Collingwood v GWS prelim final betting tips – September 22, 2023

Magpies v Giants betting predictions

Collingwood v GWS preliminary final preview

This Friday night, the third week of the 2023 AFL finals series kicks off with a preliminary final clash between the Collingwood Magpies and the GWS Giants at the MCG.

Two weeks ago, the Magpies beat Melbourne by seven points to earn themselves a weekend off. After jumping ahead early, the Magpies led by over three goals at each break; however, the Demons staged a comeback late in the match, keeping the Magpies scoreless from the halfway point of the third quarter to give themselves a chance.

In a low-scoring contest, the Collingwood defence was particularly impressive, keeping the Demons to just seven goals, with their pressure forcing plenty of easy misses. The Magpies only scored 60 points themselves, however, so they will be looking to improve their offensive game as they face a GWS side that has scored over 90 points in each of its last four matches.

READ: AFL FINALS WEEK 3 PREVIEW & TIPS

The Giants travelled across to South Australia last weekend and upset the Port Adelaide Power by 23 points. Following a tight first quarter, the Giants kicked five goals in a row to take a 29-point advantage into halftime. Despite the Power’s best efforts, they were ever able to reel in the lead as the Giants held them at a comfortable distance for the rest of the game. Stephen Coniglio was exceptional with 30 disposals and two goals, while Jesse Hogan led the way up forward with four goals.

After two strong wins so far this finals series, the Giants will be confident that they can keep their good form going. However, they come up against a fresh Collingwood side that will have a sold-out MCG crowd on their side.

Pies young gun Nick Daicos is set to make his much-anticipated return after missing the previous five weeks with a knee injury. On the flipside, veteran midfielder Taylor Adams will miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury at training.

The Giants look to come into this match unchanged from their win against the Power. Their only concern is ruckman Kieran Briggs, who is expected to play despite suffering a shoulder injury.

Collingwood v GWS Giants best bets

This match looks set to be a classic. The Giants will be looking to repeat their heroics from 2019, when they beat the Magpies in a prelim at the MCG to reach their first-ever AFL Grand Final. On the other hand, the Magpies will be looking to go one better than last season, where they fell just one point short of reaching the big dance.

Expect both sides to create rapid forward entries in a bid to isolate opposition defenders. The Magpies have been the best team in the AFL in 2023, and with their exceptional home support, they will be hard to beat at -175.44 with Palmerbet.

Coming into this match in career-best form, GWS midfielder Stephen Coniglio looks set to play a major role on Friday night. Averaging 28.4 disposals a game in 2023, the 29-year-old has also kicked six goals in his last four matches. Coniglio looked refreshed on his return from injury last week, and we are backing him to collect 30 or more disposals at +108 with top AFL bookmakers.

Following a disappointing performance against the Demons, Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott will be looking to bounce back this weekend. With the quality of the GWS key defenders, expect the Magpies forwards to get the ball to ground, where Elliott can create opportunities. Regularly playing as the Magpies’ deepest forward, we are backing Elliott to kick two or more goals at -178.57 with Neds.

Key matchup: Maynard v Greene

Brayden Maynard vs Toby Greene

This matchup has the potential to win or lose the match for either side. The most dangerous small forward in the AFL, Toby Greene affects the game with every disposal, bringing in teammates or converting his own opportunities. If this match is close, look for the GWS Giants captain to show up with a moment of brilliance to spark the Giants’ momentum.

Most likely to be tasked with the matchup this week, Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard will be looking to put Greene off his game as much as possible. Known for his toughness and presence around the footy, Maynard makes the opposition players earn the footy as he loves to lay a big hit. He will need to ensure he works alongside his teammates to stifle Greene and keep him as quiet as possible.

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