The second game on the Sunday slate sees GWS host Hawthorn at Giants Stadium. Both clubs are struggling with just four wins this season, but there’s a golden opportunity for both sides in this clash.
Check out our free preview for this clash below, and check out BeforeYouBet’s AFL Tips page for coverage on every game of the 2022 AFL season.
GWS vs Hawthorn Preview & Betting Tips
Giants Stadium, Sunday 3rd July, 3:20pm AEST
GWS
Injuries: Leek Aleer, Ryan Angwin, Jack Buckley, Finn Callaghan, Brent Daniels, Matt de Boer, Josh Fahey, Matt Flynn, Bobby Hill, Jacob Hopper, James Peatling, Harry Perryman, Connor Stone
There’s no fresh injuries for the Giants which has been a rarity in another injury riddled season for GWS. Jacob Hopper, James Peatling and Matt Flynn are all set to return within the next fortnight. Ruckman Braydon Pruess is available for selection after missing last week through suspension, and should return to provide some much needed ruck presence.
The Giants were brave in an eleven point defeat against Collingwood in Round 15, however the weight of numbers was simply too much to overcome. Collingwood had 33 scoring shots to GWS’ 17, and the Giants lost the key facets of the game, going -13 contested possessions, -12 inside 50’s and -9 clearances.
The Giants pressure game has improved under Mark McVeigh, becoming the number two ranked tackling team in the AFL. GWS’ pressure is going to be a massive factor in this clash given Hawthorn are ranked in the top five in the AFL for clangers, and seventeenth for clearances. GWS should be able to gain some serious ascendancy in the territory battle, and play the game in their front half.
Hawthorn
Injuries: Tyler Brockman, Connor Downie, Sam Frost, Jack Gunston, Max Lynch, Ben McEvoy, Seamus Mitchell
Jack Gunston (ankle), Will Day (health & safety protocols) and Chad Wingard (calf) are all set to return to a Hawthorn outfit that has lost four games in a row. The Hawks got through last week with a clean bill of health, meaning Sam Mitchell will have plenty of flexibility when it comes to picking the 22 this week.
Hawthorn kicked five of the first six goals in a red hot start against the Bulldogs last Friday, before conceding thirteen consecutive goals which was the catalyst in a 43 point loss. The Hawks have lost eight of their last nine games and have slumped to fifteenth on the ladder after a promising start to the season.
In that nine game run, the Hawks have conceded above 90 points eight times and over 100 six times. Hawthorn are the third worst defence in the AFL in 2022, conceding an average score of 97 points per game. GWS have averaged 103 points per game since Mark McVeigh took over as coach, scoring above 95 points in four of their five games.
Match Prediction
Hawthorn should see a boost in their attacking game with Gunston returning to provide support for Mitch Lewis who has carried a struggling Hawks attack. However with the Hawks midfield struggling to win clearances, losing the clearance battle in seven of their last ten games, their forwards just can’t get enough service.
GWS’ potency ahead of the ball is going to trouble a struggling Hawthorn defence, and with the supply they will get from their midfield, it’s going to be too much for the Hawks to overcome. GWS are 4-0 against Hawthorn at Giants Stadium and the Hawks have lost eight of their last nine games by an average margin of 28 points, so the line of -11.5 is the way to go in this fixture.
GWS -11.5
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Harry Himmelberg’s move to defence has been a masterstroke, with Himmelberg producing 21, 37, 23 and 30 disposal performances since moving down back. Himmelberg had to pinch hit in the ruck last week and still managed to pick up 30 touches, with Preuss likely back in the side, Himmelburg’s role becomes even more conducive to racking up the footy.
Harrison Himmelberg 25+ Disposals, $2.20 with Ladbrokes
Stephen Coniglio is another Giant who has had a massive resurgence with the change of coach, with four 30+ disposal performances in his last five games. Coniglio is averaging 31 disposals per game since McVeigh took over with his re-inclusion as a full time midfielder has paid massive dividends for GWS.
Stephen Coniglio 30+ Disposals, $2.35 with Ladbrokes
Dylan Moore has been one of the Hawks most consistent players this season, kicking 21 goals from 14 games. More has kicked multiple goals in his last two games, and has kicked 2+ goals in seven games in 2022. Moore kicked 4 goals the last time these two sides met, and with Gunston creating another target inside the Hawks forward 50, Moore will have another tall to create crumbing opportunities for him this week.
Dylan Moore 2+ Goals, $2.35 with Ladbrokes
