Hawthorn has been installed a $1.52 favourite versus Geelong at $2.50 in the opening market for next Friday night’s preliminary final blockbuster.

Geelong booked its final four spot with a come-from-behind win over Port Adelaide setting up the most anticipated clash of the finals series.

Port Adelaide’s fairytale season looked like continuing when they led by 23 points at half time but the Cats class overpowered them in the second half to win by 16 points. All was not lost for fans who backed Port at Centrebet with the AFL money back special going off, refunding more than $12,000 back to punters.

Hawthorn will start a clear favourite on Friday night despite not beating Geelong since the 2008 Grand Final.

“On form Hawthorn should win easily but the Cats have a mental edge over them and lift every time they play the Hawks,” Centrebet’s Michael Felgate said.

“The Cats players made a pact never to lose to Hawthorn again after the 08 Grand Final and since then they have won 11 in a row so I think we will see plenty of money for Geelong at $2.50.”

Punters can expect another tight contest with the Cat’s average winning margin in their last 11 clashes just 7.8 points. The line is currently -12.5 points at Centrebet.

PRELIMINARY FINAL
Centrebet Market

Hawthorn $1.52 Line -12.5 – $1.90
Geelong $2.50 Line +12.5 – $1.90

AFL PREMIERSHIP MARKET

Hawthorn $2.25
Fremantle $3.50
Geelong $4.00
Sydney $8.50
Carlton $31.00

CENTREBET’S AFL FINALS MONEY BACK SPECIAL – IF YOUR TEAM LEADS AT HALF TIME BUT LOSES YOU GET YOUR MONEY BACK

Money refunded so far:

Richmond – $20,545
Port Adelaide – $11,747