2018 Round 15: The Team, Preview, Injury List

2018 AFL Round 15 COLLINGWOOD v GOLD COAST Time & Place: Saturday June 30, 7:25pm EST Carrara Stadium Gold Coast Fox Sports 7:00pm EST Weather: Min 15 Max 24 Chance of rain 60%: < 1mm Wind: NNE 19kph Betting: Collingwood $1.14 Gold Coast $5.75

B: Brayden Maynard, Lynden Dunn, Jack Crisp

HB: Jeremy Howe, Matthew Scharenberg, Tom Langdon

C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips

HF: Jordan De Goey, Brody Mihocek, Will Hoskin-Elliott

F: Josh Thomas, Mason Cox, Jaidyn Stephenson

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Josh Daicos

Int: Flynn Appleby, Ben Crocker, Chris Mayne, Brayden Sier

IN: Ben Crocker, Brayden Sier
OUT: Adam Treloar (hamstring), Levi Greenwood (concussion)
NEW: Brayden Sier (20, Northern U18)

COLLINGWOOD NEWS Collingwood has been forced to make two changes to its team for Saturday night’s game against Gold Coast. Adam Treloar (hamstring) and Levi Greenwood (concussion) have been ruled out, with the pair replaced by emerging players Brayden Sier and Ben Crocker. Sier, 20, will make his AFL debut after showing great form in the VFL in recent weeks. Crocker is back in the AFL team for the first time since the loss to Geelong in round eight. He kicked five of Collingwood’s 10 goals in the narrow VFL loss to the Northern Blues at the Holden Centre last weekend.

AFL PREVIEW ROUND 15 COLLINGWOOD V GOLD COAST AFL LAST FIVE TIMES R17, 2017, Collingwood 15.13 (103) d Gold Coast 13.10 (88) at Metricon Stadium R22, 2016, Collingwood 16.22 (118) d Gold Coast 6.11 (47) at Etihad Stadium R8, 2015, Collingwood 20.12 (132) d Gold Coast 9.9 (63) at Metricon Stadium R16, 2014, Gold Coast 11.14 (80) d Collingwood 10.15 (75) at Metricon Stadium R17, 2013, Gold Coast 13.7 (85) d Collingwood 11.12 (78) at Metricon Stadium LADDER POSITIONS Collingwood: 4 Gold Coast: 15 INJURY LIST Travis Varcoe (hamstring) - test Jamie Elliott (hamstring) - 1-2 weeks Darcy Moore (hamstring) - 1-2 weeks Josh Smith (hamstring) - 1-2 weeks Ben Reid (leg) – 1-2 weeks James Aish (knee) - 2-3 weeks Jarryd Blair (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks Alex Fasolo (ankle) - 3-4 weeks Adam Treloar (hamstrings) - 8-9 weeks Kayle Kirby (medical condition) – indefinite Tim Broomhead (leg) – season Tyson Goldsack (knee) – season Daniel Wells (foot) - season SUMMARY Collingwood has stormed into the top four off the back of five straight wins and is strongly favoured to continue its run against the struggling Suns. Despite the loss of ace midfielder Adam Treloar, the Magpies have proven so far in 2018 they have a glut of players that can effectively run through the middle of the ground and provide their speedy, smaller forward line – apart from Mason Cox – plenty of opportunities. Conversely, Gold Coast are in a hole. They've lost eight straight games, and apart from the narrow loss to St Kilda in their last home game, have struggled to compete. The return of Peter Wright last week gave the Suns a nice one-two punch in the forward line alongside Tom Lynch, but the big area of improvement needs to come in the middle of the ground. Can the Suns match the powerful running of Collingwood's midfielders, and can their defenders stop their mobile forwards? On recent evidence, the answer is no on all counts. The Magpies should win this one easily. AFL THE SIX POINTS It was tight for three quarters the last time they played with Collingwood leading by one point at the final change. The Magpies kicked five goals to three in the last quarter to win, led by 32 disposals apiece from Steele Sidebottom and Adam Treloar. It will be a contest between the AFL's highest disposal team and the lowest, with Collingwood (413.7 a game) on top, and the Suns (335.7 a game) the bottom. This is the eighth clash between the clubs with Collingwood winning five games to two. Both of the Suns' wins have come at Metricon Stadium (from five matches). The Suns continue to struggle in second halves. They’ve been goalless in at least one quarter in each of their past five second halves and in final quarters they're minus-220 points for the season. Collingwood will be aiming for six consecutive wins for the first time since they won 10 in a row early in 2012. Gold Coast has now lost 18 of their past 21 matches. The Magpies have three players in the top 10 (Scott Pendlebury, Brodie Grundy, Adam Treloar) and six in the top 50 of the AFL's Official Player Ratings, while Jarryd Lyons (35th) is the only Gold Coast player in the same range. IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jarrod Witts Not only is Jarrod Witts playing his old club – and any player wants to do well there – but he is playing one of the form players in the competition in Brodie Grundy. The pair know each other well from their time at the Magpies together, and Witts is going to have to play his best game to provide his midfield with the help it needs to cause an upset. PREDICTION: Collingwood by 30 points

