The biggest AFL home and away fixture of the season is here, with Essendon vs Collingwood set to take centre stage at the MCG on Anzac Day. It falls on a Thursday in Round 7 and of course, we’ve provided you with a full betting preview for the clash, complete with a best bet and Same Game Multi.
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2024 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
2024 AFL Round 7 Preview & Betting Tips
Essendon vs Collingwood
Thursday 3:20pm AEST, April 25th, MCG
Although they haven’t been overly consistent, there’s a lot to like about the way Essendon have begun season 2024. They’ve beaten all of the sides they’ll likely be competing with for one of the last couple of spots in the top eight, and they’ve lost to the two contenders they’ve faced in the Swans and the Power. This has them sitting in seventh spot on the ladder with a 4-2 record.
The Bombers’ injured/suspended list looks a little thinner this week which is always a positive. Peter Wright is available to return after missing a month due to suspension and has been selected to replace youngster Elijah Tsatas. Jordan Ridley has had a couple of setbacks and is still listed as four weeks ago from a potential return, while midfielders Will Setterfield and Archie Perkins are both also at least a week away.
Meanwhile, Collingwood have seemingly shaken off the early premiership hangover that saw them lose their opening three games, responding with a three-game win streak. They most recently overturned a 31-point first quarter deficit against an in-form side in the Power to run away huge 42-point winners. This brings the Magpies to 3-3 and has them sitting in 10th spot on the ladder.
The good news for the Magpies continues in the medical room, as they now have almost their full playing list available for selection. By all reports Daniel McStay is progressing really well from his ACL tear, and he’s the only member of their best 23 currently listed on the latest injury report. Unsurprisingly, the Magpies have only made the one change from last week’s team, with Harvey Harrison coming in for Reef McInnes.
Match Prediction: There’s always a great buzz leading into the Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood, regardless of their lead-up form; however, it certainly adds that little bit of extra excitement when both teams are flying, which is certainly the case in 2024.
Like with most rivalry games, form lines can often mean very little as both sets of players relish the moment and lift to the occasion. In saying that, it would be highly surprising if we don’t get a close clash on Thursday with both teams coming off momentum building wins in Round 6.
The Magpies have had the wood over the Bombers in recent times, winning each of their last four contests. However, the last two Anzac Day battles have each been decided by 13 points or less, and that bodes well for the Bombers’ chances of covering the spread. As mentioned above, it’s always a tricky match to call, but there’s a bit to like about the Bombers at the + line considering recent history.
Essendon +13.5
$1.95 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
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Nick Daicos 30+ Disposals – Dominated this fixture last season with 40 disposals and two goals and rarely do the Bombers send a tag. He should get plenty of it again here.
Nic Martin 25+ Disposals – The Magpies don’t mind teams messing around with it in their back half and I expect Martin to get plenty of easy ball here as a result.
Lachie Schultz 2+ Goals – Starting to find his feet at the Magpies with two goals in each of his last two games. He remains great value to repeat the dose.
SGM Odds: $5 at BoomBet
