Round 22 in the 2025 AFL season kicks off on Thursday night with an absolute blockbuster at the MCG between Hawthorn and Collingwood. It’s a match with massive finals implications for both clubs, so you can expect a fierce battle that’s also highly entertaining.
Below, we bring you our best bet, player prop, and Same Game Multi for the Hawks vs Magpies, with odds thanks to BetReal - a brand-new Aussie sportsbetting site we think you'll love!
Hawthorn vs Collingwood Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2025 Round 22
Bitter Blows for the Hawks
The stakes are sky-high as Hawthorn and Collingwood kick off Round 22 of the AFL season under the Thursday night lights of the MCG. For the Hawks, a spot in the top 8 is on the line, but their finals aspirations have been dealt a massive blow with the news that star midfielder Will Day will miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury. The 24-year-old suffered the injury in last weekend's heartbreaking 14-point loss to the Crows, a result that has left Hawthorn in a precarious position. Day's absence will be keenly felt in the Hawthorn engine room, and his creativity and class will be difficult to replace as they head into a crucial run of games to end the season.
Collingwood Wobbling
The Magpies are looking to steady the ship after a wobbly few weeks. They have lost three of their last four games and are now in danger of slipping out of the top four. Last weekend's 27-point loss to the Lions at the MCG was their biggest of the season since the opening round, and it has raised some concerns about their premiership credentials. In some welcome news for the black and white army, veteran defender Jeremy Howe is set to return from a groin injury to bolster their backline. His experience and intercept marking will be a welcome addition as they look to get their season back on track.
What’s at Stake?
With just three games remaining in the home and away season, this is a must-win game for both clubs. The Hawks will likely need to win at least two of their last three games to secure a finals berth, and with a daunting trip to the Gabba to face the Lions in the final round, they will be desperate to get the four points on Thursday night. For the Magpies, their top-four spot is now very much up for grabs. They will need to win at least two of their last three games to guarantee a double chance, and they will be looking to build some momentum heading into a tough clash with the ladder-leading Crows next week.
Who Secures the Win? Here's Our Hawthorn vs Collingwood Tip
This promises to be a classic encounter between two old rivals with everything to play for. Neither team is in scintillating form, but the intensity will be at fever pitch. There will be big swings of momentum throughout the contest, and it is shaping up to be a tight finish. The tip is for either team to win by less than 15.5 points.
Either Team by Less Than 15.5 Points
$2.50 (1 Unit)
Hawthorn vs Collingwood Prop Bet, Vintage Steele
Our Best Player Prop Bet: Sidebottom 25+ Disposals
Going for a big value play here for our best prop bet by taking Steele Sidebottom for 25+ disposals at more than 5-1 odds. He’s averaging 22.2 disposals this season and had 27 and 2 goals against the Hawks earlier this season (Round 12). The Hawks have a weaker midfield with Will Day not there, and with Coach Sam Mitchell likely to put a lot of work into Nick Daicos, I can see Steele getting busy.
Steele Sidebottom 25+ Disposals
$5.20
Hawthorn vs Collingwood Same Game Multi
Steele Sidebottom 20+ Disposals: See Best Prop Bet above.
Jack Ginnivan 20+ Disposals: Always gets up to play against his old side and had an absolute blinder in their Round 12 meeting with 30 touches and 3 goals. He’s also had 20+ disposals in 3 of his last 4 games.
Jamie Elliot 2+ Goals: Dominated this matchup a couple of months ago with a big bag of 5 goals. He’s been a little bit quieter in recent games but clearly likes this matchup.
Same Game Multi Odds: $4.33 at Dabble
Hawthorn vs Collingwood Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday 7th August
Time: 7:30pm AEST
Location: MCG, Melbourne
Weather: 13 degrees, partly cloudy
Odds: Hawthorn $2.30 vs Collingwood $1.62
Line: Collingwood –7.5
Points: 160.5
Where to Watch Hawthorn vs Collingwood
You can watch the Hawks vs Magpies on Channel 7 or live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our Hawthorn vs Collingwood Tips at Dabble!
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