3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2020 AFL Season.

We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

GEELONG V COLLINGWOOD

Thursday 16 July @ Optus Stadium

The initial external Perth hubbers get together for a rumble while in quarantine plus a few locals will get to go along and create 'noises of affirmation'.

And they both hit their trek off wins with the notion that they likely both play finals as well.

Geelong was a fascination in Sydney last week. When Lachie Neale kicked that pearler from the boundary line to put the Lions around three goals up, there were warning bells galore.

BUT – then – the run of goals was phenomenal. Especially when you consider Brisbane was touted as the flag elects leading into the game.

On top of that you had the loss of Duncan and Narkle early in the game and rotations were restricted. You'd think that was curtains.

But Paddy Dangerfield said "Not on my watch". He grabbed hold the game and took it upon himself to turn the Lion pride around. 3 Votes – P Dangerfield is a moral there.

The surprise was that a younger player like Sam Simpson joined in for the ride. That is the sort of thing that will be required in this silly season. Players will pop-up like sprinklers.

How will they react to Hub-life and facing Collingwood who are noted travellers and love to escape the attention of Melbourne?

They showed as much at Giants Stadium on Friday when they took the front and were never headed. But in truth boy was it a poor match.

Yet again, despite dominance, could only kick three majors after quarter time. It was lucky they were facing a team inept at scoring.

There was no way they were asked questions by the Hawks about the loss of their top 'outs' De Goey and Howe. Geelong need to be doing just that.

The Pies certainly enjoyed the effort and command Adam Treloar brings to the midfield. He gets the pill and while not precise, gets it moving in their direction. Too many go sideways first players abound at present.

The faster track of Optus Stadium will be a benefit to both teams compared to the slower nature of Sydney. That evokes the likelihood of more scoring.

The following question is who does that suit more? Geelong are capable of faster scoring but it will also probably invite Collingwood themselves to get involved in more attack.

However this year is full of low scoring matches and consider the last three times they've played, both teams have averages 60 points each. That doesn't augur well especially with rain predicted in Perth the next few days.

This is almost impossible to predict. Geelong has hit some form but that loss of two impactful mids is concerning. De Goey is back and his influence needs to be felt on the scoreboard.

We'll tip the Pies but without much conviction.

Match Selection: Collingwood by 13 points

Suggested Bets: Collingwood 1-39 @ $2.00