2018: LADDER ROUND 19

Pos Position     P Played     Pts Points     % Percentage     W Won     L Lost
D Drawn     F Points For     A Points Against

Round 19: Richmond 105 Collingwood 77

THE FACTS

2018 AFL Round 20 COLLINGWOOD v SYDNEY SWANS Time & Place: Saturday August 4, 7:25pm EST SCG 7mate 7.00pm EST Fox Footy 7:20pm EST Weather: Min 8 Max 21 Chance of rain 0% Wind: NNW 9kph Betting: Collingwood $1.83 Sydney Swans $1.98

RICHMOND           5.2.32  8.3.51  11.6.72   16.9.105
COLLINGWOOD   2.1.13  7.1.43  11.2.68     12.5.77

GOALS - Collingwood: Thomas 4, Hoskin-Elliott 3, Cox 2, Daicos, Brown, Mihocek

BEST - Collingwood: Grundy, Pendlebury, Thomas, Greenwood, Adams, Moore

INJURIES - Collingwood: Howe (concussion), Mihocek (ankle), Scharenberg (knee)

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 88,180 at the MCG

TALKING POINTS

1. Higgins makes every post a winner There was no shortage of brilliant goalsneaks on the MCG on Saturday, but Jack Higgins outdid them all with a miraculous effort in the third quarter that is sure, at the very least, to give the Goal of the Year a serious shake. Gathering the ball just before the goal-line, Higgins kept it alive by tapping it forward, then somehow weaved his way around the right-hand goalpost just in time to soccer the ball with a flying scissor-kick that flew over his head and through the big sticks. Any player at soccer's recent World Cup would have been proud to claim it as his own, while it was also reminiscent of a star cricketer thwarting a six by throwing the ball back over the boundary rope to complete a catch. 2. Tigers find an extra gear again When Josh Thomas kicked his fourth goal late in the third quarter to bring Collingwood back within four points, it seemed the Magpies had the confidence and momentum to go on and record their biggest win of 2018. However, as they have done so often this year when challenged, the Tigers put the foot down in the final quarter to pull comfortably clear. With three unanswered goals in the first five minutes, the reigning premiers were suddenly 22 points ahead and were never seriously challenged from there. Yes, Collingwood had been carrying an undermanned interchange bench after Jeremy Howe's game-ending concussion late in the first term and losing Matt Scharenberg to a knee injury. But the Tiger tsunami in the final quarter had a sense of déjà vu – and inevitability – about it nonetheless. 3. Vertically-challenged Magpies lose more height The Magpies entered Saturday's game already light on for tall options in defence and became even more shorthanded when Jeremy Howe was concussed in a marking contest late in the first quarter. With Lynden Dunn and, probably, Tyson Goldsack out for rest of the season with knee injuries, Howe had become the Pies' No.1 key defender in recent weeks and, as such, got the big job on Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt. However, Howe's day was over after teammate Darcy Moore accidentally kneed him in the head as both flew for a pack mark. It meant Moore had to go to Riewoldt. The emerging defender gave the daunting task his all, but Riewoldt kicked-started the three-goal burst at the start of the final quarter that broke the game open for the reigning premier and finished with three valuable goals. 4. Richmond top legendary Demons' record MCG run With their win over the Magpies, the Tigers recorded their 18thconsecutive victory at the MCG, breaking the record they had shared with Norm Smith's legendary Melbourne team of 1955-56. Richmond's golden run started in round 14, 2017, with a 26-point win over traditional foe Carlton, so it was fitting it toppled another bitter enemy to claim the record in its own right. Before this streak, the Tigers' club record for consecutive wins at the MCG was 11, from round 11, 1974 to round 10, 1975. 5. Another record remains intact On a sunny winter afternoon in Melbourne, Richmond and Collingwood came close to recording their biggest ever crowd in a home and away game, with 88,180 fans flocking to the MCG to see the reigning premier and ladder-leader clash with the third-placed Magpies. The teams' biggest crowd of 92,436 was set in round four, 1977, an afternoon on which the Magpies prevailed by 26 points. Saturday's crowd was comfortably ahead of the teams' next highest attendance, 82,191, which was set in round two, 1971. Saturday's match was the first time since round six, 1985, that the traditional foes had clashed when both were inside the top four. With both sides looking well placed to enjoy sustained success over the next few years, the 41-year-old record might not last too much longer.

