Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton has opened up on the meaning behind the rivalry with Essendon.

While Brereton has tipped the Bombers to take down the Hawks on Saturday afternoon, he has explained why he would rather see Hawthorn win, even if it turns out to be the final victory for Alastair Clarkson’s men this season.

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“I have to tip who I think is going to win…I’ve tipped Essendon,” Brereton told SEN’s KB and The Doc.

“I don’t like that and I’ll tell you how much I don’t like it.

“I would be happy if Hawthorn win and we don’t win another game for the year and miss the finals. That’s what it means to me.

“I don’t think Hawthorn are ready for the finals.

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

“I can’t logically say, Hawthorn will win because I hate them.

“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, you owe them the most because they bring out the best in you.

“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.”