2018: LADDER ROUND 14

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

Round 14: Collingwood 79 Carlton 59

THE FACTS

2018 AFL Round 15 COLLINGWOOD v GOLD COAST Time & Place: Saturday June 30, 7:25pm EST Carrara Stadium Gold Coast Fox Sports 7:00pm EST Weather: Min 13 Max 22 Chance of rain 0% Wind: SSE 11kph Betting: Collingwood $1.15 Gold Coast $5.50

COLLINGWOOD     3.2.20   5.8.38   8.12.60   11.13.79
CARLTON               3.2.20   4.3.27     7.4.46       9.5.59

GOALS - Collingwood: Stephenson 3, Hoskin-Elliott 3, Pendlebury, Mihocek, Treloar, Cox, De Goey

BEST - Collingwood: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Stephenson, Phillips, Grundy, Treloar, Hoskin-Elliott

INJURIES - Collingwood: Greenwood (concussion), Treloar (hamstring)

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 53,706 at the MCG

TALKING POINTS

1. Captain Fantastic leads from the front Scott Pendlebury was used as a tagger the last time Collingwood played Carlton. But on Sunday, the Magpies skipper was let off the leash and was back to his best. Delivering a typically classy performance, Pendlebury made the difference out of the middle of the ground. A cut above every time the ball was in dispute, his quick hands and composure with the footy was the defining factor in an otherwise scrappy encounter. He finished with 29 disposals, a goal and a goal assist in his side's 20-point win. He was well and truly the cream on top for Collingwood in a trying, yet satisfying victory. 2. Charlie provides Blues with a beacon of hope Just days after signing with Carlton for a further five years, Charlie Curnow again gave Blues fans plenty to smile about. The athletic forward delivered the type of performance reflective of why many believe he could be the game's most exciting young player. Taking spectacular grabs and pushing forward to impact on the scoreboard, the 21-year-old was a standout on a tough day for the Blues. He finished with 19 disposals, 10 marks, five contested marks and three goals in another standout display. ... the Magpies skipper was let off the leash and was back to his best. Delivering a typically classy performance, Pendlebury made the difference out of the middle of the ground. A cut above every time the ball was in dispute, his quick hands and composure with the footy was the defining factor in an otherwise scrappy encounter.

3. Break glass in case of emergency There was a little bit of everything about Sam Rowe on Sunday. He started the game as a defender, soon turned into a forward and then finished as a ruckman. A late change forcing Levi Casboult from the match meant Brendon Bolton had to improvise. He flipped the magnets, sending late inclusion Cameron O'Shea down back and throwing Rowe forward. Then Matthew Kreuzer went down. With the 199cm Rowe the last man standing, he was asked to compete with Brodie Grundy. Ultimately, he gave a pretty good effort. Though it largely went unrewarded as Collingwood comfortably came out on top. 4. Arrive early for an early pick Carlton fans might have thought about arriving at the MCG a couple of hours early to see under-18 guns Sam Walsh and Bailey Smith in action. The pair of likely early draft picks were among the best as Vic Metro took on Vic Country in Sunday's curtain-raiser. Walsh finished with 29 disposals and five clearances, while Smith racked up 20 touches to go with his three goals. Carlton will almost certainly have a top-three pick in next year's NAB AFL Draft and both could be right in the club's sights. 5. Should the traditional rivals go untraditional? Is it time for the traditional rivals to don untraditional jumpers? Both the Pies and the Blues wore their home jumpers on Sunday, though the predominantly dark uniforms meant there was some confusion – both in the stands and on the ground. The biggest differentiator between the two was their shorts, with Carlton wearing white and Collingwood black. It led to a couple of stray kicks into contests and a few mix-ups from fans at the ground. Perhaps it's time for the AFL to suggest the away side wears its away jumpers the next time they meet.

