It’s set to be a thrilling Sunday in the AFL as Round 25 concludes with matches that could reshape the finals landscape. The spotlight falls on the night fixture between Brisbane and Hawthorn at the Gabba, where a top-four spot and a coveted double chance in the finals are at stake for the victor.
The Brisbane Lions, hosting the red-hot Hawthorn Hawks, have a chance to cement their place in the upper echelons of the ladder. After a season marked by inconsistency, the Lions are eager to capitalize on their recent triumph over Fremantle and leverage their home-ground advantage in this high-stakes encounter.
Lions Seek Consistency at Home
The Brisbane Lions have experienced a roller-coaster season, their form fluctuating significantly over the past month. Despite this, their recent dismantling of Fremantle in Perth has rekindled hopes of securing a top-four finish. The Gabba, once an impenetrable fortress, has seen its share of vulnerabilities this season, but the Lions aim to restore its reputation with a decisive victory.
Brisbane’s coach has emphasized the importance of consistency and resilience, especially in front of their home crowd. The Lions’ ability to maintain their best form will be critical in overcoming a formidable Hawthorn side.
Hawthorn’s Surge into Contention
Meanwhile, Hawthorn arrives in Brisbane as the competition’s form team, having surged into premiership contention with eight wins from their last ten matches. Under the guidance of coach Sam Mitchell, the Hawks have displayed a powerful and exciting brand of football, characterized by aggressive ball movement and a potent forward line.
The Hawks’ recent victories, including a 64-point demolition of Collingwood and a 36-point triumph over Melbourne, underscore their confidence and capability. They travel to Brisbane with the knowledge that a win will secure their place in the top four, a testament to their remarkable turnaround this season.
Historical Rivalry and Recent Encounters
Recent history between Brisbane and Hawthorn adds an intriguing layer to this matchup. Hawthorn has dominated the head-to-head record, winning five of the last six encounters. However, Brisbane broke this streak with a 33-point victory at the MCG earlier this year. Notably, this will be the first meeting at the Gabba since 2019, a venue where Brisbane previously triumphed, suggesting that Hawthorn’s recent dominance has been on neutral or home turf.
Expert Predictions and Betting Insights
This clash promises to be a finals-like contest, with both teams bringing their best to the field. The Lions, buoyed by their home advantage, are expected to be formidable. However, the Hawks’ current form and confidence cannot be underestimated. Experts suggest that while Brisbane may start as favorites, Hawthorn has the potential to challenge them fiercely, making for a thrilling encounter.
Prediction: Expect a closely contested match, with Hawthorn poised to cover the +9.5 point spread.
Player to Watch: Jack Gunston
Jack Gunston has been a standout performer for Hawthorn this season, amassing a career-high 60 goals from 19 matches. His recent form, including a remarkable seven-goal performance against the Demons, makes him a key player to watch. Gunston’s ability to deliver under pressure will be crucial for Hawthorn’s success.
Prop Bet: Gunston to score 3+ goals at odds of $2.25.
Same Game Multi and Betting Odds
- Hawthorn +16.5: See best bet.
- Gunston 3+ Goals: See prop bet.
- Zac Bailey 20+ Disposals: Bailey has consistently delivered, collecting 20+ disposals in six consecutive matches.
Same Game Multi Odds: $4.00 at Dabble
Match Details and Viewing Information
The highly anticipated clash between Brisbane and Hawthorn is scheduled for Sunday, August 24th, 2025, at 7:20 pm AEST at the Gabba, Brisbane. The betting odds currently favor Brisbane at $1.62, with Hawthorn at $2.30. The line is set at Brisbane -6.5, and the total points are projected at 167.5.
Fans can catch the action live and ad-free on Kayo Sports, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of this crucial encounter.
As the AFL season reaches its climax, the outcome of this match will have significant implications for the finals, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the home-and-away season.
