Collingwood
98
Match Complete
Melbourne
57
| Fourth Quarter | ||||
| 30:40 |  | M. Gawn | ||
| J. Thomas |  | 28:06 | ||
| M. Cox | | 26:51 | ||
| 24:20 | | C. Salem | ||
| W. Hoskin-Elliott | | 22:22 | ||
| J. Stephenson | | 16:38 | ||
| 15:46 | | T. McDonald | ||
| 13:24 | | M. Hannan | ||
| 8:02 | | J. Harmes | ||
| 6:20 | | Rushed | ||
| 3:21 | | S. Weideman | ||
| 0:49 | | J. Garlett | ||
| 11.8 (74) | Third Quarter [+] | 5.9 (39) | ||
| 30:32 | | Rushed | ||
| W. Hoskin-Elliott | | 27:55 | ||
| 25:40 | | S. May | ||
| A. Treloar | | 24:13 | ||
| S. Sidebottom | | 22:59 | ||
| 20:46 | | S. Weideman | ||
| J. D. Goey | | 17:48 | ||
| 15:15 | | J. Hunt | ||
| 11:30 | | J. Hunt | ||
| J. Stephenson | | 7:27 | ||
| 0:43 | | J. Garlett | ||
| 6.8 (44) | Second Quarter [+] | 3.5 (23) | ||
| B. Mihocek | | 23:32 | ||
| 22:44 | | Rushed | ||
| 21:52 | | S. Weideman | ||
| B. Mihocek | | 19:28 | ||
| 15:33 | | C. Spargo | ||
| B. Sier | | 14:24 | ||
| 13:22 | | J. Harmes | ||
| J. D. Goey | | 11:45 | ||
| B. Grundy | | 8:13 | ||
| J. Stephenson | | 5:18 | ||
| 3:43 | | C. Petracca | ||
| 3.5 (23) | First Quarter [+] | 1.2 (8) | ||
| 29:21 | | J. Garlett | ||
| M. Cox | | 26:57 | ||
| Rushed | | 24:11 | ||
| 20:03 | | M. Hannan | ||
| W. Hoskin-Elliott | | 18:59 | ||
| J. D. Goey | | 14:58 | ||
| 12:52 | | C. Petracca | ||
| J. Stephenson | | 7:18 | ||
| J. Stephenson | | 5:39 | ||
| S. Pendlebury | | 4:04 | ||
| J. Stephenson | | 0:42 | ||
A Queens Birthday clash is brought to life by the Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons, as the Victorians battle it out for a hugely valuable four points. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:20pm (AEST).
So, here we find two big Victorian teams under the pump for different reasons. Collingwood – a reigning grand finalist – has been nowhere near their form which took them to the last day of last September, while Melbourne has just been lacklustre all around, winning just three games this season.
Both would be brutally disappointed with their efforts last weekend; Collingwood narrowly losing to a strong Fremantle, Melbourne somehow relinquishing a powerful lead to lose by two points against Adelaide.
Collingwood’s efforts last week would be not at all acceptable to a usually disciplined squad, and there is little doubt they will be out to atone for their narrow loss. Anything but a win here would be seen as a frustrating result, particularly given it would be a second such loss at their MCG fortress.
Collingwood have got two changes which will assist their efforts today. American Mason Cox returns to the outfit after a period out with injury, whilst Brayden Sier comes into the side after a scintillating period in the twos. Ben Reid, somewhat unluckily, is out of the side for Cox, whilst an injured Dayne Beams is also out.
Melbourne simply needs a win; their dismal season and last week’s heartbreaking loss only increased the pressure on the besieged club, and any unlucky push for finals begins here. Melbourne did look good for a lot of the opening few quarters last week, and they’ll have to incorporate the same strong play against strong opposition.
It’s fortunate, then, that a big quartet of important players returns. Steven May and Jake Lever the big duo who return, whilst Marty Hore and Christen Salem are also back in the side. Oscar McDonald, Jay Kennedy Harris, Josh Wagner and Billy Stretch are out of the side.
Perhaps one of the biggest draws to this game will be the battle between premier ruckmen Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn. Both are brilliant players, but Grundy has been widely viewed as the better ruckman this year, and the battle in the middle will go a long way to dictating which midfield can be most effectual.
Prediction
Both teams will be desperate for a win, and both will be frustrated coming off poor losses last weekend. Collingwood, though, just look the team above, and they should consign Melbourne to a ninth loss from twelve games.
Collingwood by 20 points.
User
Roar Rookie
You really are special, I've answered those questions a number of times and find repeating myself to be a boring exercise, you on the other hand have nailed the ability of making oneself seem less than quite remarkably.
George Apps
Roar Rookie
I don't think Collingwood are as good as last year, but they keep winning. Even Buckley admitted they've been below par for at least a month. Personally, I see them as similar to Hawthorn when the Hawks were on top - they just kept on racking up the points even when not playing well. Is this the sign of a very good team?
George Apps
Roar Rookie
Which home ground? Don't you mean "their", not that there ground?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
You’re a chance AD. Good percentage
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Adams is our most important player jonboy but Sier is a beauty. Great having him back.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Glad to be of service 6x6. You’re diverting from the real question. Why do the Eagles get belted when they are off?
User
Roar Rookie
You're like an intellectually challenged teletubbie, very sad but very fkkn amusing at the same time.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Their percentage is poor
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Straight on the hook again
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Don't think anyone is predicting Freo will make the top four!
User
Roar Rookie
You're not very bright I just take pity on you that's all. Keep trying though kiddo you might achieve something at some stage.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
The Eagles will be top 4 they have had a couple of hiccups but don't wipe them off. Freo will struggle to make the 8
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
I thought Beams was done for the year ? Wells is like Bennell.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
And both won’t make top 4 Jon boy at this rate
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Near full strength Jon Boy? Adams, Langdon, Beams, Wells.,.,
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
They do on bread. Just use small hooks like I do with Matty
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Meaning Collingwood are really not that good, plus i think there near full strength as well. Lose a couple of good ones, doubt they will be a real contender.
User
Roar Rookie
I don't entertain ppl a few tinnies short of the 6pack as they tend to bore easily.
User
Roar Rookie
That's your best shot ? Geez
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Hey pete mullett do not bite.....spear or netted only way to catch them.