Hawthorn need to keep winning if their unlikely hope of playing finals is any chance to come true, and Richmond are the next obstacle in their path.
The Tigers are having a great year, certainly better than what anyone expected from them at the start of the season.
Some big changes over the off-season have clearly revitalised things at the club, and with four matches to go they find themselves in the top four.
You could debate a bit whether or not they’re truely in the mix for the flag – honestly, it’s hard to tell with most teams.
They’ve got three wins on the trot coming into this one though and a strong finish to the year could give them every chance.
Hawthorn on the other hand absolutely must win every game they have left in order to make finals, and even then there’s no guarantee.
Four more wins would leave them with a 12-9-1 record, which could sneak them into finals if other results fall their way.
They’ve improved so rapidly lately that it feels genuinely possible that they could do that. From their last six, they’ve won four, drawn one, and lost by less than a goal to Geelong.
After this they have North Melbourne, Carlton, and the Western Bulldogs to come, with the last match every chance of being a finals decider.
The Tigers have brought back Dion Prestia for this match, with Shai Bolton dropped from the side to make way.
Hawthorn have lost Luke Hodge to suspension, so Teia Miles is in as his replacement.
The Hawks have one the last two they’ve played against the Tigers, and three of the last four.
This one really is hard to pick – both teams are in good winning form. Hawthorn, as the slight outsiders, offer better value.
Look at them to win by 1-39 for $2.40.
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