THE MEDIA

SUPERFOOTY - Mick Malthouse It was judgment day for Collingwood. How much had they learnt from their 43-point loss to Richmond in Round 6? The evidence until this game was that Richmond had maintained its rage, and Collingwood had made giant strides, faltering only against second-top side West Coast. With multiple changes to both teams, more for Collingwood, my interest was in how the structures had changed, if at all. Collingwood was brave earlier in the season and coming off the Anzac Day game, which would have no doubt contributed to the three-quarter-time 11-point deficit blowing out in the final term. But to me the upside is always what you learn as a losing side. The Pies have certainly tightened up defensively and have become less predictable in the forward line. They also have arguably the best, or close to the best, ruck and midfield combination in the competition. So where was this going to place them in the game? It is a shame that Jordan de Goey was out, because he has been the form player of the competition and would have added to the Pies chances of winning. But the players who did come in - Taylor Adams, Darcy Moore, and Brody Mihocek, among others - were vitally important to the dynamics of the team. The Tigers, with less injuries, made fewer changes, and their structure hasn’t changed because it has worked beautifully for them all year. As per usual Richmond didn’t necessarily have more possessions than its opponent early on, but it had a better efficiency rate, caused generally by its high intensity pressure, particularly around the ball and in its forward line. Collingwood’s efficiency by quarter time was only 68 per cent compared to 75 per cent, and yet three players; Steele Sidebottom (12 possessions) Adams (11) and Scott Pendlebury (11) all dominated possession. The engine room of the Tigers - Dustin Martin (3) Dion Prestia (6) and Trent Cotchin (6) -were short of touch, but as a collective Richmond is less reliant on its superstars. Mihocek kept Alex Rance busy with a goal early in the second term, and further influenced the scoreline with a brilliant bit of play to get the ball to Will Hoskin-Elliott for a goal before the main break. Darcy Moore had his good moments on Jack Riewoldt with outstanding discipline, destroying anything in the air, but he is still learning the art of playing deep defence and became too aggressive in his positioning allowing Riewoldt to get in behind him for his second goal. It was Collingwood’s contested possession rate (they had 14 more up to half-time,) that got them well back in the game, dominating the stoppages when Toby Nankervis was off the ground. Richmond paid the penalty for not having a second ruckman, as a Mason Cox free kick from a ruck infringement put the Pies back to within a kick late in the second term. Levi Greenwood wore Martin like a shadow, doing a terrific job, and clearly got under his skin when the Brownlow Medallist gave away a 50m penalty and almost gave up the Tigers’ slim lead heading into the break. Martin got his payback one-on-one in the goalsquare with Greenwood, for a mark and goal and the half-time lead. There was real evidence of fatigue from both sides at half time, as it became obvious this was a true September rehearsal. Collingwood’s first-half match-ups were brilliant, taking full toll in the ruck. In the third term, Brodie Grundy and Cox stepped up another notch, smashing Richmond in the stoppages every time Nankervis had a rest, allowing Collingwood to dominate territory and possession. By three-quarter-time the Pies had the top six possession getters. Remarkably, the top three for Richmond were backline players. There was little sign of Cotchin, Martin and Kane Lambert, with only Prestia having any influence. It was a credit to Richmond that it could maintain its lead. It was certainly a credit to Collingwood to keep coming. The Pies were tested with the loss of two key backs, Jeremy Howe in the first term with concussion and Matthew Scharenberg late with a knee injury. It would be a tragedy if he has re-injured his ACL as he has been outstanding since coming back off multiple reconstructions, and will be a big hole to fill. But the Tigers finished off the game playing as they have played all year, with high-pressure football and Collingwood in the end found it too hard to go with them. Even though the Pies had the top six possession winners, as a whole they weren’t able to break down the team of Richmond. Once again, the Tigers were able to motor away from an opposition in the last quarter, with 25 less team possessions, but 10 more inside 50s for the game. It’s hard to argue a case for a Tigers’ player to be in the best three, but maybe that is why Richmond is on top and Collingwood is now three games behind. The Pies had dominant players, but too few contributors at the most psychological moments of the match. There is capacity for both sides to learn from this contest. Richmond needs a second ruck come forward, or a forward come ruck. Against a two-ruck team they are highly vulnerable and the side that can exploit this vulnerability is Collingwood. De Goey will return. If Adam Treloar can get back too, he will further punish the Tigers at the stoppages. In the end Round 19 mirrored Round 6, with a dominant last quarter by the Tigers being the difference. However, the Pies will take confidence from Saturday’s performance that they can reverse the result in the future. AFL THE TIGERS are officially the kings of the MCG and deserved favourites for the premiership after outlasting a brave but battered Magpie outfit by 28 points on Saturday to claim the venue's consecutive wins record. In a match that promised plenty and didn't disappoint, the Tigers won their 18th straight game at the MCG 16.9 (105) to 12.5 (77) to supersede Melbourne's record of 17 wins achieved back in the 1950s. After leading by four points at three-quarter time, the Tigers – in similar circumstances to their round six win where they nailed eight goals to the Pies' three in the final term – kicked five to one to give the contest a one-sided fourth quarter it didn't deserve. In front of a sell-out 88,180 – the second-biggest home-and-away crowd drawn by the two clubs – the occasion had a whiff of September about it as the top-ranked and third-placed team faced off in brilliant sunshine. It was a mouth-watering preview to a blockbuster match up that could repeat itself in just over a months' time - once the injury-hit Pies refurbish their line up. Already without key midfielders Jordan De Goey and Adam Treloar, Nathan Buckley's men can only be described as gallant against the premiers. After losing Jeremy Howe to concussion at the end of the first quarter, they had Brody Mihocek hobble through the second half with a sore ankle and strapped head, and Sam Murray was sore throughout the final term after copping a big hit. But most heartbreakingly of all, they expect to be without Matt Scharenberg for up to a year with the young defender unsighted after a third-term incident where his left knee buckled beneath him. If scans – as expected – confirm a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament, the 22-year-old will undergo a third knee reconstruction after repairs in 2014 (left knee) and 2015 (right). "We fear the worst, which is shattering for him – that's the overwhelming feeling in the rooms at the moment … disappointment. We're shattered for him," Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said. "That will likely be confirmed with scans that it's an ACL injury, which, for a young member of our club and playing group who has had his fair share of setbacks and obstacles, his attitude and character is first class. "We'll put our arms around him and try and support him as best we can." The injuries to Howe and Scharenberg put the Pies' backline, already without Tyson Goldsack and Lynden Dunn, under siege. While it held up admirably for the first part of the third quarter, there was always going to be a tipping point with a wounded Mihocek forced back at times to help out. They'd fought back from a 19-point quarter-time deficit to stay in the contest in the second, after a surplus of handballs against the competition's handball champions threatened to bring them undone. With Dustin Martin frustrated by a solid tagging job by Levi Greenwood, the Tigers struggled as the Pies started to move the ball better in the second. Martin moved forward after half-time in a bid to break the shackles and looked dangerous in attack where he ended with three goals, with Greenwood – and anyone else – battling to stop him one out. Shane Edwards led the Tigers again with a stunning 22-possession game, while Jayden Short was prolific with 19 disposals and two goals courtesy of handballs from teammates lining up for shots from outside 50m. David Astbury marshalled the backline in another high-possession game – his fifth this season where he's had 20 or more disposals – after starting against Mason Cox (two goals, six marks), who the Tigers had clearly put plenty of work into. Jack Higgins bobbed up with a contender for goal of the year in the third quarter, although it was surrounded by controversy about whether he actually threw the ball as he wheeled around to kick it. While Brayden Maynard did a great job on Daniel Rioli (one goal), Greenwood kept Martin's midfield game quiet, Brodie Grundy got the points against Toby Nankervis, Josh Thomas kicked four goals and Scott Pendlebury did all he could with 38 disposals, the Tigers simply got it done across the board despite a number of players below their usual form. "We had to work incredibly hard. We didn't have our best game today, but a lot of that was because the Magpies were very, very good," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said. "The great thing from our point of view was that we had to find a different way to win. "For certain players to step up at certain stages [was pleasing] and that was a challenge in the last quarter that we spoke about. "We reset the board and wanted to go back to what we knew and we ended up getting the result at the end. I was pleased that we fought it out." But, should the Magpies restore their best 22 and the sides meet again in the coming months, the sequel promises to be a belter. MEDICAL ROOM Collingwood: Matt Scharenberg was the big one for the Pies. A simple change of direction in the fourth quarter saw the 22-year-old's left knee buckle, with scans expected to confirm the need for a reconstruction. Meanwhile, Jeremy Howe didn't play after quarter-time following a friendly-fire collision with Darcy Moore. Moore's knee hit Howe's forehead flush, which left the defender with concussion. He'll be tested throughout the week, as will Brody Mihocek, who played out the game with a sore ankle. NEXT UP The Magpies have a week to lick their wounds and regroup before facing Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night. REAL FOOTY Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says his faith in his team remains strong despite the Magpies fearing they have lost a second key defender to a season-ending knee injury. Matthew Scharenberg, having already had a knee reconstruction on his each leg - the first in 2014 and the second a year later - crumbled to the turf of the MCG in an innocuous incident in the third term of a 28-point loss to Richmond on Saturday. He was helped from the field on a day the gallant Pies had already lost Jeremy Howe (concussion) in the first term. Buckley said the Magpies and a "shattered" Scharenberg, 22, feared the worst, that being a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, but they would until scans were completed to confirm the injury. "We fear the worst which is shattering for him. That's the overwhelming feeling in the rooms ... is disappointment for him and we are shattered for him," he said. "For a young member of our club, of our playing group, who has had his fair share of set backs and obstacles, his attitude is first class, his character is first class. We will put our arms around him, try and support him as best we can." Scharenberg, the sixth pick in the 2013 national draft, has also battled foot problems. He debuted in 2015 but this had been his best campaign, playing in 17 matches, including the loss to the top-of-the-table Tigers, who posted a record-breaking 18th-straight win at the MCG, edging Melbourne's record between 1955-56. The Pies had recently lost fullback Lynden Dunn to a ruptured ACL, were without prime movers Jordan de Goey and Adam Treloar and had Brody Mihocek nursing a sore ankle against the Tigers. Veteran Tyson Goldsack could return from a knee reconstruction before the end of the season to help in defence. "We love the commitment of the players to the way we want to go about it, and to each other, and that's the thing you are proud of, and we are proud of. We got beaten on the day but we didn't lower our colours. We will learn a little bit out of that," Buckley said. "You can throw whatever you like at our group. They will find a way to respond positively, to stand up, find a reason to continue to fight. That was evident today. We haven't lost anything in that regard." Despite the defeat, the Magpies, led by Steele Sidebottom, Tom Phillips and Scott Pendlebury, remain firmly in contention for a top-four spot heading into the final month of the home-and-away campaign. Ruckman Brodie Grundy enhanced his Brownlow medal prospects with a best-on-ground performance, including 48 hit outs and 23 touches, while Darcy Moore continued to emerge as a key defender. Tagger Levi Greenwood had the better of a frustrated Dustin Martin in the midfield. However, Martin went forward and booted three pivotal goals in front of a crowd of 88,180 - the biggest between the clubs since the 1980 grand final. Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said he was "reasonably pleased" with how Martin had played, despite the Brownlow medallist conceding a 50-metre penalty in frustration late in the second term. "We probably need to improve that area of our game - I think we are AFL No.1 for giving 50s away," he said. "The thing I like about Dusty Martin, irrespective of his performance, he just loves to win. He is one of the best players in the competition, he is one of the best players the game has ever seen. For him, it is all about winning. It's amazing for a guy that has that much ability ... it's a real progression for him as a player. He is one of the Richmond greats." Small forward Jack Higgins produced one of the goals of the year in the third term when he maintained possession of the ball despite being behind the goal-line, then threw the ball in the air around the goal post, regained possession and then kicked the ball over his head for a goal. Hardwick said Higgins, in his first season, never ceased to surprise. "I am going to steal (chief executive) Brendon Gale's line here - they don't teach that in VCE," he said. Asked if it should have been a goal, Hardwick said: "We sit here trying to figure it out - one of our VFL boys kicked a similar type of goal. It was quite funny to watch the reaction of the Collingwood boys - they are not sure, checking whether it was a throw or a behind. We were probably a little bit puzzled ourselves." Buckley also questioned whether it should have been ruled a goal. Hardwick was delighted with how his side responded with a five-goal-to-one final term, content his side had found a "different way to win". Senior Tigers assistant coach Blake Caracella, applauded for playing a key role in overseeing the on-field tactics which led to last year's premiership, is off contract but Gale said he expected him to re-sign soon.

