3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2020 AFL Season.
We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.
ADELAIDE V COLLINGWOOD
Tuesday 11 August @ Adelaide Oval
If you think matches in 2020 can get any more obtuse then this is the one.
One team can barely get out of their own way – the other striking more hurdles than one going over the Tozer Road double.
The Crows have been deplorable all year. In fact ever since that fateful day in September of 2017, it has been a nightmare for these birds.
Poor storylines (on and off the track), injuries, suspensions and then there is the quality of the play. Matthew Nicks has been handed some very poor cards to start his coaching career. You could say Texas hasn't been his preferred style but that is too close to home.
When Melbourne is running away from you late, you know that is a concern. The fact they were in the match until ¾ time is something but a seven goal pile on is an indictment.
Matt Crouch was easily the biggest contributer but they've lost that dash off half back and any continuity with their half forwards is non-existent.
Teams out of form are going to have really bad days this season with little to play for but considering that now they get to Hub at home rather than travel for a while, it's hardly an excuse.
If you are Nicks you empty the list, play them all and find out about all the kids. The trouble is at present the depth isn't there. You can smell some big trades and pre-emptive work to get several low picks even in the compromised draft.
As for the Magpies what a roller coaster it has been. The Sydney game in Brisbane is a perfect analogy for this season.
Tight low scoring early, injuries abound, get behind, get in front, needing to stave off a late challenge and then some brilliance gets them home.
To be fair had it not been for facing a team of youngsters last time, Collingwood should have lost that game. Sydney barely had any inside 50s and were under constant barrage yet in front.
It was like the only time the Bloods were on the attack, they kicked a goal. How the Pies didn't win by ten goals is astonishing given their field and possession dominance.
But those injuries piled up, some innocuous and some terrible. This isn't the season to be having those. You can guess that on Grand Final day it will be whoever has the fittest list could be the winner.
It also helps when Daicos' are doing things to win games with goals like he kicked. He and others will need to do more with Treloar another to be hamstrung. It is like a practice game with all the changes to both teams.
Against any other side you'd take on Collingwood but Adelaide are just so poor and disheartened. A non-winning season is not beyond question.
They have the No1 draft pick effectively sewn up albeit will likely be swept from underneath them with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to be NGAed by the 'Kennell'.
Another potential wet night in Adelaide will keep it close but surely, SURELY Collingwood will fall over the line. Happy to take the unders in this game if that is the case so watch the conditions pre-game.
Match Selection: Collingwood by 25 points
Suggested Bets: Match Total Under 112.5 points @ $1.90