Collingwood Magpies vs Sydney Swans Prediction: Magpies hoping for first win this season

The Pies and the Swannies are set to face off in this Round 1 clash, and Collingwood is anticipated to bounce back after their Opening Round loss, aiming to secure a victory against Sydney. In the following sections, I will present our match previews and provide betting choices for you to consider and take a chance on.

Collingwood faced missed opportunities in their Opening Round game against the Giants, possibly due to rustiness or fitness issues, ultimately leading to their defeat. Collingwood's defensive pressure was notably lacking at times, allowing the Giants to move through the middle effectively with both handballs and kicks. The upcoming game against Sydney presents an opportunity for Collingwood to address these issues and make a strong comeback.

According to afl.com’s Josh Gabelich, early indications suggest that Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe is working to prove his fitness on Wednesday ahead of the crucial Friday night game against Sydney at the MCG. The experienced player missed the Opening Round due to a corked calf, joining premiership backman Nathan Murphy on the sidelines at the beginning of the 2024 season. Nathan Kreuger is expected to take at least another month to recover from a hamstring strain.

Sydney found themselves in a favorable position during their victory over the Demons, capitalizing on Melbourne's early-season struggles with accuracy in front of goal. Despite both teams missing several shots, Sydney managed to secure the win without being punished for their inaccuracies. A significant aspect of their success was the Stoppage Clearances, where Sydney, typically below average in 2023, outperformed the Demons, known for their strong clearance abilities with Max Gawn and a star-studded midfield.

According to afl.com’s Martin Smith, Taylor Adams is currently out of a leg brace but has not resumed training, and Luke Parker will undergo reassessment in three weeks. The only injury reported from the weekend was a fractured finger for Angus Sheldrick in the VFL, which is expected to keep him sidelined for up to a month. Sam Reid participated in the VFL game over the weekend, but the Swans are taking a cautious approach due to his injury history.

The Collingwood Magpies are too strong to suffer consecutive losses early in the season after winning a flag. I strongly support them to win as favorites. Anticipating a close game, I'm opting for a narrow margin and also selecting the Game Total Under.