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Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans AFL Round 2 Tips - Hawks to edge past impressive Swans at the MCG

adam-cusworth
Adam Cusworth
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Last updated: Thu 19 Mar 2026 07:59

In the eagerly anticipated Round 2 AFL 2026 matchup, the Hawthorn Hawks will square off against the Sydney Swans at the MCG. The Hawks come off a commanding 62-point victory, emphasizing their strategy of controlling territory and possession. Key players like Karl Amon and Jack Gunston are set to be instrumental in this game. Sydney, having posted a strong performance against Brisbane, will rely on quick defensive rebounds and key players like Callum Mills and Joel Amartey. Although both teams present formidable challenges, experts give a slight edge to Hawthorn due to their tactical game-play and recent form.

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Adam Cusworth 19 Mar 2026
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  • The game will be played at MCG on Thursday, 19th March, with the bounce at 7:30 PM (AEDT)
  • Can Sydney remain unbeaten without Gulden?
  • Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bet
Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans AFL Round 2 Tips

Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans, Round 2 2026 - Expert Prediction

Hawthorn will make another statement at the MCG with a win over Sydney in what shapes as an early-season belter of a match on Thursday night. 

The Round 2 encounter comes between a couple of sides that are expected to go deep into the season. Hawthorn rebounded from their Opening Round loss to GWS with a dominant 62-point win over Essendon, while Sydney sent a message to the competition with a convincing 44-point victory over Brisbane. 

For the Hawks, the key will be controlling territory and forcing the game to be played in their front half. Sam Mitchell’s side thrive when they can control possession through their kick-mark game and create space across the wide expanses of the MCG. 

Karl Amon and Jarman Impey will be important in launching attacks from half back, while the midfield group led by Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward and Conor Nash will aim to generate repeat inside 50s, where Jack Gunston’s movement and experience make him a dangerous focal point, while Nick Watson provides pressure and creativity at ground level.

Sydney will present a very different challenge with their ability to rebound quickly from defence. Nick Blakey’s run and ball carry from half back can open the game up, while the Swans will look to move the ball quickly to their tall forwards. 

Joel Amartey has been in outstanding form and looms as a key target, while Callum Mills and Justin McInerney will need to drive the midfield if the Swans are to match Hawthorn around the stoppages. If the Swans can generate speed on the outside and supply their forwards with quality entries, they have the weapons to trouble the Hawks.

Ultimately Hawthorn’s ability to control the tempo at the MCG and set up behind the ball should give them the edge. Expect Karl Amon to be influential with his ball movement off half back, while the Swans will rely heavily on Callum Mills through the midfield and Joel Amartey as their primary scoring threat. Hawthorn appear better suited to the conditions and can edge out a strong Sydney outfit.

  • Hawthorn have won 14 of their past 18 at the MCG, Sydney have won just three of their past 11
  • Callum Mills has averaged 33 disposals in his past three matches against Hawthorn
  • Karl Amon has averaged over 25 disposals in his past four matches against Sydney
  • Joel Amartey has kicked eight goals this season and has booted 3+ in two of his past three against the Hawks

Head to Head Stats


The two sides have not met since the Operning Round in 2025 and it was Hawthorn that broke away late in the game to win by 20 points. One of the stars for the Hawks was Will Day, who is on the sidelines for this match. Joel Amartey booted three goals for Sydney.

The Swans were 76 point winners the last time the two sides played at the MCG, which was in Round 7 of 2024, before Hawthorn went on their run that season. The Swans have won three of the past four between the two sides and have won four of the past five against Hawthorn at the SCG.

Hawthorn Hawks Form Analysis


Hawthorn produced one of the most impressive performances of Round 1 when they dismantled Essendon by 62 points at the MCG, bouncing back strongly after their Opening Round loss to GWS. Sam Mitchell’s side dominated territory and possession, finishing with a massive 69 inside 50s to Essendon’s 40.

