Hawthorn v Geelong betting preview & top AFL tips | April 1

Hawthorn v Geelong best bets

Hawthorn Hawks vs Geelong Cats Round 3 match preview

Wrapping up round four of the 2024 AFL Premiership season, the Geelong Cats head up the road to face the Hawthorn Hawks in the traditional Easter Monday clash at the MCG.

Last Saturday, it was uninspiring scenes from the Hawks, who kicked just five goals in a 55-point loss to the Melbourne Demons. Never in the game after a goalless first term, the young Hawks midfield struggled to keep up while their forward line failed to fire.

They did get through the match injury-free, but given the poor performances of many of the players, there may be a few changes at selection. Henry Hustwaite and Ethan Phillips were both impressive in the VFL, while the pressure is on veterans Jack Gunston and Luke Bruest after poor starts to the season.

The Geelong Cats continued their winning ways last Friday night as they secured an impressive 19-point win over the Adelaide Crows. In a primetime game on the road, the Cats experience shone through as Tom Stewart equalled the intercept mark record, while Gryan Miers was also a standout with 26 disposals and three goals.

Unfortunately, captain Patrick Dangerfield has been ruled out for the next fortnight after suffering a hamstring injury. But the Cats are set to be boosted by the return of midfield trio Tom Atkins, Tanner Bruhn and Mitch Duncan, leaving the inexperienced Mitch Knevitt and Oisin Mullin likely to be omitted. There is also a chance that young ruckman Toby Conway makes his debut, after Rhys Stanley’s slow start to the season.

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Hawthorn vs Geelong betting tips

Coming in as favourites with top AFL bookmakers, expect the Cats to be the stronger side, with greater quality and experience across the park. With an undersized defence, Cats key-forward pair Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins should have plenty of opportunities inside 50. With little value in the head-to-head market, look for the handicap of -18.5 for an added boost at $1.90.

Having a strong start to the season playing for his new club, Hawthorn Hawks recruit Massimo D’Ambrosio has embraced the switch to half-back. Averaging 26 disposals in the two matches so far, the 20-year-old has been one of the few bright spots for the Hawks. Expecting the ball to spend plenty of time inside the Hawthorn defence, D’Ambrosio will be around it all day, so back him in for 25 or more disposals at $2.55 with Playup.

Having a slow start to the season with just one goal in the first two matches, the pressure is on Cats small forward Tyson Stengle to perform. An All-Australian in 2022, Stengle has shown he can hit the scoreboard, and against an inexperienced Hawthorn defence, this is a great opportunity to get his season going. Looking for him to kick two or more goals, Stengle offers great value at $2.20 with Bet365.

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