3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2021 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.

WEST COAST V COLLINGWOOD

Friday 16 April @ Optus Stadium

Now having spoken about narratives in the Thursday night game – boy does this one have it in a big way. The pencil sharpeners will be twisting writing these reviews.

Collingwood sells newspapers/lift ratings whatever it is doing - whenever winning the Magpie army are in fervour and whenever losing with regularity the rest of the football world gets into a rejoicing mode.

It is no wonder so many magazine TV shows and radio podcasts lead with them whether they are challenging for the top spot or more likely heading for a high draft pick (they could have a really low one anyway but it could be a moral with Nick Daicos and their hands forced at No 1 come draft night).

But I suppose that won't be scorned upon by some sections of the media given the geographic nature of his end place and the fact its father/son.

It was probably always going to be the way that the Pies would fall this year given the mayhem to end 2020. Even after their final match and setting aside the off-field dramas.

Their trade period was like a Looney Tunes cartoon. Every time they came up for air another thing would knock them on the head. Not sure who was the best example of the Coyote in black and white but there were plenty of roadrunners leaving, and now causing them pain at other clubs.

While Treloar is the most obvious given the salary being shared, others like Stephenson are at least getting a run around.

They, like Geelong, haven't quite adapted to the new ways. That doesn't mean they can't or won't in time but so far they haven't and it could be too late once they do.

The natural first place to look is the one garnering most currency and that is Brodie Grundy. When at his best he is formidable – an extra midfielder and not just a tap merchant.

But at present he's winning the taps but it isn't translating around the ground and for his followers. Could it be a thought to give him a run on the ball forward and let say Darcy Moore handle everything beyond halfway. Or even the reverse as Moore is capable at CHF. He faces Nic Naitanui here so it will be a fascinating watch.

The up and down nature of the Eagles follows an old path – win at home, lose in Melbourne. They've relied many years on banking the wins in Perth and picking off enough either mostly around the other states and a couple in Melbourne against lesser lights.

Now they have another issue to deal with – no Shuey, no Yeo, no Hurn. Some in the prime of their careers and some closer to the back end but nonetheless important.

Naturally it gives opportunity to others but it's hard to replace class. Their three talls need supply. If they get enough they have the cattle up forward but they can't afford for it to die away because there is no way they'll generate it themselves on the ground.

Collingwood have won a couple of really close ones of late but did lose the biggest of them all in 2018. The 2020 final was one to savour for their faithful though.

You'd think West Coast has enough talent to get by but it won't be easy. That siege mentality will be played up big time as the plane leaves from Melbourne. Buckley will have that front and centre.

Struggling to see a big score in this game. Collingwood would love to keep it a tight affair and anyway they may not be able to kick much of their own. A shoot out seems a bad play given their form.

Match Selection: West Coast by 19 points

Suggested Bets: Total Points Under 156.5 @ $1.90