3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of games in the 2024 AFL Season.

We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN

Saturday 16 March @ MCG

For a Round 1 fixture, the historic spice adds to what new teams have in store.

We get that neither are likely challenging for the Flag, potentially neither challenging for the Eight and even one might be getting lower prizes.

But you know an Essendon/Hawthorn game will be a fascinating watch. No lines in the sand these days though.

The Bombers ended last year in a blaze of whatever the opposite of glory is. 126 point loss to GWS and 70 to Collingwood sent them into oblivion again.

Their off season would have been brutal from a feedback view for those still there and the newcomers will have had to spread good vibes.

One of those will be Ben McKay who left North Melbourne willingly and now must command a backline who have been shaky.

They have been spreading the word of good improvement after another Brad Scott chance to spend more time with them now.

If they are positive, it will take plenty for Sam Mitchell to be in the same parish (pun intended).

Injury upon injury, a backline badly impacted, and already coming from a lower base means bar for the fact everyone starts level, it might be a tough year for his Hawks.

There will be question marks on the forward structure again despite getting two Premiership players back in Gunston and Ginnivan.

Unless something weird happens, it really should be the Bombers winning handsomely. Maybe early season terrors are not be true reflections of team's chance but happy to believe with the changes one team here are going up and the other are not just yet.

Match Selection: Essendon by 25 points

Suggested Bets: Essendon 20+ @ $2.90 @ bet365

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