AFL: Sydney out to stop the rot

Sydney’s season is in danger of capitulating and they will be desperate to pick up four points against Collingwood on Friday night.

The Swans looked the team to beat this season, but following one win in the last six games, they are no longer the hot fancies for the premiership.

They are now 6.00 to win the 2024 grand final, with the Brisbane Lions available at 3.60.

For now it is all about getting back to winning ways, starting against the reigning premiers.

Collingwood have kept their top-eight hopes alive following a narrow win over arch rivals Carlton, and need to back it up against the Swans.

The Pies are 9.00 to make finals and there is no room for error over the three remaining games of the regular season.

There is a huge amount at stake for both of these sides, which should make for an exciting, intense battle to open up the round.

. What: Sydney v Collingwood
. Where: SCG, Sydney
. When: 19:40 (AEST), Friday 9th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Sydney 1.42, Collingwood 2.90

Longmire demands response

Swans coach John Longmire labelled his side’s performance against Port Adelaide as ‘unacceptable’ and he will be demanding a response against Collingwood.

Sydney were humiliated against the Power, when losing by 112 points, and Longmire is baffled by his side’s recent slump in form.

But if they are to win the premiership they need to rediscover their confidence and form as soon as possible.

Sydney began the season with a 33-point win over Collingwood and went on to win 13 of the opening 14 games.

Now they desperately need another and can be backed at 2.05 to win by 1-39 points.

Slow starts are hampering the Swans, and they will be keen to get off to a flyer against the Pies.

They can be backed at 2.20 to win the first quarter by 1-18 points.

Sydney have not been helped by a crippling injury list and Longmire will be hoping for some good news on that front this week.

Pies target three in a row

Collingwood picked up a huge win over Carlton at the weekend, and now have two wins on the bounce after also seeing off Richmond.

Another victory over the Swans and they will be in with a good chance of squeezing into the top eight.

However they will have to do it without two influential players, who have been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Both Tom Mitchell and Jordan De Goey will not play again this season, even if they make the top eight.

It is a big blow for the Pies, but they showed against Carlton that they can still get the job done without them.

Collingwood can be backed at 6.50 to beat the Swans by 1-12 points.