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Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks Tips - Hawks to make it seven in a row with comfortable win

adam-cusworth
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Last updated: Mon 27 Apr 2026 20:45
In the upcoming AFL Round 8, the Hawthorn Hawks, boasting a 6-1 record, aim to extend their winning streak against Collingwood Magpies. The Hawks have a solid track record, capitalizing on their strong offensive lineup led by key players such as Newcombe and Watson, who have been in excellent form. The Magpies, despite a significant ANZAC Day victory, have struggled against top-tier teams in recent times. Hawthorn's high-pressure gameplay and effective forward structure give them the edge in this match, making them the favorites.
Adam Cusworth 27 Apr 2026
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  • Hawthorn Hawks aim to extend their winning streak to seven in AFL Round 8.
  • Collingwood faces a tough challenge with Hawthorn's strong pressure and offensive lineup.
  • Key players Newcombe and Watson are pivotal for Hawks' success.
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Collingwood vs Hawthorn MCG
Mitch Lewis is one of a number of scoring options for Hawthorn (Getty Images)

Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview


Hawthorn will take their winning streak to seven with a convincing win over Collingwood to kickstart AFL Round 8.

The Hawks are one of three sides that occupy the top three spots on the ladder, coming in with 6-1 win-loss record, while the 4-3 Magpies are amongst the chasing pack in 8th position. 

Collingwood will come in with confidence after their big win over Essendon in the ANZAC Day clash but won’t be afforded anywhere near the freedom they enjoyed in that match with the Hawks pressure to be a factor in this match up, while they will punish any turnovers that Collingwood may make. 

The midfield battle will be interesting with Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury coming in with excellent form, while Hawthorn’s duo of ruckmen in Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves should see the Hawks gain ascendancy at the stoppages. 

Up forward, Hawthorn’s structure and variety give them greater avenues to goal in the Round 8 clash. Jack Gunston will be a key focal point, while Nick Watson shapes as a big threat at ground level. With Hawthorn’s offensive output much greater than the Magpies, the Hawks should be able to cover the line on offer with Mitch Lewis and Karl Amon among those to consider in player props. 

  • Hawthorn claimed the most recent encounter between the two sides by 64 points. 
  • Collingwood have lost their past eight matches against sides that made the finals in 2025. 
  • Mitch Lewis has kicked 2+ goals in three of his past four matches
  • Karl Amon had 31 disposals last weekend

Head to Head


Hawthorn were 64-point winners the last time the two sides met. Jack Gunston booted four goals, while Jai Newcombe starred with 28 disposals. The two sides have alternated wins and losses across their past nine meetings.

  • Standout player performances in recent head-to-heads have come from:
  • Jai Newcombe (Hawks) – 25+ disposals in three of his past four against the Pies
  • Jack Ginnivan (Hawks) – 25+ disposals in his past three against his former side
  • Nick Watson (Hawks) – six goals in three matches against Collingwood
  • Jamie Elliott (Pies) – five goals in Collingwood’s Round 11 win last season

Collingwood Magpies Form Analysis


Collingwood come in with a 4–3 record after their 77-point ANZAC Day win over Essendon, where they piled on 15 goals after half-time. Scott Pendlebury picked up a career-high 43 disposals in what was his 431st game, while Nick Daicos also had a day out with 42 of his own. Jordan De Goey booted three goals.

A concern heading into this match is Collingwood’s record against finalists from last season. They are 0–8 in recent home-and-away encounters against sides that made the eight in 2025.

Despite piling on 20 goals against Essendon, scoring remains a slight concern. The match against the Bombers was the first time they have broken the 100-point barrier since Round 17 last season. Dan McStay leads the goalkicking with 12 goals in 2026, while Jamie Elliott has kicked 10.

Collingwood Magpies Team News


Darcy Moore is edging closer to a return from a hamstring injury for the Magpies, who pulled up with no fresh concerns out of the Bombers match. Bobby Hill made his return at VFL level last weekend but will need more match fitness, while Jack Buller, Charlie West, and Ed Allan are among those pushing for selection with strong VFL form.

Hawthorn Hawks Form Analysis


Hawthorn sit at 6–1 in 2026 and scraped through with a three-point win over Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium in Round 6 before controlling their most recent contest with a 49-point win over the Gold Coast Suns. Their strengths are built on a high-pressure, intensity-driven game style, with strong intercept marking and forward-half territory control.

Jack Gunston returned from a one-week layoff and booted five goals, taking his tally to 24 from six matches, while livewire small forward Nick Watson added two. He now has 18 goals from seven matches in 2026.

Jai Newcombe had 31 disposals against the Suns and has recorded 25+ in four of his past five matches, finishing with 24 in the other. Karl Amon also had a game-high 31 disposals.

The Hawks head to the MCG for the fourth time this season and are unbeaten at the venue in 2026, while they have won six of their past seven at the home of footy.

Hawthorn Hawks Team News


James Sicily and Dylan Moore are set to return from suspension, adding both leadership and class. Will Day and Mabior Chol remain sidelined and are still around a month away from returning.

Verdict

Hawks too strong with Newcombe and Watson key players
Best Bet1: Hawthorn -21.5 Handicap +21.5 @-111.11 at Stake.com - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Mitch Lewis To Score 2+ goals @-117.65 at Shuffle - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Karl Amon To Have 25+ disposals @-121.95 at Legendz - 1 Unit
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