Preview Round 15: Collingwood v Hawthorn

AFL

SUMMARY

2017 AFL Round 15 COLLINGWOOD v HAWTHORN Time & Place: Sunday July 2, 3:20pm EST MCG TV: 7mate / Fox Sports 3:00pm EST Weather: Min 5 Max 14 Chance of rain 80%: < 1mm Wind: NNE 19kph Betting: Collingwood $1.80 Hawthorn $2.02

The round nine clash between them was the classic game of two halves – the Hawks won the first quite comfortably, whereas the Pies won the second half that little bit more convincingly, and therefore the match. Keys to the Pies that day were Jamie Elliott and Daniel Wells, but neither will play on Sunday, while the Hawks will take in a much stronger side than last time and will be buoyed by their fabulous win over the Crows in Adelaide last week. Tom Mitchell had 50 touches last time against Collingwood, which caused all matter of debate, but Scott Pendlebury and Adam Treloar traditionally play well against the Hawks and will need to be curbed. Neither side has enjoyed a great season and it will absolutely be curtains for 2017 for the loser, but the Hawks are in slightly better nick and should just win.

LAST FIVE MEETINGS

1. R9, 2017, Collingwood 13.12 (90) d Hawthorn 11.6 (72) at the MCG
2. R23, 2016, Hawthorn 17.10 (112) d Collingwood 17.9 (111) at the MCG
3. R14, 2015, Hawthorn 15.11 (101) d Collingwood 12.19 (91) at the MCG
4. R23, 2014, Hawthorn 18.13 (121) d Collingwood 8.8 (56) at the MCG
5. R14, 2014, Hawthorn 17.13 (115) d Collingwood 13.8 (86) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. In round nine, Hawthorn led by 36 points at quarter-time and 34 at the main break. Collingwood then kicked nine goals to one in the second half. Scott Pendlebury starred with 36 disposals, one goal, nine inside 50s and seven clearances.
2. The Hawks have struggled in contested possessions this season, ranked last after 13 matches, and averaging 134.6 per game. By contrast, they're ranked seventh for uncontested possessions.
3. Collingwood's win earlier this season was its first over Hawthorn since 2011; the Hawks had won the previous nine in a row. The Magpies haven't defeated the Hawks in consecutive games since 2011.
4. The Magpies have been a strong inside 50 team this season, ranked fourth averaging 56.4, and are equal fifth for marks inside 50. Hawthorn is 16th for inside 50s.
5. This is the 33rd clash between the sides at the MCG, with Hawthorn holding the advantage winning 20 games to 12. The Hawks are five losses from seven games at the MCG this season.
6. Magpies skipper Scott Pendlebury will enter his 250th game as the second-highest ranked player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Shaun Burgoyne
The evergreen Hawk plays his 333rd game this week and jumps into the top 20 for all-time games played. He was best on ground against the Crows and is playing himself into another contract next season.

PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 10 points