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
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
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.
Its undeniable the Hawks have the potential to make finals in 2024, and on form, theyre 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.
Weve come to learn quite quickly the older build of the side isnt 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 theyve 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 cant keep the Cats quiet up forward.
This Hawks core hasnt played at GMHBA yet, so its quite new for most apart from a few that got a run there in 2020.
Its 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 theyve regained a bit of form, and at GMHBA, its 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
We're tipping Geelong Cats to win at $1.53 odds.
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)