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- Jul 15, 2014
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80,000 people are expected to greet Collingwood and Melbourne at the MCG for what should be a thrilling game. Both sides come into the game in great form, and for the first time in over 10 years, both sides are playing each other in the top eight. In 2017, Collingwood and Melbourne played each other twice, with both games turning out to be thrilling contests. Many pundits predict this will be just as exciting.
Collingwood
While Collingwood has not beaten the highest quality opposition, they still manage to put away lesser sides, and this was well and truly the case against the Dockers last week. The Magpies put on a wire to wire performance against Fremantle, with a number of standout performers putting on an excellent show. The usual suspects in Grundy and Sidebottom played well, while Hoskin-Elliott was sensational with kicking six goals in his best performance as a Magpie. The debutant in Mihocek was also a surprise packet for Collingwood fans, kicking four goals in a fine debut. The quality of opposition takes a serious step up this week, with Collingwood coming up against Melbourne. Collingwood have struggled against Melbourne in recent years, losing to the Demons in four of the past five occasions. However, they will be buoyed with the addition of Jeremy Howe to the team.
The man to watch for Collingwood is Levi Greenwood. After coming back from injury, Greenwood has been somewhat subpar, with midfielder trying to find his place in the team. His quiet form has led to some supporters calling him to return to the VFL to regain some form. A solid game against the Demons is needed to quiet down the doubters, and assist in building as the Magpies go deeper into the season.
Melbourne
After having their hearts broken in the final minutes of the home and away season, Melbourne have responded mightily, putting themselves in a prime position to make finals for the first time since 2006. Despite a somewhat slow start, the Demons have built into some of the best form in the league, winning their past six games. The Demons have been led by stars in Oliver, Gawn, and Hogan who have all matured into some of the competitions finest leaders. This Melbourne team is going from strength to strength, and if they want to push for top four, they will need to beat teams like Collingwood. They have the tools to do this, with a high scoring forward line, and a brilliant ruckman.
The man to watch for the Demons is Angus Brayshaw. A few years ago, Brayshaw put on a rising star nominee performance against Collingwood on Queen’s Birthday, but has somewhat stagnated since then. This has been due to a number of factors, such as concussion, but the young future star has strung together some brilliant performances in the past two weeks, and will be looking to continue on with that form against Collingwood.
Matchup to watch
In what is one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn will clash in what should be an epic ruck battle. These two footballers are currently fighting for the All-Australian ruck spot, with both ruckman putting in good shifts week in week out. The two are highly versatile and mobile as well. Grundy and Gawn are both rated highly by their respective BigFooty boards, with both players leading their respective MVP awards. This sets up for a juicy match up that should help determine who is the best ruckman in the league.
Head to Head Odds
Collingwood: $2.40
Melbourne: $1.58
TV
Live on Channel 7
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Radio
ABC
3AW
MMM
SEN
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
Big Freeze
For those going to the game, get to your seat by 2:00PM, with the annual Big Freeze beginning. This year’s category is AFL coaches.
Donate here: https://fightmnd.org.au/
Tip
Melbourne are the better team here. In perhaps each area, the Demons are quite simply the better team, they should easily handle the Magpies and move on to better teams.
Melbourne by 24.
Collingwood
While Collingwood has not beaten the highest quality opposition, they still manage to put away lesser sides, and this was well and truly the case against the Dockers last week. The Magpies put on a wire to wire performance against Fremantle, with a number of standout performers putting on an excellent show. The usual suspects in Grundy and Sidebottom played well, while Hoskin-Elliott was sensational with kicking six goals in his best performance as a Magpie. The debutant in Mihocek was also a surprise packet for Collingwood fans, kicking four goals in a fine debut. The quality of opposition takes a serious step up this week, with Collingwood coming up against Melbourne. Collingwood have struggled against Melbourne in recent years, losing to the Demons in four of the past five occasions. However, they will be buoyed with the addition of Jeremy Howe to the team.
The man to watch for Collingwood is Levi Greenwood. After coming back from injury, Greenwood has been somewhat subpar, with midfielder trying to find his place in the team. His quiet form has led to some supporters calling him to return to the VFL to regain some form. A solid game against the Demons is needed to quiet down the doubters, and assist in building as the Magpies go deeper into the season.
Melbourne
After having their hearts broken in the final minutes of the home and away season, Melbourne have responded mightily, putting themselves in a prime position to make finals for the first time since 2006. Despite a somewhat slow start, the Demons have built into some of the best form in the league, winning their past six games. The Demons have been led by stars in Oliver, Gawn, and Hogan who have all matured into some of the competitions finest leaders. This Melbourne team is going from strength to strength, and if they want to push for top four, they will need to beat teams like Collingwood. They have the tools to do this, with a high scoring forward line, and a brilliant ruckman.
The man to watch for the Demons is Angus Brayshaw. A few years ago, Brayshaw put on a rising star nominee performance against Collingwood on Queen’s Birthday, but has somewhat stagnated since then. This has been due to a number of factors, such as concussion, but the young future star has strung together some brilliant performances in the past two weeks, and will be looking to continue on with that form against Collingwood.
Matchup to watch
In what is one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn will clash in what should be an epic ruck battle. These two footballers are currently fighting for the All-Australian ruck spot, with both ruckman putting in good shifts week in week out. The two are highly versatile and mobile as well. Grundy and Gawn are both rated highly by their respective BigFooty boards, with both players leading their respective MVP awards. This sets up for a juicy match up that should help determine who is the best ruckman in the league.
Head to Head Odds
Collingwood: $2.40
Melbourne: $1.58
TV
Live on Channel 7
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Radio
ABC
3AW
MMM
SEN
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
Big Freeze
For those going to the game, get to your seat by 2:00PM, with the annual Big Freeze beginning. This year’s category is AFL coaches.
Donate here: https://fightmnd.org.au/
Tip
Melbourne are the better team here. In perhaps each area, the Demons are quite simply the better team, they should easily handle the Magpies and move on to better teams.
Melbourne by 24.