Zorko & Shiels player specials – Brisbane vs. Hawthorn odds & tips

Sunday, 20th May, 3:20 pm AEST, 2018, Gabba, Watch on the Seven Network and on the Fox Footy Network.

A Hawthorn legend will face off against his premiership teammates at the GABBA on Sunday afternoon as Brisbane seek their first win of the year against the Hawks.

The match holds far more significance than most would suspect. The Lions may not have another winnable match for a month and the Hawks can’t afford to lose two in a row if they want to stay in touch with the top four.

Hawthorn will be without breakout midfielder Jaeger O’Meara, who is recovering from a calf cork which he suffered in the match against the Swans in round eight.

Due to the Sunday extended bench clause, the full teams are not currently available, but we can expect Brisbane to bring in Sam Mayes and Ben Keays — both quality kicks needed to beat the Hawthorn zone.

Alastair Clarkson will bring back Paul Puopolo for the clash, who has successfully recovered from the hamstring strain he suffered back in round four against the Demons.

Here’s the tips we think will provide the best value for Sunday’s match.

Brisbane Lions vs. Hawthorn Hawks Round 9 – Player Specials Tips

Dayne Zorko to have 25 Disposals @ $1.60 with William Hill

The Magician is back in action. In the last fortnight Zorko has kicked eight goals and accumulated 58 touches. As the hottest player in the league right now, we believe the great Dayne will easily find the footy 25 times in this Sunday’s encounter with the Hawks. The omission of O’Meara in this match will be underrated as not only is he a great distributer, O’Meara has the ability to negate an opponent completely. With Jaeger out of the team Zorko is free to take over as the best midfielder on the ground.

Liam Shiels to lay 8 Tackles @ $1.85 with William Hill

Rated fourth in the league for average tackles per game at eight per match, Liam Shiels has continued to do what he does best. Not dominating in any other category doesn’t worry head coach Alastair Clarkson, who has often praised the role-player for the Hawks. Liam will need to grit his teeth even more this week as missing teammate Jaeger O’Meara was the second best tackler at the club. The exclusion of O’Meara in the midfield will leave extra work to be done, especially for Shiels, who we think will have a day to remember tackle-wise.

Brisbane Lions vs. Hawthorn Hawks Round 9 – Total Goals Tips

Brisbane Lions 11.5 goals Over/Under

Over @ $1.70 with Ladbrokes

In their loss against the Bulldogs last week, the Lions still managed to kick 14 goals. This week at the Gabba with the sun shining, they will be able to kick a plethora of goals. Not changing the side too much will benefit the young playing group, as they get together.

Hawthorn Hawks 14.5 goals Over/Under

Under @ $1.76 with Ladbrokes

The Hawks haven’t kicked over 14 goals since their massive win against the Demons in round four. If it wasn’t for those opening rounds, the Hawks percentage would be much lower. We do not see the Gold and Brown men kicking 15 goals in this match against the defensive mindset that the Lions will bring to the table.

Brisbane Lions vs. Hawthorn Hawks Round 9 – Margin Tips

Either team by under 15.5 points @ $2.80 with Sportsbet

When we took a gander at the margin market, we got the feeling it’s going to be a close one. We expect the Lions to fight like hell in an emotional match that will see veteran Luke Hodge try and get one up on his old side.

Lions vs. Hawks Match Predictions

Match Result: Hawthorn Hawks to win @ $1.40 with CrownBet
Line Betting: Brisbane Lions +16.5 @ $1.92 with CrownBet

If the Lions played better last week, we would have tipped them to win, but with so much importance on the line for the Hawks, we just can’t see the Lions pulling off the upset. The match will be close, but Hawthorn has a habit of coming out on top in tight finishes. Alastair Clarkson would also wish to make up for the blunder that was last week’s match against Sydney.