Preview Round 3: Collingwood v St Kilda

AFL

SUMMARY

Round 3 COLLINGWOOD v ST KILDA Saturday April 9, 1:45pm MCG Fox Footy 1:30pm Weather: Min 11 Max 20 Chance of rain 20%: < 1mm Wind: SSW 20kph Betting: Collingwood $1.42 St Kilda $2.80

It's been an unusual start for Collingwood – a surprise 80-point loss to the Sydney Swans in round one was followed by a last-gasp win against Richmond. The Magpies go in as favourites and will be hoping they can win a little more comfortably against St Kilda. The Saints will present a challenge though, after being disappointed with their performance against the Western Bulldogs last Saturday in Nick Riewoldt's 300th game. Coach Alan Richardson will seek a much better effort at winning the contested ball and pressuring the opposition. Important Collingwood midfielder Steele Sidebottom serves the last game of his suspension, so the Saints will have confidence they can win the midfield battle. Magpie Travis Cloke looms as a danger man up forward – he kicked 1.3 against the Tigers in a much-improved performance after his round one debacle.

LAST FIVE TIMES

1. R3, 2015, Collingwood 21.14 (140) d St Kilda 10.6 (66) at the MCG
2. R11, 2014, Collingwood 21.14 (140) d St Kilda 8.6 (54) at Etihad Stadium
3. R6, 2013, Collingwood 15.13 (103) d St Kilda 11.11 (77) at Etihad Stadium
4. R19, 2012, Collingwood 12.19 (91) d St Kilda 13.7 (85) at the MCG
5. R21, 2011, Collingwood 14.5 (89) d St Kilda 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium

THE SIX POINTS

1. Last time these teams met, Collingwood kicked 15 goals to four after quarter-time to cruise to a big win. Travis Cloke booted five goals and Jamie Elliott four, while Dane Swan was best on ground with 39 disposals. Elliott and Swan won't be there this time, though.
2. The Magpies beat Richmond in the final seconds last week but lost most statistical categories: disposals (346-394), marks (84-104), hit-outs (23-45), scoring shots (22-26) and clearances (24-37).
3. St Kilda and Collingwood clash for the 217th time. The Magpies hold a big advantage, winning 157 games to 57, with two draws.
4. The Saints struggled in round two against the Western Bulldogs, losing: disposals (356-482), scoring shots (11-28), inside 50s (42-58) and contested possessions (102-137).
5. The two teams have played 26 times at the MCG, with Collingwood winning 16 games to nine and one famous draw: the 2010 Grand Final.
6. Collingwood forward Alex Fasolo was the No.1 ranked player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings last week after his six-goal haul earned him 30.0 points.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…

Tom Hickey. The ruckman has shown signs throughout his career that he can be a very good big man but after an excellent performance first up against Port Adelaide, he wasn't as influential against the Western Bulldogs in round two. He will need to play well if the Saints are to win.

PREDICTION: Collingwood by 10 points