North Melbourne v Hawthorn tips and prediction | AFL Rd 6

North Melbourne v Hawthorn best bets

Roos v Hawks match preview

North Melbourne host Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium, with both teams searching for their first win of the season, with this match wrapping up round six of the 2024 AFL season.

Hawthorn has been installed a $1.41 favourite for this clash, with the Roos outsiders at $3 to cause a boilover. The line has been set at 16.5, which will tempt plenty of Roos’ fans.

Last Sunday, the Kangaroos put together their worst performance of the year as they went down to the Geelong by 75 points. Sitting last on the ladder, Alastair Clarkson’s side have rarely threatened this year, with their closest defeat a 26-point margin.

In positive news, youngster Colby McKercher has been cleared to play after he was subbed out early against the Cats, while key forward Cam Zurhaar is set to return form a calf problem. The likely omission is Tyler Sellers, who struggled in his debut, collecting just one disposal.

The Hawks were also very disappointing last Saturday as they lost by 53-points to the Gold Coast. After a slow first quarter, Sam Mitchell’s side never recovered, losing every quarter as they had their lowest disposal count for the season.

After losing to Collingwood by just three points in round four, there was hope that the Hawks had improved. But given that they have been comprehensively beaten around the ground in their other matches, it appears that it was just a rare performance.

With an extensive injury list, don’t expect many changes for the Hawks, with several players still recovering.

Kangaroos vs Hawks betting tips

In a match between two winless teams, there aren’t many positives on either side from the season so far. However, the Hawks hold a better percentage and given they have won the past four matchups between the sides, back them in as favourites to win by 1-39 points at $2.05 with bet365.

One positive for the Kangaroos this season has been the development of their young midfielders, in particular Tom Powell. Averaging career-high numbers in nearly every statistical category, he has embraced the extra time on the ball. Collecting 25 or more disposals in four of his five games this season, back the youngster to continue his solid run of form at $1.75 with AFL bookmakers.

After moving across from Collingwood in the off-season, small forward Jack Ginnivan has been the most dangerous option in the struggling Hawks forward line. Averaging over a goal a game, the 21-year-old should make the most of the added entries inside 50 as the Kangaroos have by far the worst defensive record in the AFL. As a result, back him in to kick three or more goals at $3.

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