THE MEDIA

SUPERFOOTY THE old push and shove after the halftime siren is frowned upon by most as a waste of time and energy. But when you’re Carlton these signs of spirit can take on more meaning. Remember, we’ve been told by Brendon Bolton to look for green shoots in the worst team in the competition. Standing up and flying the flag for mates during an extended halftime scuffle at least gets a tick. As does standing up when the odds are stacked against you which the Blues did extremely well in the opening 10 minutes of the third term. When the ball was bounced to start the second half Carlton had just two players on the bench — teenager Lochie O’Brien and Cam O’Shea. O’Shea wasn’t even in the Blues extended squad of 26 on Thursday night and was only at the MCG as a back-up. He was called into action just minutes before the opening bounce after Levi Casboult broke a finger in the warm-up. The reason for the two empty seats on the bench was Lachie Plowman had done his knee early in the second quarter and then ruckman Matthew Kreuzer hadn’t reappeared after halftime because of an ankle problem. So the scenario wasn’t pretty — two men down, trailing by nine points against a red-hot Collingwood who were eyeing off a top four spot. At the eight-minute mark the Blues were in front. Stand-in skipper Patrick Cripps had kicked his second goal of the day two minutes earlier after some sloppy defending from the Pies gave him space 35m out. And then Charlie Curnow, who is the greenest of all the shoots, took an impressive one-on-one mark in the goalsquare. The Blues ball movement had been slick, they were running and gunning like a good side with bucketloads of spirit and dare. Adam Treloar, who had been strangely absent for most of the day, got the steadier for the Pies a couple of minutes later after a Brodie Grundy hanger had set it up. Then came the reminder. The reminder that Carlton are sitting 18th on the ladder with just one win. Liam Jones had the ball in the back pocket and for reasons that only he is aware of he decided to try and centre the ball. This was a peculiar given there were three Collingwood players in the vicinity with the ball landing in the arms of Jaidyn Stephenson. It was a mind-blowingly stupid decision that good teams just don’t make. One thing we’ve learnt about Stephenson is he doesn’t miss. He nailed the shot and you could hear the air start to leak out of the Blues tyres. You don’t have to be a genius to guess what happened next. The Pies went through their gears like a top four team does and comfortably kept at bay a pesky opponent who’d run out of soldiers and ideas. Grundy was having a picnic without Kreutzer while the unconventional forward line structure kept producing with Stephenson and Will Hoskin-Elliott kicking three goals each. There was nothing stunning about the midfield stats of the Pies — Steele Sidebottom led them with 31 possessions and nine clearances. In the end it was a performance that smelt of a team who ensured they did enough to get the win but nothing more. Once again it was the excitement of Curnow and Cripps, plus the amazing resilience of 299-gamer Kade Simpson, which was the story for the Blues. The younger Curnow certainly produced all the highlights of the game with several hangers and three goals from 19 touches which included six inside 50s and five contested marks. While they’re probably sick of hearing this, if Carlton fans can get themselves through this horror period then Curnow and Cripps will give them plenty to cheer about at some stage. Cripps did what he does collecting 29 disposals which included 20 contested possessions, six clearances and three goals while Simpson led the Blues with 31 touches. The gallant 20-point loss means Bolton will once again get to talk about his green shoots but in reality the one thing which will be going through his mind on repeat when he puts his head on the pillow: “Why Liam? Why Liam? Why Liam?” AFL COLLINGWOOD has moved into the AFL's top four for the first time this season after accounting for arch-rival Carlton by 20 points at the MCG on Sunday afternoon. After surrendering the lead briefly to an injury-hit Carlton in the third term, the Magpies regathered their composure in the last quarter to hold the Blues at bay and close out the 11.13 (79) to 9.5 (59) victory. The win did not come as easily as some expected, with the Blues, whose list rebuild was widely questioned after the demoralising 57-point loss to Fremantle last weekend, bringing a much-improved effort and discipline to the contest. Young Magpie Jaidyn Stephenson was a lively force in the Collingwood forward line, booting three goals and providing a constant hit-up target. Stephenson, one of the favourites for this year's NAB AFL Rising Star award, has now kicked 21 goals in his last nine games after going goalless in his first three matches at AFL level. Scott Pendlebury was asked to run with Patrick Cripps for much of the afternoon, and although he did not quell his influence entirely, the Magpies skipper was able to work off the Blues star in transition and do damage that way. Pendlebury gathered 29 disposals and kicked a goal, while Steele Sidebottom (31 and nine clearances) and Tom Phillips (28) worked overtime in the midfield. Brodie Grundy's influence increased the longer the afternoon went on, with the Magpies ruckman benefitting from a Matthew Kreuzer ankle injury that saw the Blue take little part in the game after half-time. Coach Nathan Buckley said his team "won ugly". "We just didn't defend as well as what