Roar Guru
The Melbourne Demons recorded their sixth of the season with a 37-point win over the Collingwood Magpies at the MCG. It marks the first time since 2007 that the Demons have defeated Collingwood, who have now lost six in a row.
>>MATCH REPORT: Dogged Demons too good for flat Pies
Bernie Vince was the best on ground for the Demons with 30 disposals and 3 goals, while Jesse Hogan also chipped in with three goals of his own.
The Magpies are staring down the barrel of back-to-back seasons without September football now, and coach Nathan Buckley surely must be in some trouble.
Melbourne 13.13.91 def Collingwood 7.12.54
We’ve got a traditional clash at the MCG on a Saturday afternoon, as the Collingwood Magpies play host to the Melbourne Demons. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:10pm (AEST).
The Magpies took the AFL world by storm early in the season, rattling off eight wins from their first 11 games. But five straight losses (the first time that has happened to Collingwood since 2007) has seen them fall to an 8-8 record, and they now are unlikely to play finals.
Although the situation still isn’t dire, a sixth straight loss to the Demons would all but end their season.
The Demons had a groundbreaking win over the Cats back in Round 12, but their form has been patchy since then, with only a win over the Lions to their name.
The club is struggling to kick a reasonable score at the moment, and many are questioning Paul Roos’ game plan.
Considering the marked improvement of teams like the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda, clubs that were seen on a similar level to the Demons at the start of the year, there’s something still very wrong at Melbourne.
The Magpies have made four changes for this clash, with Jamie Elliott, Taylor Adams, Paul Seedsman, and Sam Dwyer all named to return. Jarryd Blair, Ben Kennedy, Adam Oxley, and Jesse White have all been omitted from the squad. The aforementioned Blair has been named as an emergency, joining Matthew Scharenberg and Jonathon Marsh.
The Demons have one change, with youngster Billy Stretch dropped from the side. Young midfielder Alex Neal-Bullen will take his spot. Jordie McKenzie, Mark Jamar and Matt Jones are the emergencies.
Prediction
Melbourne haven’t beaten Collingwood since 2007, and I don’t see that trend ending in this one.
While Collingwood are in bad form, they should have enough class across the ground to get the job done. Don’t expect a high scoring game either.
Collingwood by 14