Jack Gunston continues to be a major weapon inside forward 50, kicking nine goals across his first two matches of the season. Nick Watson has also been lively with six goals so far, giving the Hawks strong scoring options at both ends of the forward structure. Connor Macdonald and Dylan Moore have been important linking players between midfield and attack, both capable of pushing forward and hitting the scoreboard.

Through the midfield the Hawks have enjoyed strong balance, with Josh Ward (26 disposals last week), Jai Newcombe and Conor Nash all contributing heavily around stoppages. The ruck combination of Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves worked effectively last week and may again be used to give Hawthorn an advantage against Brodie Grundy.

Across half back, Karl Amon and Jarman Impey continue to provide run and ball movement, while James Sicily has been a standout leader in defence, averaging 24.5 disposals across the opening two matches. Sicily alongside Tom Barrass and Josh Battle forms one of the competition’s most imposing defensive units.

Hawthorn Hawks Team News


Hawthorn head into the clash with a relatively healthy list and no new injuries reported from their Round 1 victory over Essendon.

The Hawks may again deploy their two-ruck combination of Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek after the pair combined strongly last week, dominating the stoppages and helping the midfield control territory.

Sydney Swans Form Analysis


Sydney were impressive in their Round 1 victory over Brisbane, producing an attacking performance that highlighted their ability to move the ball quickly and generate scoring opportunities.

Joel Amartey has been one of the Swans’ standout players early in the season, kicking eight goals across the opening two matches. His presence inside forward 50 will again be critical against Hawthorn’s tall defensive unit. Charlie Curnow also provided another target earlier in the season with three goals in the Opening Round.

Justin McInerney has been one of Sydney’s most consistent midfield contributors, averaging 27 disposals across the opening two matches. Callum Mills also looms as a key figure in the Swans’ midfield battle and has historically performed strongly against Hawthorn.

Nick Blakey remains one of Sydney’s most dangerous rebound players from defence, capable of breaking open games with his speed and long kicking. If the Swans can generate run off half back and move the ball quickly through the corridor, they will create scoring opportunities for Amartey and their forward targets.

Sydney Swans Team News


Errol Gulden (shoulder) is a massive blow for Sydney, while Isaac Heeney (hamstring) is under an injury cloud. His availability will play a major role in shaping the Swans’ midfield structure. 

Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans Team List


HawthornPOSSydney Swans
J. Scrimshaw, T. Barrass, J. ImpeyBL. Melican, T. McCartin, C. Mills
J. Battle, J. Sicily, B. HardwickHBS. Wicks, N. Blakey, R. Bice
D. Moore, C. Mackenzie, K. AmonCJ. Serong, J. McInerney, M. Roberts
J. Ginnivan, C. Nash, N. WatsonHFM. Rosas, J. Jordon, C. Warner
S. Butler, M. Lewis, J. GunstonFJ. Amartey, T. Papley, C. Curnow
L. Meek, J. Newcombe, J. WeddleFOLLB. Grundy, J. Rowbottom, C. Warner
M. D’Ambrosio, J. Ward, N. Reeves, C. Macdonald, M. CholI/CD. Rampe, A. Sheldrick, C. Cleary, J. Lloyd, L. McDonald

Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 2 FAQ’s

How to watch Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 2?

You can watch the Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 2 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 Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 2?

To buy tickets to the Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 2 game check the AFL website or the official Hawthorn Hawks site.

Verdict

Hawthorn to win with Amon influential across half back. Mills to find plenty of the footy for Sydney with Amartey amongst the goals
Best Bet1: Hawthorn 1-39 Winning Margin 1-39 $2.25 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Karl Amon To Have 25+ disposals $2.45 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Callum Mills To Have 25+ disposals $2.30 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Joel Amartey To Score 2+ goals $1.85 at dabble - 1 Unit
Hawthorn 1-39
Winning Margin 1-39
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Karl Amon
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Joel Amartey
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Hawthorn Hawks v Sydney Swans

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