Who would have thought that Collingwood would be the in-form team going into this clash? The Magpies have won both their fixtures so far and have been convincing in doing so, however Geelong will almost certainly provide a much tougher test on Saturday despite losing to the rising Swans last week.
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.
Collingwood vs Geelong Betting Tips
MCG, Saturday 2nd April, 7.25pm (AEDT)
Collingwood
Injuries: Jordan Roughead, Nathan Kreuger, Beau McCreery, Nathan Murphy, Charlie Dean, Isaac Chugg
Collingwood’s tall stocks took another hit last weekend as Nathan Kreuger went down with a shoulder injury that will keep him out for some time. Roughead remains out for at least another fortnight with a shoulder injury of his own.
Collingwood may have only beaten St Kilda and Adelaide, but you can only beat the side in front of you. Despite missing some key pillars, the Magpies structure seems to be working – Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury are kickstarting attacks from the back and the strong midfield of Taylor Adams, Jack Crisp and Jordan De Goey is working well as a unit. Goals are being shared down forward, the smalls of Jamie Elliot, Oliver Henry and Beau McCreery have been particularly exciting along with preseason improver Jack Ginnivan.
Geelong
Injuries: Sam Menegola, Gary Rohan, Sam Simpson, Jamies Willis, Flynn Kroeger, Toby Conway
Menegola’s return from a knee injury is imminent, however Rohan still has plenty of recovery to complete.
Geelong put on a clinic against Essendon in Round 1 but were then brought back down to earth by Sydney on Buddy Franklin’s special night. While many experts thought Geelong may fall down the ladder with an ever-aging list, there are no signs so far that the Cats won’t be a finals team come the end of the year. Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron still pose a huge threat down forward and there is a good mix of attributes in the back and midfield lines.
Match Prediction
Collingwood has a surprisingly strong record against Geelong recently, prevailing twice in their last four encounters. Most of those matches have been low scoring affairs, such is the possession based game style of each team. Collingwood have been promising in the opening couple of rounds but I think the step in class to Geelong will be too much for them, the win shouldn’t be as easy for the Cats as it was against Essendon though.
Geelong -13.5
$2.00 (1 Unit)
Prop Bets
This bet has hit in the same seven matches between these two teams. Both like to possess the ball and I can see Geelong’s defence feasting on Collingwood’s lack of quality key forwards.
Under 165.5 points ($1.90 at TAB)
Collingwood is severely lacking in the tall defender department and Geelong will look to exploit this through their twin towers. Hawkins kicked 4 against the Dons in Round 1 and is well placed to capitalise again on Saturday.
Tom Hawkins 3+ Goals ($1.75 at TAB)
Sidebottom has found himself getting forward of the footy more often this season as he looks to adapt his game to an aging body and change of role. As a result, he has kicked a goal in the opening two games and I feel like he will hit the scoreboard again here.
Steele Sidebottom Anytime Goalscorer ($2.00 at TAB)
