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 for the Hawks, facing a daunting task against a somewhat vulnerable Cats team at their 2024 fortress. The Hawks have the potential to make finals and are among the top four sides in form.
The Cats improved against the Bombers but were not entirely convincing. They rely on quick transitions and speed through the middle for inside 50 entries. However, their older lineup struggles with contested footy, which the Hawks must exploit.
The Hawks should focus on physical, crash-and-bash football to create quick inside 50 entries and disrupt the Cats’ defense. Their strong defensive effort, as shown in keeping the Eagles to four goals, could help them contain the Cats.
Most of the Hawks’ core hasn’t played at GMHBA, adding an element of the unknown. It’s a clash of experience versus youth, likely decided in the first half due to the pressure on both sides.
The Cats were dominant earlier in the year, but the situation has changed. While the Cats have regained some form, making this a tough challenge, the Hawks could secure a September ticket with a win. However, the Cats are the safer bet, albeit without much confidence.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Geelong Cats to win at $1.57 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Mitch Lewis at $11.
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)