we have. We didn't control the field or the pace of the opposition ball movement as much as we would have liked," Buckley said. "We just did enough to win on the day against an opposition we thought played some pretty good footy." The Blues were reduced to two men on the bench after the major break after Lachie Plowman injured his right knee and was stretchered from the field, while Levi Casboult broke his finger in the final warm-up and was replaced by Cam O'Shea in the starting line-up. After a series of spot fires through the second quarter, tempers flared at half-time as a melee broke out, with former Pie Dale Thomas and Mason Cox among the chief participants. Thomas is likely to face match review scrutiny for a shepherd on the mark that saw Levi Greenwood sidelined with concussion. Clearly affected by a lack of rotations (62-80), the Blues hung in the contest thanks largely to the impact of Cripps (28 touches, including 19 contested) in the midfield, the steadiness of Kade Simpson (31) down back and the highlight reel that is Charlie Curnow. "I was pleased all game that they dug in," Blues coach Brendon Bolton said. "With limited rotations and some injuries, they gave their all. But I think by and large, there is a lot going right if we look at the last month of footy versus a half (against Fremantle)." If Blues fans wanted some affirmation for the direction the club was heading in, they needed only look to Curnow, who signed a four-year contract extension during the week, to give them hope for the future. The superstar in the making was simply outstanding against the Magpies, booting three goals from 19 disposals, hauling in 10 marks (five contested) and constantly sparking his team when they needed him most. Former Giant Matthew Kennedy (21 touches) also played his best game for the club, providing Cripps with much-needed support on the inside of the contest. MEDICAL ROOM Collingwood: Collingwood is hopeful Adam Treloar has escaped a serious hamstring injury after the midfielder went down grabbing his leg and writhing in pain. The Magpies believe the onballer succumbed to a severe bout of cramp. Defender Levi Greenwood was placed in the concussion protocol after a high hit from Blue Dale Thomas, with coach Nathan Buckley saying he would be assessed during the week. NEXT UP Collingwood will travel to Metricon Stadium to take on Gold Coast next Saturday night. REAL FOOTY Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley refused to weigh into debate about his side's top four credentials, after the Pies won five consecutive matches for the first time since 2012 by defeating Carlton at the MCG on Sunday. The Pies finished round 14 in fourth position on percentage following the scrappy 20-point victory, with the lowly Carlton causing Collingwood's defensive set up problems throughout the afternoon. Star midfielder Adam Treloar had a quiet day, but in better news escaped serious injury after he looked to have strained both hamstrings in the final quarter. Buckley said the fact that he only suffered cramp was due to the former GWS player's professionalism. "We didn't set a [ladder position] goal at the beginning of the year," Buckley said. "I was asked last week whether we re-assessed them, well our goal is to play as well as we can every week. "I think every side would like to finish as high on the ladder as they possibly can and to do that you've got to win as many games as you can ... that's out goal." Buckley also wouldn't be drawn on the fitness of the hamstrung Darcy Moore. Collingwood's latest injury update listed the swingman as being 1-2 weeks away from a return, but Fairfax Media understands that could be closer to 3-4 weeks. The same goes for the hamstrung Jamie Elliott. Buckely said the out-of-contract Moore was "progressing well" and that he would return through the VFL in due course. The former Pies captain also said it was a mark of Collingwod's progress - they have endured an underwhelming few seasons under Buckley - that they could win "ugly". "[The] opposition were motivated and pretty well structured and we said leading into the game we expected more the Geelong, Sydney game [contested and defensive] than we did the Freo game [free flowing, high scoring]. "We were able to eventually wear it away and did enough right to get the win. "We didn't control the field or the [slow] pace of the opposition ball movement as well as we would have liked ... we have got some work to do on that." After biding his time as an assistant Buckley took over as Collingwood coach in 2012. Some say Collingwood is playing as good as they during the Buckley tenure, but the coach sounds as if he will be careful to keep his side on their toes, despite their form. "We are playing some good footy, but what we have done up to now is going to count for naught. Clearly we'd like to be a little bit more consistent on the way we go about it on today's form. "If you don't get the chemistry right if you actually don't play well together as a side then you open yourself up a little bit, so that's the take out from today." Young gun Jaidyn Stephenson also came in for praise from the coach, with Buckley admitting he judged the dangerous goalkicker with similar harshness as he did his two sons. Stephenson kicked three goals for the match. "As far as the rising star and his capacity to impact as a first year player there's not many guys that are going to be able to do what he is doing. "Above all that we love the fact he plays his role in our structure ... his speed in defence is crucial."

