Richmond v Collingwood Rd 20

Sunday, July 27 – 2.10 PM AEST – Venue: MCG

Collingwood will be looking to rebound after losing two games on the trot. They allowed Freo to score 4.2 to their 2.4 in the last quarter last week, but they are playing really good footy. They have been getting enough inside 50’s but need to convert them into goals.

Collingwood have to win to ensure they hold a top 2 spot or else they risk playing the first final interstate, rather than on the MCG. They should get Membrey and Frampton back this week and possibly Hill is now ready too, which would add some scoring power and speed to the forward line, as well as sureing up their defence.  

The Tigers are playing fast and brave footy and have secured two wins in a row against Essendon and West Coast. Balta  has now served his curfew time and will be a welcome addition for the rest of the year. Armstrong is also likely to come in.

The Daicos brothers racked up 68 possessions between them last week with Nick getting a creer high 43 and Josh 25. Darcy Cameron is having an All-Australian type year and Pendlebury and Sidebottom are showing how much time they have with the ball to make the right decisions.

The youth of the Tigers should get taught a footy lesson by the experience of the Pies.  

Collingwood by 37 points

Richmond have shown some ticker lately. Back-to-back wins over Essendon and West Coast is no fluke – they’re running hard and the kids are buying in. But walking into the MCG against a Collingwood side that genuinely needs this game? That’s a different ask.

The Pies have dropped two straight and the top-two spot is now on the line. They don’t just want this game, they need it. Get beaten here and they’re facing a first final on the road – not something Craig McRae will want to think about. Getting Membrey, Frampton and potentially Hill back through the forward line changes the equation, and with the Daicos brothers operating at that level – Nick’s 43 touches last week was something else – Richmond’s defence will be working overtime.

For AFL tipping this week, Collingwood at home shapes as the logical call. Their midfield experience still separates them from most teams in the competition, and the MCG suits their style. Anyone leaning on expert AFL tips will likely land in the same spot: Pies to cover, with the margin the real question. AFL betting tips that factor in Collingwood’s finals motivation and home ground advantage point firmly their way on Sunday.