The three-game slate in Round 23 of the AFL will be headlined by a massive clash between the Bombers and Magpies from the MCG. PuntingInDanger has his preview, best bet and same game multi for the clash below.
Remember to check out our best bets for every game in Round 23 of the AFL season by heading to our AFL Tips page.
AFL Essendon vs Collingwood Betting Tips
MCG, Sunday 22nd August, 3.20pm (AEST)
It’s all on the line for the Bombers, who can secure a place in the top eight with a win. The Pies will be playing for pride alone and for the chance to send off interim coach Robert Harvey on a winning note, as it looks likely Collingwood will replace him in the off-season.
Match Preview
It’s been a scintillating back half of the season for the Bombers, who have won four of their last six games and are coming off brilliant wins over the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns in their last two games. The win against the Dogs was particularly impressive and shows that they are truly capable of making a splash in the finals.
They got key midfielders Andrew McGrath and Dyson Heppell back from injury against the Suns and young star Jye Caldwell could make a return this week. It’s shaping up nicely for the Dons, who need only win and maintain their current 13%-point advantage over the Eagles to qualify for the finals.
It’s been a tough run home for Robert Harvey and the Pies, who are 2-6 since the bye and were absolutely belted to the tune of 85 points by the Lions at the Gabba on the weekend. The end of the season couldn’t come soon enough for the Pies, with key players in the likes of Callum Brown, Tyler Brown, Darcy Moore and Scott Pendlebury already on ice.
The Bombers start as firm favourites here and it’s hard to look past them given how impressive they have been and in contrast, how poor the Pies have been. Collingwood seemingly put the 2021 cue in the rack against the Lions last week and I can’t see them coming out with too much vigour this Sunday. Back the Bombers to cover the line here.
Bombers -21.5 (1.5 Units)
$1.90
Same Game Multi
Zach Merrett has been an absolute beast this season, averaging 31.8 disposals per game. He was impressive in the win over the Suns on the weekend with 31 touches, his 15th game with 30+ this season. Back him to have 30+ again this week for the fourth straight time.
Taylor Adams has been the shining light for the Pies in the back half of the season, returning from injury and dominating in the midfield. He is 6/8 since Round 15 in clearing 25 touches.
Peter Wright went goalless in the win over the Suns after slotting seven the week before against the Bulldogs. I don’t think he has another game as quiet against the Pies after becoming the focal point of the Dons attack. Back him to be back troubling the scorers this week.
Zach Merrett 30+ Disposals
Taylor Adams 25+ Disposals
Peter Wright 2+ Goals
ESS vs COLL Same Game Multi
$3.75
