JLT: Hawthorn v Geelong

Hawthorn v Geelong
Friday February 17, 7:40pm
at University of Tasmania Stadium

One can be forgiven if you cannot recognise this Hawthorn side. No Jordan Lewis (Melbourne), Sam Mitchell (West Coast) or Luke Hodge (Rested) opens the door for round 1 spots. One name in particular which will excite Hawks fans is that of Jaeger O’Meara who will be making his club debut in Tasmania. The Cats have also named fresh faces for this match with former Blue, Zach Tuohy and former Roo, Aaron Black making club debuts. Tuohy is seen as a like for like replacement for retired champion Corey Enright, though the Wolf thinks Enright is as close to irreplaceable as it gets in the AFL.

What To Expect

If 2016 season results are anything to go by, expect an extremely tight match here in Tasmania. Who can forget last years Qualifying final where Isaac Smith sprayed his set shot after the siren to hand Geelong the win. The Wolf expects this match to be the most competitive fixture of the opening round with neither side to reach a comfortable lead. The Hawks have the slight edge given the match is in their second home of Tasmania and should have the home crowd support.

Rising Star Watch

The Hawks have two contenders to keep an eye on here. Ryan Burton ($21) showed his versatility playing up forward and down back for the Hawks in 2016 and did not look out of place. The other is Kieran Lovell ($21) who actually opened at $101. The Wolf has heard Lovell is a ball magnet who enjoys winning contested possessions – something the Hawks desperately need. For the Cats, youngster James Parsons ($101) is their best hope. Anyone recruited by Stephen Wells must be respected and this young Cat was outstanding at VFL level in 2016 and represents outstanding value if he can get a spot come round 1.

How It’s Shaping Up

Hawks by 4

Recommended Bets
Best: Hawthorn 1-24 ($3.60)
Other: Wire to Wire – Any Other Result ($1.97)