The AFL returns this weekend with two cracking matchups in NSW after the Tropical Cyclone saw both games in QLD postponed. The Swans will look to bounce back after last year’s Grand Final loss. The Pies missed the top 8 last year and will be seeking a good start against the Giants. Here is a preview of Round 0.<\/p>\n
Dean Cox is the new coach of the Swans, coming off a solid preseason win over the Suns despite missing a few key players. Last season, they suffered a heavy 60-point loss in the Grand Final against the Lions. While the Swans were the dominant team for much of the home-and-away season, they struggled late in the year and were ultimately dismantled by the Lions in the decider. Now, under Cox’s leadership, they\u2019ll be looking to quickly find their best form again. There are a couple of injuries to note, with Gulden and Mills both considered 50\/50 to play. The Swans have a strong recent record, with three straight wins over the Hawks by an average of 66 points, and they\u2019re 5-0 in round one of the AFL over the past five seasons.<\/p>\n
Hawthorn made huge strides last year, finishing 7th with 14 wins and even managed to snag a final win against the Bulldogs. They came from behind to fall just short of an unexpected preliminary final spot. To strengthen their backline, they’ve added Josh Battle and Tom Barrass this season. However, with their improvement, the Hawks will now have to deal with the pressure of being the team everyone is after, rather than the underdogs. With rising expectations, opponents will have a better idea of how to handle their exciting style of play.<\/p>\n
Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Sydney has won 4 in a row at the SCG and went 11-2 last year. Hawthorn has lost 4 of their last 5.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Swans are 6-2 against the Hawks since 2018.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n Should be a tough game but I like the Swans home record and they’re usually strong in Round 1. They’ve won their last 5 Round 1 matches. They’re 13-2 ATS in night games and have an impressive record at the SCG. Whereas the Hawks have struggled to win here recently and they have lost the last 3 meetings by an average of 66 pts.<\/p>\n Sydney -2.5 = $1.95<\/a><\/p>\n Same Game Multi<\/strong><\/p>\n The Swans have won their last 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground by a 1-39 margin and I think they’ll get the win by this margin again. Due to their good record in Round 1, I think they’ll be able to lead at halftime.<\/p>\n