AFL
  • Home
  • AFL

Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies AFL Round 23 Tips - Hawks to respond against depleted Pies

jeremy-darke
Editor
Last updated: Wed 12 Aug 2026 10:28

The Hawthorn Hawks look to respond after a heavy loss to Brisbane as they face the Collingwood Magpies in AFL Round 23. Despite both teams' recent high-scoring games, experts predict a lower-scoring, tightly contested match with Hawthorn favored to win by a 1-39 margin. Collingwood's lengthy injury list and the uncertain return of star players add intrigue, while Daniel McStay remains a key threat in attack for the Magpies. Both teams are expected to tighten their defenses ahead of finals.

Jeremy Darke 1 hour ago
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Hawthorn tipped to win by 1-39 points in a tight, low-scoring game.
  • Collingwood faces selection uncertainty due to injuries and star players' fitness tests.
  • Daniel McStay is Collingwood's main goalkicking threat, with 15 goals in 5 games.
  • The game will be played at the MCG on Saturday, 15th August, with the bounce at 7:40 PM (AEST).
Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies AFL Round 23 Tips
Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies AFL Round 23 Tips

Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies AFL Round 23 Expert Tips


Hawthorn needs an immediate response after its premiership credentials took a hit against Brisbane, but Collingwood’s lengthy injury list makes this a difficult matchup to assess until the availability of Scott Pendlebury and Jordan De Goey is confirmed.

The Hawks were dismantled by 67 points at the Gabba last week, conceding 125 points in their heaviest defeat of the season. That result dropped Hawthorn to 2-4 against the current top-six teams and placed further importance on producing a strong response against Collingwood.

Hawthorn 1-39 is the preferred winning-margin bet. These teams could not be separated earlier this season, drawing 93-93 in Round 8, while Collingwood has lost by 40+ points only once in 2026. The FootyBets.com.au projections also point towards a competitive Hawks victory, with the models forecasting Hawthorn to win by between 8.8 and 16.6 points.

Under 176.5 is another appealing option despite both teams being involved in high-scoring matches last week. Hawthorn conceded 125 against Brisbane and Collingwood's clash with West Coast produced 215 combined points, but both teams should place greater emphasis on tightening up defensively ahead of finals.

Daniel McStay is Collingwood's most in-form goalkicker and shapes as the preferred player market. He has kicked at least two goals in each of his past five matches, producing 15 goals across that stretch, including three against West Coast last week.

Key Points


  • Hawthorn and Collingwood drew 93-93 when they met in Round 8.
  • Collingwood has lost by 40+ points only once this season.
  • Hawthorn conceded 125 points against Brisbane last week.
  • Daniel McStay has kicked 15 goals across his past five matches, with 2+ in every game.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies Head-to-Head


Hawthorn and Collingwood have split their past 10 completed meetings with five victories each, while their most recent encounter ended in a draw.

The Round 8 clash was one of the closest games of the season, with Collingwood kicking 15.3 (93) and Hawthorn 13.15 (93). Connor Macdonald was outstanding for the Hawks with 28 disposals and three goals, while Nick Daicos collected 34 touches for Collingwood.

Hawthorn Hawks Form


Hawthorn enters Round 23 third on the ladder with a 14-1-6 record after receiving a significant reality check against Brisbane.

The Hawks had won four consecutive matches before travelling to the Gabba, including victories by 64, 70 and 93 points. Brisbane's pressure exposed Hawthorn's ball movement, however, as the Lions forced repeated turnovers and pulled away after quarter-time to win 18.17 (125) to 8.10 (58).

Jai Newcombe was one of Hawthorn's better performers, while Jack Gunston kicked three goals. But the Hawks struggled to generate enough quality opportunities for their forwards, with Nick Watson held goalless and Mabior Chol and Mitch Lewis having limited impact.

Collingwood Magpies Form


Collingwood sits eighth with a 12-1-8 record after securing its finals place with a 19-point victory over West Coast.

The Magpies travelled to Perth with a depleted team and were forced into a shootout, eventually winning 17.15 (117) to 15.8 (98). It was Collingwood's seventh victory from its past eight matches and its second-highest score of the season.

Nick Daicos was exceptional despite receiving significant physical attention, finishing with 39 disposals, 10 clearances and 12 score involvements. Josh Daicos added 35 disposals, while McStay, Lachie Schultz and Tim Membrey each kicked three goals.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies Team List & Team News


Hawthorn Hawks
Conor Nash has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to the nerve issue in his neck. Jack Scrimshaw faces a fitness test on his knee, while Noah Mraz and Flynn Perez are expected to remain sidelined.

Bailey Macdonald could return after being managed against Brisbane.

Collingwood Magpies
Scott Pendlebury and Jordan De Goey face fitness tests and could return after missing the victory over West Coast. 

The Magpies remain without several important players. Darcy Moore, Jamie Elliott, Tew Jiath, Reef McInnes and Oscar Steene have been ruled out for the season, while Jeremy Howe, Brayden Maynard, Pat Lipinski and Harry Perryman are also unavailable. Lachie Schultz must pass a fitness test on his ankle.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies AFL 2026 Round 23 FAQs

  • How can I watch Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies AFL 2026 Round 23?

    You can watch the Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies AFL 2026 Round 23 game via Fox Footy or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside Australia, the Watch AFL service is the best option for live and on-demand coverage.

  • How can I buy tickets for Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies AFL 2026 Round 23?

    To buy tickets for the Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies AFL 2026 Round 23 game, check the official AFL website or the official Hawthorn Hawks website.

Verdict

Hawthorn will win this one with a 1-39 margin in a lower scoring contest than expected. Daniel McStay will kick a couple of the Pies.
Best Bet1: Hawthorn Hawks 1-39 Winning Margin $2.00 at Marantellibet - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Under 176.5 Game Total $1.92 at OnlyBets (MAXBET) - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Daniel McStay 2+ Goals $1.60 at Elitebet - 3 Units
Hawthorn Hawks
1-39 Winning Margin
$2.00 - 3 Units

Bet at Marantellibet
Under 176.5
Game Total
$1.92 - 2 Units

Bet at OnlyBets (MAXBET)
Daniel McStay
2+ Goals
$1.60 - 3 Units

Bet at Elitebet

Top Betting Sites

Betting offers

Upcoming Events

Load More
Betting Slip | 15 Aug 2026

Hawthorn v Collingwood

days

hours

min

Add to Calendar
Hear more from bets.com.au