Biggest Ins – Hawthorn

Aidan Schubert

The first-round draft pick will make his AFL debut after earning his opportunity through impressive VFL form. Schubert gives Hawthorn another key forward option alongside Jack Gunston and Mabior Chol and adds a different look to the Hawks’ attacking structure. While debutants can be difficult to price in player markets, his inclusion increases Hawthorn’s forward depth.

Finn Maginness

Maginness returns for his first AFL appearance since Round 11 and provides Sam Mitchell with another versatile option capable of playing through the midfield or in a defensive run-with role. If deployed on Luke Davies-Uniacke or Harry Sheezel, his role could have a direct impact on disposal markets.

Biggest Outs – Hawthorn

Mitch Lewis

Lewis’ concussion is the biggest blow for Hawthorn. The key forward has been an important focal point inside 50, meaning more responsibility falls on Jack Gunston, Mabior Chol and debutant Aidan Schubert to provide scoreboard impact.

Noah Mraz

The young defender misses through injury, slightly reducing Hawthorn’s key-position depth. Fortunately for the Hawks, they still retain an experienced defensive unit led by James Sicily, Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.

Biggest Ins – North Melbourne

Wil Dawson

Dawson returns after an outstanding VFL performance where he kicked three goals and collected 26 hitouts. His versatility as a ruck-forward gives Alastair Clarkson another tall option and valuable cover against Lloyd Meek.

Tom Blamires

Blamires earns a recall after collecting 32 disposals and nine inside 50s in the VFL. His inclusion provides North Melbourne with another hard-running midfielder and should strengthen the Kangaroos’ ball movement through the middle of the ground.

Biggest Outs – North Melbourne

Cooper Harvey

Harvey has been omitted after playing forward in recent weeks. His absence removes some pace and pressure inside attacking 50, increasing the scoring responsibility on Nick Larkey, Cameron Zurhaar and Paul Curtis.

Matt Whitlock

Whitlock also makes way after the Kangaroos opted for a taller structure through Dawson. While he has shown promise, the change is unlikely to significantly alter North Melbourne’s overall game plan.

Early Betting Verdict

The biggest takeaway from the confirmed teams is Hawthorn’s ability to cover the loss of Mitch Lewis while still naming one of the competition’s strongest midfields. Will Day, Jai Newcombe, Conor MacKenzie and Lloyd Meek should expect to control large periods of the contest against a North Melbourne side that has improved but continues to struggle against top-eight opposition.

From a betting perspective, Hawthorn head-to-head and the Hawks line remain the standout plays following the team announcements. Jack Gunston anytime goalscorer receives a boost with Lewis unavailable, while Will Day and Jai Newcombe shape as strong disposal-market options. North Melbourne’s best betting angles are likely to centre around Luke Davies-Uniacke and Harry Sheezel, who should continue to see plenty of football despite the difficult matchup.

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