2018 Round 19: The Team, Preview, Injury List

2018 AFL Round 19 COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND Time & Place: Saturday July 28, 1:45pm EST MCG Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 8 Max 16 Chance of rain 60%: 1-5mm Wind: N 10kph Betting: Collingwood $3.10 Richmond $1.37

B: Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, Jack Crisp

HB: Jeremy Howe, Matthew Scharenberg, Tom Langdon

C: Chris Mayne, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips

HF: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Brody Mihocek, Travis Varcoe

F: Josh Thomas, Mason Cox, Jaidyn Stephenson

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Steele Sidebottom

Int: Josh Daicos, Sam Murray, Callum Brown, Levi Greenwood

Emg: Adam Oxley, Jack Madgen, Josh Smith, Sam McLarty

IN: Callum Brown, Darcy Moore
OUT: Jordan De Goey (leg), Brayden Sier (leg soreness)

COLLINGWOOD NEWS David Natoli Collingwood faces the reigning premiers Richmond at the MCG this Saturday afternoon, in what has been described as one of the matches of the season. Some externally are predicting this to be a potential finals preview given the sides are sitting in third and first place respectively on the ladder. The Magpies and Tigers have already faced off once this year back in round six. The game was really competitive for three quarters, before the Tigers broke the game apart in the last quarter to eventually win by 43 points. A lot has changed since this match considering the Magpies have won eight of their last nine matches and are playing confident football. This is the biggest test so far for Collingwood against a Tiger outfit that is looking nearly invincible on the MCG, having won all 10 matches at the venue this season. Collingwood is perhaps the only other side in the competition as comfortable on the MCG as Richmond, having played there 11 times this year, but it must be noted the Pies have lost five of these games (although it has won five of the last six times). Despite some of the negativity surrounding the state of the game, AFL will always be in a healthy position when these two sides are at the top of the table. A sellout crowd is expected on the weekend, with potentially over 90,000 fans packing into the home of football. Despite Collingwood’s impressive ladder position, there is still a question mark regarding its ability to beat the absolute best sides in the competition. This was highlighted two weeks ago in the disappointing loss to West Coast. This is a real opportunity for the Magpies to officially stamp themselves as a contender in 2018 and silence the doubters. The Match-Up – Brodie Grundy v Toby Nankervis Many would be declaring Grundy as the All-Australian ruckman, and potentially even a smoky for the Brownlow Medal. But when these sides last met, it was Nankervis who arguably took the points on the day. Grundy had nearly double the hitouts, but Nankervis had a career high 29 disposals and 10 marks. It was unusual to see Grundy beaten around the ground as this is typically his strength. Much has been written about Richmond’s perceived lack of a genuine back-up ruck option when Nankervis rests. But the Magpies were unable to exploit this in round six, so this match-up will be crucial this week considering both sides possess such talented midfields. At the Selection Table The Magpies should have Darcy Moore available for selection after he was a late withdrawal last week with hamstring tightness. He has trained so far this week and will put his hand up for recall. Finding a spot will be the difficulty though after a big victory against North Melbourne last week. Josh Daicos, who was Moore’s late replacement, had a career best game and would be very unlucky to lose his spot. Despite some early concerns regarding Steele Sidebottom’s jaw, the Magpies have declared him a certain starter as well. One man who will miss is Jordan De Goey, who was ruled out by coach Nathan Buckley owing to a leg complaint. His absence will be a blow, but it must be noted he had his quietest game of the season against Richmond back in round six when he only registered nine disposals and a goal. The Tigers have some selection dilemmas as well, with so many players impressing at VFL level. The Tigers could hand a debut game to Liam Baker who keeps tearing it up in the VFL, while Bachar Houli will also press him case for selection after overcoming injury. Others in the mix include Tyson Stengle and Patrick Naish. Focus on Collingwood After a disappointing loss to West Coast the week prior, the Magpies were comprehensive in their response against North Melbourne. It was a decisive 66-point victory, which was even more impressive given the very late withdrawal of Darcy Moore from the side. The midfield was well down against the Eagles, but it was back to its dominant best against North Melbourne, recording 31 more disposals, 13 more inside 50, 33 more marks and 46 more uncontested possessions. In summary, the Magpies had the game on their terms and were just too much for the Kangaroos to contain. Despite so much of the football, the Magpies also recorded a staggering 36 more tackles. Despite this dominant display, Nathan Buckley will know that his side needs to go to an even higher level this week to knock off the reigning premier. The Magpies will welcome the test in front of a huge crowd, and it is perfect preparation for a likely finals campaign. The Magpies probably only need to win one-to-two more games to cement their finals position, but a top four spot will beckon if they can score victory this week. Player Focus – Taylor Adams After a career best season in 2017, Adams had an indifferent start to this season, which was largely affected by a hamstring injury prior to round four. His last month has been really promising, averaging 29 disposals, and he was at his aggressive best last week with 10 tackles, and he also hit the scoreboard with a goal. Adams will face a huge test this week as he will likely square off against Trent Cotchin in the middle. In the absence of Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams has lifted his game enormously to fill the void. Focus on Richmond There are many superlatives that could describe this Richmond side. For all the analysis, the ultimate strength of this side is its unity and chemistry. The Tigers play as a team, and seem to know exactly where their teammates are running. They play at a consistent level each week and rarely have lapses throughout games. This has meant that many sides have been able to keep up for three quarters or so, but are ultimately overrun in the last quarter through pure exhaustion. If anything, Richmond is an even scarier prospect this year than at the same time last year. Jack Riewoldt is in career best form, and Dustin Martin is starting to really warm-up after a slightly quieter season thus far. The only chink in Richmond’s armor so far has been its form on the road, having lost all four away trips. Obviously that’s not going to be an issue for Richmond come finals if it makes the top two, considering all its games will be at the MCG anyway. It’s hard to see the Tigers losing enough games in the final five rounds to drop out of the top two. When Richmond locks the ball inside forward 50, it is almost impossible to clear it out. With so many hungry small to medium sized forwards swarming, the Tigers are clearly the number one forward half defensive pressure side in the competition. To counter this, the Magpies will need to stay composed coming out of defence and try not to over do it. A simple kick to a one on one near the boundary could be as effective a move as any. The Tigers sweat on turnovers, so being too daring can be a pitfall. Player Focus – Nick Vlastuin One of Richmond’s most improved players this year has been Nick Vlastuin. That’s not to say that he wasn’t already an integral part of the side, but it seems his game has gone to a new level this year as a defensive general. With teams putting attention into Alex Rance, Vlastuin often gets freed up which allows him to win a lot of the football across half back. He is a terrific reader of the play, and can be so damaging with ball in hand. He reminds me a lot of Luke Hodge during Hawthorn’s premiership years. The Magpies obviously need to ensure that Rance is kept accountable, but it would also be worth putting plenty of attention onto Vlastuin as well. The Wrap-Up No matter which way you look at it, this is a huge test for the Magpies. The Tigers are purring at the moment and are playing such devastating football. But the Magpies are also in terrific form and will be up for the fight. Despite injuries, the Magpies keep winning and finding new players to fill the voids. It’s a big challenge for some of the younger players in the side against such a mature opponent. For mine, the Magpies need to be smart with ball in hand, and stay composed. They cannot afford easy turnovers across half back. If in doubt, a 50 metre kick to Mason Cox near the boundary may be the smartest option, as opposed to a dangerous short kick into the corridor. Beating the Tigers is a grind, and it will mean four quarters of consistent aggressive football. The Magpies also need to kick accurately as they did early last week. Taking opportunities is the key to beating the best sides. The weather looks favourable, and it’s good to see such a big clash at the home of football on a traditional Saturday afternoon.

