<p>It's time for one of the last Victorian Tassie derbies, with Hawthorn hosting the Roos in Launceston!</p> <p>With the Devils slated to enter the competition in 2028 (pending government decisions, stadium developments, and other factors), this might be the final encounter between these clubs—both of whom have regularly hosted games in the Apple Isle—on the island state.</p> <p>The Hawks are coming off their mid-season bye and are aiming to make a further step forward as they hunt for a top-four finish. With three teams on 9-5 and two others sitting at 9-6 with a bye this week, these are crucial four points for the Hawks to keep their top-four hopes alive.</p> <p>The Roos are still riding high from their magnificent win at the G last Saturday. A result like that had been brewing for some time and was exactly what their supporters had been waiting for. They dominated Carlton. Forget about the scoreless final quarter; this was a day for North Melbourne to celebrate and a day they can look back on as when the club finally turned a corner out of the doldrums.</p> <p>But as always, the game waits for no one, and it’s not about what happened before; it’s about how you back it up. Otherwise, what does it all mean?</p> <p>Facing Hawthorn is certainly stepping up from the struggling Blues. Can they handle it? More likely, can they stay competitive and stay with them for as long as possible?</p> <p>This is a great test for North Melbourne, who can climb out of the bottom four with a win.</p> <p>On the team selection front, the Hawks are looking to reintegrate several key players after their mid-season bye, including skipper James Sicily, midfielder James Worpel, and intercepting defender Jack Scrimshaw.</p> <p>Don’t expect too many changes at the Roos after their big win at the G last Saturday. They will be forced into one change with Charlie Comben hurting his shoulder again, and he could miss a few weeks. Jack Darling should be okay after a nasty gash to his leg.</p> <p>Both Will Dawson and Will Phillips continued their strong VFL form, but while Dawson might get a chance to replace Comben, Phillips might have to wait a little longer.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Hawks vs Roos prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs North Melbourne Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Hawthorn Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Jarman Impey, Tom Barass, Changkuoth Jiath</p> <p>HB: Josh Weddle, Josh Battle, James Sicily</p> <p>C: Karl Amon, James Worpel, Massimo D’Ambrosio</p> <p>HF: Connor Macdonald, Max Ramsden, Sam Butler</p> <p>F: Dylan Moore, Mabior Chol, Jack Ginnivan</p> <p>Foll: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward</p> <p>Int: Harry Morrison, Conor Nash, Jack Gunston, Nick Watson, Cam Mackenzie</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>North Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Will Dawson, Toby Pink, Luke McDonald</p> <p>HB: Caleb Daniel, Griffin Logue, Finn O’Sullivan</p> <p>C: Dylan Stephens, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin</p> <p>HF: Tom Powell, Nick Larkey, Colby McKercher</p> <p>F: Paul Curtis, Jack Darling, Cam Zurhaar</p> <p>Foll: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Harry Sheezel</p> <p>Int: Riley Hardeman, Luke Parker, Jacob Konstanty, Robert Hansen jr, Zac Fisher</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs North Melbourne Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Hawks have dominated the Roos, winning nine out of the past 10 head-to-head matches.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Roos are improving and showing signs of what they can be. The second half of the season for them now is taking some scalps. They got one in the Blues, but can they take one from one in the weight class above them?</p> <p>The Hawks have come back to the pack profile-wise in the past five weeks, but have maintained their strength through their ball movement. Mainly thanks to the development of Josh Weddle and his willingness to take the game on.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hawks’ strong record down at Launceston is also too strong to be ignored here, having only lost once there in the past three seasons (to the Crows in 2023). We think their run will be too much for the Roos’ contested strength.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-north-melbourne-9321046">Hawks</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Jack Gunston is aging like a bottle of good wine this season. With 28 goals from 11 games this season, the 33-year-old is giving the Hawks' list management team something to think about.&nbsp;</p> <p>Averaging 2 goals a game from his last five games against North, we’re looking at him to get the first on the board. Hopefully, people bring their kicking boots to Tassie this week.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-north-melbourne-9321046">Jack Gunston</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Tom Powell is one of the young players who can fly under the radar in the Roos' star-studded midfield. He was exceptional on Saturday with a career-high 34 disposals and eight clearances.&nbsp;</p> <p>He’s growing nicely into a great contributor alongside LDU, Wardlaw, and Sheezel, and can really get under the guard if he goes unchecked.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-north-melbourne-9321046">Tom Powell 30+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn Hawks vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, June 28, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>4:15 PM AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> UTAS Stadium, Launceston</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>