St Kilda should get their 2022 campaign off to a winning start on Friday night at Marvel Stadium against a Collingwood side with much to prove under new coach Craig McRae.
Best Bet
St Kilda -8.5 ($1.90)
Collingwood cannot be trusted.
The Pies were among the worst performing sides of the last decade against the line in 2021, clearing at a dismal 32%. They only covered in two of their last nine games.
While the appointment of a new coach in Craig McRae brings hope, they will likely take some time to adapt to what will no doubt be a significantly different gameplan.
The Saints were far more reliable late in 2021, clearing the start in seven of their last nine. While they may lack the star power to contend with the top teams, they are the fifth oldest team in the competition and have enough quality across the park to cover a small number here.
Same Game Multi
St Kilda -8.5 / B.Mihocek Anytime Goal / J.Steele 25+ Disposals / M.King 2+ Goals ($3.60)
Brody Mihocek rarely kicks large bags of goals but still a reliable contributor in a thin Collingwood forward line. He converted in 18 of 21 games in 2021 including in each of his last nine.
Jack Steele is about as consistent as any midfielder in the game, only dropping below 25 touches once in his last 11 games of 2021 and clearing 30 in seven of his last eight.
Max King booted 2+ goals in his last four games of 2021 and again in St Kilda’s practice match win over Essendon.
Value Bet
Max King 4+ goals ($4.20)
The former number four draft pick had a stellar end to 2021, kicking two bags of 4+ in his last four games.
He will be critical to St Kilda’s finals chances and looks ready for a breakout year that will put him right in Coleman medal betting calculations.
