Collingwood v Port Adelaide AFL tips & odds | Round 1, 2025

AFL best bets

AFL 2025: Collingwood vs Port Adelaide match preview

Collingwood will host Port Adelaide at the MCG in AFL Round 1 action this Saturday night as the Magpies look to redress their dismal first-up display for the 2025 season.

Leading AFL bookies predict a tight tussle, with the line hovering around half a point. The Pies have shortened throughout the week and are now posted at $1.62 in head-to-head betting markets, while the Power have drifted to $2.40.

Collingwood produced an insipid effort against the GWS Giants last Sunday, losing by 52 points despite entering the contest as favourites with top bookmakers. They broke even on many of the key stats, including inside 50s, clearances, contested possessions, and marks, yet their forward line appeared uncoordinated and lacking in any real venom.

Another alarming feature of the loss was the drop in team performance when the Daicos brothers were closely marked. There was also a notable lack of defensive effort around the contest, with several star players repeatedly failing to track their opponents out of stoppages.

Recommended!

Fast Payouts

50% matched deposit up to USD $5,000

Visit BetOnline

Port Adelaide are a difficult side to assess at this stage. They enjoyed a solid 44-point win over the young Saints in the preseason but are largely unwanted in early premiership betting markets.

The Power finished second on the 2024 ladder with 16 wins and seven losses, yet they are not expected to replicate that result this season. AFL betting sites have them sitting around $18 in premiership odds, outside the top eight chances.

Port have a soft early-season draw, however, and if they can jump the Magpies in Melbourne, Ken Hinkley and co. will be confident of beating the Tigers and Bombers to get off to the perfect start.

Collingwood vs Port Adelaide team news

Collingwood will be bolstered by the first appearance of Dan Houston, who may get a hostile reception when lining up against his old club. Lachie Sullivan is another addition to the squad. The 27-year-old midfielder played just 10 games in 2024 and will be out to cement a more permanent spot.

Will Hoskin-Elliot will miss this fixture with a finger injury, while Edward Allan has been omitted following a quiet game against the Giants.

Debutant Joe Berry, pick 15 from the 2024 draft, will take a spot in the Port Adelaide forward line and is expected to add dash inside 50. Joe Richards will line up against his old club as the Power field a young and nimble forward setup.

Port will also unveil offseason recruit Jack Lukosius, who will be eager to establish himself as Port’s go-to forward after struggling to nail down a particular position during his time with the Gold Coast Suns.

Collingwood vs Port Adelaide predictions – AFL Round 1

This may prove to be a scrappy, low-scoring affair as both sides look to build cohesion and generate fluid ball movement. Hot conditions are forecast for Melbourne over the weekend, so expect sweaty hands to drop the Sherrin and create plenty of turnovers. Take the under 167.5 total points at $1.90 on Unibet.

Jack Lukosius could be a nice fit for this young Port side and will be keen to make an immediate impact. The 24-year-old is coming into his prime years and has shown the ability to run defenders ragged, as evidenced by a five-goal haul against the Cats in Round 10 last year. Back him to kick two or more goals at $1.98 on Neds.

Mitch Georgiades is another who shapes as a likely contributor for the Power. The young forward loves to fly high in the marking contest and might get on the end of some swift ball movement from the opening bounce to get his side on the board. Back him as first goalkicker at $10 on BlondeBet.

Sports betting tips