It was a solid start to the AFL season for Before You Bet and followers. We hit on 5/9 betting tips in Round 1 and finished the week 1.31 units in profit. Considering there was a few major upsets across the weekend, we are happy to be in the positive and we’ll continue hunting winners as Round 2 gets underway on Thursday night.
The Blues will host the Pies on Thursday night from the MCG in what should be an interesting clash between two 0-1 teams. Check out our full preview and betting tips for the clash courtesy of PuntingInDanger below and remember, you can view our preview and tips for every game in Round 2 and beyond of the AFL season, just be sure to head to our AFL Betting Tips page for regular updates.
AFL Carlton vs Collingwood Betting Tips
MCG, Thursday March 24tth 7.20pm (AEDT)
The Blues and Magpies both faced tough tests in Round 1 against sides that are predicted to be challenging for top four. This should be a pretty even contest, with both teams desperate to avoid the dreaded 0-2 start.
Match Prediction
This is pretty much dead even in the bookies eyes, with the Pies opening at the start of the week as the slightest of favourites. We are finding it pretty tough to pick a winner here as well, as both teams put up pretty spirited performances against quality sides in Round 1.
The Blues trailed by just eight points heading into the final quarter of their season opener against the Tigers and although the reigning premiers kicked away in the last term to earn a 25 point win, there were certainly some positive signs that Blues will take from the game.
The new rules surrounding the man on the mark certainly opened up the game and resulted in some high scoring contests. However, the Pies faced the Western Bulldogs on Friday night in what was easily the most defensive game of the weekend, with the teams combining for just 122 points.
On the injury front, the Blues will still be without a host of key players in the likes of Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning, Caleb Marchbank, Mitch McGovern, Nic Newman and Jack Silvagni, they should get Jack Martin back from injury, which should give a boost to the midfield and forward line.
As for the Pies, they have already had a really good looking injury list which will only get better this week with star midfielder Steele Sidebottom being available for selection. With that inclusion, they should have a near full strength side. Given that, we think they are pretty good value on Thursday night to get the job done at the MCG in front of what should be a pretty Collingwood heavy crowd.
Collingwood -1.5 (2 Units)
$1.90
Blues Prop
Harry McKay was really active in the Blues loss to the Tigers on Thursday night. He had five shots on goal and while he only kicked two of them, he was clunking marks on a regular basis inside 50. Three snags in previous years might be a tall ask for McKay but with the game looking much more open and producing higher scores in Round 1, I don’t think it’s out of the question here.
Pies Prop
Might be the best value you get all season for Steele Sidebottom to get 25+ disposals as the star midfielder comes back in for his first game of the year. Back in 2019, the last season where the AFL had full length quarters, Sidebottom played 23 total games and averaged 25.7 disposals. He surpassed the 25 disposal mark in 16 of 23 games and his services might be required more in the midfield this season with the departure of Adam Treloar.
Sidebottom 25+ Disposals
$1.83
