Collingwood v Sydney AFL R8 best bets & multi tips – May 7, 2023

This Sunday, in round eight of the 2023 AFL Premiership, top-of-the-table Collingwood will take on a Sydney Swans side desperate to get back to winning ways. Elation and despair were on the menu for these two teams last weekend, as the Pies came away with a one-point win against the Crows, while the Swans suffered an agonising one-point loss to the Giants.

It’s a wonder to know what it’s like being a Collingwood Magpies supporter. Initially it would have been constantly teetering on the edge of a heart attack when they began their run of close wins last year; now they would almost come to expect it.

No-one really knows how they do it, some speculating their elite fitness, others that each player keeps a four-leaf clover in their boots. Whatever the reason, the Pies have all the confidence knowing that they can overrun any team.

In the last two years it’s only backfired on them once, and it was against their opponents this Sunday. Since that preliminary final in 2022, the two teams have been on a vastly different trajectory.

The Pies look to be the team to beat this year, even if you could argue that they shouldn’t be as strong as other contenders for the flag. The Sydney Swans, on the other hand, are struggling; injuries have plagued them early this year, and their past five games have netted four losses.

Sydney have always been a side that when you think they are going to struggle, the worm eventually turns and they are right back in the finals frame. That could definitely happen for them this year — just not this week.

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The Swans’ injuries have caused a lack of cohesion between the players on the field, whereas the Pies are so in-sync that any weakness they might present is instantly eradicated. Don’t forget the last time Sydney ventured to Victoria, they got belted by 90-odd points. The Pies might not belt them by that much, but they will sure beat them ($1.44).

Last week, Adelaide did the unthinkable and put a tag on Nick Daicos – the runaway favourite in Brownlow Medal betting. Ben Keays stuck to the young gun, but Daicos still had 27 disposals and over 450 metres gained. Now he is back at the MCG on Sunday with full confidence that he can take anything the Swans might throw at him. Look for Daicos to go for at least 30 disposals, possibly en route to another three votes ($1.32).

What is great about Collingwood is that all their goals come from a variety of sources. Last week, the midfielders had to lift in that department to get them over the line due to the small forwards being quiet. But those small forwards won’t stay quiet for long.

Bobby Hill is one player who will enjoy the plethora of footy that will go forward. Hill has been exceptional in his time with his new club, providing a necessary offensive spark. With the only significant key forward being Mihocek, look for Hill to swoop onto plenty of loose ground ball and boot at least two goals ($2.30).

Key matchup: De Goey v Parker

Jordan De Goey vs Luke Parker

Jordan De Goey’s increased midfield time has proven to be another big success for the Pies. He finally gets the freedom to use his strength and power to explode from the contest, which generates many scoring opportunities for his team. De Goey is averaging over 24 disposals a game, but it’s also the grunt work which enables him to get the ball out to other classy midfielders.

The only Swans player that is really built to prevent De Goey from being as dynamic as he can be is Luke Parker. The Sydney veteran really lifted when it mattered last week and nearly got his team over the line. Sunday’s game will call for those same heroics.

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