Sunday football kicks off with the Eagles heading to the MCG to take on the Hawks. Jack Tobin is back on deck to give you a full preview and betting tips for the intriguing clash and remember, we’ll be bringing you a dedicated preview and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2021 season so be sure to check our AFL Betting Tips page regularly for updates.
AFL Hawthorn vs West Coast Betting Tips
MCG, Sunday 9th May, 1:10pm AEST
West Coast have once again gained the tag of ‘flat track bullies’ this season with four victories in Perth, and three losses interstate. The Eagles have a golden opportunity to head to the home of football, and pick up a win against a struggling Hawthorn outfit.
West Coast gained some confidence with a 59 point win in the Western Derby last week, whilst the Hawks come into the clash on the back of an embarrassing performance in a 69 point loss against St Kilda last week.
The Hawks should get Jaeger O’Meara and Chad Wingard back, whilst the Eagles will likely have an unchanged lineup.
Hawthorn have been exposed on multiple occasions this season by tall forwards, and there’s no better compliment of key forwards than the three headed monster of Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen. With Kyle Haritgan, Sam Frost and Tim O’Brien set to be their matchups, the Eagles forwardline could have a day out if they get enough supply.
The other big advantage the Eagles will have is in the ruck battle, the Hawks have struggled in the ruck this season, ranking 12th in the AFL for hitouts and 17th for Clearances. Coming up against Nic Nat who ranks 2nd in the AFL for clearances and 7th for hitouts, it’s difficult to see McEvoy being able to limit his influence.
These are two sides at very different stages of their development, and even with the Eagles missing some key parts in Yeo, Shuey McGovern, Barrass and Hurn, the gulf in talent between the two sides is massive.
West Coast have won three of their past four matches against Hawthorn, and in their four victories this season, the Eagles have had an average winning margin of 37. The Hawks average losing margin in their five losses this season has been 33 points. The line in this clash is pretty generous for the Hawks and seems the way to go, the Eagles won’t have any troubles beating the Hawks.
West Coast -12.5 (1.5 Units)
$1.90
Hawks Prop
Jaeger O’Meara has been outstanding for the Hawks this season averaging 28 disposals per game this season. O’Meara’s last four games in particular have been excellent with disposal returns of 34, 28, 27 and 31. The Eagles don’t run any midfielders in a defensive role, so O’Meara will have plenty of opportunities to win the footy on the wide expanses of the MCG. After being rested last week, O’Meara should be primed and ready to have another big performance at the MCG this Sunday.
Eagles Prop
Liam Duggan had a breakout season in 2020, getting midfield opportunity in the back half of the year and he’s taken that form into 2021. Duggan has spent much more time in the midfield this season with Shuey and Yeo injured, averaging 21 disposals per game in 2021. Last week against the Dockers Duggan had a season high centre bounce attendance rate of 30% with those numbers looking set to continue this week. Duggan’s ability to win the ball through the middle of the ground and at half back will give punters plenty of confidence this weekend.
