Hype aplenty for Collingwood versus Carlton

Fans and marketing types would have you believe that every AFL clash between Collingwood and Carlton is a genuine blockbuster. This time around, the reality actually matches the hype.

The 242nd edition of a rivalry that dates back to the late 19th century will be the first since 1988 that takes place with the Magpies and the Blues occupying the top two spots on the ladder.

The Magpies are the short-priced favourites to win a second successive flag, with some pundits even claiming they could go through 2011 undefeated.

And the Blues, in their own parlance, are coming.

Beating Gold Coast on debut last weekend was nothing startling in itself, but belting them by 119 points said plenty about the ruthless edge Brett Ratten wants instilled in his team.

So, are the actual protagonists prepared to admit publicly that Friday night’s clash – before an MCG crowd expected to top 85,000 – holds extra significance?

Good luck.

“When you used to get drafted from zones, players who played for Collingwood lived in Collingwood and they were born and bred Collingwood,” Magpies skipper Nick Maxwell said on Thursday.

“But these days that all goes out the window a bit because you can be drafted from anywhere.

“We’ve got players who have come from all over the country and all over the world to play in our team.

“When you get to the club you get used to the history and learn about the history of the club and obviously we know Carlton is a great rival.

“We know the supporters are very excited about it and it’s great for them.

“But we want to win every game, not just the Carlton game.”

Maxwell is happy just to be back in the fray, having been forced to sit out Collingwood’s opening two wins against Port Adelaide and North Melbourne after suffering internal bleeding and kidney damage during a pre-season clash against West Coast.

The skipper insists he feels fine, although he will probably wear some form of protection around his ribs.

Maxwell and Leon Davis – reborn as a rebounding defender – both come in for their first matches of 2011 to replace Simon Buckley (groin) and Brent Macaffer (omitted).

As important as Maxwell’s return is for Collingwood, the Blues will be just as happy to get fullback Michael Jamison back from suspension.

Former Tiger Andrew Collins will also play his first game for Carlton, while Dennis Armfield and Simon White have been dropped.

Jamison and second-gamer Matthew Watson will have their hands full against Collingwood’s twin towers Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes, who combined for seven goals against the Kangaroos.

Not that Jamison was getting carried away with the significance of a clash between the traditional suburban rivals either.

“It’s a good benchmark to assess how we’re going but, saying that, it’s only round three as well and it’s only four points up for grabs like every other week,” he dead-panned.

“If things don’t go to plan then we’ve got the rest of the season to work on it.

“We’re treating it like any other game, really.”

Really? Any other game?

Try telling that to the hordes who will pack the MCG on Friday night just because it is Collingwood versus Carlton.

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