MCG will play host to Monday's Round 5 AFL game between Hawthorn Hawks and Geelong Cats. The game kicks off at 3:20 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Hawthorn Hawks vs. Geelong Cats game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Monday April 18, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Hawthorn Hawks vs Geelong Cats Odds
Hawthorn Hawks vs Geelong Cats Preview
The Easter Monday showdown is always a special occasion on the footy calendar.
Plenty had question marks around Geelong’s age and whether they’d lost a step heading into the season, and while there were a few controversial moments in last week’s win over the Lions, it was encouraging to see the Cats turn in a real team performance that included five goals from Tom Hawkins and 29 disposals from Issac Smith.
The Hawks, meanwhile, played their worst game of the season against the Saints – a discouraging sign for new coach Sam Mitchell on the back of the previous week’s one-point defeat to Carlton.
Hawthorn was basically beaten at its own game from the get-go, while sloppy turnovers and errant goal-kicking also played a large part.
All of that is to be expected from one of the league’s youngest teams, and Mitchell is now charged with mounting a response, and a new game plan on one of the biggest stages of the year.
The Cats have won their last two games against the Hawks, and if the stats are anything to go by, they should be adding to that record.
Nobody has been more efficient inside 50 than Geelong so far, which doesn’t really bode well for a young Hawthorn outfit that just gave up four goals to four respective players against the Saints.
Hawthorn was also stung on the rebound last week, and we could see a similar story unfold given Geelong’s talent through the midfield.
As we’ve said, these two teams tend to put on a show, but the Cats should be too strong in the end.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Geelong Cats to win at $1.36 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Tom Hawkins at $8.50.
Hawthorn Hawks vs Geelong Cats Teams
HAWTHORN
Backs D.Grainger-Barras 24 S.Frost 8 B.Hardwick 15
Half Backs H.Morrison 1 J.Sicily 6 J.Impey 4
Centreline C.Jiath 9 C.Nash 11 J.Ward 25
Half Forwards J.Newcombe 44 J.Gunston 19 J.O’Meara – C 10
Forwards M.Lewis 2 L.Breust 22 D.Moore 13
Followers N.Reeves 37 C.Macdonald 31 T.Mitchell 3
Interchange C.Wingard 20 J.Scrimshaw 14 J.Worpel 5
D.Howe 17
Interchange F.Maginness 32 L.Shiels 26 T.Phillips 21
J.Koschitzke 23
In: – C.Wingard, L.Shiels, T.Phillips, J.Koschitzke
Out: – W.Day (Injured)
GEELONG
Backs J.Henry 38 S.De Koning 16 J.Bews 24
Half Backs T.Stewart 44 M.Blicavs 46 M.O’Connor 42
Centreline M.Duncan 22 T.Atkins 30 I.Smith 7
Half Forwards M.Holmes 9 T.Hawkins 26 T.Stengle 18
Forwards G.Miers 32 J.Cameron 5 B.Close 45
Followers R.Stanley 1 P.Dangerfield 35 C.Guthrie 29
Interchange J.Selwood – C 14 J.Kolodjashnij 8 Z.Tuohy 2
L.Dahlhaus 40
Interchange Z.Guthrie 39 E.Ratugolea 17 S.Higgins 4
B.Parfitt 3
In: – T.Stewart, J.Selwood, E.Ratugolea, S.Higgins
Out: – Q.Narkle (Injured)