• Join
  • Login
  • BNA Twitter
  • BNA Facebook
  • 10:22:31 AEST
  • Sunday, 15 December 2024
  • Gamble Responsibly 18+
Collingwood Taylor Adams

Collingwood Magpies AFL 2018 Season Preview


Writing is on the wall for Bucks

Key Ins: Sam Murray (Sydney Swans)

Key Outs: None

 

Overview

Australia's biggest club fanbase wouldn't be happy with the footy dished up by the Magpies over the past few seasons. Finishing outside the top 10 in the last four seasons, albeit in a rebuilding phase for the club, simply isn't good enough for Collingwood's vocal fans. Ex-player and club legend Nathan Buckley has overseen this troubling period, and it seems that the fans' appreciation of him is starting to wane, with the coach's head well and truly on the chopping block.

However, the second half of last season gave the impression that Buckley had finally managed to pull it all together. Collingwood only lost 2 out of their last 7 games, and these were against two top-six teams in Geelong and Port Adelaide. With a squad chock-full of promise, this is shaping up as the year where the Magpies return to finals footy.

A team adept at controlling the tempo of the game, Collingwood ranked first in marks per game in 2017 (105.7), and second in both kicks (222.6) and disposals (402.9). While not having particularly high contested possession numbers, this suggests that when Collingwood do find the ball, they keep it well and have the ability to dictate the play. 

With a favourable draw that sees them playing GWS, Adelaide, Sydney, Geelong and Port Adelaide only once, Collingwood are primed for a massive surge up the ladder. If they can build off the end of last season's positive finish and up their contested ball numbers, the Magpies have all the talent to produce a performance paralleling Richmond last season, who went on to have a massive year after finishing 13th in the previous season. 

Player to watch: Brayden Maynard is one of Collingwood's brightest prospects, and had a solid 2017. As a defender in the early stages of his career, averaging 17 disposals a game speaks volumes. With a booming kick and a good pair of hands, look for him to have a stellar year.

Key Player: Taylor Adams had a remarkable 2017, establishing himself as the new gun midfielder in the AFL. Ranking first for Collingwood in contested possessions (257), tackles (140) and score involvements (160), Adams really made the midfield his own. 

 

Defensive rating 8/10

For a young team, Collingwood's defence is surprisingly experienced. With Lynden Dunn and Tyson Goldsack capable of holding down most forwards in the league, high-flyer Jeremy Howe will be protecting his goals from the air, cutting off forays forward from opposing players. 

Attacking threat 8/10

Another positive coming from the Magpies' last season was the performance of their forwards, who excelled despite having more than their fair share of injuries. Alex Fasolo and Darcy Moore both had impressive returns with 29 and 25 goals respectively, but it was the dynamic Jamie Eliot who was most damaging, booting 34 goals from just 17 games. Both ready to peak, Eliot and Moore are set for huge seasons.

Midfield strength 9/10

Competing with fellow young gun Taylor Adams is Adam Treloar, who is just as key to Collingwood's success this year. Fleet of foot, and an excellent ball carrier, Treloar will be looking to burst through the midfield. Captain Scott Pendlebury and the super-skilled Daniel Wells provide extra class to one of the league's burgeoning midfields.

 

  Bookies' Verdict Our Verdict
Top 8 $2 A steal at that price
Premiership $34 $9
2018 Prediction 11th 5th

Share On:

Trending Racing & Sport News

LA Dodgers Bellinger

San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers Tips 24/7/24

As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to host the San Francisco Giants, all signs point to another victory for the home tea.....

Jul 24, 2024 10:00AM
READ MORE right-arrow

NHL Nathan Walker

NHL Conference Final Betting Tips 22/5/24

The New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers are set to clash in what promises to be an electrifying series. Both teams.....

May 21, 2024 12:00PM
READ MORE right-arrow

NHL Nathan Walker

NHL Finals Tips & Best Bets 30/4/24

As the First Round of the NHL playoffs reaches a crucial juncture, all eyes turn to Game Five between the Tampa Bay Ligh.....

Apr 29, 2024 03:00PM
READ MORE right-arrow

Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt

MLB Picks: Opening Day 2024

The return of Major League Baseball signals the unveiling of our analysis on Opening Day betting trends. We've meticulou.....

Mar 26, 2024 10:00AM
READ MORE right-arrow

Sports Betting Topics


Tweets by @BettingNetworkA

More Sports & Racing news you might like

Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt

MLB Picks: Opening Day 2024

The return of Major League Baseball signals the unveiling of our analysis on Opening Day betting trends. We've meticulou.....

READ MORE right-arrow

Souths Cameron Murray

NRL Best Bets and Tips: Round 0

The 2024 NRL season commences in Las Vegas with an iconic double-header. This marks the league's foray into the United S.....

READ MORE right-arrow

NFL Superbowl2019

AFC Championship 2024 NFL Tips and Best Bets

Get ready for an brilliant weekend of NFL and it all kicks off with the AFC Championship match. The Baltimore Ravens and.....

READ MORE right-arrow

Los Angeles Rams

NFL Monday Night Football Tips and Best Bets 14/11/23

Buffalo Performance Review Entering Week 10, the Bills confront an unfamiliar playoff-less reality, a departure from Jos.....

READ MORE right-arrow

MLB Houston Astros Pitcher

MLB Betting Tips for NCLS Game 7 25/10/23

In the midst of an electrifying National League Championship Series, the Arizona Diamondbacks brace for a pivotal Game 7.....

READ MORE right-arrow

MLB Houston Astros Pitcher

MLB Tips for Game 7 NCLS 2023

In the midst of an electrifying National League Championship Series, the Arizona Diamondbacks brace for a pivotal Game 7.....

READ MORE right-arrow

Copyright © 2024 S92 www.bettingnetworkaustralia.com.au

Stay in Control. For gambling help call 1800 858 858 or your local State gambling helpline, Gamblers Help, Mission Australia or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au. Users must be at least 18 years old.

www.bettingnetworkaustralia.com.au (the "site") is not a bookmaking or wagering website. As such the site does not provide bookmaking or wagering services. We are a tipping and information service site. If you choose to take tips or use information on this website, you acknowledge and agree that you will only wager with licensed service providers for your jurisdiction. For help call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au. Our Terms and Conditions are listed here.

Feedback