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.
COLLINGWOOD V SYDNEY
Thursday 6 August @ the Gabba
Not too often would a game pitting 10th against 17th hold any fascination BUT it could be the end of a disastrous week for Collingwood should they lose.
Matches between these two teams have a history of being tight and low scoring affairs. When it is not, it is because one team has put the afterburners on and given the rivals a fearful thwacking.
Collingwood has found themselves in a hole. Some of their own making and some affected by the season's issues.
Without Sidebottom (of his own accord), Howe (through injury) and now Pendlebury with De Goey too, they need a circuit breaker. That really should be beating up on the Swans.
Then you have the coach's dilemma. Whatever your view on his and his President's intervention, it is all part of that theory that Mick Malthouse had regarding 'blockbuster fatigue'.
Sometimes you'd imagine it would be best just to have a quiet week but that isn't the Magpies way. But what that also does is to cover over any matters on the field.
They haven't been able to take advantage of Brodie Grundy's ruck performances. Some opponents even rove to him directly.
They always get drive off half back but where is the continuity with the forwards and who takes the marks or at least brings it to ground?
At the very least they have some relief in that while the plucky Swans try hard, they are so young and have few big names in the big places.
Franklin, Kennedy and Heeney would add 900+ goals, 250+ games and star factor. They rate the kids highly but they need names around them. When all right, it would mean for instance Tom McCartin doesn't get the best defender but the second best defender for example.
Florent in the midfield faces maybe the third or fourth best mid rather than higher. But you can see the signs of a change in thought process and style.
Sydney is taking on the corridor. Rampe and Mills are prepared to kick to the 45 and they have skilful young kickers like Dawson, Ling, and even Stephens now he's back.
It is the kicking for goal that is the greatest sign of confidence. That old adage of bad kicking is bad football was never more evident than against St Kilda.
They were having a real dip in the third quarter at the Gabba but missed multiple set shots and didn't add to the field pressure with scoreboard pressure.
We've seen some incredible straight kicking this season by teams which causes mayhem. Others have been shocking – Brisbane probably the worst.
Collingwood simply has to win and win without the need to panic at some time. They aren't meeting a team thriving on on-field confidence. That will come in time but not at the moment.
They should cover the line as necessity will bring a longer pressure effort.
Match Selection: Collingwood by 25 points
Suggested Bets: Collingwood -17.5 points @ $1.90
