GWS Giants v Collingwood Magpies AFL tips | March 9, 2024

Giants v Magpies best bets

GWS v Collingwood match preview

The Collingwood Magpies will be looking to get their premiership defence off to a hot start on Saturday night as they face the GWS Giants in Sydney. After last year’s preliminary final was decided by just one point, expect another close contest between two of the best sides in the AFL.

Exceeding all expectations in 2023, the pressure is now on the Giants to improve even further this season. Despite a largely injury-free offseason, the Giants will be missing important players Finn Callaghan (shoulder), Harry Perryman (hamstring) and Isaac Cumming (quad).

As a result, draftee Harvey Thomas has been confirmed to make his debut, while 2022 number one pick Aaron Cadman returns to the side looking to improve on his disappointing rookie season.

For the Magpies, the question now is whether they have the quality to go back-to-back. With four changes to their grand final side, it will be interesting to see how the Magpies blood young talent in 2024 given they have the oldest list in the AFL.

Injuries to Jeremy Howe and Nathan Murphy in the backline will test Collingwood’s depth as 22-year-old Charlie Dean makes his AFL debut. John Noble and Ash Johnson have been recalled after missing last year’s finals series.

New recruit Lachie Schultz will make his debut for the Magpies after switching from the Dockers in the offseason, adding another threat to an already dangerous small forward group.

Giants v Magpies betting strategy

The start to the season doesn’t get much harder for the Magpies, who haven’t won away at GWS since 2016. However, they have won the past three clashes between the sides, and after losing just one interstate game in 2023 they have shown their ability to travel. It’s not often that the defending premiers come into their opening match as underdogs, so take the visitors at the value price of +120 with Bovada

GWS Giants captain Toby Greene will be looking to start a premiership charge with a big performance on Saturday night. Kicking a career-best 66 goals in 2023, Greene has all the qualities in the air and on the ground to create opportunities in every situation. Set for a fiery battle with Brayden Maynard, expect Greene to be constantly in the game while booting three or more goals at +175 odds.

After securing his maiden All-Australian jacket in 2023, Collingwood wingman Josh Daicos will be hoping to improve even further this season. With both starting wingmen missing for the Giants, expect Daicos to take advantage of less-experienced opposition. Daicos averaged a career-high 25 touches per game last season and looks set to hit that mark this weekend at +120 with the best AFL betting sites.

Best AFL betting sites in 2024

1

Live Betting Odds

Bovada

Visit Bovada Review

Sports betting picks