The biggest match of the AFL home and away season is upon us once more, as Collingwood and Essendon get set to go head-to-head once more on Anzac Day. Both clubs have been in winning form in the lead up, so we should be in for another cracker this Friday. We bring you our full match preview, best bet, and Same Game Multi below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Collingwood vs Essendon
Location: MCG – Melbourne
Date: Friday, 25th April
Time: 3:20pm AEST
Odds: Collingwood ($1.24) vs Essendon ($4.00)
Line: Collingwood -22.5
Points: 160.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Dabble. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The 2025 Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon promises to deliver another memorable contest at the MCG. While the build-up is always steeped in tradition and respect, there’s plenty on the line as both clubs look to make a statement in front of a huge crowd. Despite injury setbacks for each side, the standard is expected to be high, with momentum and bragging rights on the table.
Collingwood will enter the match without their captain for the first time this season, as Darcy Moore misses with vertigo symptoms caused by an ear injury picked up in the win over Brisbane. Moore’s absence is significant – he’s been central to the Magpies’ defensive structure with his intercepting ability, aerial presence and organisational voice. But the Magpies have shown all year that their system doesn’t rely on one player. Their back six remains disciplined, and their ability to rebound quickly and launch attacks from defensive 50 has been one of the key hallmarks of their play.
For Essendon, the absence of ruckman Sam Draper looms large. Draper has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a ruptured Achilles, a massive blow given the influence he’s had this year around stoppages and through the corridor. His follow-up work and athleticism gave the Bombers an edge in contested moments. Todd Goldstein is expected to take on the lead ruck role, and while his experience will help steady the group, matching Collingwood’s midfield pressure without Draper’s influence could prove difficult over four quarters.
Statistically, Collingwood have a clear edge. Their midfield has been efficient and relentless, with Nick Daicos thriving after a false start in Opening Round. He’s been instrumental in linking defence to attack, with sharp ball use and high disposal counts driving the side’s tempo. The Magpies rank among the competition leaders for disposal efficiency and inside 50 efficiency, and their pressure rating remains consistently high. Their forward line may not rely on a single focal point, but it’s well-structured and gets results.
Essendon have had bright patches this year, but they’ve also been inconsistent. Their ball movement can be quick and dangerous when it clicks, but they’ve struggled to convert forward entries into goals and have at times been vulnerable to quick transitions. Against a side like Collingwood, who thrive on turnovers and rapid rebound, that could prove costly. Maintaining four-quarter intensity will be essential if the Bombers are to keep it close.
Collingwood come into this one as favourites for good reason. Even without Moore, their system, work rate and depth give them the upper hand. The occasion will lift both teams, and Essendon will no doubt be up for the fight, but the Pies should have too much polish across the ground. Back them to cover the -22.5 point spread in a contest that should still be full of intensity and passion, befitting the Anzac Day stage.
Collingwood -22.5
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 AFL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Darcy Cameron Anytime Goal Scorer – Will have a huge advantage in the ruck in this one and I expect him to stretch the Bombers rucks and push forward hard. Great odds to land a goal here.
Nic Martin Anytime Goal Scorer – Terrific player and always finds the right spots. Another one that is over the odds to jag at least one major. He’s also kicked a goal in four straight games.
SGM Odds: $6.00 at BoomBet
