Sydney v Collingwood Preview, SCG

Round 22 kicks off with a blockbuster at the SCG as ladder leading Sydney take on a desperate Collingwood outfit. Despite sitting on top of the ladder, the Swans have had a massive dip in form over the last five rounds, losing four of the said contests including a humiliating 112 point defeat against Port Adelaide last week. Suddenly, finishing in top spot is far from a formality for the Swans who are now only two points clear of Brisbane on the ladder heading into this weekend’s contest. Reinforcements are on the way for the Swans, as Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican and Joel Amartey are all in the frame to return. Meanwhile, Collingwood kept their slim finals hopes alive in a dramatic three-point win over Carlton in club legend Scott Pendlebury’s 400th game. The reigning premiers are now four points outside the eight and need to win their final games, plus get some help to sneak into finals this season. However, they will be without star midfielder Jordan De Goey after he suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, while Tom Mitchell was also ruled out for the rest of the year during the week after also enduring an injury-riddled season. The two sides met earlier this year at the MCG, with the Swans beating the Magpies by 33 points back in Round 1.

TIP: Sydney by 5 points, Chad Warner to have 25+ disposals.

You know how some footy previews feel stiff and overly polished? Let’s try something different like we’re chatting with a mate over a beer. The Sydney Swans and Collingwood Magpies square off again, and it’s shaping to be quite the showdown.

Looking back to Round 5, Collingwood had Sydney’s number at Adelaide Oval. They ran out winners, 16.13 (109) to 12.6 (78), a convincing 31-point triumph. Ned Long was quietly brilliant with 29 disposals, earning high praise from coach Craig McRae, while Nick Daicos piled on 34 disposals to steer the Magpies home. That sort of performance tells you Collingwood don’t just show up they take charge.

Fast-forward to now and Collingwood’s form is still solidly in the “top tier” category—they’ve been competitive, clutch in tight moments, and seem disciplined when it truly counts. Meanwhile Sydney’s inconsistent bursts of form, though flashy, often feel like they’re held back by coaching rigidity and a lack of finals nous.

So, when piecing together an AFL Prediction, you’d lean toward Collingwood’s structure and finals experience winning the day. Especially considering how they’ve handled pressure in tight high-stakes games, their composure could again be the deciding factor.

For those after AFL Betting Tips, I’d say Collingwood’s stock remains high. Their history of managing tight finishes and showing up when it matters tends to offer solid value especially if there’s a line suggesting they’ll just edge it. Look out for midfield battles too; if Daicos and Long can replicate their midseason form, the Magpies might just dominate clearances again.

Summing up the AFL Tips here: go with Collingwood – but don’t expect them to run away with it. It feels more like a controlled, confident performance, not a blow-out. Expect key contributions from their spine players, and unheralded names like Ned Long stepping up again.

So yes, if you’re mapping out your own AFL Betting Tips, lean toward the Magpies experienced, composed, and peaking when it matters. Not flashy, but effective.