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Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks AFL Round 8 Tips - Hawks to Rise to Top of Pecking Order

ryan-tucker
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Last updated: Wed 29 Apr 2026 10:52

In the upcoming 2026 AFL Round 8 clash, experts predict a resounding victory for Hawthorn Hawks against Collingwood Magpies. Hawthorn is expected to leverage its strong form and a history of outscoring opponents like Collingwood. Collingwood has struggled to score consistently against top teams, while Hawthorn boasts impressive scoring statistics this season. Key players Jack Gunston and Jai Newcombe are anticipated to play pivotal roles, potentially leading the Hawks to a 40+ point win. Overall, the Hawks aim to maintain their strong ATS record against Collingwood.

Ryan Tucker 29 Apr 2026
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  • Hawthorn expected to win by 40+ points against Collingwood.
  • Jack Gunston and Jai Newcombe pivotal in Hawks' strategy.
  • Hawks boast a 7-2 ATS record against Collingwood since 2019.
  • The game will be played at MCG on Thursday, 30th April, with the bounce at 7:30 PM (AEDT)
Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks

Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks, Round 8 2026 - Expert Prediction


The Hawks will strengthen their recent ATS record against Collingwood with a sizeable victory this Thursday night.
Hawthorn absolutely dismantled Gold Coast in the 4th quarter last week showing that when they create momentum and control the game, they are one of the most unstoppable teams in the competition. 

Collingwood blew out Essendon at the G and are still in the top 10 power rankings. But in the few games they have played against top opponents, they have been found to be lacking in goalscoring ability.

The Pies scored just 65 and 39 pts in consecutive weeks against the Lions and Dockers while last week’s 137 pts was the only time they have cracked 90 pts so far this season. 

This matchup is not so much about defensive pressure, Hawthorn will get theirs no matter what. Collingwood just don’t have the ability to keep scoring tempo and once the game gets out of reach will likely pack up shop.

Take Hawthorn to win by 40+ pts while also sprinkling some on the -20.5 line as a safekeeper. Jack Gunston is on fire and had a field day in this matchup last year, 4+ goals for him and take Jai Newcombe for 25+ touches.

  • Collingwood have failed to reach 90 pts in all but 1 of their games this season. Hawthorn have scored 90+ in 6 of 7 games, even going 100+ in three of them. 
  • Hawthorn have a 7-2 ATS record against Collingwood since 2019. 
  • Jack Gunston has averaged 4 goals per game over his last 5 games and kicked 4 in the most recent matchup vs Collingwood.
  • Jai Newcombe has had 25+ touches in 5 of 7 games this season.

Head to Head Stats


These two teams have alternated wins and losses over the past 9 games. Last year Collingwood won the first game in May 107-56 while Hawthorn won the August battle 110-46.

The Under has hit in 6 of the 9 games played since the start of the 2019 season while Hawthorn hold a resounding 7-2 ATS record. 3 straight games have finished with 50+ margins, Hawthorn winning 2 of those.

Collingwood Magpies Form Analysis


The Pies have won two in a row with a big 77 pt win over Essendon in the traditional ANZAC day clash at the MCG last Saturday. 

Scott Pendlebury produced another sensational performance to take the ANZAC medal for the 4th time in his career, just a few weeks shy of breaking the all time games record for the VFL/AFL. He racked up 43 disposals and kicked 2 goals while having 4 clearances in the blowout victory.

Collingwood are sitting 8th on the ladder with a 4-3 record as they enter a tough 3 game period against the Hawks followed by Geelong and then the Swans in Sydney.

Hawthorn Hawks Form Analysis


Hawthorn consolidated a top 3 spot on the ladder over the weekend, winning their 6th straight game thanks to a 49 pt victory over the Gold Coast Suns. 

It is only Points Percentage that separate Sydney, Fremantle and Hawthorn at the top with all three teams having a 6-1 record.

Jack Gunston continued his miraculous spell of late career form with 5 goals and 9 marks in the matchup. Jai Newcombe was also key with 30 disposals and 12 clearances.

Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks Team List & News


Collingwood Magpies Team News: Darcy Moore returns, but Jeremy Howe and Scott Pendlebury are managed, while Beau McCreery and Tim Membrey are injured.

Hawthorn Hawks Team News: James Sicily and Dylan Moore return from suspension, with Harry Morrison and Jack Dalton omitted. Mabior Chol is 2-3 weeks away while Will Day is another week on top of that.

CollingwoodPOSHawthorn
B. Frampton, D. Moore, B. MaynardBJ. Sicily, T. Barrass, J. Impey
H. Perryman, J. Daicos, I. QuaynorHBJ. Scrimshaw, J. Battle, B. Hardwick
R. Steele, N. Long, J. CrispCM. D’Ambrosio, C. Mackenzie, K. Amon
L. Schultz, P. Lipinski, W. HayesHFC. Macdonald, M. Lewis, J. Gunston
D. McStay, J. Elliott, O. SteeneFD. Moore, C. Dear, N. Watson
D. Cameron, N. Daicos, J. De GoeyFOLLN. Reeves, J. Newcombe, J. Ward
D. Houston, W. Parker, S. Sidebottom, J. Buller, A. AndersonI/CJ. Weddle, L. Meek, C. Nash, J. Ginnivan, F. Maginness

Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks AFL 2026 Round 8 FAQ’s

How to watch Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks AFL 2026 Round 8?

You can watch the Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks AFL 2026 Round 8 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks AFL 2026 Round 8?

To buy tickets to the Collingwood Magpies vs Hawthorn Hawks AFL 2026 Round 8 game check the AFL website or the official Collingwood Magpies site.

Verdict

Take Hawthorn to win by 40+ pts while also sprinkling some on the -20.5 line as a safekeeper. Jack Gunston is on fire and had a field day in this matchup last year, 4+ goals for him and take Jai Newcombe for 25+ touches.
Best Bet1: Hawthorn 40+ Winning Margin $3.25 at Betfocus - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Hawthorn -20.5 Line $1.90 at Elitebet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: J Gunston 4+ Goals $2.50 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: J Newcombe 25+ Disposals $1.50 at Neds - 2 Units
Hawthorn 40+
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Collingwood Magpies v Hawthorn Hawks

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