While Essendon have much to celebrate on Saturday at their Hall of Fame night, it's on the field  against their fiercest rival, which James Hird says he despises more than any other,  where they hope to experience the most joy.

The intrigue heading into the clash against Hawthorn has continued in recent days, with even whispers it could prove to be another "line-in-the-sand" moment, echoing memories of the notorious 2004 game between the clubs that featured an all-in brawl. Only this time it's the slumping Bombers hoping to make some kind of physical statement to show they belong in finals calculations.

Former Hawks hardman Campbell Brown, involved in several confrontations with the Bombers through the years, is one who has suggested this week that it "may be another line-in-the-sand game".

The Age columnist Wayne Carey has said there could be major ramifications if the Bombers lose, questioning whether veterans such as Adam Cooney would continue to be selected.

Then there is the growing pressure on Hird, and questions over his tactical nous. It's also worth remembering he was found in a series of text messages to Stephen Dank during the club's controversial supplements program to have said of the Hawks: "I hate them more than anyone".

What, however, shouldn't be forgotten is that the Bombers enjoyed a stunning two-point win over the Hawks in round two, having overcome a 16-point deficit midway through the final quarter when a Cale Hooker snap with 57 seconds remaining secured their first win over their bitter rival since 2010.

There hasn't been a great deal of joy since, however, with six losses from nine matches. The Bombers have managed only 21 goals in their past three matches, and have been criticised for lacking direction when attacking through the midfield. They have also been well beaten through the season in terms of contested possession differential, ranked 16th, as they are at clearances (the Hawks rank second).

They average 49.9 inside-50s per game — ranked 13th — compared to the Hawks' league-high 61. It should be noted that North Melbourne and Richmond average fewer than the Bombers, but each averages at least two goals more than the Bombers' 10.5 per game (ranked 16th), indicating the Bombers' lack of cohesion or poor kicking when the ball does get inside 50.

This is reinforced in that the Essendon forwards have also lacked punch, averaging only 9.6 marks inside 50 - ranked 14th.

Elsewhere, the ruck has been of such a concern that ill-equipped Jake Carlisle was preferred as the frontline big man in a heavy loss to the West Coast Eagles before last week's bye.

Hird has now turned to Shaun McKernan, elevated this week off the rookie list in place of the injured Tom Bellchambers, with support from Carlisle to take on the Hawk Jonathon Ceglar.

"For me, it creates an opportunity but I'm pretty gutted for Tommy," McKernan said on Friday.

Matthew Lloyd, now a part-time forwards coach for the Bombers, said composure when looking inside attacking 50 would be important when facing a Hawthorn side he rates "as the best-skilled side I have ever seen in the game".

However, he feels the Hawks could be vulnerable if their defenders are isolated.

"I think at times they can be vulnerable in the air if the ball comes in quickly enough. A lot of them like to lay off, whether it be Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Ben Stratton," he said.

"If you win enough ball through the midfield and lower your eyes, and not just bomb it in and blaze away under pressure, you can expose them. GWS, earlier in the year, when they beat them, Jeremy Cameron kicked seven goals on that occasion - the run and carry of the Giants exposed. I think there are weaknesses. I think the Adelaide Crows got them in areas of the game last week but the hard part is you have to go against them for four quarters."

That task is made even more difficult with the Hawks at full strength but the Bombers know they must win if they are to have any chance of making the finals.

"I don't think finals is something that can be looked at at the moment. It's just about trying to get some confidence back in the group," Lloyd said.

In dissecting his team's struggles before the bye, Hird said the on-going anti-doping saga had clouded the minds of some players and had had a negative impact.

The club now hopes the bye has helped to refresh those minds and bodies – and provide the ideal scene setter for the Hall-of-Fame party.