Essendon vs Collingwood Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 7

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It has been a tough start to the 2026 AFL campaign for Essendon as they now take on a steady Collingwood side searching for their fourth win.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels

How to watch online: UK – HBO Max & Watch AFL / USA – Watch AFL

The prediction

Essendon begin Round 7 sitting second-bottom in the AFL table with just one win from their opening six matches. They were edged out in a nine-point defeat against Gold Coast in Carrara last weekend.

They now face a Collingwood side that have begun with three victories and three defeats. Coached by Craig McRae, the Magpies got themselves a narrow five-point win against Carlton in the derby last week. 

Collingwood should take some confidence from that and, with the mood high ahead of this weekend, will fancy themselves against a struggling Essendon side.

Essendon vs Collingwood tip: Collingwood to win