Preview Round 14: Collingwood v Hawthorn

AFL

Round 14 Collingwood v Hawthorn Friday July 3, 7:50pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7:30pm Weather: Min 7 Max 13 Chance of rain 60%: < 1mm Wind: NW 15kph Betting: Collingwood $3.90 Hawthorn $1.26

SUMMARY
This blockbuster battle between the fourth-placed Hawks and fifth-placed Pies, who are level on eight wins, will be played for high stakes. The winner will take outright fourth position and go a game clear of the loser, who will join a baying pack of clubs. It's the type of game the Hawks need to win to enhance their chances of a top-two finish – the best position from which to win a third successive premiership. The Pies, meanwhile, are in the midst of a tough block of games and remain desperate for a big scalp after coming so close against league leader Fremantle in Perth last week.

LAST FIVE TIMES

1. R23, 2014, Hawthorn 18.13 (121) d Collingwood 8.8 (56) at the MCG
2. R14, 2014, Hawthorn 17.13 (115) d Collingwood 13.8 (86) at the MCG
3. R21, 2013, Hawthorn 18.11 (119) d Collingwood 12.12 (84) at the MCG
4. R3, 2013, Hawthorn 22.13 (145) d Collingwood 13.12 (90) at the MCG
5. 1QF, 2012, Hawthorn 20.15 (135) d Collingwood 15.7 (97) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. Since Collingwood beat Hawthorn in the 2011 preliminary final, the Hawks have won their past seven clashes – a club record – by an average of 42 points.
2. It will be a battle of two of the top three highest-scoring teams this season. The Hawks are first, averaging 16.1 goals a game, and the Magpies are third with 14.6.
3. Collingwood is the most accurate side in front of goal this season, tallying 175.133 at a conversion rate of 56.1 per cent, while Hawthorn is eighth with 193.164 at 50.8 per cent.
4. The Hawks continue to kick the ball more than any other side, averaging 225.9 a game. They are also No.1 in average disposals with 395.7 a game.
5. Hawthorn dominated Collingwood in a 65-point win the last time the sides met – 455-284 in disposals, 132-66 in marks, 31-16 in scoring shots and 52-41 in insides 50s. Four Hawks had at least 30 possessions, compared to only one Magpie.
6. In Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett's absence, Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has taken the No.1 mantle in the Official AFL Player Ratings, but he could be overtaken this round by Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Collingwood spearhead Travis Cloke. After bagging 12 goals in his previous two outings – an equal career-best fortnight – the big left-footer was held scoreless in the loss to the Dockers. He had just six touches after quarter-time. Pies goalsneak Jamie Elliott will also be keen to lift after a poor one last week. Good players do just that for big games such as this.

PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 15 points