Collingwood vs Carlton: Old rivals to clash at empty MCG on Sunday

Collingwood and Carlton last played in front of more than 50,000 people but the old AFL rivals will have to settle for an empty MCG this time around.

The Magpies got the better of the Blues last time but barely anything has gone right for both clubs since.

As the traditional powerhouses contend with a season not playing finals, only pride will be on the line on Sunday.

Collingwood are coming off a rousing comeback victory against Richmond last week, which was Robert Harvey’s first win as Magpies coach after taking over from Nathan Buckley.

A St Kilda legend, Harvey has embraced the history at Collingwood and will not shy away from it.

“We understand the rivalry, we know it’s there and obviously it’s a long history between the two clubs,” Harvey said.

“But most of our guys weren’t part of that history. They’re probably aware of it somewhere in the back of their minds.”

The Magpies have stuck with the team that knocked off the Tigers with only young forward Will Kelly (calf) out.

Carlton will regain key defender Liam Jones and zippy forward Zac Fisher but have lost co-captain Patrick Cripps, who has dealt with a number of injury issues this year.

The Blues will be after a better functioning forward line this week after kicking just five goals in a disappointing 26-point loss to Geelong last Saturday.

Coleman medal leader Harry McKay’s radar was competely off against the Cats, finishing with 2.3.