Determinant
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- Jan 9, 2012
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Highly rated GWS Giants grabbed a much-needed win over a fellow title contender in round 4. After coming out of the AFL’s hiatus with losses to the Kangaroos by 20 points and Bulldogs by 24 points, the Giants improved to 2-2 with a Toby Greene–led two-point eclipse of the Magpies.
GWS was on the third line of premiership betting alongside Richmond as of this week – but fans and pundits will be expecting further improvement from this ultra-talented squad.
Hawthorn Hawks are still floating around the second tier of premiership hopefuls after crafting a 3–1 record to nab a share of second spot on the AFL ladder.
After thumping Richmond by 32 points – including a five-goals-to-none first quarter – the Hawks held on for a nervous four-point win over North Melbourne in round 4, almost bottling a 21-point three-quarter-time lead. Chad Wingard has been in fine touch, kicking three goals in both victories.
GWS has notched three wins and a draw in nine encounters with Hawthorn since joining the competition in 2012. But despite the Giants reaching the finals and the Hawks missing out in 2019, the Hawks racked up resounding wins in both the clubs’ regular-season encounters: by 33 points at the MCG in round 8 and 56 points in Canberra in round 21. GWS managed just nine goals combined in the two dismal defeats – including just one second-half goal. Meanwhile, Hawthorn’s James Sicily picked up two Brownlow votes in both games.
The Giants were warm favourites midweek, no doubt on reputation and potential more than form. The Hawks have real momentum and are capable of landing another big scalp to entrench themselves in the top four.
AFL footy tips: round 5
Head-to-head: Hawthorn
Best bet: Line – Hawthorn +7.5