3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2023 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 GEELONG
Friday 11 August @ MCG
This was shaping up as one hell of a match up on paper – but that is about it now after some serious injuries befell two contenders in recent weeks.
After Geelong had lost Hawkins and Blicavs the week before, Collingwood then lost the unbackable Brownlow fav N Daicos and Murphy down back. These could be felt in the now or in the future.
In the now, Collingwood have some time to recover. Even though losing two on the bounce, their buffer built up over the early part of the year is to their benefit.
So while top spot is essentially still theirs, what happens post that is now up for grabs. They lose not just 30 possessions a game but run off half back/through the middle and also Daicos' goals.
The luxury they've had of Mitchell and Pendlebury being a tad slower has been made up by the full speed of the rest. That now is laid bare.
Can Geelong take advantage of that? They aren't necessarily renowned for speed in the middle themselves but their middle is at least healthy.
Duncan, Dangerfield, Smith and whoever rucks will be strong but can they let rip. Watch for a fast paced game. As much as the Pies like that themselves, have they the cattle?
This weekend Geelong would normally need a huge game from Cameron, Rohan and Hawkins (his participation has to be very, very doubtful still). They have to take their chances because they will get more looks than had Collingwood been fully fit.
Still not convinced Geelong is the real deal but they get no better chance than this. They must hit the jackpot.
Match Selection: Geelong by 11 points
Suggested Bets: Geelong 1-39 @ $2.50 with bet365 *
*Odds correct at 10:30am 10/8/23
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