Hawthorn vs West Coast AFL betting tips – Round 18, 2022

Is there an upset brewing as the Eagles journey east to take on the Hawks at the MCG in round 18 of the 2022 AFL season?

After enduring a long string of losses, the Hawks finally grabbed the spoils in round 17 when they were too strong at home for the similarly placed Crows. Hawthorn have delivered a strange set of results this season, featuring improbable wins over top ranked teams, and dismal defeats against low ranked outfits.

Some season highlights include wins over the high-flying Cats and Lions, a four-point loss to the Magpies, and a 13-point loss to Freo at Optus Stadium. They have also been spanked by the Bulldogs, Suns, and Saints, so how do we line up their form?

We thought the Eagles at home might trouble the Blues in round 17, but Carlton dominated the first and last quarters to put that theory to rest. West Coast fared better in the second and third stanzas, but the damage was already done.

That said, the Blues look finals-bound, while the Hawks are limping toward post-season holidays. We think the Eagles might still have something left in the tank and expect them to finish off the season with another win or two. Their squad has been strengthened in recent weeks, and they are showing more fluent ball-usage and creating additional scoring chances.

Key Matchup: Mitch Lewis vs Shannon Hurn

Hawthorn key forward Mitch Lewis had a productive afternoon in round 17, booting five majors. The budding 23-year-old has had a big year, averaging 5.3 marks and 3.0 goals at 68% accuracy across his 12 games. There is much to like about the way Lewis attacks the ball, using his 199cm, 101kg frame to create goalscoring opportunities.

West Coast stalwart Shannon Hurn played a lone hand in defence against the swarming Blues in round 17. The ageless warrior ended the game with 28 disposals – 27 of those being kicks – and 10 marks. Young defenders learning their craft would be well advised to watch how Hurn turns defence into attack with long-range kicks that reverse the opponent’s momentum. The wily defender will need to be at his best again to quell the likes of Lewis.

Hawthorn vs West Coast Rd 18 betting strategy

Online bookies seem to be giving the Eagles no chance here, and we are inclined to disagree. West Coast put up a valiant effort against the Tigers in round 16 at the MCG and will be looking to salvage some pride from their unfortunate season. We just can’t see them getting blown off the park. The line has been set at a generous 28.5 points, and we are happy to take it while sprinkling some small win bets on the Eagles straight-up.

Hawthorn vs West Coast AFL same-game multi tips

If the Eagles do get close, we will be looking to capitalise with a same-game multi bet that delivers some juicy value. We will be linking the Eagles +28.5, into Josh Kennedy 2+ goals, into Tim Kelly 25+ disposals, which returns $4.91 courtesy of Ladbrokes. We are going out a limb slightly with our faith in West Coast, but sometimes in life you have to run against the herd.

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