GMHBA Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 17 AFL game between Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks. The game kicks off at 4:35 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn Hawks game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday July 6, 2024 at 4:35 pm

Where: GMHBA Stadium

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Geelong Cats vs Hawthorn Hawks Odds

Geelong Cats vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview

This is an early Elimination Final if there ever was one for the Hawks, facing one of the most daunting tasks in footy against a Cats team that has looked somewhat vulnerable at their fortress in 2024.

It’s undeniable the Hawks have the potential to make finals in 2024, and on form, they’re easily in the top four sides in the competition.

The Cats turned their form around against the Bombers but were still not super convincing through parts of the game.

The Cats only have one effective method of play, quick transition, and speed through the middle to generate inside 50 entries.

We’ve come to learn quite quickly the older build of the side isn’t built for contested footy, which is where the Hawks need to capitalise on.

Crash and bash football will open the ground up for the Hawks, and they’ve been quite efficient at creating quick inside 50 entries to cause a bit of chaos.

They kept the Eagles to only four goals, and with a defensive effort like that, there is no reason they can’t keep the Cats quiet up forward.

This Hawks core hasn’t played at GMHBA yet, so it’s quite new for most apart from a few that got a run there in 2020.

It’s experience against youth and energy, and this game may be decided in the first half with so much pressure on the line for both sides.

The Cats were far too good for the Hawks early in the year, but everything has flipped since that point.

The Hawks have probably got the Cats one week too late as they’ve regained a bit of form, and at GMHBA, it’s a massive challenge to overcome.

The Cats in this one, but not with a lot of confidence, and with that being said if the Hawks get up, you can probably book a September ticket.

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Geelong Cats vs Hawthorn Hawks Tip

Geelong Cats vs Hawthorn Hawks Teams

CATS

B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: M.Duncan, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie

C: Z.Tuohy, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey

HF: T.Stengle, G.Rohan, G.Miers

F: B.Close, S.Neale, J.Cameron

FOLL: M.Blicavs, P.Dangerfield – C, T.Atkins

I/C: J.Bowes, S.Mannagh, L.Humphries, O.Henry, M.Knevitt

EMG: J.Bews, J.Clark, R.Stanley

IN: S.Mannagh, O.Henry

OUT: M.O’Connor (Omitted), J.Clark (Omitted)

HAWKS

B: J.Scrimshaw, S.Frost, K.Amon

HB: C.Jiath, J.Weddle, H.Morrison

C: J.Impey, C.Mackenzie, C.Nash

HF: B.Hardwick, J.Newcombe, J.Ginnivan

F: L.Breust, M.Lewis, J.Gunston

FOLL: L.Meek, W.Day, D.Moore – C

I/C: M.Chol, C.Macdonald, N.Watson, J.Worpel, M.D’Ambrosio

EMG: S.Mitchell, M.Ramsden, J.Serong

IN: L.Breust, M.Lewis

OUT: J.Sicily (Injured), C.Dear (Injured)