The Saturday twilight game in Round 23 of the AFL will see the Hawks clash with the Demons at the MCG. It is a must-win for Hawthorn as a tight race for finals looms over the final two rounds.
Below, we bring you our best bet, player prop, and Same Game Multi for the Hawks vs Demons, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Hawthorn vs Melbourne Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2025 Round 23
Must-Win Game for Hawks
With two games to play, Hawthorn have banked 14 wins but still could miss the finals if they lose this crucial game against Melbourne. It was a clinical dismantling of Collingwood last week as the Hawks thumped the early season premiership favourite by 64 points. Jack Gunston continues to wind back the clock, booting four goals, and ruckman Lloyd Meek was unstoppable, recording 32 hit outs against Darcy Cameron and kicking three goals. The victory was the side’s third from their past four matches with the Adelaide loss the only blemish in that time.
Demons Seeking New Coach
Finals will elude Melbourne in 2025, and the club’s focus is firmly on finding a coach to replace Simon Goodwin. Caretaker coach Troy Chaplin will not pursue the role, and it will be interesting to see how the players respond to the off-field chatter. Melbourne put up a dogged fight against the Western Bulldogs which was a positive sign for Dees fans, eventually losing by six points. Champion ruck and captain Max Gawn was scintillating with 42 hit outs, 23 disposals and a goal against the Dogs: easily the best afield for the losing side. This sets up an intriguing battle against Meek this week.
Recent History
History tells us this is a very one-sided battle in recent years with Melbourne winning four of the past five, although the Hawks were 91-56 victors back in Round 9. Gawn is usually pivotal against the Hawks and will need to be brilliant again in order to give the Dees a chance. His rival captain, James Sicily, has played well against Melbourne, usually producing around 23-27 disposals in the past few seasons.
Who Wins? Here’s Our Hawks vs Demons Tip
Hawthorn will be relying on elite ball movement, like they showed against Collingwood, in order to score in bursts against Melbourne. Both teams will make their rival pay, but the Hawks excel at intercepting the footy with Sicily, Josh Battle and Tom Barrass posing a formidable trio as part of the Hawks back six. Melbourne showed good fight against the Dogs, but this will be another test, and one we expect to see Hawthorn show some of their class as they put them away to win by four or more goals.
Hawthorn -22.5
$1.92 (2 Units)
Hawthorn vs Melbourne Prop Bet
Our Best Player Prop Bet: Sicily 25+ Disposals
James Sicily is an elite intercept mark down back, reading the ball in flight better than most in the competition. It helps him drive Hawthorn’s attack from the back half of the ground and he has had 25 or more disposals in two of his last three games.
James Sicily 25+ Disposals
$2.95
Hawthorn vs Melbourne Same Game Multi
Hawthorn to Win: Expecting the Hawks to win this match.
James Sicily 20+ Disposals: See Prop Bet but taking it at a smaller number.
Jack Gunston 3+ Goals: The prolific Hawks goalkicker has turned back the clock this season with 53 goals – he has kicked three or more in six of his past seven matches.
Same Game Multi Odds: $4.14 at Dabble
Hawthorn vs Melbourne Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 16th August
Time: 4:15pm AEST
Location: MCG, Melbourne
Odds: Hawthorn $1.30 vs Melbourne $3.60
Line: Hawthorn -22.5
Points: 163.5
Where to Watch Hawthorn vs Melbourne
You can watch the Hawks vs Demons clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our Hawthorn vs Melbourne Tips at Dabble!
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