Collingwood v Essendon AFL betting tips & odds | Round 17, 2024

Collingwood v Essendon top picks

Round 17 preview: Collingwood v Essendon

Round 17 of the 2024 AFL Premiership season kicks off on Friday night with a blockbuster clash between top-four contenders Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG.

The Magpies enter as $1.52 favourites with BoomBet despite losing to the Suns by 11 points last Saturday. In a high-scoring affair on the Gold Coast, the Magpies were unable to stop the constant flow of goals all day. Brownlow Medal favourite Nick Daicos was excellent with 32 disposals and two goals, but it was a quiet day for many of Collingwood’s other stars.

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As a result of the loss, the Magpies have dropped to sixth on the ladder. With so much competition for finals places, Collingwood bettors can find value in a top-four finish at $2.60 with leading AFL bookmakers.

There are two forced changes for Craig McRae’s side this week, as both Beau McCreery (calf) and John Noble (concussion) were injured against the Suns. Expect exciting forward Joe Richards to be promoted to the starting side, while midfielder Finlay Macrae is also in the mix.

Essendon come into this huge clash as $2.60 outsiders after losing to Geelong by 45 points at the MCG last Saturday night. Having taken a narrow lead into half-time, the Bombers then put together their worst half of the season, conceding 10 of the last 12 goals.

With just one win from their past four matches, major doubts are appearing around the Bombers as a premiership threat. With betting odds of $34 to win the flag, top Australian bookmakers have little confidence in Chris Scott’s side.

After getting through the Geelong game injury-free, there are no forced changes for the Bombers. But don’t be surprised if there are a few statements made at selection, with the likes of Elijah Tsatas, Dylan Shiel and Ben Hobbs all potential inclusions.

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Collingwood v Essendon betting predictions

Despite losing to the Suns last week, the Magpies enter this clash in much better form than the Bombers. Essendon’s performances have tapered off in the last month, whereas Collingwood are unbeaten in their past five matches at the MCG. Back the Magpies to cover the line of 11.5 points at $1.91 with top AFL betting sites.

Returning from injury last week, Brody Mihocek was Collingwood’s most dangerous forward and finished the game with two goals. With multiple majors in seven of his 10 matches this year, the 31-year-old is a constant threat inside 50. Mihocek kicked 3.3 and a couple out on the full when these sides drew on ANZAC Day, so back him for three or more goals at $2.75 with leading online bookmakers.

Although the Bombers’ form has dipped over the past four rounds, midfielder Jye Caldwell has enjoyed a career-best month of footy. Averaging over 25 disposals per game over that period, the former Giant has flourished with increased time in the engine room. After collecting a career-high 32 disposals against the Cats, back Caldwell to continue his good form with 30 or more at $2.50 with PlayUp.

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