SCG will play host to Friday's AFL game between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks. The game kicks off at 7:40 pm with Sydney Swans heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn Hawks game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday March 7, 2025 at 7:40 pm

Where: SCG

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Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Hawks Odds

Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview

OK, it’s official, Cyclone Alfred has ensured storm chasers will enjoy their Thursday night far more than AFL fans, the 2025 season will officially kick off when the Sydney Swans host Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday.

It has undoubtedly been a long off-season of soul-searching for the Bloods after their disastrous 10-goal loss to Brisbane in last year’s AFL grand final.

They will, however, enter the new year with a spate of resolutions under the guidance of new senior coach Dean Cox after he took the keys to the car following John Longmire’s semi-shocking resignation.

While the Swans enter this week’s match as the $1.85 favourites with Ladbrokes, Cox will have his work cut out for him with the unavailability of Errol Gulden (ankle), Harry Cunningham (foot), Robbie Fox (calf), and Logan McDonald (ankle).

Skipper Callum Mills, Brodie Grundy and Tom Papley are also under injury clouds.

As for Sam Mitchell and his squad of Hokball enthusiasts, expectations are high for the Hawks after they surprised many with their 14 wins and semi-final appearance one year after finishing 16th.

Mitchell has single-handedly reinvented the way footy is played at Hawthorn with more dare and more arrogance than ever before and they’re set to improve again with the addition of star defenders, Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.

Calsher Dear (back), who booted 12 goals in his last five games of the season, is unlikely to play Round 1, while Mitch Lewis continues to recover from a knee injury, a lack of marking target means James Sicily may spend more time forward.

Sydney has certainly had Hawthorn’s measure in recent years with three straight wins by an average of 66 points, but that’s highly unlikely this time around.

Despite missing Gulden et al for an important first-up clash, expect Cox to have those at his disposal match-hardened and ready to squeeze out a close one.

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Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Hawks Tip