Carlton vs Collingwood Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season | Round 17
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The AFL's most historic and bitter rivalry provides the backdrop for Friday football at the MCG as a struggling Carlton team takes on the formidable, ladder leading Collingwood.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ & Watch AFL / US – Watch AFL
The prediction
Carlton's (11th) season is in freefall. They are on a two-game losing streak, with their most recent effort being a humiliating 110-60 loss to Port Adelaide, a game in which they kicked just a single goal before half-time. This came on the heels of a shock loss to a then-struggling North Melbourne, leaving their five-game form at LLWWL.
In the demoralising loss to Port Adelaide, George Hewett was one of the few Blues who could hold his head high. He fought tirelessly against the flow of the game, finishing with 21 disposals and a team-high 9 tackles.
Collingwood (1st) sit ten premiership points clear on top of the ladder, having strung together seven consecutive wiins. In Round 16, they overcame a spirited challenge from the last-placed West Coast to win by 29 points (88-59).
Nick Daicos was once again the best player on the ground for the Magpies against the Eagles. He orchestrated play all over the field, gathering a game-high 34 disposals, 10 marks, and pushed forward to kick a goal in a masterful display.
These two foundation clubs have already met in 2025, with Collingwood securing a 17-point victory (63-46) in a grinding, low-scoring contest in Round 4. This is the most-played rivalry in VFL/AFL history, with 267 official meetings. Collingwood holds a narrow overall lead of 134 wins to Carlton's 129, with 4 draws.
The on-field problems for Carlton appear systemic. Analysis shows their "defensive effort has disappeared," and their ball use has been "deplorable." This is a disastrous combination when facing the number one team. Another heavy loss would only intensify the pressure on coach Michael Voss.
Carlton vs Collingwood tip: Collingwood to win by 25+ points
