AFL: Pies look to respond in King's Birthday clash

Collingwood continue to be hit by injuries as they attempt to return to winning ways against a Melbourne side who were thumped by Fremantle last week.

The reigning premiers have been battling on without a host of key players, but finally came unstuck when losing to Western Bulldogs in round 12.

Collingwood can still be backed at 8.00 to go on and win the 2024 grand final and will be confident of mounting a charge when the injury list eases.

Melbourne on the other hand are on the slide after losing three of their last four games.

They sit in 10th spot on the ladder and on current form they have work to do to make the top eight and play finals.

Simon Goodwin’s men are 1.45 to make the top eight, but they need to stop the rot quickly and get back on track.

There is no better time than the traditional King’s Birthday clash at the MCG against a weakened Collingwood side.

. What: Collingwood v Melbourne
. Where: MCG, Melbourne
. When: 15:20 (AEST), Monday 10th June 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Collingwood 1.82, Melbourne 2.00

Pies hope to have Hill available

Collingwood are sweating on the fitness of Bobby Hill after the forward picked up an ankle injury in training.

The Pies have seen their side decimated by injury with seven of last season’s premiership-winning team in the treatment room.

They can ill-afford anymore setbacks and will be hoping Hill gets the nod to face the Demons on Monday.

Coach Craig McRae remains positive that Hill will be able to play and the gun forward can be backed at 13.00 to boot the first goal of the game.

Collingwood have a great record against the Demons when winning eight of the past 10 meeting between the two sides.

They came out on top by seven points in a thrilling qualifying final before going on to win the premiership in 2023.

It could be a close one again and Collingwood are priced at 6.00 to win Monday’s clash by 1-12 points.

Wounded Demons must respond

Melbourne were humiliated in round 12 as they suffered a 92-point loss against Fremantle in Alice Springs.

It was the heaviest defeat they have suffered under the leadership of coach Goodwin, who will be demanding a response from his players.

The Demons should come out firing following a week of soul searching and they can be be backed at 6.00 to win by 1-12 points.

The biggest winning margin for either side in the last three meetings has been seven points, and another thriller looks to be on the cards.

Bayley Fritsch will be a massive player for the Demons and the forward can be backed at 9.00 to kick the first goal of the game.