REIGNING Premiers Hawthorn host the Swans on Friday night in a blockbuster opener to round nine of the season.
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![AFL: Matt Dea of the Bombers is tackled by Majak Daw of the Kangaroos during the round eight AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) AFL: Matt Dea of the Bombers is tackled by Majak Daw of the Kangaroos during the round eight AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)](/web/20240826041537im_/http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/JbL8dJ5dh2XzNFST9PPkaJ/70413f3a-ad63-46ff-b0e9-9afc9a5321c0.jpg/r0_0_4000_2720_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
But that isn’t the only fixture to look forward to, as two of the AFL’s up and coming outfits GWS and Western Bulldogs also going head to head.
Our partners at the AFL Almanac have previewed the key matches for the weekend.
Hawthorn $1.55 v Sydney Swans $2.53 at the MCG
The Hawks don't look the same as the formidable team of the past three seasons. Their midfield is struggling, while the Swans midfield is among the best in the competition with Kennedy, Hannebery and Parker all in fine form.
The Swans' record at the MCG isn't great, and they'll be out to make amends after a poor showing against the lowly Richmond last week. This game is shaping up to be a cracking contest.
Greater Western Sydney $1.38 v Western Bulldogs $3.17 at Spotless Stadium
GWS's ball movement is the best in the competition, while the Dogs pride themselves on a solid defence. The Giants are the best offensive team in the competition, while the Bulldogs are the second-best defensive team.
Can the Bulldogs cover their injuries and suspensions to stop the rampaging Giants? It's a must win for both teams if they want to finish in the top four.
Other matches
Fremantle ($1.87) will be looking for their first win of the season against a Tigers ($1.98) outfit coming off their best win in recent memory.
Essendon ($5) might just fancy themselves as an outside chance to notch up their second win of the season against St Kilda ($1.19).
Carlton ($4.50) are on a roll - can they be the first team to beat the Kangaroos ($1.22) this season?
Can the Eagles ($1.37) prove to everyone they can win away from home in their match against Port Adelaide ($3.23)?
Brisbane ($5.20) will be looking to regain some respect against the Demons ($1.18) after a woeful display last week.
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This article first appeared on The Punters Show