AFL PREVIEW ROUND 19 COLLINGWOOD V RICHMOND AFL LAST FIVE TIMES R6, 2018, Richmond 16.17 (113) d Collingwood 10.10 (70) at the MCG R2, 2017, Richmond 14.15 (99) d Collingwood 11.14 (80) at the MCG R20, 2016, Richmond 14.8 (92) d Collingwood 11.11 (77) at the MCG R2, 2016, Collingwood 13.9 (87) d Richmond 12.14 (86) at the MCG R21, 2015, Richmond 23.9 (147) d Collingwood 7.14 (56) at the MCG LADDER POSITIONS Collingwood: 3 Richmond: 1 INJURY LIST Jordan De Goey (leg bone stress) – 2 weeks Darcy Moore (hamstring tightness) – test Flynn Appleby (hamstring) – 2-3 weeks Rupert Wills (hamstring) – 2-3 weeks Ben Reid (knees) – 2-3 weeks Adam Treloar (hamstring) – 6-7 weeks Tyson Goldsack (knee) – TBC Kayle Kirby (medical condition) – indefinite Tim Broomhead (broken leg) – season Lynden Dunn (knee) – season Daniel Wells (foot) – season SUMMARY The anticipation for this clash began building after the Magpies' sixth win in a row in round 15 catapulted them to second on the ladder behind the top-placed Tigers. Since, their round 17 loss to West Coast has relegated them to third but the hype hasn't abated, and why should it? Two big Victorian clubs, in form and marching towards September, in what many hope is a preview to a hotly contested final, at the MCG on a Saturday afternoon. The Tigers have recent bragging rights, having won the last three, including their round six clash by 43 points, but both teams will go in full of confidence after comprehensive victories over St Kilda and North Melbourne respectively in round 18. The Pies expect to regain Darcy Moore and have declared Steele Sidebottom a likely starter despite a head clash on Saturday while the Tigers are a chance to see Bachar Houli return. AFL THE SIX POINTS The Tigers remain undefeated at the MCG this season, having won all 10 of their matches there. They've won 22 of their last 24 starts at the venue since the start of 2017. The Magpies are also MCG tenants, but haven't been quite as formidable there this season. They've won six games and lost five in 2018, but their run of recent form sees five of those wins from their last six starts. There's a reason these two teams are pacesetters. The Tigers are ranked second for scoring and the Pies third, but there's more of a discrepancy when it comes to defence. The Tigers are ranked first in that area and the Pies eighth. Josh Caddy, Jack Riewoldt and Dan Butler combined for 10 goals in round six. It was the first of four times this season Caddy has kicked four or more goals in a year that has him second at the club with 34 behind Jack Riewoldt (41). There's been a big difference in the way these two teams play. The Pies continue to be the highest-disposal side with an average of 407 per game – and are the highest ranked uncontested possession team – while the Tigers are 13th with an average of 367.5.   Fatherhood has agreed with Will Hoskin-Elliott this season with the former Giant enjoying a solid year. He put two quiet games behind him on the weekend to kick three against the Kangaroos and rise in the Schick AFL Player Ratings to 121st overall.  IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR… Toby Nankervis and Brodie Grundy fought out an enthralling battle back in round six, with the Tigers' big man winning the battle around the ground and the Magpie claiming the points in the ruck contests. Nankervis fought back after Grundy got the early jump, so both will be keen to assert themselves on the contest from the word go. PREDICTION: Richmond by 22 points

2018: LADDER ROUND 18

Pos Position     Pts Points     % Percentage     W Won     L Lost
D Drawn     F Points For     A Points Against

Round 18: Collingwood 130 North Melbourne 64

THE FACTS

2018 AFL Round 19 COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND Time & Place: Saturday July 28, 1:45pm EST MCG Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 8 Max 15 Chance of rain 0% Wind: SE 13kph Betting: Collingwood $3.10 Richmond $1.37

COLLINGWOOD           7.2.44  13.3.81  15.5.95  20.10.130
NORTH MELBOURNE  2.3.15    5.6.36    7.7.49      9.10.64

GOALS - Collingwood: De Goey 4, Mihocek 4, Hoskin-Elliott 3, Stephenson 3, Grundy, Adams, Phillips, Greenwood, Cox, Thomas

BEST - Collingwood: Pendlebury, Adams, De Goey, Howe, Sidebottom, Mihocek, Hoskin-Elliott

INJURIES - Collingwood: Moore (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Daicos

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 50,393 at the MCG

TALKING POINTS

1. Collingwood responds to Richmond challenge So much of the talk after Richmond's Friday night domination of St Kilda was about how the Tigers were clearly the best team in the competition. That's hard to dispute, but the Magpies had their say against North Melbourne, making the Roos looks second rate. There were worries about how the backline would cope after the very late withdrawal of Darcy Moore, but it didn't matter because Collingwood owned the football in the opening quarter and didn't give North a sniff. The clash next Saturday afternoon at the home of football between the Tigers and Pies is one to savour. 2. Moore hamstring worries Darcy Moore suffered a hamstring issue for the third time this season and was withdrawn from the side after taking part in the warm-up. He was replaced by Josh Daicos and while that swap didn't change the result, the signs are concerning for the out-of-contract swingman. His value is surely limited if Collingwood can't rely on the 22-year-old's body, especially so close to finals time. In terms of the on-field impact, Ben Brown seemed set for a field day when Jeremy Howe lined up on Coleman Medal leader. However, despite giving up 10cm, Howe took the points in that contest, keeping Brown to two goals. 3. North's top-eight odds go south This was a particularly important clash for North as it looked to claim an unlikely finals berth. The odds of that happening lengthened though after the Roos were soundly beaten. Losing has obvious implications but the percentage drop, from 114.2 to 108, hurt a lot as well, considering the logjam of teams scrapping to make the eight. With West Coast (Blundstone Arena), the in-form Brisbane (Gabba) and Adelaide (Adelaide Oval) all to come in the run home, and needing three victories to lock in that 12-win mark that typically assures a finals spot (although perhaps even that might not be enough this season), Brad Scott's men will need to come home like a steam train to book their spot in September. 4. Horror day for Thompson It's been a good year for Scott Thompson and the 32-year-old will probably receive another contract from the Roos, as the club's football manager Cameron Joyce seemed to indicate to AFL.com.au. Against Collingwood though, he had an absolute nightmare. On three different occasions he had to leave the field bleeding profusely from his nose, sporting bandaging around his head for much of the contest. With blood spurting everywhere, Thompson required multiple changes of his jumper and shorts. Things didn't go much better for him otherwise, as Brody Mihocek and Jordan De Goey both beat him in one-on-one contests deep in North's defence as the Magpies ran rampant. 5. Pies skipper comes up with his own form of bird control Winged creatures have long been a blight for spectators at the MCG. Matches have sometimes seemingly featured more seagulls than players, and the sight of birds flying out of the area as the football comes their way happens reasonably often. After different attempts to keep them away, including wires over the top of the ground and even fake eagles to scare off their smaller cousins, Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury took matters into his own hands on Saturday. With a pigeon providing an obstacle for the midfielder as he looked to send the ball deep into the forward line, Pendlebury went to bounce the football and collected a pigeon right on its head, sending it to the ground. For those concerned, the bird made an impressive recovery and flew away, seemingly unharmed.

