Collingwood’s top four hopes in strife, as Hawks clash looms

Collingwood is banking on a swift return to form when it clashes with Hawthorn in the opening match of AFL round 22 on Thursday night at the MCG. 

The Magpies are $1.61 favourites with Australian betting sites to account for the Hawks ($2.32) but both teams are coming off stinging losses to fellow premiership contenders, which have put their credentials in the firing line. 

Craig McRae’s troops were soundly beaten by Brisbane on Saturday night, with their midfield ineffectual against the star-studded Lions, who were seeking revenge for the 2023 grand final loss. 

The Hawks were gallant but were ultimately outclassed by an Adelaide team that didn’t panic when they were jumped early, slowly working their way into the contest, before putting the foot down in the final term. 

They also suffered a major blow with star midfielder Will Day re-injuring his navicular bone in his foot, which will rule him out for much of next season, and could spell the end of the Hawks’ premiership hopes this year.

The positive for the Magpies was the return of Jordan De Goey from an achilles injury and Bobby Hill (personal reasons) with the pair making it through the match unscathed. 

“We had a meeting about it and don’t sugarcoat it, we were outplayed, that’s real the numbers don’t lie,” McRae said. 

“It hasn’t been a pattern but it’s disappointing – we’ve got work to do.

“I was probably more frustrated after the Fremantle loss to be honest…”

On Friday night, Geelong is a $1.01 favourite to defeat the injury-riddled Bombers, with this clash set to be another prime-time shocker, but all eyes will be on Jeremy Cameron who booted another six goals in the Cats win over Port Adelaide, taking his season tally to 75. 

The former Giant has now kicked 75 goals this year and needs another 25 in three matches plus finals to reach the elusive century, a feat that has not been reached since Lance Franklin did it in 2008. 

The early game on Saturday will feature Richmond and St Kilda, with the latter the bookies’ elect to win this clash after their improved form in the last fortnight, largely on the back of the brilliant Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. 

Brisbane ($1.21) is expected to defeat Sydney ($4.45) at home and continue its march towards a top two position and a home final. 

Carlton ($4.75) will be hoping it can build on its improved form against Fremantle when the Blues clash with the Gold Coast ($1.19) at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. 

Port Adelaide ($4.35) will be hoping to put a dent in Fremantle’s ($1.22) final ambitions when it hosts the Dockers at the Adelaide Oval. 

On Sunday, GWS is a $1.05 favourite to defeat North Melbourne ($10.50), Melbourne ($4.10) faces the herculean task of stopping the Sam Darcy Show when it clashes with the Western Bulldogs ($1.24), while 18th-placed West Coast ($17) is not expected to trouble Adelaide ($1.01).

AFL round-22 schedule and odds

AFL round 22 will start on Thursday August 7, 2025, and conclude on Sunday, August 10.

Thursday, August  7

• Hawthorn ($2.32) vs Collingwood ($1.61) – 7:30 pm AEST – MCG, Melbourne

Friday, August 8

• Geelong Cats ($1.01) vs Essendon ($20) – 7:40 pm AEST – GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Saturday, August 9

• Richmond ($3.72) vs St Kilda ($1.28) – 1:20 pm AEST – MCG, Melbourne
• Brisbane Lions ($1.21) vs Sydney Swans ($4.45) – 4:15 pm AEST – The Gabba, Brisbane
• Carlton ($4.75) vs Gold Coast SUNS ($1.19) – 7:35 pm AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
• Port Adelaide ($4.35) vs Fremantle ($1.22) – 8:10 pm AEST – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Sunday, August 10

• GWS GIANTS ($1.05) vs North Melbourne ($10.50) – 1:40 pm AEST – Manuka Oval, Canberra
• Melbourne ($4.10) vs Western Bulldogs ($1.24) – 3:15 pm AEST – MCG, Melbourne
• West Coast Eagles ($17) vs Adelaide Crows ($1.02) – 5:10 pm AEST – Optus Stadium, Perth