3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of games in the 2024 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.
COLLINGWOOD v SYDNEY
Friday 15 March @ MCG
Two quality sides face off in what should be a really good game with some rebounding hopefully from them both.
Collingwood will be looking to get things back on track after a so so effort from just before half time against the Giants.
Sydney wanting to show more than they did when last they met at this venue 10 months ago. Another huge crowd like that 71000 awaits.
Pundits will use terms like Premiership hangover, being sated, happy with the flag etc etc. But reality is the Pies ran into a good side at home who may well end up playing them in bigger games this year.
What did seem a bit flat was the way the backline was stripped back. No Howe and of course Murphy meant a few chinks in the armour. 18 goals later was some return.
Depending on what happens this week at selection, they will face a side with probably lesser names up front and a less fearsome midfield but very strong/even across the board.
Sydney were well matched against the Demons in the season opener and despite it being close to end the third stanza, they drew clear late.
What made that important was last year they lost so many last quarters and hence games. Many of those came at home too. A Top 4 spot was the likely cost.
Hard not to be impressed with Brodie Grundy's dismantling of Max Gawn and Isaac Heeney's midfield time. That looks a good formula.
Grundy saw off the first of his old mates last week and will have another go at the side from the year before.
Collingwood are too good to quickly dismantle and give up on, even with a 5 goal loss. Sometimes Premiers take a little while longer to fire up.
At home, thinking the Pies have a fast rebuttal and take the points in what should be a good game.
Match Selection: Collingwood by 8 points
Suggested Bets: Collingwood 1-39 @ $2.05 @ bet365
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