2018 Round 14: The Team, Preview, Injury List

2018 AFL Round 14 COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON Time & Place: Sunday June 24, 3:20pm EST MCG Fox Footy 3:00pm EST Weather: Min 7 Max 13 Chance of rain 30%: < 1mm Wind: WSW 9kph Betting: Collingwood $1.07 Carlton $8.50

B: Brayden Maynard, Lynden Dunn, Jack Crisp

HB: Jeremy Howe, Matthew Scharenberg, Tom Langdon

C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips

HF: Jordan De Goey, Brody Mihocek, Will Hoskin-Elliott

F: Josh Thomas, Mason Cox, Jaidyn Stephenson

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Adam Treloar

Int: Flynn Appleby, Callum Brown, Ben Crocker, Josh Daicos, Levi Greenwood, Chris Mayne, Adam Oxley, Brayden Sier

IN: Flynn Appleby, Callum Brown, Ben Crocker, Adam Oxley, Brayden Sier
OUT: Daniel Wells (foot)
NEW: Brayden Sier (20, Northern U18)

COLLINGWOOD NEWS A host of young players have come into Collingwood’s squad for Sunday’s clash with Carlton at the MCG. Flynn Appleby, Callum Brown, Ben Crocker and Adam Oxley, along with potential debutant Brayden Sier, are the additions to the team that defeated Melbourne in the Queen’s Birthday game. Daniel Wells (foot) is the only player to go out of the team at this stage. Appleby returns to contention after being omitted from the side for the game against the Demons. He ended up not playing at any level that weekend as he was the carryover emergency for the AFL team. Brown, Crocker, Oxley and Sier have all been in solid form in the VFL in recent weeks. The 22-man team to play Carlton will be finalised at 5pm on Friday.

AFL PREVIEW ROUND 14 COLLINGWOOD V CARLTON AFL LAST FIVE TIMES R3, 2018, Collingwood 16.4 (100) d Carlton 11.10 (76) at the MCG R7, 2017, Carlton 12.7 (79) d Collingwood 8.8 (56) at the MCG R15, 2016, Collingwood 8.9 (57) d Carlton 6.9 (45) at the MCG R7, 2016, Carlton 15.9 (99) d Collingwood 12.12 (84) at the MCG R19, 2015, Collingwood 16.9 (105) d Carlton 13.9 (87) at the MCG LADDER POSITIONS Collingwood: 6 Carlton: 18 INJURY LIST Jamie Elliott (hamstring) – TBC Darcy Moore (hamstring) – TBC Josh Smith (hamstring) – TBC Travis Varcoe (hamstring) – TBC Ben Reid (leg) – 1-2 weeks Alex Fasolo (ankle) - 4-5 weeks James Aish (knee) – 5-6 weeks Jack Madgen (broken jaw) – 4 weeks Kayle Kirby (medical condition) – indefinite Tim Broomhead (leg) – season Tyson Goldsack (knee) – season Daniel Wells (foot) - season SUMMARY This clash between old enemies should result in a percentage-boosting victory to finals aspirant Collingwood, given both the Magpies' hot form and Carlton's deepening woes. The improving Pies have won eight of their past 10 games and should win five in a row for the first time in six years against a Blues side that has won just one game. The ruck duel between Pies star Brodie Grundy and Matthew Kreuzer will be one to watch given both are exceptional at ground level, but the Magpies should have a decided advantage with their star-studded, deep midfield. When they met in round three, Pies captain Scott Pendlebury nullified Blues gun Patrick Cripps around the stoppages, so it will be interesting to see what the Pies have planned this time. The Blues will also have their hands full with Collingwood’s bevy of speedy, medium-sized goalkickers. AFL THE SIX POINTS Since Brendon Bolton has taken over as Carlton coach, the Blues broke a six-game hoodoo against Collingwood and have broken even with two wins apiece. The clubs have met 70 times at the MCG with Carlton winning 37 games to 33. Collingwood has won four of its eight games there this season, while the Blues have one win from five games. The Magpies are easily the highest disposal side this season, averaging 415.9 a game – the only team above 400. In contrast, the Blues are second-last with 343. The Magpies are ranked third for inside 50s (56.2 a game), seventh for marks inside 50 and third for goals a game, and have kicked 100 points in seven games. Meanwhile, Carlton hasn't scored a century in more than two years. The Blues are ranked last or second-last for goals a game, marks inside 50, inside 50s, disposals and uncontested possessions. The Blues' biggest strength is clearances – they're 10th in general clearances and equal-ninth in centre clearances. Collingwood forward Will Hoskin-Elliott, who leads the Pies' goalkicking with 28 this year, has climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 136 in the Schick Player Ratings. He is 16th in the AFL among midfielder/forwards.  IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Brendon Bolton Blues fans are tired of hearing about green shoots and growth from Brendon Bolton – regardless of the result, they want a maniacal response to the devastating home loss to Fremantle. The first half against the Dockers was a nightmare, going goalless while allowing a usually dour team to kick 12 goals. Expect the Carlton boys to go hell for leather early. PREDICTION: Collingwood by 40 points

2018: LADDER ROUND 13

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

Round 12: Collingwood 133 Melbourne 91

THE FACTS

2018 AFL Round 13 BYE 2018 AFL Round 14 COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON Time & Place: Sunday June 24, 3:20pm EST MCG Fox Footy 3:00pm EST Weather: Min 9 Max 15 Chance of rain 60%: 1mm Wind: NNW 22kph Betting: Collingwood $? Carlton $?

