2019 AFL Round 18 betting preview – Geelong vs Hawthorn

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One of the fiercest rivalries in football will reignite this Sunday when the Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks meet at the MCG.

Even though the Cats are 10 positions higher on the ladder than the Hawks, this match is just as highly anticipated as their previous encounters.

SEE ALSO: AFL ROUND 18 BETTING PREVIEW

Rumours surround Patrick Dangerfield, whose fitness is in question after he skipped training during the week. If the superstar Cat is a late out, this matchup will be turned on its head.

The Hawks bring back a couple of important players, such as key forward Jack Gunston and secondary ruck option Jonathon Ceglar.

Geelong loses Brandan Parfitt while bringing back in Scott Selwood, who is yet to play this year but was instrumental late in 2018.

Geelong vs Hawthorn Round 18 player disposals betting

Joel Selwood to get 25 disposals @ $2.40 with Sportsbet
The Geelong skipper has played a new role this season, passing the baton to the likes of Tim Kelly and a handful of other young midfielders. Selwood is a different man against the Hawks, however, and had 32 disposals when the Cats played them earlier this year.

– Latest Geelong Cats odds

Grant Birchall to get 20 disposals @ $1.72
After two years’ worth of injuries, Birchall has returned to the Hawthorn backline at last and made an immediate impact. He was terrific in his first game back, collecting 21 touches in a big win over Fremantle. Before the injuries, Birchall had his highest disposal average against the Cats.

Cats vs Hawks Round 18 goalkicking tips

Tim Kelly to kick a goal @ $1.53 with Sportsbet
In the three games that Kelly has played against the Hawks, he has kicked four goals. The West Australian is a dominant force when he pushes forward, which sets him apart from other midfielders. Kelly kicked two goals against Hawthorn earlier in the year and will add another goal to his tally on Sunday.

Jack Gunston to kick three goals @ $4
Gunston was given a rest last week by the coaches, meaning he will be ready to go against the Cats. The versatile tall has kicked multiple goals in previous clashes with Geelong, although he has recently found himself in the backline. With Grant Birchall and James Sicily in the back six, Gunston will line up at full forward.

– See more Hawthorn Hawks odds

Geelong vs Hawthorn Round 18 total points odds

Over 160.5 total points @ $2.10 with Sportsbet
In the last five matches between the Hawks and Cats, the total match points have varied dramatically from over 220 to under 140. The weather has often played a part in those tallies, but a clear forecast for Sunday means we should see a clean game with plenty of scoring.

Cats vs Hawks Round 18 match betting

Match result: Geelong Cats to win @ $1.38 with Bet365
Line betting: Hawthorn Hawks +18.5 @ $1.90 with Neds

Geelong sits two wins clear atop the AFL ladder because it has such an efficient best 22. The backline and midfield are solid enough to win matches even when the forwards aren’t firing.