ENGIE Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 1 AFL game between GWS Giants and Hawthorn Hawks. The game kicks off at 4:15 pm with Hawthorn Hawks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn Hawks game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday March 7, 2026 at 4:15 pm
Where: ENGIE Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
GWS Giants vs Hawthorn Hawks Odds
GWS Giants vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview
In a rematch of last season’s Elimination Final, GWS and Hawthorn launch their 2026 AFL campaigns at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Giants enter the season under a cloud, with a lengthy injury list headlined by Tom Green’s ruptured ACL. Key contributors Josh Kelly, Sam Taylor and Brent Daniels are also sidelined, leaving Adam Kingsley’s side to test its depth early in the year.
Hawthorn arrives in far better shape, although star midfielder Will Day remains unavailable as he targets a mid-season return from a shoulder injury. The Hawks will, however, welcome Jai Newcombe after his preseason suspension was overturned. Newcombe starred the last time these sides met, collecting 32 disposals and 12 clearances in Hawthorn’s 107–88 finals victory, a performance that helped halt a late Giants surge. With momentum from that September clash, the Hawks will look to make another fast start.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Hawthorn Hawks to win at $1.53 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Toby Greene at $11.00.