As both teams prepare for Saturday’s AFL Grand Final, Hawthorn has drifted in betting with leading Australian bookmaker Eskander’s Betstar, as punters continue to warm to Fremantle.

[include file=”inpost_adrotator.php”]

Hawthorn opened at $1.57 but has since moved out to $1.65.

“The Hawks are clear favourites to win on Saturday and while there was money early for them, in the last two days they have begun to drift slightly from $1.57 out to $1.65,” Betstar’s Alan Eskander said.

“Fremantle on the other has shortened from $2.45 into $2.35, and I expect more money to come for the Dockers later in the week. It’s going to be a great contest and I think most punters think this Grand Final is going to go down to the wire.”

In Norm Smith betting Nathan Fyfe is the favourite at $8, while Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge is an $8.50 chance.

“Fyfe has had an outstanding season and despite being ineligible, he polled 18 votes in the Brownlow medal count,” Eskander said.

“He has been Fremantle’s best player this year and their most consistent so it’s no surprise he’s the $8 favourite for the Norm Smith medal. Next in betting is Luke Hodge at $8.50. He’s a proven big game performer and there is no doubt he could very well claim his second Norm Smith medal.”

Meanwhile just hours after Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett was crowned the 2013 Brownlow medallist, the prolific midfielder was installed as the favourite to take out next year’s award.

“Ablett was the overwhelming favourite this year and true to form he took out the award on Monday night,” Eskander said.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he added a third Brownlow to his long list of accolades, and as it stands he’s currently $6 to win next year.

“He isn’t showing any signs of slowing down at 29-year-of-age and it’s incredible that he continues to poll well in the Brownlow despite having played in a side over the past three years that has never made the top eight.”