Hawthorn Hawks vs Fremantle Dockers | AFL Round 24 Preview

As the AFL season draws to a close, the Hawthorn Hawks and Fremantle Dockers are set to face off in what might not be the most talked-about match of the round, but one that promises an attractive brand of football nonetheless. Scheduled for Saturday, August 26, at 1:45pm (AEST), this match will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Both teams have had their fair share of challenges this season, reflected in their recent forms. The Hawks’ last five matches have seen them secure two wins and three losses (LLWWL), while the Dockers have faced similar struggles, also winning two out of their last five matches (LWLWL).

Recent Form (Last Five Matches)
Hawthorn Hawks (LLWWL):

R19: Richmond 96-95 Hawthorn
R20: Hawthorn 93-122 St Kilda
R21: Hawthorn 105-73 Collingwood
R22: Hawthorn 67-64 Western Bulldogs
R23: Melbourne 87-60 Hawthorn

Fremantle Dockers (LWLWL):

R19: Fremantle 76-105 Sydney
R20: Geelong 64-71 Fremantle
R21: Fremantle 74-77 Brisbane Lions
R22: West Coast 33-134 Fremantle
R23: Fremantle 58-74 Port Adelaide

Head to Head (Last Five Matches)

R8 2023: Dockers 117-48 Hawks
R13 2022: Dockers 95-82 Hawks
R17 2021: Hawks 46-108 Dockers
R4 2021: Dockers 96-81 Hawks
R11 2020: Dockers 48-32 Hawks

Points of Discussion
While this match might not have significant finals implications, there are several points to consider:

1. Attractive Football: Despite their positions on the ladder, both teams are known for playing an attractive and entertaining brand of football. Particularly, Hawthorn has showcased their flair in their gameplay with their handball happy and fast ball movement style.
2. Final Round Energy: The last round of the season often brings unexpected outcomes, as teams play with a different kind of energy. This can lead to surprising results, adding an element of excitement  and freedom to the match.
3. Incentive Factor: With both sides out of finals contention, there might be less pressure and more room for experimentation. This could result in a more open and free-flowing game, but also a poor start might mean a side throws in the towel early.
4. Home Advantage: Hawthorn’s form alone has been outstanding, let alone their form at their home ground in the MCG. They’ve 2-1 against top 4 sides when playing at the MCG, with that solidary loss being against the Demons last week, where they were probably the better side for 3 quarters before the class of the Demons overcame them. That’s just an example of how well they can play at home. Against an interstate side with nothing to play for and may well start flat, I expect this to be a big advantage today.
5. James Sicily: Yes, no one player can be THAT important, especially just a undersized backman? But if you look at the games in which Sicily has missed this year through suspension vs the ones he has played (especially in the 2nd half of the season) you can see the difference is huge. With him in the side they’ve taken it to the best and either won or come close in matches that experts and fans never thought they’d get close in. Without him, they’ve been completely annhiliated. With him today, plus the advantages mentioned above. Expect the Hawks to win today.

Tip: Hawks to Cover the -7.5 Handicap
While this match might lack the high-stakes drama of a finals-bound encounter, it still presents an opportunity for punters. Considering Hawthorn’s strong home form, low motivation for the Dockers and the attractive style of football Hawthorn bring to the table in what should be an open match, the Hawks are positioned to cover the -7.5 handicap.