THE MEDIA

SUPERFOOTY NATHAN Buckley told a fans forum late last year that his Collingwood 2018 side wasn’t going to copy reigning premier Richmond’s handbook. He was surely having a lend of us. If you disregarded the black and white colours at the MCG, and just focused on the manner of Collingwood’s dominant performance against North Melbourne, you would have been forgiven for thinking it was Richmond feasting on the hapless Kangaroos. Fast ball movement, relentless pressure all over the ground, ferocious tackling, multiple scoring options in attack and the ability for 22 players to connect … all of those elements combined to deal a savage blow to the Kangaroos’ finals aspirations. The day after Richmond put St Kilda to the sword, Collingwood shook off a rare poor performance against West Coast last week with one of their most complete games of the season. Now it sets up a mouth-watering clash with the Tigers next Saturday afternoon. So what’s changed since the Tigers finished like a freight train in Round 6 to overrun a tired but extremely competitive Collingwood to win by 43 points? Plenty. Whether it’s enough to bridge the gap between the two teams remains to be seen, but a swelling crowd of 90,000-plus — which would be the highest between these two old foes since the 1980 Grand Final — is about to find out. This time Collingwood won’t be coming off a four-day break, which perhaps accounted for part of the Tigers’ eight-goal-to-three final term on that April Sunday afternoon. Leg speed wasn’t an issue for the Magpies against the Kangaroos, and the ballistic, blistering style in which they ran with the ball is surely going to be needed if they have any hope of breaking Richmond’s extraordinary 17-game winning streak at the MCG. Back in late April, Jordan De Goey had only played three games for the season, was still uncontracted for 2019, and had kicked only three goals for the year, including one against Richmond. Since then, he’s not only locked in two more seasons, he has become one of the most dangerous players in the competition. He’s not Dustin Martin, but as he grows in confidence, there are similarities, and he was outstanding with four goals (one in each quarter) on Saturday. Collingwood had seven different players in the team that beat North to the one that faced Richmond in Round 6. Sure, they have lost key players such as Adam Treloar, Lynden Dunn and Ben Reid, but they have found some along the way, too. He will be front and centre on Saturday after kicking four goals, and you can see why Buckley resisted the temptation to push him back when Darcy Moore was a late withdrawal. The Magpies had 10 goalkickers yesterday, with Will Hoskin-Elliott continuing his best season with three more goals, and Jayden Stephenson put another significant down payment on the AFL Rising Star award with three goal Josh Daicos played his best game in Collingwood colours and combines pressure with some poise, Taylor Adams missed the Tigers’ game last time and was enormous yesterday, while somehow the Magpies’ back half — led by Jeremy Howe, Matt Scharenberg and Tom Langdon who did good jobs on their opponents — stands up under pressure, despite the injury issues. And the midfield of Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Adams and Josh Thomas, Brodie Grundy and others is a difficult proposition for any team. Richmond against a resurgent Collingwood who has modelled itself on the Tigers? In a year in which the style of the game has been an endless and often negative source of discussion and debate, that’s gotta be a good thing. AFL COLLINGWOOD has consolidated its top-four spot and severely dented North Melbourne's finals aspirations with an imposing 66-point victory at the MCG on Saturday. The Magpies emphatically rebounded from their flat round 17 loss to West Coast, rocking the Roos with an opening six-goal burst that effectively ended the contest after just 21 minutes. The Pies did not let up after that, outclassing the Kangaroos with their ball movement and rattling them with their manic attack on the ball and man to inflict their biggest loss of the season. Increasing their lead at every break, the Magpies romped to a 20.10 (130) to 9.10 (64) win that underlined their status as a credible premiership contender and set up a mouth-watering contest against reigning premier Richmond next Saturday at the MCG. Midfielders Scott Pendlebury (30 possessions and four clearances), Taylor Adams (28 possessions and a game-high 10 tackles) and Steele Sidebottom (24 possessions) set the tone for Collingwood from the get-go, while Brodie Grundy (17 possessions, 28 hit-outs and one goal) won an entertaining ruck contest against Todd Goldstein. Collingwood again had a good spread of goalkickers, with Jordan De Goey (four), Brody Mihocek (four), Jaidyn Stephenson (three) and Will Hoskin-Elliott (three) far more than North's embattled defence could handle. After Darcy Moore withdrew 15 minutes before the game with hamstring tightness, Jeremy Howe was given the big job on Ben Brown and rose to the occasion, holding the Coleman Medal leader to two goals, while he was well in defence supported by Matthew Scharenberg. The Magpies' win was their fourth from their past five meetings against the Roos, and their eighth from their past nine games this year. North has now lost three of its past four games, while Saturday's thumping slashed its percentage by more than six points (114.16 at the start of the round down to 108.0) and made its finals bid that much harder. Ninth at the start of the round, the Roos slid to 10th, below Hawthorn (113.97 per cent), with the Hawks still to play last-placed Carlton on Sunday. North's previous biggest losing margin this year was 37 points, against Melbourne in round three and Geelong in round 12, with its improved defence one of the features of its outstanding first half of the season. The Magpies' score was the biggest the Roos have conceded this year. Ben Cunnington (30 possessions, five clearances and seven tackles) was North's best on a horror day for the club, while Shaun Higgins (33 possessions and seven clearances) never stopped trying and Robbie Tarrant was valiant in holding Magpies spearhead Mason Cox to one goal despite Collingwood's inside 50 dominance (57-44). But it was Scott Thompson who summed up North's day. The veteran sported a bandage around his nose after a first-quarter clash and was forced from the ground under the blood rule on numerous occasions as he – and the Kangaroos – struggled to stem the bleeding. With Adams, Pendlebury and Sidebottom dominating in the midfield, Collingwood controlled the ball in the first term, winning the possession count by a remarkable 47 (116-69) and the inside 50s by eight (18-10). The Pies capitalised on that dominance with slick and assured ball movement that tore through North's defences and presented their forwards with regular gift-wrapped opportunities. Mihocek was the main beneficiary in attack, kicking four goals. Collingwood's finishing was clinical too. It converted its opening six shots on goal – North missed its first three shots – and led by 35 points before two late Roos majors helped reduce the quarter-time margin to 29 points. The Magpies stretched their lead to 41 points when they kicked the opening two goals of the second term. North then showed some fight, kicking three of the next four majors – the first two via Ben Brown – to close the deficit to 27 points at the 21-minute mark. But Collingwood quickly snuffed out any hopes of a Roos revival, piling on three late goals through Cox, Stephenson and Hoskin-Elliott, to go into the main break 45 points up. MEDICAL ROOM Collingwood: Darcy Moore was late withdrawal with hamstring soreness just 15 minutes before the opening bounce. NEXT UP The Magpies face ladder-leader Richmond at the MCG next Saturday, having lost five of their previous six games against the Tigers. REAL FOOTY The first shock for Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday wasn't a pleasant one, when defender Darcy Moore was a late withdrawal, having completed much of the pre-game warm-ups ahead of the clash against North Melbourne. The second was far more palatable and came soon after, when Brody Mihocek emerged as the unlikely first-term star, booting three goals. When the Magpies had another surprise, this time enjoying their best opening term of the season, booting seven goals against one of the better defensive sides, it was clear this was to be a day to remember for the black-and-white faithful. And so it proved, as the Magpies strode to a 66-point win, strengthening their hold on a top-four berth, while leaving the Kangaroos dealing with their heaviest defeat of the season and facing an increasingly tough battle to make the finals. The Pies' victory also added to the anticipation ahead of next Saturday's blockbuster against the league-leading Tigers at the MCG. There were several reasons for the Pies' dominance, established when booting the opening six goals, while storming to a 45-point break by half-time, but it was hard to go past their meticulous kicking for goal. The Pies converted a stunning 11.1 from set shots in the first half, the Roos left to lament their 4.5. Mihocek, criticised for his inability to make Eagle Jeremy McGovern accountable last week, had a burst he won't forget in a hurry. In his seventh senior match, the mature-age recruit snapped the opening goal, followed up minutes later with a mark over Scott Thompson and goal, and capitalised on a bullocking Steele Sidebottom play later in the term to mark and goal. He finished with four majors, equalling the tally he had on debut against Fremantle in round 11, and was one of 10 goal-kickers. When the contest was on the line in the first term, the Roos failed to lift. The Pies had 11 more contested possessions and 32 more uncontested possessions and, most damning of all for their opponents, even led the tackle count 11-7 by the first break, extending this to 82-46 by the final siren. Despite this, coach Nathan Buckley was still unhappy with his staff on the bench, and made his feelings clear during the break to the point he was late returning to the coaches' box in the second term. The Pies meant business. The Roos showed greater purpose in the second term, and a 14-7 advantage in contested possessions highlighted their renewed vigour as Ben Brown booted two quick goals. But the Pies rebounded, and this contest was effectively over. The Roos' medical staff deserved double pay for the regular assistance they gave their bloodied players, in particular the heavily-bandaged Thompson, who had a horror afternoon on Mihocek and De Goey. The latter was at his brilliant best, reinforcing why the Roos had sought his signature. He began in the midfield before pushing forward and creating havoc, finishing with 19 touches, six tackles and four goals. De Goey's ability to trap the ball early in the third term and successfully snap from about 45m was a highlight. Pies skipper Scott Pendlebury and Taylor Adams were in the thick of things. They were tough at the contest, tackled hard and set the tone. Sam Murray, returning to the side, provided great run on a day when the Magpies spread an opponent lacking the run to stay in the game. Josh Daicos, having replaced Moore, had arguably his best game, claiming a career-high 23 disposals, while Will Hoskin-Elliott was dangerous up forward. Jaidyn Stephenson was also lively up forward, to the point defender Marley Williams thought the best way to stop him would be with a crude round-arm hit. All that did was result in a free kick and goal, with the incident to be scrutinised by the match review officer. "It was a good, solid team performance, strong over the majority of the game," Buckley said. Todd Goldstein, another of the bloodied Roos, and Brodie Grundy had an entertaining battle in the ruck. Each pushed forward to convert and essentially negated each other. Missing the injured Jarrad Waite and Mason Wood, the Roos again sent Majak Daw forward. He was a lively foil alongside Brown but the supply was poor. Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington worked hard but skipper Jack Ziebell had a day to forget, having only three touches to half-time and 10 for the match. "We got caught holding the ball then had our tackles broken. Probably Ben Cunnington was the difference in terms of how strong he looked in the contest. He was near on impossible to tackle today but he was a bit of a lone hand in that part of the game," Roos coach Brad Scott said. "Probably the over-riding thing for me is that we haven't lost any faith in what we have done this season ... today was just a really bad day, a really bad day. The interchange bench looked like an emergency ward and, unfortunately, all the blood rules were significant. They required stitching so they were off for long periods of the game."

