Hawthorn were only just denied a 3-0 start by Carlton last week while St Kilda put together a rampant final quarter to make a statement against Richmond. Both sides will enter this one confident they can take the four points and there is plenty to play for in this Round 4 clash at the MCG.
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Hawthorn vs St Kilda Betting Tips
MCG, Sunday 10th April, 3.20pm (AEDT)
Hawthorn
Injuries: Lachlan Bramble, Ben McEvoy, Chad Wingard
Chad Wingard is a big out for the Hawks who benefit from his experience and class, however the return of Jarman Impey offsets that to some degree.
It’s safe to say that Hawthorn has overperformed in the opening few weeks of the season, showing much more than was to be expected from a rebuilding side. Sam Mitchell will be proud of how his new look outfit has started the campaign, however it will all be for nothing if the wheels fall off quickly. Youngsters have certainly been at the forefront of the Hawks impressive form so far, the likes of Josh Ward, Connor McDonald and Denver Grainger-Barras complementing the return of James Sicily and Jack Gunston.
St Kilda
Injuries: Jack Higgins, Jack Billings, Nick Coffield, Hunter Clark, Jarryn Geary, Dan Hannebery, Zak Jones (personal)
St Kilda’s injury list is certainly a ‘yikes’. All seven players are in their best 22 and it has been impressive that the Saints have been able to cover those absences so far.
The Saints have shown true resilience in the opening few weeks of the season to overcome injury woes and register two wins. There is still plenty to work on but the midfield has been solid, Max King is the definition of a target up forward and fans are starting to believe. Sunday’s game is a danger game for this club, who have shown themselves to be inconsistent and unreliable in the past.
Match Prediction
Sam Mitchell has breathed new life into Hawthorn and he has them playing an exciting brand of football. The Hawks should relish playing on their home turf of the MCG here, where St Kilda do not play all that many matches, giving the brown and gold side a discernible advantage. Its for that reason that I’m going with an upset here.
Hawthorn +2.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Enjoying his new role as a running midfielder, Sinclair has hit 25 touches in every game this season. The youthful Hawks midfield tends to give away disposals to opposition mids, so back Sinclair here.
Jack Sinclair 25+ Disposals ($2.00 at TAB)
Rinse and repeat the above with Gresham. He had 32 touches last week against the Tigers and is just about back to his best footy, spending more time on ball than in the past.
Jade Gresham 25+ Disposals ($1.90 at TAB)
Moore has been in career best form in the opening few rounds, slotting 5 goals in three games. His output has been incredible and in a Hawks win he should get on the end of a couple.
Dylan Moore 2+ Goals ($2.25 at TAB)