St Kilda Saints vs Collingwood Magpies Tips and Prediction
St Kilda arrive in Opening Round with plenty of expectation after one of the biggest offseasons in the AFL.
With several key recruits entering the side and Collingwood missing major pieces in defence, the Saints look well placed to start the season with a statement win.
How this game shapes up
The Saints made it clear during the offseason that they believe their premiership window is opening.
Tom De Koning, Liam Ryan, Sam Flanders and Jack Silvagni all arrive to strengthen the squad, while key players like Rowan Marshall and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera continue to develop into elite performers.
Ross Lyon’s side now has greater depth across the ground and far more attacking flexibility.
Collingwood remain a dangerous side but their defence takes a major hit in Opening Round with both Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe unavailable.
Those absences could prove crucial against a Saints side that will be eager to start fast after such an aggressive offseason.
Best Bets
St Kilda Saints -2.5
The Saints look stronger on paper heading into the season opener and Collingwood’s defensive outs could be difficult to cover immediately.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera 30+ Disposals
Wanganeen-Milera has consistently produced big numbers and has already dominated this matchup, collecting 35 disposals the last time he faced the Magpies.
What could go wrong?
Collingwood still have one of the league’s most experienced midfields and if players like Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey control territory, the Saints could find themselves under pressure.
And with several new faces entering the St Kilda lineup, early chemistry could take time to develop.