COLLINGWOOD   5.5.35   9.9.63   15.11.101   21.12.133
MELBOURNE        2.0.12   7.2.44       11.5.71       14.7.91

GOALS - Collingwood: Cox 5, Hoskin-Elliott 4, Stephenson 4, Thomas 3, Pendlebury, Mihocek, Adams, Treloar

BEST - Collingwood: De Goey, Cox, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar

INJURIES - Collingwood: Wells (foot)

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 83,518 at the MCG

TALKING POINTS

1. De Goey buzz set to intensify There was already buzz around Jordan De Goey after his 12 goals in three weeks earlier this season, but it's set to rise to a new level after his performance on Queen's Birthday. De Goey, who is yet to re-sign beyond this season at the Magpies, was the best player on the ground against Melbourne – and it wasn't even close. The smooth mover did his damage in the midfield, rather than up forward, gathering 30 disposals, 12 inside 50s and three goal assists in a tremendous game. Although he had just nine disposals after half-time, De Goey's impact early in the game was telling. The young Magpie had 10 disposals, six inside 50s and three score assists in the first quarter alone, setting up a famous Collingwood victory. Tall American Mason Cox was dominant up forward with five goals, but De Goey was the difference early and there's little wonder why clubs are queuing up to try to steal him away. 2. Confusion aplenty with contact below the knees Collingwood's Taylor Adams was incensed and there were many indignant football followers feeling the same way when the umpire penalised him for diving into the legs of Demon opponent Joel Smith. Adams was desperate to force the ball his team's way but was adjudged to have illegally slid into Smith. Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield tweeted 'Seriously' in reference to the adjudication, while Collingwood great Mick McGuane questioned whether the rule was testing the spirit of the game. There has been criticism for the rule already this year but it's set to go up a notch after Monday's ruling. The fifth-highest crowd ever recorded for a Melbourne home game packed into the MCG for a highly-anticipated showdown on Queen's Birthday Monday. The 83,518 supporters who turned up saw Melbourne's six-game winning streak snapped and Collingwood's impressive run of four wins on the trot continue.

3. And then there was one… Leading into Monday's clash, Melbourne's Jesse Hogan and Collingwood's Will Hoskin-Elliott were the only players in the competition to have kicked a goal in all 11 games this season. With Hogan going goalless for the first time this season against the Magpies, Hoskin-Elliott is now the last man standing. Hoskin-Elliott (four goals) continued his stellar form and was again a major factor in a Collingwood victory. He has been a superb pick-up from Greater Western Sydney after being traded to Collingwood at the end of 2016. 4. Smith answers casting call for Lever's spot The big question for Melbourne through the week was how it was going to replace Jake Lever, who will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL. Fourth-gamer Joel Smith got the nod and did his chances of holding onto the role little harm with an accomplished display across half-back. Smith, the son of former Demon Shaun, has great athleticism and it was on display against the Magpies. However, his influence was greater than that with a couple of key spoils, intercept marks and a chargedown on a handball that saved a certain goal in the third term hugely important. Smith is highly rated at the Demons and will look to establish himself in Melbourne's back six the longer the year goes on. 5. Eager fans pack into the MCG on Queen's Birthday The fifth-highest crowd ever recorded for a Melbourne home game packed into the MCG for a highly-anticipated showdown on Queen's Birthday Monday. The 83,518 supporters who turned up saw Melbourne's six-game winning streak snapped and Collingwood's impressive run of four wins on the trot continue. The crowd was also the third-highest ever for a home and away match between Melbourne and Collingwood. It was also the biggest crowd the teams have played in front of since 2006, eclipsing the 78,733 crowd that turned up that day. The Fight MND message was clear for all to see with many in the crowd decked out in blue beanies.