2018 Round 18: The Team, Preview, Injury List

2018 AFL Round 18 COLLINGWOOD v NORTH MELBOURNE Time & Place: Saturday July 21, 1:45pm EST MCG Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 6 Max 14 Chance of rain 30%: < 1mm Wind: NNE 24kph Betting: Collingwood $1.56 North Melbourne $2.45

B: Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, Jack Crisp

HB: Jeremy Howe, Matthew Scharenberg, Tom Langdon

C: Chris Mayne, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips

HF: Jordan De Goey, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Travis Varcoe

F: Josh Thomas, Mason Cox, Jaidyn Stephenson

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Steele Sidebottom

Int: Brody Mihocek, Sam Murray, Brayden Sier, Levi Greenwood

Emg: Callum Brown, Ben Crocker, Josh Daicos, Sam McLarty

IN: Mason Cox, Sam Murray
OUT: Ben Crocker, Josh Daicos (omitted)

COLLINGWOOD NEWS David Natoli The match of the round will take place this Sunday between Collingwood at North Melbourne at the MCG. Both sides are vying for a finals position, with Collingwood sitting in third place by only percentage, and North Melbourne sitting in ninth. It’s undoubtedly a crucial match considering both sides had tough losses last week. Although the Magpies are comfortably in the top eight, they have a very tough run home and are yet to cement their finals position. On the other hand, they have a real chance to make the top four, and can’t afford to lose touch with other top four aspirants. North Melbourne could boost itself back into the top eight with a victory, but can’t afford to fall any further behind if they lose this week. North has been one of the real surprise packets of 2018, with many predicting a bottom four finish at the start of the year. Many are dubbing last week’s loss to Sydney as one of the best matches of the year so far, such was the quality of the contest. The Kangaroos have been so consistent all season, but amazingly have not played at the MCG since round three against Melbourne, where they had their equal highest loss of the year by 37 points. It will be interesting to see how they adjust from the quick deck at Etihad Stadium to the wide expanses of the MCG. This will be a tricky match for Collingwood, particularly coming off such a comprehensive loss last week that broke a winning streak of seven games. It should act as a wake up call, but the side has been decimated by injuries, and my concern is that, sooner or later, it might take its toll. Nonetheless, too many quality players had quiet games last week, so expect a spike from several big names. At the Selection Table The Magpies will be sweating on the fitness of Mason Cox, who was a late withdrawal last week with a hamstring complaint. The early signs are that he will be right to play, which should make a big difference to Collingwood’s structure. The Eagles were able to take countless intercept marks last week through the likes of McGovern, so getting Cox back should ensure a better contest in the air. For the Kangaroos, expect to see Mason Wood return earlier that expected from injury. Wood will add a different dimension to an already powerful forward line. Tagger Ben Jacobs remains in doubt after he was again a late out with concussion last week. He was been withdrawn from the side three times in a month as he battles to recover. If he plays, he’ll surely be sent to Steele Sidebottom after the Eagles successfully tagged him out of the game last week. Focus on Collingwood Collingwood’s streak of seven wins was broken last week at the hands of West Coast. After a bright start, the Magpies failed to capitalize on their opportunities and were eventually steam-rolled by the powerful West Coast side. The Eagles dominated every aspect of the game, and prevented Collingwood’s best players the football. Collingwood is the highest disposal side in the competition averaging 408, but was held to only 364 last week. The intensity was down as well, with the Magpies only managing 43 tackles, which is a severely low number. Collingwood’s defence has held up well all year, but struggled to contain West Coast’s twin towers in Kennedy and Darling. Darcy Moore was strong in his return game, but will face an almighty task this week against the Coleman Medal leader Ben Brown. Majak Daw has also been in good form up forward of late. With games to follow against Richmond and Sydney, this game because even more crucial for the Magpies to cement their finals credentials. The other concern to come out of last week’s loss was the fact that Collingwood only managed three individual goal kickers for the match. Collingwood’s strength this year has been the impressive spread of goal scorers, but it was unable to get any contribution from the midfield. Only Jordan De Goey, Josh Thomas and Brody Mihocek were able to kick goals. The probable return of Mason Cox may help straighten the side up. Steele Sidebottom will also look to bounce back from a quiet 18 possession game after been heavily tagged. With Adam Treloar out of the side, the Magpies can’t afford their best players to have quiet games. Player Focus – Josh Thomas After spending two years in the football wilderness, Thomas has been a revelation this year, currently ranked second in Collingwood’s goal kicking with 27 goals. He also has the ability to go into the midfield given his strong clearance game, but he has seemingly found his niche as a small forward. When on song, he has a habit of kicking multiple goals, with bags of five, four and three goals on multiple occasions this year. The Wrap-Up I think it is a significant advantage that this game will be played on the MCG this weekend. It is always a completely different contest at the ‘G compared to the closed roof and smaller arena at Etihad. The Kangaroos love moving the ball quickly, but will be challenged by Collingwood’s leg speed this week. Ben Brown remains a huge factor and he’ll be a very difficult player to stop given Collingwood’s shorter backline. Darcy Moore will likely get the job, but is only in his second game back from injury and is new to the defence, so it will be a monumental challenge. Todd Goldstein has also been in really good form, and his battle against Brodie Grundy will be crucial given both sides have good clearance players through the midfield. Although every game is worth the same amount of points, this week’s clash just feels like it is worth a bit more. We are approaching the final six rounds of the season, and finals positions are still up for grabs.

AFL PREVIEW ROUND 18 COLLINGWOOD V NORTH MELBOURNE AFL LAST FIVE TIMES R20, 2017, Collingwood 16.15 (111) d North Melbourne 7.15 (57) at Etihad Stadium R18, 2016, North Melbourne 18.16 (124) d Collingwood 12.12 (84) at Etihad Stadium R9 2015, Collingwood 17.10 (112) d North Melbourne 14.11 (95) at the MCG R5, 2014, Collingwood 13.15 (93) d North Melbourne 8.10 (58) at the MCG R23, 2013, North Melbourne 19.11 (125) d Collingwood 17.12 (114) at the MCG LADDER POSITIONS Collingwood: 3 North Melbourne: 9 INJURY LIST James Aish (knee) – test Jarryd Blair (hamstring) – test Jamie Elliott (hamstring) – test Alex Fasolo (ankle) – test Mason Cox (general soreness) – test Brayden Sier (corkie) – test Rupert Wills (hamstring) – 2 weeks Ben Reid (knee / calf) – 3-4 weeks Flynn Appleby (hamstring) – 3-4 weeks Adam Treloar (hamstring) – 7-8 weeks Kayle Kirby (medical condition) – indefinite Tyson Goldsack (knee) – indefinite Tim Broomhead (broken leg) – season Lynden Dunn (knee) – season Daniel Wells (foot) – season SUMMARY The urgency increases this week for these finals aspirants, both of whom are smarting from losses last round that were disappointing for different reasons. The Pies, in suffering their first loss in two months at the hands of West Coast at the MCG, missed an opportunity to join league leader Richmond on 12 wins, while an impressive North Melbourne was pipped at the post by Sydney in a thriller. The absence of Collingwood big man Mason Cox was telling, and his availability would boost the Pies enormously. Darcy Moore made an encouraging return in defence and he'll need to play a key role in limiting the influence of North forwards Ben Brown and Majak Daw. The midfield battle will be pivotal with Roos combination Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington taking on Pies skipper Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, neither of whom played to their usual lofty standards against the Eagles. AFL THE SIX POINTS Collingwood has had the better of North Melbourne recently, winning six of their past nine encounters, including three by more than 50 points. Nothing separates the sides at the MCG with 14 wins apiece and one draw. However, Collingwood has won four of the past five on the hallowed turf, with the Kangaroos' most recent victory there almost five years ago. Both are high-scoring teams – the Magpies are ranked fourth for goals scored (216 at 13.5 a game) and the Kangaroos are fifth with 208 at 13. North is the best first-quarter team this season, winning 10 and establishing a differential of +121 points, while the third quarter is Collingwood’s best (+75). The Magpies remain the highest disposal team this season, averaging 408.3 a game – still the only side averaging more than 400 – while the Kangaroos are 15th. Shaun Higgins late-career surge continues, with the North Melbourne midfielder climbing to a personal-best ranking of No. 33 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The 30-year-old is the third-highest ranked Kangaroo. IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …Steele Sidebottom Magpies star Steele Sidebottom appears to be on his way to a second successive club best and fairest, but in the loss to the Eagles last round he had his quietest game in perhaps two years, with his lowest kick tally (seven) in five years. Top-liners like Sidebottom rarely put in two below-par performances in a row, so expect him to be back to his normal productive self against North. PREDICTION: Collingwood by 9 points

