Nathan Buckley has Collingwood on its longest winning streak since 2012, his first year as coach, after they notched their seventh win in a row by getting over Essendon at the MCG last Sunday. It was a tough and grinding contest but late goals to Jordan De Goey and Steele Sidebottom sealed the win for the Pies.

This week though poses an even tougher challenge as 2nd place Collingwood will take on the 3rd placed West Coast. Both sides have struggled with injuries this year. Collingwood’s rise up the table has been even more impressive since they have had a long injury list throughout the season while the Eagles have faltered slightly after a very strong first half to 2018 was impacted by injuries to their three best forwards; Jack Darling, Josh J Kennedy and Mark Le Cras. Those three are all back this round and Collingwood also has strong players returning with key tall Darcy Moore and pacy utility Travis Varcoe named for tomorrow’s clash.

From the eye test Collingwood look very well placed for finals. Eleven wins and only four losses, possibly the deepest midfield in the league and a dynamic an unpredictable forward line that is often bolstered by goals kicked from the midfield. The big knock on them is that they have a 1 win 4 loss record against top eight sides with the only win coming over Melbourne. A win tomorrow would mean a lot for Buckley’s men.