AFL Round 24 continues on Friday night with a clash at the MCG between Collingwood and Brisbane. It’s a must-win match for the Lions who will be hoping to secure third spot on the ladder and take on the Swans in the first week of finals.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Magpies vs Lions below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Collingwood vs Brisbane Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 24
Magpies Managing the Wildcard
Collingwood returns to the MCG on Friday night entering the final round of the home-and-away campaign with zero ladder anxiety. Firmly locked into next week's eighth versus ninth wildcard showdown, this fixture carries no real ramifications for their post-season path. That affords the match committee the rare luxury of managing player workloads and resting sore bodies without consequence. While the playing group will still want to perform well and take positive form into elimination football, the primary focus is clearly on arriving at next week's wildcard clash as fresh and healthy as possible.
Lions Hunting Third Spot
Brisbane heads south to Melbourne with enormous motivation in the race for a double chance. To guarantee third place and book a qualifying final against a depleted Sydney Swans outfit, the Lions must win and maintain their percentage buffer over fourth-placed Hawthorn. With the Hawks sitting just two per cent behind and facing a winnable fixture against West Coast, Brisbane cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. Boasting an explosive scoring profile that has caused headaches for opposition backlines all month, the Lions will be chasing a decisive margin to protect their top-four standing.
Recent History and Tactical Matchup
When these two sides met earlier this season, Brisbane took complete control, powering to a 54-point victory at the Gabba. That performance was built on ruthless clearance work and clinical forward efficiency that tore Collingwood's defensive structure apart. Tactically, Friday night shapes as a huge test of the Magpies' transition across the wide expanses of the MCG. If Collingwood dials back the pressure even slightly or rotates key personnel off the ground, Brisbane's midfield runners possess the speed and polish to slice through the corridor at will.
Match Prediction and Best Bet
Contrasting levels of urgency should dictate terms in this Friday night clash. Collingwood is already planning for next week's do-or-die wildcard game, making it entirely natural if they play with one eye on self-preservation. Brisbane, on the other hand, arrives with everything on the line, determined to lock away third spot, protect their percentage gap over the Hawks, and set up a prime finals matchup. Expect the visitors to bring relentless intensity from the opening bounce, dominate territory, and clear the line.
Brisbane -25.5
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Collingwood vs Brisbane Prop Bet
Logan Morris is peaking at the right time with two bags of four goals over the past fortnight. He’s also now kicked 3+ in three of his last four matches and remains great value at north of $2. On top of that, he kicked three against the Magpies earlier this season and also kicked six against them late last year.
Logan Morris 3+ Goals
$2.20
Collingwood vs Brisbane Same Game Multi
Charlie Cameron 2+ Goals: He’s kicked 2+ goals in eight straight matches and that streak should continue here.
Dan McStay 2+ Goals: He’s kicked 2+ goals in seven straight matches and has been one of the best key forwards in the competition over the last two months.
Will Ashcroft 30+ Disposals: Only Nick Daicos has had more disposals than Ashcroft over the past two months. He’s had 30+ in nine straight matches.
Collingwood vs Brisbane Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Friday, 21st August
Time: 7:40pm AEST
Location: MCG Melbourne
Odds: Collingwood $3.90 vs Brisbane $1.26
Line: +25.5
Points: 182.5
Where to Watch Collingwood vs Brisbane
You can watch the Magies vs Lions live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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