Marvel Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 8 AFL game between Essendon Bombers and Hawthorn Hawks. The game kicks off at 7:25 pm with Hawthorn Hawks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Essendon Bombers vs. Hawthorn Hawks game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday May 7, 2022 at 7:25 pm
Where: Marvel Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks Odds
Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview
The Bombers and the Hawks reignite their long-time rivalry this Saturday at Marvel in what is shaping to be a tell-all game for several reasons.
Essendon’s season is in tatters on the back of last week’s blowout loss to the Bulldogs, and it’s fair to say the pressure on Ben Rutten will only grow stronger if his side is to lose its fourth straight game.
The Dons have easily been the biggest disappointment of the 2022 season, while on the flip side, there’s an argument to be made that the Hawks have been the most surprising.
Sam Mitchell turned in a coaching clinic reminiscent of Alastair Clarkson last week in his sides’ 10-point loss to Melbourne, a performance the Hawks will be looking to build on against a Bombers outfit lacking basic direction and confidence.
Hawthorn’s forward line has looked dangerous in spurts so far this season, while their aggressive attacking style has also stopped teams from rebounding against them.
Like a few other games, the market here is interesting.
The Hawks have been one of the best teams to bet on at the line this season, covering in five of their seven games so far.
Based on everything we’ve seen from the Bombers defensively, -7.5 looks very, very generous.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Hawthorn Hawks to win at $1.64 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Jack Gunston at $8.50.
Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks Teams
BOMBERS
B: J.Laverde, J.Kelly, M.Redman
HB: N.Hind, J.Ridley, D.Heppell
C: D.Shiel, D.Parish, T.Cutler
HF: M.Guelfi, A.Waterman, N.Martin
F: N.Bryan, P.Wright, A.Perkins
FOLL: S.Draper, Z.Merrett, A.McGrath
I/C: Z.Reid, J.Caldwell, B.Hobbs, S.Durham
EMG: B.Zerk-Thatcher, B.Ham, K.Baldwin, A.Francis
IN: N.Hind, N.Bryan
OUT: J.Stringer, N.Cox (both injured), K.Baldwin (omitted)
HAWKS
B: J.Scrimshaw, S.Frost, L.Bramble
HB: W.Day, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick
C: J.Impey, T.Mitchell, C.Wingard
HF: F.Maginness, J.Koschitzke, D.Moore
F: J.O’Meara, J.Callow, L.Breust
FOLL: M.Lynch, J.Newcombe, J.Ward
I/C: J.Worpel, H.Morrison, J.Gunston, D.Grainger-Barras
EMG: D.Howe, C.Nash, C.Macdonald, L.Shiels
IN: J.Ward, H.Morrison, D.Grainger-Barras
OUT: L.Shiels, C.Nash, C.Macdonald (all managed), D.Howe (sub)