Wednesday, 24 April 2024: Racing and Sports will provide analysis of games in the 2024 AFL Season.

We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

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ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD

Thursday 25 April @ MCG

The great home and away game of the year means much more than 120 minutes of action.

That 30 minutes prior to the first bounce is the best 30 minutes of each sporting year.

And in 2024, we possibly get a riveting, critical and most in form game for good measure.

Can the Bombers find again?

For all of Essendon's issues and frailty, they sit 4/2 and are getting the job done. Not all too many times in recent years have they met Anzac Day in this form.

Despite the very real and painful Adelaide anger at the last holding the ball decision, Essendon were the better side. A win was deserved.

If they can hold that consistency together, winning games against better sides is not out of the question.

But they will need that in taking on a Collingwood side who has found some mojo. They can't afford to keep getting 5 goals down and thinking they will overrun though.

If Daicos and De Goey impact like they did against Port, it can cover over any cracks. The lack of that big man target didn't harm them in 2023 – will it in 2024?

Match	Essendon	Collingwood	Ground
Last time they met	3.13 [31]	16.5 [101]	MCG
Last 10 matches	3 wins	7 wins
Notes	Last 4 games to Collingwood
	Before the last match, the previous 9 had only had 2 where the margin was more than 16 points

The Magpies are not atop their game yet but are approaching that. You can smell things returning. If Essendon can't stop Daicos' usage it might get nasty. Should still be a good game for a while.

Match Selection: Collingwood by 18 points

Suggested Bets: Nick Daicos 35+ possessions @ $3.50 @ bet365