Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies 2013 AFL Round 21 preview and tips

Expect a real taste of finals football with the opening game of round 21 of the season, set tp produce a fantastic clash between Hawthorn and Collingwood.

After a shock loss to Richmond in round 19, only their third for the season, the Hawks returned to the winner’s circle last week with a comfortable 46 point win over St. Kilda.

The Hawks have clearly had the better of Collingwood in the past, winning the last four matches between the two by margins of 22, 47, 38 and the most recent clash in round 3 this year, 55 points.

The Hawks will also by buoyed by the return of Buddy Franklin who, last time these sides met, booted four majors.

The Pies however are well placed to turn their record against Hawthorn around.

In the past fortnight the Pies have drummed Essendon and last week, ventured to Sydney to dominate Sydney 100 – 71.

Last week saw the mid-field of Collingwood back to its best and they’re capable of creating havoc for Hawthorn however, it’s defence that Collingwood will need to produce.

The Hawks have booted 20 goals or more in their last games against the Pies and it is here where they’ll struggle to contain the likes of Franklin and, in career best form, Jarryd Roughhead.

TIP: HAWTHORN 1 – 39

Odds comparison by AFL Odds:

Hawthorn Hawks	1.60	1.55	1.59	1.55	1.60	1.60
Collingwood Magpies	2.35	2.45	2.35	2.45	2.35	2.35

Teams:

Hawthorn Hawks:
B: B.Stratton B.Lake B.Guerra
HB: S.Burgoyne J.Gibson T.Duryea
C: I.Smith S.Mitchell B.Whitecross
HF: L.Hodge L.Franklin J.Gunston
F: L.Breust J.Roughead C.Rioli
FOLL:D.Hale B.Sewell J.Lewis
I/C: G.Birchall B.Hill S.Savage P.Puopolo
EMG: K.Cheney M.Bailey J.Simpkin
In: Luke Hodge, Grant Birchall, Lance Franklin
Out: Sam Grimley (omitted), Matt Spangher (omitted), Jonathan Simpkin (omitted)

Collingwood Magpies:
B: N.Brown N.Maxwell H.Shaw
HB: B.Macaffer L.Keeffe T.Goldsack
C: H.O’Brien L.Ball J.Thomas
HF: S.Sidebottom Q.Lynch J.Elliott
F: D.Beams T.Cloke B.Reid
FOLL: B.Grundy S.Pendlebury D.Swan
I/C: J.Blair B.Sinclair S.Dwyer M.Williams
EMG: B.Hudson B.Kennedy P.Seedsman