MCG will play host to Saturday's Round 21 AFL game between Hawthorn Hawks and Collingwood Magpies. The game kicks off at 4:35 pm with Collingwood Magpies heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Hawthorn Hawks vs. Collingwood Magpies game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday August 5, 2023 at 4:35 pm

Where: MCG

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies Odds

Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies Preview

The Pies will put their outstanding 5-0 record on the back of a loss to the test this week when they take on 16th placed Hawthorn at the ‘G.

For the first time in what feels like forever, Collingwood was unable to overcome a third-quarter deficit against the Blues last week – Craig McRae’s side the victims of some wayward kicking in front of goal, and some firce pressure from Carlton in the 17-point defeat.

The Hawks, meanwhile, played St Kilda back into form with a 29-point loss.

Sam Mitchell’s side found themselves on the back foot trailing by six goals at the end of the first term, but brown and gold fans should feel good about the fact they lost by only four points to Collingwood when they met last year.

On the selection front, McRae has some decisions to make this week with Ash Johnson and Jack Ginnivan putting up good numbers in the VFL, while Mitchell could also make some changes Jack Scrimshaw racking up the disposals last week for Box Hill.

Stats-wise, the Pies have averaged close to four more scoring shots a game compared to the Hawks, alongside the fact they’ve been a much more efficient team when it comes to marking the ball inside 50.

In some ways, last week’s loss could be seen as a positive for Collingwood – perhaps providing a nice reality check with the finals not far off.

The Hawks can be a tough out when their fierce attacking brand of footy works out, and it’s worth noting they’ve covered the line in five straight games against the Pies at the MCG.

Collingwood will be out to prove a point, but considering three of their last five wins have come by no more than 12 points, the Hawks with a head-start looks a nice bet.

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