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Collingwood have consolidated their top-four credentials and dented North Melbourne’s AFL finals hopes with a 66-point belting at the MCG.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Collingwood Magpies 20.10.130
North Melbourne Kangaroos 9.10.64
It will be a fight to get back on the winner’s list when the Collingwood Magpies and North Melbourne Kangaroos do battle at the MCG on Saturday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 1:45pm (AEST).
Both sides are coming off losses to quality opposition last weekend, in games that showed just how close the fight for top eight positioning is.
Collingwood were beaten on their home turf last Sunday by a bolstered West Coast Eagles outfit. The powerful Eagles’ forward line – lifted by the return of Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras – dominated Collingwood and their defence, running out 35 points winners.
Late withdrawal Mason Cox was missed and, even after Nic Naitanui went down with an ACL, Brodie Grundy struggled to have an impact and inspire his midfielders.
Also last Sunday, North Melbourne fell short by one goal against Sydney and, with the loss, dropped out of the top eight on percentage.
Multiple lead changes throughout the afternoon had everyone guessing who would have the run and composure to finish on top at the final siren.
The battle between Majak Daw and Aliir Aliir was the talking point of the game; Daw predominately played up forward, providing another goal-kicking option to their spearhead tall-forward Ben Brown.
In team news, Mason Cox and Sam Murray return to the Magpies’ side, replacing omitted duo Ben Crocker and Josh Daicos.
Cox was a late out last weekend with “general soreness”, more specifically hamstring tightness, but has proven his fitness during the week.
North Melbourne will stick with the same 22 that challenged Sydney, making no changes to their squad for this clash. Majak Daw has been named in defence for this clash, but if another tall option is required up forward, expect Daw to provide this alongside Ben Brown.
Collingwood took a nine-goal victory in the last match between these two sides in Round 20, 2017 but, with both teams fighting for position in the top eight, who will come out on top this time?
Prediction
This game should draw a crowd on Saturday, Collingwood need to win to stay in the top four, while North Melbourne need a win to remain within striking distance of the top eight, or should results go their way, take seventh or eighth place.
North Melbourne have had some close games in the past few weeks and this one should be no different, but Collingwood will find a way to win at their hallowed ground.
Collingwood by 7
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 1:45pm (AEST).
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