Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions AFL Round 1 betting tips

Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions betting preview

A modern rivalry has emerged between the Hawthorn Hawks and Brisbane Lions and we cannot wait to see them clash at the MCG this Sunday.

Since Luke Hodge moved north a few years ago to play with the Lion cubs, they have grown into a very capable outfit.

Now that Hodge has retired, his former Hawthorn teammate Grant Birchall has stepped in to take charge of the talented Brisbane backline.

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Alastair Clarkson has always been praised for his coaching brilliance, but it’s the Hawthorn recruiting team that should be applauded after snatching Jonathon Patton for a bag of chips.

Incredibly, the Lions do not have a single injury on their entire list, meaning you will see a full-strength Brissy in Round 1.

Hawthorn has not been as lucky, with multiple players out for most of the season and a few waiting on fitness tests before Sunday’s game.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions disposal tips

James Worpel has a strong record against the Lions, notching 25 and 34 disposals in his last two meetings with them. The young midfielder came on a lot with Tom Mitchell out for the entirety
of 2019. Even with Mitchell returning, we still see Worpel controlling the contest in the middle.

Lachie Neale struggled against the Hawks early in his career, but he has averaged 33 disposals with a high of 36 in his last three clashes with them. Neale started off his 2019 campaign with three 40-disposal matches in the first four rounds, and we think he will start 2020 just as hot.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions goalkicker bets

When a new player arrives at a football club, everyone wants to see them kick a goal in their first game. Watch as the Hawks players target Jonathon Patton in this contest as he is a powerhouse inside 50. Patton looked very sound in front of the sticks in preseason and we expect he will not miss a beat for the Hawks.

With Blake Hardwick set to most of the 2020 season with a chest injury, Hawthorn will have to find another solution to the Charlie Cameron problem. The livewire Brisbane forward kicked 57 goals in 2019 and has the potential to break the 50 mark again this year despite the shortened season.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions betting predictions

Chris Fagan has coached the Lions to four straight victories over Clarko’s Hawks. With a brilliant young midfield core and excellent forward variety, Brisbane will be extremely dangerous in 2020.