GWS Giants vs Hawthorn Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 1

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

GWS Giants and Hawthorn kick off their 2026 campaigns, with the hosts struggling badly with injuries right now.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ & Watch AFL / USA – Watch AFL

The prediction

Injury-hit GWS Giants begin their 2026 campaign missing several of their big-name operators, with the likes of Darcy Jones and Tom Green set to miss the entire season with ACL problems, not to mention several other key absentees.

They will need to delve deep into their reserves for this season-opener, but they will be up against it given that they face Hawthorn, who were one the standout teams last year.

The Hawks lost in the Preliminary Final to Geelong in September, and they will be expecting another Finals tilt at the very least this time around.

The Giants simply have too many personnel issues to overcome here, and we fancy the visitors to open their season with a win. 

GWS Giants vs Hawthorn tip: Hawthorn to win