2018: LADDER ROUND 17

Pos Position     P Played     Pts Points     % Percentage     W Won     L Lost
D Drawn     F Points For     A Points Against

Round 17: West Coast 102 Collingwood 67

THE FACTS

2018 AFL Round 18 COLLINGWOOD v NORTH MELBOURNE Time & Place: Saturday July 21, 1:45pm EST MCG Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 7 Max 14 Chance of rain 30%: < 1mm Wind: N 12kph Betting: Collingwood $1.57 North Melbourne $2.42

WEST COAST       3.0.18    8.1.49    12.8.80  15.12.102
COLLINGWOOD   4.4.28    6.9.47    8.10.58      9.13.67

GOALS - Collingwood: De Goey 4, Thomas 3, Mihocek 2

BEST - Collingwood: Adams, De Goey, Pendlebury, Howe, Phillips

INJURIES - Collingwood: Mason Cox (soreness) replaced in selected side by Ben Crocker, Sidebottom (eye), Moore (dislocated finger), Sier (corked quad), Langdon (right knee)

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 53,439 at the MCG

TALKING POINTS

1. Naitanui knee injury a huge blow to Eagles' premiership hopes West Coast holds grave fears over a serious-looking knee injury suffered by star big man Nic Naitanui. The Eagles ruckman landed awkwardly on his right knee following an aerial contest with Pie Brodie Grundy, with coach Adam Simpson showing great concern. "It doesn't look great for his other knee," Simpson told Fox Footy at half-time. Naitanui missed the entire 2017 season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Should he be sidelined long-term with this injury, the Eagles' premiership hopes will have been dealt a huge blow. Emerging big man Scott Lycett would be the Eagles' No.1 ruckman, with Nathan Vardy a possibility to provide a chop out if recalled. Until then, the Eagles will wait with bated breath for the results of scans on Naitanui's knee. 2. Eagles clip Magpie wings to surge to second spot on the ladder West Coast has jumped into second position on the ladder after winning the battle with fellow top-four aspirant Collingwood. Port Adelaide could leap them before the weekend is over should they smash Fremantle in Perth, however the Eagles are in the box seat. They broke the Magpies' seven-game winning streak and won their first game against Collingwood at the MCG since 1995. In the process, West Coast also answered its critics and broke through for a much-needed win in Melbourne and on the road. With three of their last six games at Optus Stadium, the Eagles appear in good shape to finish in the top four, although the Naitanui injury may be a factor. 3. West Coast spearheads return at right time West Coast brought its big guns back the clash and after a shaky start it was no surprise to see the spearheads dig the side out of a hole. Josh Kennedy, returning from a hairline fracture in his leg in round 13, and Jack Darling (ankle in round 11) kicked the Eagles' first three goals of the contest. Kennedy gave the forward line the bite it had been lacking in previous weeks, with the star forward finishing with three goals. Darling's work rate to hit up at the ball carrier was noticeable, while Mark LeCras' craftiness around goals was equally significant. The trio have now kicked 86 goals between them for the season and they all shape as crucial to West Coast's finals hopes. 4. Moore's positive return Collingwood has made do with a makeshift back six since Lynden Dunn went down with a season-ending knee injury against Gold Coast in round 15. But after one-game back in the VFL, the Magpies decided to recall Darcy Moore for his first AFL match since injuring his hamstring against Geelong in round 11. Charged with containing Josh Kennedy, Moore was particularly influential in the first half where his ability to charge out at the football and impact aerial contests was crucial. The athletic defender finished with 14 disposals and six marks in a strong return. Yet to be re-signed and reportedly of interest to Sydney, Moore demonstrated his versatility and showed why he will be an important factor in Collingwood's finals campaign. 5. De Goey again delivers in front of goal, but Magpies fail to take advantage Collingwood had just three individual goal kickers, but again Jordan De Goey underlined his class in front of the big sticks. De Goey kicked four of the Magpies' nine majors for the afternoon, bobbing up at crucial times to keep his side in the game. The powerful forward was thrown into the midfield in the final quarter to see if he could spark a Collingwood comeback, but looks most dangerous as the deepest target in attack. With Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn patrolling down back, the Magpies could not get the ball to him enough. De Goey has now kicked 26 goals in 13 games this season.

THE MEDIA

SUPERFOOTY WEST Coast can win at the MCG. But can the Eagles win the premiership without Nic Nat? Sunday was a classic case of winning the battle but potentially losing the war, with fears Naitanui sustained a serious injury to his “good” right knee. The Eagles commanded so much respect in the premiership race by emerging as the chief challenger to Richmond. But so much will hinge on ruck understudy Scott Lycett if the Naitanui fears are confirmed on Monday. Lycett, 25, is a restricted free agent and suddenly the importance of his signature might climb a list topped by marking machine Jeremy McGovern and ball magnet Andrew Gaff. But the key learning from Sunday’s 35-point upset of Collingwood was that the Eagles can bring their form along with their footy boots when they jump on an aeroplane. This was West Coast’s first win at the MCG against Collingwood since Round 2, 1995 — predating the birth of five Eagles. One of those five is Willie Rioli, who showed enough magic to suggest he and Daniel Rioli might be able to adequately cover the game’s sudden loss of Cyril. With Mason Cox a late withdrawal, this was a battle of the quick birds and the big birds. For the first 10 minutes it played out like an advertisement for the TAC. Speed kills, and the Pies had plenty of it. They led 20-0 on the back of a possession domination and probably should’ve scooted five goals clear. At one stage they led disposals 32-7, with three of West Coast’s six kicks turnovers. Jordan De Goey’s lateral movement troubled Will Schofield and the re-signed star booted two goals in the first 18 minutes. But with McGovern then floating in front of De Goey the one-on-one opportunities started to wane. In an era where hard match-ups are dwindling, Sunday produced some pivotal contests. Mark Hutchings kept Steele Sidebottom to seven kicks, his fewest in 112 matches, while Matthew Scharenberg took the points against Jack Darling. Lewis Roberts-Thomson enjoyed playing West Coast on the MCG and Darcy Moore impressed with the former Swan’s position and hairstyle. While Kennedy kicked 3.1, Moore’s positioning was spot on and he hardly could’ve done more stationed at full-back. After Collingwood’s early blitz, the Eagles piled on 15 of the final 21 goals. They got tougher. They took 58 uncontested marks to just 33 in the second half. It should’ve been all over by the final change. After kicking 9.0 from their first nine shots, Kennedy, Jack Darling and Jake Waterman all hit the post. It was aerial supremacy and days after Nathan Buckley shaved his beard, it might’ve made the hairs on Damien Hardwick’s neck stand up. Perhaps Buckley’s wife Tania should creep into the bathroom and bin the razors. Bucks’ beard is gone and so is Collingwood’s seven-game winning streak. AFL WEST Coast has overcome the loss of star ruckman Nic Naitanui to score an outstanding 35-point win over Collingwood. The 15.12 (102) to 9.13 (67) win on Sunday is the first time the Eagles have beaten the Magpies at the MCG since 1995. There has been plenty of talk about West Coast's poor form at the MCG and it is a massive boost for their confidence. They are now level on points with top side Richmond, took second spot on the ladder from the Magpies and also ended Collingwood's seven-game winning streak. Starting with the disastrous 2015 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn, the Eagles had only won two of eight games at the MCG, and those were against lowly Carlton. Eagles forwards Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras all made successful returns from injury and midfielder Andrew Gaff continued his hot form. But the fear is that Naitanui will need another season-ending knee reconstruction, this time on his "good" right knee. West Coast's MCG horrors looked set to continue when Collingwood kicked three goals in the first 10 minutes and raced to a 20-point lead. Defender Jeremy McGovern was outstanding for the Eagles early with a succession of intercept marks and spoils that restricted the damage. The Eagles kicked the next three goals to put the game on a level pegging and only trailed by 10 points at the first change. West Coast took the lead at the start of the second term, but then suffered a massive blow when Naitanui was forced out of the game. He hurt his right knee in a marking contest with Brodie Grundy at the 17-minute mark and went straight to the rooms. Afterwards back-up ruckman Scott Lycett was massive, squaring his contests with Grundy. Collingwood led by a point at the main break and it should have been more, given they had 15 scoring shots to nine, but the Eagles kicked 8.1 in the first half to keep pace with the Magpies. It was West Coast's turn to spray their shots in the third term, kicking a wasteful 4.7. Collingwood could only manage 2.1 and the Eagles had a game-high lead of 22 points at three-quarter time. Darling kicked two goals in the last quarter to help seal the win. Along with Kennedy and Willie Rioli, Darling finished with three goals, while Mark Hutchings shut down Steele Sidebottom. REAL FOOTY West Coast won a major battle on Sunday, but the cost could be very hard to overcome. To beat Collingwood, a side that had won seven in a row and were second on the ladder, is no mean feat in isolation. To do it at the MCG, a venue where the Eagles have been consistently shown up for years against opponents of quality, removes a sizeable monkey from their back. And to prevail when they were down to 21 men for well over a half, having conceded the first three goals of the game, makes this performance even more full of merit. But while Eagles could cope without Nic Naitanui for an inspired hour of footy on Sunday, whether they can hold their place in the top four, and then navigate September without their star ruckman, is a question they seem heartbreakingly likely to need to confront. It was Naitanui’s left knee that wiped out his entire 2017 campaign. This time it was his right knee, which led him to hobble off after a second-term marking contest. The Eagles can hope it is not too serious, but the early indications aren’t positive. Met with such a blow to a much-loved player, it would have been understandable had West Coast wilted against a quality side. Instead they played a stirring half of football, shutting down Collingwood’s forward line and causing no shortage of headaches down the other end. The Eagles took hold of the midfield, as Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey played huge second halves to help Jack Redden, who had carried a heavy load in the first half. Mark Hutchings had done a stellar lockdown job on Steele Sidebottom and added a goal int he last quarter to further emphasise his individual victory. Both back from injury, forward pillars Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling had their moments without dominating. But Willie Rioli lived up to the family name with sublime dodging and finishing in tight confines and Mark LeCras bobbing up, and the Pies’ pressure faded, and the match was taken from their hands. Himself back from injury, Darcy Moore was steady on Kennedy, but it’s hard to imagine any side having the defensive capabilities to handle a firing Eagles forward line. In West Coast's defence Shannon Hurn and Jeremy McGovern were nigh on impenetrable, while in Naitanui’s absence, Scott Lycett held his own against Brodie Grundy. Collingwood got the jump. Their superior early energy was typified by a fierce early tackle from 100-gamer Jack Crisp that stopped Naitanui in his tracks. The Magpies dominated possession and territory early, racing to a 20-point lead in little over 10 minutes, with a goal to Jordan De Goey and two for Josh Thomas. The Eagles steadied though. Darling jagged a goal out the back while Kennedy took two contested marks, finishing off his work on both occasions. LeCras, the third of the returnees, missed everything but it was the only opportunity the Eagles would waste in the first half. Conversely the Pies kept shooting themselves in the foot. Brody Mihocek was particularly culpable as Collingwood kicked a wayward 6.9 to half-time. Similarly costly were turnovers that led to Eagles goals. Nathan Buckley was pictured fuming after Matt Scharenberg coughed the ball up in midfield, leading to a Redden major early in the second term. Later a Travis Varcoe pass to a flat-footed Brayden Sier was picked off, with LeCras duly capitalising. Rioli sold a textbook dummy to snap his first major, and despite having nine more inside 50s, leading the contested possession count by 25 and disposals by 32, the Pies found themselves trailing at the long change. De Goey kicked his fourth early in the third term, but didn't have enough help. Mason Cox had been a late withdrawal, and the Pies clearly missed the American.

