Preview Round 15: Collingwood v Carlton

AFL

SUMMARY

Round 15 COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON Time, Place, TV: Saturday July 2, 7:25pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7:20pm Weather: Min 9 Max 15 Chance of rain 70%: <1mm Wind: WNW 18kph Betting: Collingwood $1.83 Carlton $1.95

While this is a contest between 13th and 14th on the ladder, the battle between these fierce rivals is always keenly anticipated and Saturday night's game should be no exception. After losing its past two matches Carlton will be determined to regain the momentum established earlier in the season during a four-game winning streak. That run included a 15-point victory over the Magpies, with Marc Murphy, Patrick Cripps and Bryce Gibbs reigning supreme. While Murphy remains on the sidelines, the midfield battle will be crucial, with Adam Treloar maintaining his superb form against the Dockers last round. The Blues need to have the same aggressive mindset that served them so well in round seven or the Magpies could turn the tables this time.

LAST FIVE TIMES

1. R7, 2016, Carlton 15.9 (99) d Collingwood 12.12 (84) at the MCG
2. R19, 2015, Collingwood 16.9 (105) d Carlton 13.9 (87) at the MCG
3. R5, 2015, Collingwood 18.12 (120) d Carlton 6.9 (45) at the MCG
4. R15, 2014, Collingwood 13.13 (91) d Carlton 11.10 (76) at the MCG
5. R7, 2014, Collingwood 14.20 (104) d Carlton 10.10 (70) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. Bryce Gibbs starred when these clubs met in round seven, finishing with 30 disposals and three goals. The Blues had 36 more disposals and won the inside 50s 57-46. Magpies skipper Scott Pendlebury had 34 touches and Alex Fasolo kicked four goals.
2. Carlton is the worst centre clearance team this season, averaging only 10.5 a game. But Collingwood is only marginally better, ranked 14th with 12 a match.
3. Carlton's win in round seven was its first over Collingwood since round 15, 2012. The Magpies had won the previous six matches and have not lost successive clashes against the Blues since 2012.
4. The teams have played 67 times at the MCG, with the Blues winning 36 to the Magpies' 31. Carlton is two wins from three games at the MCG this season.
5. The Blues are the worst contested possession team this season, averaging 130.7 a game. The Magpies have averaged 144 a match.
6. In his first season as a Magpie Adam Treloar has risen to No. 20 overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings after starting the season at No. 27. He is the second-ranked Collingwood midfielder behind his skipper Scott Pendlebury.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …Andrew Walker.
After making his debut in round five, 2004, the versatile Walker finally makes it to the 200-game milestone. There would be no better way to celebrate the veteran's achievement than to notch a victory over the arch enemy on Saturday night.

PREDICTION: Carlton by 10 points