Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Following Melbourne’s win over the Western Bulldogs and Carlton’s win over Richmond to kick off the round, attention turns to Marvel Stadium where St Kilda host Collingwood in a Friday night encounter.
Here is what we consider certainties for the Saints-Pies clash:
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Max King to kick 2 or more goals, Brad Hill to have 20+ disposals
Max King is arguably the most exciting young prospect in the competition and he looks set to make a statement under the Friday night lights against the Pies.
If St Kilda are to win, and we think they will, King must kick goals.
The 21-year-old could get the attention of star defender Darcy Moore, but on talent alone and Collingwood’s desire to free up their gun backman, King should get enough opportunities to have 4+ shots on goal.
After a disappointing 2021 season, Brad Hill will be looking to return to his best.
Playing off half back, St Kilda will be looking to get the ball into Hill's hands so he can use his run and elite ball use to set the Saints up from defence.
Collingwood refused to put any attention into GWS’ Josh Kelly in the AAMI Communtiy Series en route to 41 disposals and Hill could have the same freedom in a similar role.
In a fast-paced game, Hill should collect 20 disposals with ease.
Jamie Elliott to kick multiple goals, Nick Daicos to have 20+ disposals on debut
Much the same as 2021, Collingwood’s fortunes will rest heavily on Jamie Elliott’s form.
Last year, the Pies won just six games, five of those coming with Elliott in the side despite him missing half the season with injury.
From his 13 appearances in 2021, Elliott kicked 25 goals and he should get enough opportunities on Friday inside 50 with the likes of Jordan De Goey playing more midfield.
While St Kilda have capable medium defenders in Ben Paton and Callum Wilkie, Elliott should do enough to boot at least two goals for the Pies.
At the other end of the ground, all eyes will be on Nick Daicos as the father-son makes his highly anticipated big-league debut.
The teenager proved he was up to the level in the club’s two pre-season games, picking up 24 and 31 disposals respectively, and fans can expect more of the same on Friday night.
Playing off half back, Daicos should be able to collect footy without much attention and Collingwood will look to find him so he can use his foot skills in the Caleb Daniel mould.
The debutant averaged a whopping 36 disposals in the NAB League last year, and he clearly has a knack of finding both hard and easy possessions.
While expecting him to dominate first up is a stretch, 20 touches is a water mark that the teenager should reach in game one.