THE MEDIA

SUPERFOOTY COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley says his side will not be reassessing where it sits this season, playing down today’s convincing 42-point win over Melbourne. The Magpies sit sixth on the ladder with an 8-4 record heading into a bye this weekend, needing only one more win to equal last season’s tally of nine. Buckley said his side was playing to their strengths and were invested in the program but there was still plenty to prove in the second half of the year. “We’re enjoying our work but we’re enjoying our preparation, we’re enjoying the environment of the place, but we’re not going to forget the building blocks of what we need to put in place,” he said. “I think our players are invested, they’re working hard, they’re playing for each other, there’s a lot of care. Guys know exactly what their strengths are and how they can bring them to the table so that’s been really positive. We’ve taken the first couple of steps and we’ll continue to explore our football and see what we can turn that into but you can only do that week by week.” Playing a new predominantly midfield role, Jordan De Goey led the way for the Magpies with 30 disposals including 10 score involvements and three goal assists, setting the tone from the start of the game. “We look forward to him doing that more as a midfielder as he understands his capabilities and the requirements of playing that position,” Buckley said. “It’s a pretty exciting start.” In his 31st AFL game, American Mason Cox took out the Neale Daniher Trophy with a starring five-goal performance that also drew high praise from the coach. “We were able to access him at the right times when he had isolation with his direct opponent,” Buckley said. “He’s improving with his body language to the ball carrier to let him know where he wants the ball kicked to let him know that I’m going to win this contest so that’s an evolution for Mason and he’s developing that. It’s probably a snapshot of our development as a team, we’ve still got a lot of growth in us to understand each other a little bit better and to continue to build on the early season platform that we’ve put together." Veteran midfielder Daniel Wells was assessed for a “foot strain” in the second quarter but returned to the ground and played out the game. Collingwood meets arch-rival Carlton after the bye on June 24. AFL THEY haven't beaten anyone. The critics lined up to lace both Collingwood's and Melbourne's positive start to the year with doubt ahead of the biggest Queen's Birthday clash since 2006 at the MCG on Monday. That same distrust will continue to plague the Demons, whereas Nathan Buckley's red-hot Magpies earned some deserved respect with an emphatic 20.13 (133) to 14.7 (91) victory. Collingwood snapped Melbourne's much-lauded six-match winning streak in the process to extend their own run to four and enter the bye in sixth place with an 8-4 record. "Extremely (satisfying) – every win is – but we played probably our most consistent four-quarter performance to date and there's still a lot of improvement (to come)," Buckley told reporters post-match. "There are still some things I reckon we can get better at, but we'll leave that for review, because I thought our intent from the start was really strong. "In the end, when you look at the ability of us to prevent a side that's been going inside their forward 50 heavily – averaging 65 (entries) the last six, seven weeks – to be able to keep them to 40-odd was the most pleasing part of the game." The Demons slipped outside the top four after starting the day with a chance to go second, but will need to build again ahead of a Friday night date with Port Adelaide after their week off. American Pie Mason Cox booted a career-best five goals and Jordan De Goey (30 disposals) was the firestarter with a hand in Collingwood's first four scores and 10 of his 12 inside 50s to half-time. The all-time record is 16, to put De Goey's extraordinary effort into perspective, shared by Patrick Dangerfield, Mark Ricciuto and Adam Simpson. It was only when Demons coach Simon Goodwin sent his co-captain Jack Viney to him in the third quarter that De Goey finally cooled off somewhat. Steele Sidebottom (32, six inside 50s), Adam Treloar (32, seven clearances) and Taylor Adams (27, eight clearances) were similarly outstanding. Ex-Melbourne pair Jeremy Howe and Lynden Dunn were rocks in defence for their new team. Howe was an intercepting force across half-back and Dunn became the first player to keep Jesse Hogan goalless in 2018. "It was a disappointing day in terms of how we played," Goodwin said. "I thought Collingwood's pressure around the ball was outstanding, they clearly won the clearances and generated a lot of forward momentum from there, and won the territory battle. "That put us under a lot of pressure. All phases of our game weren't to the level that we're used to. "They tackled incredibly well and I thought we fumbled the ball due to their pressure. It's something they were very good at, but we need to be able to absorb." Buckley looked in danger of losing his job last year – and was considered fortunate to keep it in some quarters – but now has his side playing tough, uncompromising and at-times brilliant football. The Magpies blitzed the Demons with a 19-minute, five-goals-to-one assault to start the game that put 27 points between the sides in front of a crowd of 83,518. Melbourne sliced the margin to five points midway through the second term, but that owed more to Collingwood's errors, with all of the Dees' five second-quarter goals coming from turnovers. Once the black and white army's composure returned, combined with the continued obliteration of Melbourne in clearances (45-26), the buffer blew out again. Possibly never before has Max Gawn's hit-out prowess been nullified to such an extent, the initial link in the chain that saw the Magpies smash Melbourne in the clinches. So much was made pre-match of the Gawn-Brodie Grundy ruck battle – potentially to decide the All Australian frontrunner – and little of the analysis played out. Gawn actually won more disposals than Grundy (17-13), but it was the Collingwood star's ability to win the hit-outs that struck a major blow to the Demons' ambitions. The Magpies' stunning start included them leading Melbourne's vaunted on-ball brigade in contested possessions at quarter-time and their pressure was immense. The Demons were repeatedly forced to try and handball their way out of trouble early – a theme that emerged again in the third term when Collingwood shot 30 points up – and the quest predictably came unstuck. Melbourne led the AFL with 14.5 more inside 50s than its opposition in the opening 11 rounds, but had just seven at quarter-time, 17 to half-time and eventually lost the count by 21. Tom McDonald played a lone hand in attack with 6.0 and eight marks, while veteran Jordan Lewis won 33 possessions at half-back and Clayton Oliver had 31 possessions and 10 tackles. MEDICAL ROOM Collingwood: Injury-prone Magpie Daniel Wells limped from the field in the second term with a left foot issue, but he returned to the field and had five disposals in the final quarter. NEXT UP Collingwood goes on the hunt for a fifth win on the trot against Carlton on Sunday, June 24 at the MCG. REAL FOOTY Collingwood’s injured brigade face a fight to get back into the surging black and white outfit after the Magpies earned yet another feather in their cap with a convincing win over Melbourne at the MCG on Monday. Having not made the finals since 2013, the Pies hit their mid-season bye with an 8-4 record, well on track to end that drought, and perhaps go deep into September. Melbourne kept it close early on but Collingwood proved too strong in the second half where they comprehensively beat Melbourne 133-91. Collingwood face lowly Carlton (MCG), Gold Coast (Metricon Stadium) and Essendon (MCG) in their three games immediately following the bye, giving them a strong chance to build a top-four assault. Hamstrung trio Darcy Moore, Jamie Elliott and Travis Varcoe, along with Ben Reid (leg) will all be assessed after the bye, and coach Nathan Buckley hinted they could be set for stints in the VFL before returning to the firing senior side. “It’s probably more about how much footy they’ve missed. But yeah, nine-tenths. Possession is nine-tenths [of the law],” Buckley said. “Flynn [Appleby] was stiff to miss [this week]. There’s a 23rd that’s ready to go if called upon. Our VFL [side] are putting some pretty good footy together. I think players aren’t silly. They want to be a part of something that’s building and developing and they are a part of it, but they want to get their opportunity in the senior side.” The Pies reached 20 goals for the second straight game, holding Melbourne – who had been arguably the form side of the competition – at arm’s length for most of the day. Buckley said the showing was “extremely” pleasing. “We played probably our most consistent four quarter performance to date, and there’s still a lot of improvement, and there’s still some things we can get better at. "We’ll leave that for review, because I thought our intent from the start was really strong, and in the end when you look at the ability of us to prevent a side that’s been really going inside their forward 50 heavily, averaging 65 [inside 50s] the last six, seven weeks, to be able to keep them to 40-odd was the most pleasing part of the game.” Buckley didn’t appear overly fussed about the prospect the bye could halt his side’s momentum. “We’ll come back refreshed. Hopefully body, mind and spirit. “We’re enjoying our work, but we’re enjoying our preparation, we’re enjoying the environment at the place, but we’re not going to forget the building blocks of what we’ve got to put in place.” American forward Mason Cox kicked a career-high five goals, with the coach noting that the big man had worked on his craft. “He looked dangerous from the start. We were able to access him at the right times, when it looked like we had isolation against his direct opponent. He’s improving his body language to the ball carrier, to let him know where he wants the ball kicked," Buckley said. Buckley also lauded out-of-contract star Jordan De Goey, who led the charge early in the midfield, ultimately finishing with 30 disposals and 12 inside 50s. “In the first five, 10 minutes, [he] really set himself and stamped himself on the game. We look forward to him doing that more as a midfielder as he understands his capabilities and the requirements of playing that position.” Injury-prone veteran Daniel Wells will be assessed after suffering a foot strain which affected him on Monday. Promisingly for Wells, the classy midfielder returned from time down the race to play out the game. Meanwhile after several weeks of not conceding a goal from a defensive 50 stoppage, the Pies finally let one through, meaning the club’s coaching staff may again shave following a bet with players.

