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Sunday twilight footy opens its account for season 2013 with an intriguing clash between North Melbourne and Collingwood. Stay on this page for live scores and commentary on the big game from 4.40pm AEDT.
Both teams will be entering this clash with a foul taste in their mouths after bitter final defeats last season.
A solid NAB cup for both teams has them brimming with confidence ahead of their opening encounter, and both were only a win away from a NAB Cup final berth.
The Magpies will welcome in three new faces to their side this Sunday which include two free agent signings who are Quinten Lynch and Jordan Russell.
Former Port Melbourne star Sam Dwyer will also make his AFL debut at the age of 26 years old after an eight-year VFL career.
As for North Melbourne, former Port Adelaide defender Ben Jacobs is the only new addition to wear the blue and white stripes.
With veteran Brent Harvey and defender Scott McMahon missing the game due to separate suspensions it is up to the young Roos to step up and leave their mark.
Meanwhile the Pies are hurting on the injury front with players such as Luke Ball, Alan Didak, Dale Thomas, Andrew Krakouer and Alex Fasolo all missing through injury.
Both teams will be aiming to improve on their final standings from last season with expectations of top four being realistic.
The stats show this game will be a battle of the handball against the kick. Collingwood was ranked first in the competition for kicks last season whilst North Melbourne ranked fourth in handballs.
Collingwood should dominate in the contested possession stakes as they ranked 3rd last season whilst North Melbourne were 13th in the competition.
If North Melbourne can continue their impressive inside 50, disposal efficiency and centre clearance numbers from last year from last season they should be a great show here.
With all the players Collingwood are missing today I would expect North Melbourne to have the class to defeat the black and white.
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