It’s a Friday night blockbuster at Gather Round as the Pies and the Swans lock horns at Adelaide Oval.
The Pies defied their label of being the oldest team to ever take an AFL field by dismembering Carlton in the third quarter last week to move to 3-1 on the season.
The Swans too have gotten rolling finally after a slow start under Dean Cox. They looked like the Swans of last year that just took care of everyone (yes, until Grand Final day), and squared the ledger at 2-2 after they smashed the Roos under the lid.
The Swans won both these encounters last year, including a controversial finish at the SCG with a non-decision that went the Swans way. The non-decision breathed new life into the Swans season and ended the Pies’ one then and there.
These clashes are historically high-octane and have a certain level of spice attached to them. Expect nothing less as they do battle for the first time at a neutral venue.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds and betting tips, check out our Pies vs Swans prediction and preview below.
Collingwood Magpies vs Sydney Swans Predicted Teams
Collingwood Predicted Team
B: Jeremy Howe, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor
HB: Josh Daicos, Billy Frampton, Brayden Maynard
C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Jack Crisp
HF: Ed Allan, Mason Cox, Bobby Hill
F: Tim Membrey, Dan McStay, Brody Mihocek
Foll: Darcy Cameron, Pat Lipinski, Nick Daicos
Int: Ned Long, Harry Perryman, Beau McCreery, Jamie Elliott, Will Hoskin-Elliott
Sydney Swans Predicted Team
B: Nick Blakey, Dane Rampe, Sam Wicks
HB: Ollie Florent, Joel Hamling, Matt Roberts
C: Jake Lloyd, Isaac Heeney, Braeden Campbell
HF: James Jordon, Hayden McLean, Will Hayward
F: Corey Warner, Tom McCartin, Joel Amartey
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom
Int: Riley Bice, Peter Ladhams, Tom Hanily, Caiden Cleary, Angus Sheldrick
Collingwood Magpies vs Sydney Swans Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
The Swans' strength over the past few years that has seen them make two of the past four Grand Finals has been their front-half game. This is their ability to generate scores from keeping their opponents under pressure in defence and generating scores by keeping the ball locked in their attacking end.
That returned to the fore last week against the Roos, putting up over 100 points on the scoreboard for the first time this season.
But it’s set to come under another extreme examination this week against the Pies who have the top rated defence thus far this season. The Pies strong profile, backed up by their string of strong results, has them building into the season nicely.
They will need to find a different user off half-back for a couple of weeks after boom recruit Dan Houston got himself suspended for a high-hit, but the Pies have many weapons that they can shuffle the decks with.
Swans star Isaac Heeney was at his scintillating best in both games against Collingwood last season, including a 14-possession last quarter to drag his team over the line in Round 22 after being best on ground back in Round 1. He’s started this season strongly playing exclusively as a midfielder and will be setting himself to go big again.
Two in form teams. Should be a good one but the front half injuries to Collingwood is a bit of a deterrence to pick them. So the Swans it is.
Betting tip: Sydney Swans
First Goal Prediction
Swans gun Will Hayward admitted post-game against the Roos that even he believed that his start to the season was below standard. In the past two games, his uptick in form has had a direct correlation on the Swans turning things around.
The consistent goalkicker has made a habit of getting on the scoreboard early and has bobbed up regularly to hit the board first. A big stage is set for him to do it again.
Betting tip: Will Hayward
Most Disposals Prediction
It’s no surprise that Nick Daicos is the short price favourite in this market again. He’s central to almost everything the Pies do. We fully expect him to receive plenty of attention from Swans stopper James Jordon to at least try and minimize his output.
But, as is usually the case with Collingwood and the Daicos’, If Nick doesn’t get you, Josh will!
Recast in a halfback role, Has started the season in strong form, ranked in the top dozen players in the league for most disposals.
Betting Tip: Josh Daicos 25+ disposals
Collingwood Magpies vs Sydney Swans Cats Match Details
Date: Friday April 11th
First Bounce: 7:40 PM, AEDT
Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports