The second of today’s AFL Round 5 matches is between Hawthorn Hawks and North Melbourne Kangaroos. The opening bounce is set to commence at 4:40pm local time with the game to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The home team Hawthorn are the current favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the match between Hawthorn Hawks and North Melbourne Kangaroos.

Round: Round 5 4:40 PM April 28, 2013
Stadium: MCG
Weather: 24° Partly cloudy.

Featured Bookmakers:

Hawthorn Hawks $1.19 vs North Melbourne Kangaroos $4.90 at Sportsbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match

Hawthorn Hawks $1.19 vs North Melbourne Kangaroos $4.85 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match

Odds Comparison:

Hawthorn Hawks	1.19	1.18	1.19	1.18	1.19	1.19
North Melbourne Kangaroos	4.90	4.85	4.85	4.85	4.90	4.90

Preview:

Thankfully, the other game on Sunday and the final one of round 5, will be a game of a high standard and one worth catching.

After losing their opening round to rivals Geelong by seven points, the Hawks have since demonstrated why they are Premiership favourites with wins over West Coast, Collingwood and last week Fremantle by 50, 55 and 42 points respectively.

North had the unenviable task of facing Collingwood, Geelong and Sydney in their opening three rounds this season but the Kangas made a good fist of it and lead in each game before being run down last on each occasion.

They registered a much deserved and need win last week by handing the Brisbane Lions a 63 point hiding.

But that reprieve of facing quality opposition is only short-lived with Hawthorn waiting for them Sunday.
As they did in the first three rounds, North will give a good account of themselves but will be unable to stop the Hawks in their current form.
Teams:

Hawthorn Hawks:
B: Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Luke Hodge
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Brad Hill
HF: Luke Breust, Lance Franklin, Paul Puopolo
F: Liam Shiels, Jarryd Roughead, David Hale
Foll: Max Bailey, Jordan Lewis, Cyril Rioli
I/C from: Jack Gunston, Matt Spangher, Shane Savage M.Osborne, Brent Guerra, Jordan Kelly, Kyle Cheney

IN: Brent Guerra, Brian Lake, Matt Spangher, Kyle Cheney, Jordan Kelly
OUT: Ryan Schoenmakers, Taylor Duryea

North Melbourne Kangaroos:
B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Aaron Mullett, Nathan Grima, Jamie Macmillan
C: Daniel Wells, Shaun Atley, Sam Wright
HF: Ryan Bastinac, Ben Cunnington, Taylor Hine
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Leigh Adams
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
I/C from: Brad McKenzie, Liam Anthony, Lachie Hansen, Will Sierakowski, Aaron Black, Majak Daw, Sam Gibson

IN: Will Sierakowski, Aaron Black, Brad McKenzie
OUT: nil

 Hale extends contract with Hawks till 2014

Veteran ruckman David Hale has signed a new one-year deal to remain with Hawthorn until the end of the 2014 AFL season.

It will be the 28-year-old’s fourth year with the Hawks after moving from North Melbourne for the 2011 season.

“I’m getting a little bit older, so it was good to tie in another year,” Hale said.

“Hopefully I can keep playing good footy and have some success here in the coming years.”

Hale will come up against his old side in round five on Sunday at the MCG.

The last time the sides met Hawks forward Buddy Franklin slotted 13 goals in a 115-point flogging.

Hale said he was still motivated to perform well against his former teammates.

“You want to do well and perform well against your old mates,” he said.

“I spent a long time there, so I’ve got some good memories, but I’ve been at the Hawks for a few years now so it would be good to knock them off again.”

Hale’s signature follows those of Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Luke Breust and Ben Stratton, who have all inked new deals in recent weeks.