Sunday afternoon continues in Launceston, as the Hawks host the Lions in Tasmania. The Lions will be looking to keep pressure on fourth placed Port Adelaide, while the Hawks will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon with the Kangaroos breathing down their neck. There’s plenty at stake for both sides in a ladder shaping game and we’ve got you covered with a full preview and tips!
AFL Hawthorn vs Brisbane Betting Tips
University of Tasmania Stadium, Sunday August 1st, 2:10pm AEST
Match Prediction
A scintillating second half from the Lions saw them slam on thirteen goals to one in a 49 point win over the Suns, giving the competition a reminder of how dangerous they can be when they get on a roll. After a disappointing loss to the Crows, the Hawks are now in danger of finishing in 18th, with only percentage separating themselves from North Melbourne.
After being the medical sub last week, Nakia Cockatoo looks primed to make his long awaited Brisbane debut. For the Hawks, Harry Morrison looks set to come in for James Cousins who injured his hamstring against Adelaide.
Traditionally Launceston hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Lions over the years, but they have won their last two games at UTAS Stadium. In what was a fortress for a long time during the 2010’s, the Hawks have lost three of their last four games in Launceston.
The Lions midfielders got to work after half time last week, with an incredible spread across their midfield, highlighting the depth they’ve got. Jarryd Lyons (33 Disposals), Hugh McCluggage (23), Mitch Robinson (23), Zac Bailey (21), Dayne Zorko (21), and even ruckman Oscar McInerny got involved with 18 touches. The Hawks midfield have struggled this season, ranking 15th for clearances and 16th for inside 50’s this season. The Lions ranked 2nd for clearances and 1st for inside 50’s, and will be putting an undermanned Hawks defence under serious pressure.
Hawthorn leaked 102 points last week against an Adelaide side that hadn’t kicked more than ten goals in a game for six weeks. The Hawks have the third worst defence in the competition conceding an average of 90 points per game. Coming up against the second best scoring team in the comp who average 92 points per game, it could get ugly for the Hawks.
The Lions will stretch the Hawks with their depth in the air and on the ground up forward. The Lions have four active players with more than 24 goals this season with Charlie Cameron (35), Joe Daniher (33), Lincoln McCarthy (27), and Zac Bailey (24). With Dan McStay getting more opportunities with Eric Hipwood out, it’s a seriously stacked forward line that Hawthorn can’t compete with.
The Lions have won four of their last five games against the Hawks by an average margin of 33 points, and their last five losses this season have come by an average of 33 points. Although the line at 30.5 looks quite large at first glance, but given the defensive struggles of the Hawks, this Brisbane side will be confident that they can beat the Hawks in convincing fashion.
Brisbane -30.5 (1 Unit)
$1.90
Same Game Multi
We’ve got a big Brisbane flavour in the same game multi for this one, and rightfully so! Jarryd Lyons has had a stellar season for the Lions stepping up in Lachie Neale’s early season absence. Lyons is averaging 28 disposals per game in 2021, and has hit the 25 disposal mark in ten of his last twelve matches. Hugh McCluggage has continued to elevate himself into the top echelon of midfielders in the competition after a breakout season last year. McCluggage is averaging 25 disposals per game this season, and has reached 20 or more disposals in fourteen of his last sixteen matches. To round out the multi we’re going with Lincoln McCarthy who has been one of the most in form players in the competition in the last two months. McCarthy has kicked 14 goals in his last six games, including 4 goals last week, and has kicked two or more goals in five of his last six matches.
Jarryd Lyons 25+ Disposals
Hugh McCluggage 20+ Disposals
Lincoln McCarthy 2+ Goals
HAW vs BRI Same Game Multi
$3.40
