fremantle last week but said he was yet to see the consistency that would take them deep into September.
"Our challenge is to get a patch of four or five games on the trot where we can perform really, really creditably," he said.
"Obviously we're coming up against a formidable opponent in good form who have got their own eye on featuring later in the year themselves.
"It's going to be a cracking contest, big game at the MCG and two traditional rivals."
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