Momentum is Everything: Why the Hawks and Giants Own the Semi-Finals
The business end of the season has arrived and the pressure is at a boiling point. We saw some absolute carnage last week, particularly in Sydney, and now the fallout shapes the betting landscape for Round 28. Punters looking for AFL multi bets this weekend need to look closely at the psychological scars remaining from the first week of finals.
Port Adelaide are staring down the barrel of a straight sets exit after that 84 point shellacking against the Swans. It was as bad a performance as we have seen from a top four side in recent memory. The biggest concern for Ken Hinkley is the health of his superstar, Zak Butters. He was limited to just eight touches before the white flag was waved, and if he is not moving at 100 per cent, the Power lack the creative spark to transition the ball. Hawthorn, on the other hand, are playing with house money and a mountain of confidence. They dismantled the Dogs with a clinical display and their speed on the break should carve Port up on the fast Adelaide Oval surface. Taking the Hawks at the line or head to head feels like the smart play here for anyone building AFL Round 28 2024 tips.
Over in the second Semi Final, the Greater Western Sydney Giants host the Brisbane Lions in what should be a high scoring shootout. These two have history this year and the Giants have had the wood over Chris Fagan's men. GWS secured an 18 point win and a massive 54 point victory in their two encounters this season, proving they have the defensive structure to nullify the Lions' dangerous forward line. Jesse Hogan is the man of the hour. The Coleman medallist is averaging 3.8 goals over his last five games and he looms as the match winner. Brisbane looked good against Carlton, but the Giants at home are a different beast. For your Round 28 betting tips, backing the Giants to cover a modest line is the way to go given their track record in 2024.
This weekend is all about momentum versus recovery. Hawthorn have the wind in their sails while GWS have the tactical edge over their opponents. If you are building AFL Round 28 2024 tips, focusing on these trends rather than just ladder positions will provide the edge needed to beat the bookies.