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Collingwood vs Geelong Cats AFL Betting Tips - Blockbuster in store with tight Round 21 game predicted

adam-cusworth
Editor
Last updated: Tue 28 Jul 2026 08:47
Collingwood meets Geelong Cats in what promises to be another close AFL clash, with both teams coming off strong recent results. Collingwood boasts six straight wins, while Geelong has rebounded with back-to-back victories. Five of their last eight clashes have been decided by 15 points or fewer. Key player markets include Bailey Smith and Josh Daicos for high disposals, and Ollie Henry to feature in goals. The key recommendation: back either team to win by under 15.5 points in a match expected to go down to the wire.
Adam Cusworth 28 Jul 2026
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  • Collingwood on a six-game winning streak
  • Geelong responded with strong recent wins
  • Last 8 head-to-heads mostly decided by under 15 points
geelong collingwood
Geelong Cats and Collingwood Magpies to play out a thriller (Getty Images)

Collingwood vs Geelong Cats Verdict


Collingwood and Geelong Cats have had some blockbuster battles and this is another one tipped to go down to the wire. Both enter in strong form and I'm expecting another high-quality contest that is decided by less than 15 points.

  • Five of the past eight matches between the two sides have been decided by less than 15 points, while another two were by less than 24.
  • Josh Daicos has had 25+ disposals in five of his past six matches against Geelong.
  • Ollie Henry has kicked 2+ goals in five of his past six against the Pies.
  • Bailey Smith has had 34+ disposals in four of his past five against Collingwood.

Head to Head Stats


Geelong have won the past three matches against Collingwood, including the Round 9 clash this season by 54 points.

Collingwood Form - Six Wins Straight


Collingwood are one of the form sides of the competition, having won six straight matches. They proved they are the real deal when they headed to Adelaide last Thursday night, kicking clear with 10 goals to four in the second half to defeat the Crows by 34 points.

The win was built on relentless pressure. Collingwood recorded a forward-half pressure rating of 186 in the second half, forcing 16 forward-half turnovers and scoring 5.2 (32) from them. In comparison, Adelaide managed just 1.1 (7) from the same source.

Darcy Cameron was dominant in the ruck with 37 hitouts, 23 disposals and six clearances, leading to 137 AFL Fantasy points. 

Nick Daicos was unstoppable with 39 disposals and a goal. He has had 35+ disposals in seven of his past nine matches and is around the $1.30 quote in most markets for the Brownlow Medal.

Dan McStay, Tim Membrey and Ed Allan all kicked two goals. Membrey has kicked 2+ goals in each of his past six matches, while McStay has achieved that feat in his past four.

Geelong Cats Form - Cats Respond


Geelong were on shaky ground a fortnight ago but have responded superbly, despite being undermanned, with impressive victories over St Kilda and Melbourne. 

Last week, they set up their win over the Demons with a seven-goal second quarter before running out 20-point winners.

Bailey Smith, Tanner Bruhn and Tom Stewart all had 25 or more disposals, while Shannon Neale and Ollie Henry found their range up forward, combining for nine goals.

Smith has had 30+ disposals in eight of his past 10 matches, while Henry has booted six goals across his past two outings. 

Geelong have played four matches at the MCG this season for a 2-2 record, including a 54-point victory over Collingwood back in Round 9.

Collingwood vs Geelong Cats Team News


Brayden Maynard copped a knock to his knee against Adelaide and will be assessed during the week for Collingwood.

Jeremy Howe made a successful return from injury with 15 disposals and a goal, while Lachie Schultz is edging closer to a return from an ankle injury.

Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield is managing a series of soft-tissue niggles and a decision on his availability will be made later in the week. 

Sam De Koning was a late withdrawal against Melbourne due to illness and is expected to return. Jack Bowes found a stack of the ball in the VFL, while Jack Martin also pressed his case for a recall with four goals. 

Verdict

Take either side by less than 15.5 points with a tight game expected. Bailey Smith and Josh Daicos are backed in the disposals markets and Oliie Henry can get amongst the goals for the Cats.

Best Bet1: Either Team 15 or less Tribet 15.5 @16/11 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Bailey Smith To Have 30+ disposals @17/25 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Josh Daicos To Have 25+ disposals @21/20 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Oliver Henry To Kick 2+ goals @11/12 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Either Team 15 or less
Tribet 15.5
@16/11 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets
Bailey Smith
To Have 30+ disposals
@17/25 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

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Bet at bet365
Josh Daicos
To Have 25+ disposals
@21/20 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
Oliver Henry
To Kick 2+ goals
@11/12 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets
adam-cusworth
Adam Cusworth

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

One of Australia's top tipsters, Adam provides tips for horse racing every day of the week as well as AFL previews. He is one of the top ranked experts on the Great Tip Off each month and has featured on Blackbook, Punters, Racingbase and many more.

 
Based in Melbourne, Adam is an avid sporting fan that loves a day at the MCG to follow his team, Hawthorn, in the AFL and the Aussies in the cricket, while he doesn't mind a day out at Moonee Valley, Flemington and Caulfield from time to time.

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