The biggest match in AFL Round 23 takes place on Sunday with the Blues taking on the Magpies at the MCG. We preview the match and bring you our best bets!
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Carlton vs Collingwood Betting Tips
MCG, Sunday 21st August, 3:20pm (AEST)
Carlton
Injuries: Jordan Boyd, David Cunningham, Ed Curnow, George Hewett, Josh Honey, Matt Kennedy, Oscar McDonald, Nic Newman, Luke Parks, Sam Philp
An extensive injury list is one of the key reasons why the Blues have struggled so badly in the second half of the season. The good news this weekend is that Zac Williams and Adam Cerra will both be available to play, although key players George Hewett and Matt Kennedy won’t be playing any part.
The Blues came ever so close to securing a finals berth last weekend when they led the Demons by a couple of goals late in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t to be however as a last gasp snap from Kozzie Pickett broke their hears. That loss was the Blues third in a row and their seventh from their last 11 games in what’s been a really disappointing second half of the season after such a promising first half. Still, the ball is in their court and it’ll be interesting to see what they can dish up.
Collingwood
Injuries: Taylor Adams, Brodie Grundy, Nathan Kreuger, Reef McInnes, Tom Wilson
Collingwood have their fair share of injured players as well heading into Sunday’s blockbuster, although not quite as many as their opponents. Taylor Adams was unable to get up to play on this occasion, while Brodie Grundy will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
The Magpies luck finally ran out last weekend when they were thoroughly outplayed and beaten by a classy Swans outfit on the road. That loss snapped an amazing 11-match win streak that catapulted them right into top four and premiership contention. They now head back to Melbourne where they’ve won each of their last eight matches and will be looking to cap off an elite home and away season with another win.
Match Prediction
What a match we have on our hands here between two rivals that have everything to play for. The Blues are eyeing off an elusive finals berth and can secure that with a win, while the Magpies are eyeing off an unexpected top four spot and a double chance in the finals.
The Magpies have had the wood over the Blues in recent years with wins in six of their last seven meetings, which includes a 79-75 victory over them earlier this season. Furthermore, the Magpies are clearly in the better form of the two sides having won 11 straight matches prior to their loss to the Swans last weekend. Expect intensity levels to be incredibly high in this blockbuster clash that I have the Magpies having the slight edge in. I’m happy to back them into put an end to the Blues season on Sunday afternoon.
Collingwood H2H
$1.95 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
Corey Durdin has had to deal with the sub vest a lot in recent weeks but gets a look at a full game on Sunday. He’s kicked at least one goal in three of his last four matches despite limited game time and is great value to hit the scoreboard in this one.
Corey Durdin Anytime Goal Scorer ($1.80 at Ladbrokes)
Mason Cox is a sneakily good performer in big games and has been building his form nicely in the second half of the season. He’s kicked a goal in each of his last three matches and should be able to extend that threat to four on Sunday.
Mason Cox Anytime Goal Scorer ($1.94 at Ladbrokes)
