The AFL's Opening Round began as a celebration of regional footy, but in the 2026 season it brings us a classic between two old rivals at the MCG.

The highly touted St Kilda Saints face off against the ageing champions of 2023, the Collingwood Magpies.

The Saints were the biggest movers and shakers in the AFL’s offseason trade period, and they’ll be looking to blood some new talent when facing last year’s prelim finalists in the Pies. 

With Tom de Koning, Jack Silvagni, Liam Ryan and Sam Flanders heading to St Kilda, expectations on the Saints are higher than ever as they chase their first finals victory since 2020. 

However, they face a Collingwood side that is full of champion players and a winning mentality. Despite having the oldest list in the AFL and injury clouds over star players, the Pies at the MCG still resemble one of the most daunting challenges in footy. 

It’s a clash of eras at the MCG, the new look Saints are hungry to make a statement against the veteran Pies.

Can the youth of St Kilda prove too much for the Pies to handle? Or will the experience of the mighty Collingwood Club win out?

We have analysed the tactical shifts, the injury news and the key matchups to bring you the expert insights for this Sunday night blockbuster.

For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Magpies vs Saints prediction and preview below. 

Collingwood Magpies vs St Kilda Saints Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

This one is fast becoming the reverse ambush. The Pies were supposed to remain at the pointy end when it comes to premiership contenders and they may be there when it is all said and done, but injuries could derail the start of their campaign.

Moore and Howe will miss the Opening Round, meaning one of Marshall or De Koning, as well as Cooper Sharman, will get some nice looks aerially for the Saints.

Craig McRae typically never tags, but based on what we saw in Ballarat last week, he might think about changing his philosophy on the topic when it comes to stopping "Nasiah the Messiah."

One match-up we can be confident about is Marcus Windhager vs Nick Daicos. That’ll be key in regards to the outcome of the game.

We’d expect that the new-look Saints and their fans will enter the MCG full of confidence and expecting the W. With young-guns across the midfield and athleticism across the forward line, points shouldn’t be hard to come by for the St Kilda outfit. 

But you get the feeling that coach McRae will have some tricks up his sleeve and his team ready to ambush St Kilda in front of a packed MCG. 

Head-to-head prediction: Pies by 8 points. 

First Goal Scorer Prediction

With the Magpies missing key defensive personnel, the forward structure might be fluid, but Dan McStay remains a dangerous aerial threat. 

He is a reliable target who knows how to hold his ground in the goal square, making him the prime candidate to capitalise on a Pies' attacking entry and begin the ambush for Collingwood. 

Betting tip: Dan McStay.

Most Disposals Prediction

Josh Daicos is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign and he’s likely to lead the way in this matchup. 

Whether he is linking up play on the wing or finding pockets of space through the middle, Daicos is consistently the racking up numbers for the Pies. 

In a game that will be contested hard, look for him to find plenty of the footy.

Toss-up between Josh Daicos and his brother for most disposals, we’re going with big brother on this one.   

Betting tip: Josh Daicos

Odds are subject to change.*

Collingwood Magpies vs St Kilda Saints Predicted Teams

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

B: Brayden Maynard, Billy Frampton, Isaac Quaynor

HB: Scott Pendlebury, Darcy Moore, Harry Perryman

C: Josh Daicos, Nick Daicos, Steele Sidebottom

HF: Beau McCreery, Dan McStay, Pat Lipinski

F: Jamie Elliott, Tim Membrey, Lachie Schultz

Foll: Darcy Cameron, Jordan De Goey, Ned Long

I/C: Dan Houston, Jack Crisp, Jeremy Howe, Jack Buller, Lachie Sullivan 

St Kilda Saints Predicted Team List

B: Callum Wilkie, Jack Silvagni, Anthony Caminiti

HB: Jack Sinclair, Alix Tauru, Marcus Windhager

C: Mason Wood, Sam Flanders, Bradley Hill

HF: Hugh Boxshall, Rowan Marshall, Max Hall

F: Jack Higgins, Mitchito Owens, Liam Ryan

Foll: Tom De Koning, Mattaes Phillipou, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

I/C: Jack Macrae, Liam Stocker, Hugo Garcia, Cooper Sharman, Darcy Wilson

Collingwood Magpies vs St Kilda Saints Match Details

Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026

First bounce: 7:10pm AEDT

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to watch: Channel 7/Fox Footy/Kayo Sports