Luke Hodge's very early 2025 AFL flag favourites

Hawthorn great Luke Hodge thinks that the Hawks are deserved 2025 premiership favourites.

As things stand, the 4-0 Hawks are $6 to win the flag with Sportsbet, equal with the reigning premiers, Brisbane, at $6 and narrowly ahead of the Giants at $6.5.

While Hodge acknowledged that some other sides are also playing good footy early, he’s been most impressed by Hawthorn who have proven themselves against a range of sides in different conditions.

“I know people out there are going to say, ‘You're biased’, but I think that you can't really go against them (as flag favourites),” Hodge told SEN's Whateley.

“I know that Adelaide is playing some exceptional football and GWS are looking good. People have also been saying the windy conditions down at Tassie are playing into Hawthorn's favour, considering they play down there so much.

“But I think the way that they've been able to change their game as well (has been impressive), they've won in different ways.”

Taking a look at their four games, Hodge broke down how the Hawks beat Sydney in Opening Round, Essendon in Round 1, Carlton in Round 2 and GWS in Round 3 with the victories coming in different fashion each time.

“In the Opening Round against Sydney, they won by winning clearances and front-half football,” Hodge explained.

“Then against Essendon, they got belted by clearances and they were able to transition the ball.

“Carlton had Hawthorn all locked up in the stoppage until they were able to open the game up and play that kamikaze style of football.

“So, you sort of sit back and go, they deserve to be (flag favourites) because they don't just win one way. They're able to chop and change.”

Hawthorn, who had the bye in Round 4, return against Port Adelaide in Gather Round on Sunday night.

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