Collingwood versus North Melbourne on Sunday is the biggest game of both clubs’ seasons to date.
North Melbourne were supposed to finish top four in 2015, yet after eight rounds are sitting in 12th position.
Collingwood are the opposite – many thought they would miss the finals again in 2015, but after a brilliant start to the season they sit in fifth spot, only a game out of the top four.
The midfield battle will be massive. Collingwood have been a fairly good clearance side in 2015, averaging 39 a game, whereas North Melbourne haven’t been getting first hands on the footy which is leading to heavy defeats against the better teams.
If Collingwood can win the clearances it will hold them in good stead.
The Kangaroos forward line versus Pies defence will be intriguing. North Melbourne have a unique forward set up with Jarrad Waite and Drew Petrie spearheading the attack, alongside the forward goal sneak Lindsay Thomas. The Pies’ defence was touted as a weakness going into this year but it has turned out to be the opposite. Jack Frost and Nathan Brown have had very good seasons, and the Pies are playing team defence extremely well.
On the flip side, the Pies’ forward line is their main weakness. Travis Cloke is forever the topic of discussion because of his goal kicking, with Jesse White under similar scrutiny. Scott Thompson will get the job on Cloke and Robbie Tarrant on White.
Collingwood have been playing two ruckmen as of late and they could do that again to try and stretch the Roos’ defence. Jamie Elliot will also cause the Roos trouble.
It will be a very good game that will separate which of the two are contenders and which are pretenders.
Tip: North by 36 points.
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Diplomatically answered, Darcy!
For all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the now-traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG, there has been one thing conspicuously lacking over…
Old mate summing it up better than anyone possibly could!
