Hawthorn v GWS betting tips & predictions | AFL Round 3

Hawthorn vs GWS best bets

Hawthorn vs GWS AFL Round 3 preview

Hawthorn host the GWS Giants in Launceston as two of the AFL’s top contenders collide this Saturday night in the marquee match of Round 3.

As the only side with three wins this season, the Hawks are sitting pretty atop the AFL ladder. The Giants, meanwhile, are in third place after starting 2-0 with wins over Collingwood and Melbourne.

Hawthorn started slowly in their clash with Carlton last Thursday night, but they stepped it up with seven goals to two after half-time to run out 20-point winners. Midfielder Jai Newcombe was a standout with 32 disposals and 11 tackles, while key defender Josh Battle had 21 disposals while keeping Charlie Curnow goalless.

The Hawks are conceding just 74 points per game this season, a defensive record that covers for the absence of Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear in the forward line. With the ability to absorb opposition pressure, they are producing plenty of scores through fast play on the rebound.

With an excellent record in Launceston, alongside their recent good form, the Hawks are favourites for this clash at $1.52 with leading AFL bookies.

The Giants are coming off the bye last weekend, which followed a gutsy win over Melbourne the week prior. Despite trailing by 17 points late in the third term, GWS came from behind to get the job done after Lachie Keeffe kicked the winning goal with under a minute to spare.

GWS are another side with an excellent defensive record, while they boast one of the strongest midfield groups in the AFL. They are known for their transition play, while their group of smalls make them a great pressure side.

Playing on the road, the Giants are underdogs for the first time this season at $2.65 with top Australian betting sites.

Hawthorn vs GWS team news

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has been forced to make at least one change after half-forward Connor Macdonald suffered an ankle injury against the Blues. Three-time premiership player Luke Bruest is a likely inclusion after kicking three goals in the VFL last weekend.

Meanwhile, the Giants are set to make plenty of changes with seven returning players available, headlined by 2024 Coleman Medal winner Jesse Hogan. Ruckman Kieran Briggs has cleared the concussion protocol, while off-season recruit Jake Stringer looks set to make his debut for the club.

Small forward Brent Daniels has recovered from a hip injury, with fellow forwards Toby McMullin, Jake Riccardi and Harvey Thomas all in the mix after serving suspensions.

Hawthorn vs GWS R3 predictions

Despite Hawthorn’s excellent record in Launceston, this is a tough assignment. Not much separates these two sides, but the star-studded GWS midfield and the return of Hogan and Briggs looks set to play a major part. Despite being underdogs, back the Giants to get the win on the road at $2.65 with major AFL bookmakers.

Hawthorn half-back Karl Amon has had a strong start to the season, averaging nearly 26 disposals per game. The former Port Adelaide player is a key part of their quick transition movement, while he gets the stat boost of taking kick-ins. Amon collected 30 disposals last time he faced the Giants, so back him for 25 or more at $2.35 with top football betting sites.

Finn Callaghan is thriving in his increased midfield role for the Giants. He has collected over 30 disposals in both games so far, with his mix of size and speed making him impactful both in and out of the contest. With the return of Briggs in the ruck, expect the Giants midfield to have more opportunities out of the middle, with Callaghan collecting 30 or more disposals once again at $2.50 with BetOnline.

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