Hawthorn vs North Melbourne

Details:

In Launceston, 2-6 Hawthorn will face 0-8 North Melbourne in a bottom-of-the-table clash. In recent seasons, the Hawks have beaten North and have an excellent record in Tasmania. However, a 20.5-point handicap may be too much for them, and the Roos are expected to cover.

Hawthorn has dropped six of their last seven games.
In their last six games as a favorite, Hawthorn has failed to cover the line.
In Launceston, Hawthorn has won 35 of their last 40 games.
North Melbourne has lost 16 of their last 16 games, including eight of them this season.

Head to Head

North Melbourne has a 6-2 head-to-head record against Hawthorn in the last eight meetings, but the last four have been split.

In 2019, both teams have one win, with the Hawks winning by four points in their only meeting last year, 58-54.

Hawthorn Form

Last weekend, Hawthorn was defeated 98-60 by the West Coast Eagles at the MCG, dropping to 2-6 on the season.

The Hawks are currently in second place and have a long season ahead of them.

After a late comeback in Round 6, they beat the Adelaide Crows 102-99 in Launceston, their only win in the last seven games.

News from the Hawthorne Team

Jack Gunston and Jaeger O'Meara, who were late absentees last week, are expected to be cleared to play for the Hawks.

After starring in the VFL, Shaun Burgoyne has a chance to return from injury, while Damon Greaves is pushing for a spot in the team.

North Melbourne Form

North Melbourne's winless start to the season became eight games last weekend, extending their losing streak to 16 games.

However, it was their smallest loss of the season, as they were defeated 94-76 by Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.

Are the Kangaroos showing signs of improvement? They won't get a better chance to end their losing streak than against this Hawks team.

News from the North Melbourne team

North will be without Jaidyn Stephenson after he fractured his wrist in the loss to Collingwood.

Aiden Bonar has also been ruled out due to an injury to his ankle. Call-ups are being considered for Will Phillips, Bailey Scott, and Atu Bosenavulagi.

Trent Dumont is unlikely to return from his calf injury anytime soon, as he needs more time in the VFL before being called up.

Final Thoughts
The Hawks should win, but with a +20.5 start, North are a good bet. The Roos are gradually improving their competitiveness, and they are capable of pushing Hawthorn close.