Hawthorn v Brisbane tips, predictions & odds, AFL Rd 1 Picks

Hawthorn will go in as underdogs in betting against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Sunday afternoon, as the strange AFL opening round continues.

Globally the sporting world has been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic, but the professional Aussie Rules competition in Australia has chosen to begin its season, albeit with reduced match times and a shorter season.

Over the opening matches we have seen a trend of fewer possessions gathered, largely because of the shorter quarters, and bigger key forwards struggling to exert themselves on games, maybe because of the frenetic pace we have seen.

With this knowledge in our back pocket we will attempt to unpick the mystery around the Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions betting, which sees the Lions narrow favourites at $1.85, while arguably the most successful club of the modern era, Hawthorn, is priced at $1.95.

Hawthorn will unveil Jon Patton after his switch from GWS, with the key forward looking in fine fitness after his latest comeback from a serious knee injury. Key defender Sam Frost, who was squeezed out of Melbourne, is the other new face in the Hawks line-up.

Brisbane will unveil a star recruit of their own with old hand Grant Birchall set to make his debut against his former club, with the classy left-footer likely to play off half-back, replacing another former Hawk Luke Hodge, who ended his two-year stint at the Lions after last season.

Below we will unveil our best bets and tips ahead of the Hawthorn v Lions clash at the MCG, due to start at 3.40PM AEST.

Hawks v Lions betting odds

Head to head odds: Hawks ($1.85) v Lions ($1.95)
Line betting: Hawks -1.5 ($1.90) v Lions +1.5 ($1.90)
1st goalscorer odds: Charlie Cameron $8, Luke Bruest $9.50, Eric Hipwood $12, Jack Gunston $13, Jon Patton $14, Lincoln McCarty $17

Hawthorn vs Brisbane best bet tips

Any match that involves Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson being an underdog needs to be approached with caution, especially early in the season. He has a way of getting the Hawks up and about, but all the news out of Brisbane has also been positive so far in 2020, after their drought breaking finals appearance. Read on for our Hawks v Lions betting tips and winner prediction:

Jon Patton most goals for Hawthorn $11

It might be a while since we’ve seen Jon Patton at AFL level, but he has been fit for a good stint this time around, after making himself unavailable for the Giants’ finals campaign, to ready himself for his Hawks career. He looks trim and moved well in the pre-season and the $11 on offer at Unibet looks tremendous value.

Lachie Neale to get most possessions in the game

Brisbane Star Lachie Neale knocked up getting possessions last season, and is likely to be as influential this year. The big unknown in this market is the return of Hawks Brownlow Medallist and prolific ball-winner Tom Mitchell from a broken leg. Bookies have Mitchell favourite to win this category, but we think Neale at around $3.50 is better value. Tip Neale with confidence.

Hawthorn v Brisbane prediction 22/3/2020

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Brisbane have the wood over Hawthorn in recent times, and we’re tipping this trend to continue. Our tip is based on the Lions greater depth and pace through the midfield, which looks to be key with the frenetic pace of the shortened quarters. Our final Hawthorn v Brisbane prediction? Lions by 17 points.

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