Geelong v Hawthorn AFL R17 tips & predictions | July 6, 2024

Geelong v Hawthorn R17 top picks

Round 17 preview: Geelong Cats v Hawthorn Hawks

Hawthorn will be looking to extend their excellent run of form this Saturday afternoon as they face a tough AFL matchup against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

At home, the Cats are favourites at -172.41 with PlayUp, while the Hawks offer value at +150. The line is set at 10.5 points.

Last Saturday, Geelong broke their two-match losing streak as they beat Essendon by 45 points at the MCG. After a close first half, the Cats took over in the second, kicking 10 of the last 12 goals. Young forward Oliver Dempsey continued his push for the AFL Rising Star with 25 disposals and two goals, while Tyson Stengle led the way with three goals.

With just one win from their previous seven matches, this was a much-needed win for Chris Scott’s side. Top AFL bookmakers are confident that the fifth-placed Cats will get their season back on track, with odds of $1.36 to make the top eight.

After such a strong performance, minimal changes are expected for the Cats this week. However, young key forward Ollie Henry is expected to return from a hamstring injury in place of Shannon Neale.

Hawthorn also found success in round 16, beating the West Coast Eagles by 61 points at Optus Stadium. In a dominant all-round display, the Hawks won every quarter and kept their hosts to just four goals. Dylan Moore was a standout with 29 disposal and two goals, while Jai Newcombe had 33 touches.

With seven wins from their past eight matches, the Hawks are one of the form sides in the AFL right now. Despite sitting in 13th on the ladder, they are only one game behind the Cats and have odds of $2.30 to make the finals.

Hawthorn captain James Sicily is a test after injuring his shoulder, but key forward Mitch Lewis should return to the side after playing a few weeks in the VFL.

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Geelong v Hawthorn betting predictions

Facing the Cats in Geelong has been considered one of the hardest road trips in the AFL in recent times; however, with two losses in their last three games at Kardinia Park, the 2022 premiers have rarely looked so vulnerable at home. The Hawks are in far better form, so back them in as underdogs at +150 with Neds.

Despite Geelong’s recent form slump, half-back Max Holmes has been incredibly consistent. Averaging 25.1 disposals per game, the 21-year-old has collected over 20 touches in every outing this season. Back Holmes to continue his good form with 25 or more disposals at -114.94 with leading Australian bookmakers.

Playing a hybrid midfield-forward role, Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore is having a career-best season in front of goal. With 24 majors this year, he is the Hawks’ leading scorer, so back him to hit the scoreboard once again with two or more goals at +120 with Bet365.

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