Hawthorn vs St Kilda AFL Rd 4 betting tips – Sunday, April 10

The Hawthorn Hawks and St Kilda Saints have two wins apiece after the first three rounds of the 2022 AFL season, but only one can advance to 3-1 after they clash at the MCG this Sunday.

The Saints were terrific in their shootout against the Tigers last week, kicking an impressive 117 points against the strong Richmond back six.

Sam Mitchell’s Hawks were extremely close to pinching a late victory against the Blues in round three, but they fell one point short after hitting the front with just minutes to play.

Each team will be without a talented forward after naming their extended squads on Thursday, as Hawthorn confirmed Chad Wingard was unavailable and Jack Higgins is out due to concussion protocols for St Kilda.

One good story heading into this contest is the debut of Marcus Windhager for the Saints, with the 2021 NGA prospect rewarded for his strong form at VFL level.

A noticeable change Mitchell has implemented this year is the intelligent ball movement from the Hawthorn backline, as the likes of Changkuoth Jiath and Will Day use their run and carry to penetrate opposition defences.

This style can be punished by a quick side like the Saints, so we could be in for another high-scoring contest in what should be perfect conditions at the MCG.

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Key matchup: James Sicily vs Max King

James Sicily has made a huge difference to Hawthorn’s defensive structure upon his return from an ACL tear, as the intercepting defender can tackle the big forwards and also negate the nimble ground-level stars. Sicily will have to match up with Max King at times this week, as the Hawks will look to double-team the monstrous key forward during his purple patch. King may start the day on Sam Frost, but the young St Kilda star should be too good in the air. King is the key to victory for the Saints.

Hawthorn vs St Kilda predictions & best bets

Although the Hawks started the season slightly better, we think the Saints enter this contest with a stronger line-up. Tim Membrey is a perfect partner for Max King and the resting ruckman, as he can get up the ground and cause mismatches. Jack Steele is a champion in the midfield and will outmuscle the likes of Tom Mitchell around the stoppages as the Saints advance to 3-1.

Max King goalkicker betting tips

Max King is one of the brightest young talents in the AFL, and he looks like he is about to turn his potential into consistent output. King has almost singlehandedly taken over two matches already this year, notably finishing with four goals in the final term against Richmond last week. The key forward only needs one quarter to get hot and kick a few, and we think his red-hot momentum will carry into this week.

Hawthorn vs St Kilda AFL same-game multi

The Saints will do enough this Sunday to keep the Hawks at bay and secure their third win of the season. Max King should dominate forward with three goals in a fast-paced match, while Changkuoth Jiath will provide the Hawks with plenty of run off half-back and rack up a heap of kicks.

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