Sydney v Hawthorn: AFL Friday Preview

Sydney and Hawthorn will now open the 2025 AFL season after Brisbane's game against Geelong was postponed due to the threat of Cyclone Alfred.

The Lions and Cats were due to clash on Thursday night, but that game, along with the Gold Coast versus Essendon on Saturday, has been called off.

It means there are just two games in the ‘Opening Round’ and all eyes will be on Sydney for both of them.

The Swans embark on a new era under the leadership of new coach Dean Cox, who replaces John Longmire following the 2024 grand final defeat.

They will be keen to banish the memory of that Brisbane defeat by seeing off the Hawks in front of a packed SCG.

Hawthorn were a surprise package in 2024 and many are tipping them to win the premiership in 2025.

Now all the focus is on the SCG, both sides will be keen to put on a show on Friday night.

Sydney v Hawthorn betting preview

Swans need positive start

Sydney have had time to lick their wounds following another grand final loss last season, and will be desperate to come out firing.

The Swans were the dominant side in the AFL last season, winning the minor premiership, before failing to get the job done in finals.

There will be a fresh approach now that Dean Cox is head coach, and it is important they get off to a solid start.

Sydney still have a top quality roster, including Chad Warner, who will once again be key to their chances in the season ahead.

The midfielder will be a real threat when it comes to kicking goals, and he is priced at 1.40 to boot one at anytime.

Warner can also be backed at 2.55 to collect 25+ disposals in the game.

One big setback for the Swans is the absence of Errol Gulden, who is missing through injury, while small forward Tom Papley will also need to pass a fitness test.

Day boost for Hawks

Hawthorn excited the supporters last season and surprised the opposition with an exciting brand of football that caught them off guard.

Now all eyes will be on them to see if they can reproduce that form and go deeper in to finals in 2025.

Head coach Sam Mitchell has seen his defence bolstered with the additions of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle, while Will Day returning from injury is a massive boost.

Day will be a key cog in the Hawks engine room and is priced at 1.87 to collect 25+ disposals.

It is a game that could go either way, and if it is to be a tight one, then the Hawks can be backed at 6.00 to win by 1-12 points.

Read more AFL previews on site.

Sydney v Hawthorn odds

Sydney - 1.85
Hawthorn - 1.97

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.