2018 Round 17: The Team, Preview, Injury List

2018 AFL Round 17 COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST Time & Place: Sunday July 15, 1:10pm EST MCG Fox Footy 1:00pm EST Weather: Min 5 Max 14 Chance of rain 30%: < 1mm Wind: NNE 15kph Betting: Collingwood $1.46 West Coast $2.75

B: Brayden Maynard, Tom Langdon, Jack Crisp

HB: Jeremy Howe, Matthew Scharenberg, Travis Varcoe

C: Chris Mayne, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips

HF: Jordan De Goey, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Josh Daicos

F: Josh Thomas, Mason Cox, Jaidyn Stephenson

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Steele Sidebottom

Int (from): Callum Brown, Ben Crocker, Brody Mihocek, Darcy Moore, Adam Oxley, Sam Murray, Brayden Sier, Levi Greenwood

IN: Callum Brown, Darcy Moore, Sam Murray, Adam Oxley, Travis Varcoe
OUT: Flynn Appleby (hamstring)

COLLINGWOOD NEWS They passed with flying colours in the VFL, now Darcy Moore and Travis Varcoe appear likely to continue their recovery efforts and return from injury against West Coast. The pair have been named alongside Callum Brown, Sam Murray and Adam Oxley as potential inclusions for a Sunday clash at the MCG. Will Hoskin-Elliott will also be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the top-four match up with the Eagles. The reliable forward has shaken off bad bone bruising sustained against Essendon last weekend, with coach Nathan Buckley on Thursday stating Hoskin-Elliott is “one of the most physically resilient and mentally tough players” he’s ever known. The team is far from set in stone. Players will train on Saturday with all 25 in the squad to be given a final tune-up before the round 17 match. One player named on the field and expected to take on the Eagles is Jack Crisp. The defender has never missed a match in his time at Collingwood, and on Sunday will play his 100th AFL game. Crisp begun his career at the Brisbane Lions, before crossing to the Holden Centre in 2014 and playing 81 consecutive games since.

AFL PREVIEW ROUND 17 COLLINGWOOD V WEST COAST AFL LAST FIVE TIMES R18, 2017, Collingwood 13.15 (93) d West Coast Eagles 13.7 (85) at Etihad Stadium R19, 2016, Collingwood 13.13 (91) d West Coast Eagles 11.6 (72) at the MCG R6, 2016, West Coast Eagles 18.16 (124) d Collingwood 9.8 (62) at Subiaco Oval R16, 2015, West Coast Eagles 11.21 (87) d Collingwood 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium R20, 2014, West Coast Eagles 19.12 (126) d Collingwood 10.6 (66) at Subiaco Oval LADDER POSITIONS Collingwood: 2 West Coast: 3 INJURY LIST James Aish (knee) – available Jarryd Blair (hamstring) – available Jamie Elliott (hamstring) – available Alex Fasolo (ankle) – available Will Hoskin-Elliott (bone bruising) – test Rupert Wills (hamstring) – 2 weeks Flynn Appleby (hamstring) – 3-4 weeks Ben Reid (knee / calf) – 3-4 weeks Adam Treloar (hamstrings) – 7-8 weeks Tyson Goldsack (knee) – indefinite Kayle Kirby (medical condition) – indefinite Tim Broomhead (broken leg) – season Lynden Dunn (knee) – season Daniel Wells (foot) – season SUMMARY It speaks volumes for the talent, spirit and belief at both clubs that they remain firmly in premiership contention despite suffering injuries that would have torn the heart out of most teams. This clash for second position features two combatants who are almost identical in win/loss record (11-4) as well as points scored and points conceded, but the overwhelming factor appears to be the venue – Collingwood’s home ground, the MCG – where the Eagles haven't defeated the Magpies in more than 23 years; where the Eagles have played just once this season, narrowly beating lowly Carlton back in round five; and where the Pies have been undefeated in their past four starts, including blockbusters against Melbourne and Essendon. Despite their well-documented personnel issues, Nathan Buckley’s men are hot favourites after winning seven on the trot – a current competition-high. AFL THE SIX POINTS West Coast hasn't beaten Collingwood at the MCG since round two, 1995, losing each of their subsequent 10 clashes there. The Eagles won their only other MCG game this season, albeit against bottom side Carlton. When the sides last met, Collingwood trailed by 18 points at three-quarter time before powering home with five goals to one in the final term. Jordan De Goey was best-afield with 20 possessions and four goals. Collingwood is ranked No.1 in the AFL for disposals, averaging 411.2, while West Coast is 16th with 352.5. Both teams have been entertaining to watch this season with the Magpies the third-highest scoring team with 93 a game and the Eagles fourth with 91. With Collingwood and West Coast to clash for the 50th time, they are 24 wins apiece (and one draw). The Pies have won their past two encounters. Collingwood midfielder Tom Phillips continues to rise in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, lifting to a career-high ranking of No.89. At the end of last season was he No.322. IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …Nic Naitanui When it comes to ruckmen, much of the talk this season has centred around Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy and Melbourne’s Max Gawn, so ‘Nic Nat’ has a golden opportunity to remind the folk in the east just what a powerful presence he is when he and Scott Lycett take on Grundy and Mason Cox. Naitanui might well win the ruck duel but he’ll need to limit Grundy’s non-stop, all-round game. PREDICTION: Collingwood by 19 points