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Hawthorn vs GWS Giants Tips - Who can take out heavyweight clash between a couple of the premiership fancies?

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 27 Mar 2025

Adam Cusworth 27 Mar 2025

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Hawthorn and GWS Giants are set to clash in Launceston, both unbeaten this season.
Hawthorn has a strong form, winning 15 of their last 18 matches, while GWS has secured 9 wins out of 12.
Key players like Jai Newcombe and Jesse Hogan will play crucial roles in what promises to be another close encounter.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Dylan Moore of the Hawks is tackled by Toby McMullin of the Giants during the 2024 AFL Round 13 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the GWS GIANTS at UTAS Stadium on June 08, 2024 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Hawthorn vs GWS Giants Preview

A couple of the competition’s 2025 premiership fancies, Hawthorn and GWS, square off in Launceston on Saturday night.

Both sides are unbeaten with Hawthorn claiming their first three matches, while the Giants have won two, while they come into this fresh off the bye.

Hawthorn’s wins have come against Sydney, Essendon and Carlton. They produced when it mattered in Round 2 against the Blues, clearing out late to a 20-point win with Jai Newcombe in hot form with 32 disposals, while Mabior Chol, Nick Watson, Blake Hardwick and Jack Gunston were multiple goalkickers.

GWS defeated Collingwood in easy fashion in the Opening Round, before a late goal from the journeyman, Lachie Keefe, sealed a four-point win over Melbourne in Round 1.

Both sides love to move the ball quick and their ability to attack and defend from turnover situations will be pivotal.

The two sides have had a series of close matches against one another in recent times and this shapes as no exception. With their record at the venue, Hawthorn can maintain their unbeaten run.

Hawthorn claimed the Round 13 encounter at the venue last year by six points
The past six matches between the two sides have been decided by 22 points or less
The Giants Lachie Whitfield and Hawthorn’s Jai Newcombe average more than 25 disposals per game in the last four contests between the two sides.
Hawthorn have been the form side of the competition since turning things around in the middle of 2024. They have now won 15 of their past 18 matches

Head to Head

Hawthorn claimed the Round 13 encounter at the venue last year by six points, courtesy of a late snap from Luke Breust. The Hawks then threw away victory in Round 21 at Manuka Oval, conceeding late goals with GWS sneaking home by two points.

The past six matches between the two sides have been decided by 22 points or less. Jesse Hogan was instrumental in the Giants win late last year and has booted 12 goals in his past four against Hawthorn.

The Giants Lachie Whitfield and Hawthorn’s Jai Newcombe average more than 25 disposals per game in the last four contests between the two sides.

Hawthorn have never lost a home game to the Giants, winning two of three at the venue and drawing the other.

Hawthorn Form Analysis

Hawthorn have been the form side of the competition since turning things around in the middle of 2024. They have now won 15 of their past 18 matches. Their three victories this season have been between 20 and 26 points.

The Hawks top the competition for goals scored in their past 10 matches, going at just under a very healthy 17 goals per game. Hawthorn also rank highly for disposals (2nd). Jai Newcombe has been the standout with just under 28 disposals per game in that period.

The Giants are one side that has defeated Hawthorn in the period since mid 2024 with Jesse Hogan taking a hold. But the Hawks have bolstered their key posts in defence with the additions of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass and they are conceding less than 75 points per game so far this season.

Hawthorn Team News

Hawthorn lose their gut-running half-forward, Connor MacDonald, from the side that defeated Carlton last weekend. He joins James Worpel on the sidelines, while Jack Scrimshaw still has two matches left to serve in his current suspension. Luke Breust is in the mix to replace MacDonald after booting three goals in the Hawks VFL win over Carlton last weekend. Henry Hustwaite was prominent in that match with 30 disposals and was one of the Hawks emergencies against Carlton. James Worpel will make his return after the bye.

Hawthorn Team List

B: T.Barrass, B.Hardwick, J.Sicily - C

HB: C.Jiath, J.Impey, M.D’Ambrosio

C: K.Amon, J.Ward, J.Battle

HF: C.Mackenzie, N.Watson, C.Nash

F: F.Maginness, M.Chol, W.Day

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, D.Moore

I/C: J.Weddle, J.Gunston, H.Morrison, J.Ginnivan, L.Breust

EMG: S.Mitchell, J.Serong, H.Hustwaite

In: L.Breust

Out: C.Macdonald (Injured)

GWS Giants Form Analysis

GWS have won nine of their past 12 matches. They rank 3rd for scoring over their past 10 and 4th for clearances. This is their best chance to get on top against a Hawthorn side that were beaten by Essendon and Carlton at the clearances.

Jesse Hogan has kicked 32 goals in his past 10 matches, second only to Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron. Adam Kingsley’s side were on fire in interstate matches in 2023 but dropped off last year, only winning three of their past nine, including one at UTAS Stadium

GWS Giants Team News

GWS have a host of key players back in the mix for a return and should be fresh after the bye in Round 2. Kieran Briggs (concussion), Jesse Hogan (thumb) and Jake Stringer (hamstring) are likely to be available, while Toby McMullin, Jake Riccardi and Harvey Thomas can return from suspension. Brent Daniels faces a fitness test after injuring his hip against Melbourne.

GWS Giants Team List

B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg

HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash

C: F.Callaghan, J.Kelly, S.Coniglio

HF: T.Greene - C, J.Stringer, B.Daniels

F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, A.Cadman

FOLL: K.Briggs, T.Bedford, T.Green

I/C: X.O’Halloran, L.Keeffe, C.Stone, C.Ward, J.Wehr

EMG: J.Leake, C.Angove, L.Aleer

In: J.Stringer, J.Hogan, K.Briggs

Out: C.Brown (Omitted), M.Gruzewski (Omitted), J.Leake (Omitted)

Verdict

Hawthorn v Greater Western Sydney

These sides can feature in another close one with Hawthorn getting the upper hand. Jai Newcombe to continue good form.

Hawthorn 1-39

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