We head under the roof at Marvel Stadium for Friday night footy in AFL Round 3 as the Collingwood Magpies take on the GWS Giants. Both clubs are coming off last start losses and will be desperate to make amends on the big stage, but who will come out on top?
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Magpies vs Giants below. And if you’re keen to back in our tips, consider doing so at Bet365 - one of the biggest and best sportsbooks in the world!
Collingwood vs GWS Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 3
Magpies Get Some Reinforcements
Collingwood heads into this Friday night blockbuster at Marvel Stadium well rested after enjoying a week off. The Magpies have had a mixed start to their 2026 campaign, securing a solid victory over St Kilda in the opening week before dropping a tight contest against Adelaide in their last outing. Craig McRae will be demanding a more consistent effort from his group as they look to assert their control early in the match. The side receives a massive double boost to their structure this week with both Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe expected to return to the senior lineup and fortify the backline.
Where are the Giants at in 2026?
Greater Western Sydney arrives in Melbourne desperate to get their season back on track following a frustrating four-point loss to St Kilda last weekend. The Giants found themselves in a massive early hole, and despite mounting a spirited comeback, they ultimately fell just short at the final siren. Adam Kingsley faces severe headaches at the selection table with a mounting injury toll heavily impacting his defensive stocks. Star interceptor Sam Taylor remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, and with Jack Buckley now ruled out due to concussion protocols, the visitors look incredibly vulnerable in the back half of the ground.
Recent H2H History
GWS has won the last two meetings between these teams by significant margins, including a 52-point victory in the 2025 Opening Round. However, Collingwood have been dominant at home in this matchup, winning the three prior matchups at the MCG, most notably the 2023 Preliminary Final by a single point. Interestingly, these teams have faced 17 times overall (Collingwood lead 9-8) yet this is their first meeting at Marvel Stadium.
Magpies or Giants? Here’s Our Best Bet
The Giants enter this clash heavily depleted by injury, particularly across their midfield and defensive lines. On top of that, Darcy Cameron will almost certainly have his way in the ruck which will see him provide first use to Nick Daicos and co. While the Magpies have struggled with their forward 50 connection lately, and GWS still has enough talent to keep it close, expect the Magpies to find a way to get the job done and salute in the 1 to 39 point range.
Collingwood 1-39
$2.20 (1.5 Units)
Collingwood vs GWS Prop Bet
Yes, we’ve picked the Magpies to win the match, but that doesn’t mean Jesse Hogan won’t have his way with the Magpies defence. The Pies are expected to regain Moore and Howe on Friday night, but I don’t think either are a great matchup for Hogan. He’s kicked 3+ goals in 3 of his last 4 games against the Pies, including 4 goals when they last met.
Jesse Hogan 3+ Goals
$2.85
Collingwood vs GWS Same Game Multi
Josh Daicos 25+ Disposals: Has started the season in great touch with 36 and 28 disposals, shifting between the midfield and half back. He should find plenty of it again.
Clayton Oliver 25+ Disposals: Clarry has started life at GWS positively with 26, 26, and 33 disposals in his three games. He’s also had 30+ in 5 of his last 6 games against the Pies.
Nick Daicos Anytime Goal Scorer: Toby Bedford is expected to return for the Giants on Friday and usually goes straight to Daicos. This could see Nick float forward at times, which is something we’ve seen more regularly of late.
Same Game Odds: $4.00 at Bet365
Collingwood vs GWS Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Friday 27th March
Time: 7:40pm AEDT
Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Odds: Collingwood $1.47 vs GWS $2.71
Line: -13.5
Points: 175.5
Where to Watch Collingwood vs GWS
You can watch the Magpies vs Giants live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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