ANZAC Day means a lot to many Australians, and footy fans are no exception. The traditional AFL clash between Essendon and Collingwood holds a special place in the national sporting landscape, and this edition of the match will be captivating as always. Both teams head to the MCG in desperate need of a win, looking to atone for poor form and inconsistency as of late. As such, expect a ferocious contest.
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Essendon vs Collingwood Betting Tips
MCG, Monday 25th April, 3.20pm (AEDT)
Essendon
Injuries: Michael Hurley, Kyle Langford, Andrew Phillips (out), Will Snelling, James Stewart, Patrick Voss
Zach Merrett has made a miraculous recovery from injury to be fit for Monday’s match, while Jake Stringer also headlines the big name inclusions.
Essendon sit 1-4, but it is easy to forget they have had a very tough run of fixtures. The Bombers have gone down to three premiership fancies and a likely finalist, beating the Crows a fortnight ago to get off the mark in 2022. Therefore, its not yet time to panic for Essendon supporters and the return of key players this week should give them plenty of reason for optimism. I expect a highly competitive outfit to take to the ‘G on Monday… doubt them at your peril.
Collingwood
Injuries: Jordan Roughead (out), Darcy Cameron, Charlie Dean, Jamie Elliot, Ash Johnson, Nathan Murphy, Trey Ruscoe
Collingwood will have to learn to live without Roughead again, as he has sustained a second injury for the season ruling him out. McCreery, Mihocek and Ginnivan return for this one.
Collingwood started the season with plenty of promise but have now lost three on the bounce. The gap between their best and worst has been significant, as can be expected with a young developing side. The key area of concern currently is the Pies defence, where they don’t have the size to take on the monster key forwards of the competition. In the midfield there is plenty of talent, but Brodie Grundy has been well below his best in the ruck. Regardless, the Magpies enter this match as favourites and will stretch Essendon’s depth right across the park.
Match Prediction
Essendon have prevailed in the last three matches between these two teams, winning by 38 points in their most recent encounter in Round 23 last year. That history will fill them with confidence, as will the inclusions of Merrett and Stringer. However, Collingwood have definitely looked the better team so far this season. They have plenty of youthful exuberance and run to set the MCG alight and I think they will display their development on the biggest stage in a close contest.
Collingwood -7.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Parish famously loves a medal and he was at his imperious best in this fixture last year. Merrett is perhaps the biggest threat but I fear that he may be underdone.
Darcy Parish most disposals ($3.00 at TAB)
De Goey is the favourite for this award for good reason. He is a big game player who can rack up disposals and kick bags of goals, in a Collingwood win he’s likely to be prominent.
Jordan De Goey ANZAC Day Medal winner ($8.00 at TAB)
Both teams are at a defining point in their respective seasons, so I can’t see this being a blowout. Essendon have more scoring power this week, so should be able to put a decent score on the board.
Either team by 15 points or less ($2.50 at TAB)
