The preliminary finals week of the finals series for the 2025 AFL Premiership Season kicks off this Friday night as we see an absolute classic between two old Victorian rivals as Geelong and Hawthorn go at it at the MCG. These two sides have met just the once this season way back on the classic Easter Monday clash where the Cats just got over the top by 7 points. Expect another classic this week and even better, let's get into the daily fantasy.
As always this is all about the daily fantasy and this massive final game draws a boosted $75,000 prize pool at Draftstars in their main contest. In addition, there are a variety of alternate contests:
AFL $75,000+ Cats vs Hawks at Draftstars
AFL $7,500+ Cats vs Hawks High Roller ($150 Entry) at Draftstars
AFL $3,000+ Cats vs Hawks Mini ($2 Entry) at Draftstars
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AFL Daily Fantasy Lineup Tips: Geelong vs Hawthorn Preliminary Final
AFL Fantasy Preliminary Final Cats vs Hawks: Where to Attack?
We are really getting down to the hardest games to break down as we hit the preliminary finals week. Geelong and Hawthorn are two of the hardest teams in the league to score against and both have been in blistering form through the finals series. The Hawks in particular have been locking up opposition key forwards with their big backline. They are holding the position to the lowest scoring average in the league over the last 10 games, which will be a challenge for the Cats. On the flip side, the Hawks are giving up slightly above average points to general forwards over this same period.
Both sides hold opposition midfielders to a slightly below average fantasy point average. One area that stands out to attack against the Cats is the designated kicker where they are giving up over 4 points per game above league average.
When these teams last met it was the Hawks who won the fantasy battle despite losing the game. They had four players go over 100 fantasy points while Geelong didn’t have a single player hit three figures.
Game Script – Geelong small forwards, mix midfielders, and Hawks designated kicker
AFL Fantasy Preliminary Final Cats vs Hawks: Our Value Fantasy Picks
Tyson Stengle ($8,160) is my favourite value play on this slate. Look for the Geelong smalls up forward to get on top of the Hawks. Last time these two teams played it was Shaun Mannagh, Ollie Dempsey and Tyson Stengle who did all the damage. As noted above, the Hawks are well suited to lock down on talls but the small forwards can get away from them. Stacking up two Cats smalls up forward looks a solid play with Geelong favourites to win.
Josh Battle ($9,850) makes for a nice value option in Hawks backs stacks. He is coming off a 70+ point game last week and at times will handle the kick in duties for the Hawks. If you are looking to spend up on a designated kicker to pair with him James Sicily ($12,100) or Karl Amon ($13,210) are nice premium options with Amon topping the 100 point mark the last time these two sides met.
AFL Fantasy Preliminary Final Cats vs Hawks: Our Mid Price Fantasy Picks
Jai Newcombe ($12,820) has been one of the top players through the first weeks of the finals with back to back scores of 99 and 92. Dominating on the inside, which is an area he can potentially take advantage of against the Cats who are not a strong inside team. The last time these sides played he racked up 28 touches and 118 fantasy points.
Patrick Dangerfield ($10,980) continues to be a great mid priced option in finals as the Cats look to use him much more as an inside midfielder than they did during the season. In their first final Danger attended 47% of their centre bounces, which was the most he had attended since back in round four and he put up 84 fantasy points. This is a lock and load play on this slate.
AFL Fantasy Preliminary Final Cats vs Hawks: Our Premium Fantasy Picks
Lloyd Meek ($15,230) should take advantage of the best matchup on the ground against the Cats soft ruck division. Over the last 10 games Geelong have been giving up over 9 points per game above league average, which is the most in the league. The last time Meek played the Cats he destroyed them to the tune of 115 fantasy points.
Max Holmes ($15,510)… one area where the Cats will likely get on top if they are to win is moving the ball from one end of the ground to the other and Holmes will be a huge part of that. The big sides of the MCG will open up space while the Hawks likely put more time into Bailey Smith.
Heres our Suggested Draftstars Lineup for Geelong vs Hawthorn
Weather Report for Friday 19th September
20 degrees and showers or two easing
AFL Geelong vs Hawthorn Betting Markets
Geelong ($1.54) vs Hawthorn ($2.50)
Points: 166.5
Line: Geelong -10.5
Also, be sure to check out our full AFL Geelong vs Hawthorn Preview and Betting Tips. Our experts break down the game and highlight some key bets that you can follow!
