Hawthorn v Fremantle Preview, UTAS Stadium

A mammoth clash in Launceston. Hawthorn’s golden run came to an abrupt end in Geelong
last week after being belted by the Cats. Adding to the pain of defeat was losing key forward
MItch Lewis to an ACL rupture in his first game back from a long-term hamstring injury.
Captain James Sicily is back after missing the trip to the Cattery. The Hawks have defied
expectations this season to be pressing for a top-eight berth, but need to keep winning to be
any chance of playing finals for the first time since 2018. UTAS Stadium has been a happy
hunting ground for the Hawks, while third-placed Fremantle make the long trip down. Ruck
Sean Darcy joins captain Alex Pearce on the sidelines for the Dockers. If Fremantle can win
in Tasmania, it will go a long way towards booking a top-four finish.

As we head into this clash at UTAS Stadium, both Hawthorn and Fremantle find themselves looking to solidify their position heading into the back end of the season. Hawthorn showed flashes of promise in their recent outings, especially in their contested ball work, but consistency across four quarters remains an issue. Fremantle, on the other hand, has tightened up defensively and is capitalising on turnovers, giving their midfield some much-needed support.

A look at previous matchups between these two sides shows a fairly even contest in recent years, with the Dockers edging out a few close wins. However, the Hawks have found a bit of rhythm when playing at UTAS, giving them some confidence heading into this fixture. The younger players are starting to find their feet, which could be key as the team builds for the future.

For those exploring AFL betting tips, it’s worth noting how each side performs in low-pressure games versus high-stakes moments. Recent trends suggest tighter margins and second-half surges. While the prediction models may give Fremantle a slight edge, the unique conditions in Launceston often lead to unexpected outcomes something punters might want to factor into their AFL tips this week.

TIP: Hawthorn by 13 points, Jai Newcombe for 25 or more possessions