2018: LADDER ROUND 12

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

2018 Round 12: The Team, Preview, Injury List

2018 AFL Round 12 COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE Time & Place: Monday June 11, 3:20pm EST MCG  7mate / Fox Sports 3:00pm EST Weather: Min 6 Max 16 Chance of rain 70%: 1-5mm Wind: NNE 18kph Betting: Collingwood $2.40 Melbourne $1.58

B: Brayden Maynard, Lynden Dunn, Jack Crisp

HB: Levi Greenwood, Matthew Scharenberg, Tom Langdon

C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips

HF: Jordan De Goey, Brody Mihocek, Will Hoskin-Elliott

F: Josh Thomas, Mason Cox, Jaidyn Stephenson

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Daniel Wells, Adam Treloar

Int: Taylor Adams, Flynn Appleby, Ben Crocker, Josh Daicos, Jeremy Howe, Chris Mayne, Sam Murray, Rupert Wills

IN: Ben Crocker, Jeremy Howe, Sam Murray, Rupert Wills

COLLINGWOOD NEWS Jeremy Howe looks set to return to Collingwood’s line-up for Monday’s huge Big Freeze game against Melbourne at the MCG. Howe has been named on the Pies’ extended bench for the clash with his former club but will need to prove his fitness when the team trains at the Holden Centre on Saturday. He missed last weekend’s win over Fremantle due to bone bruising in his knee. Ben Crocker, Sam Murray and Rupert Wills have also been included in Collingwood’s 26-man squad. All three have been named on the extended bench. There are no omissions from last weekend's side at this stage. The final team for Monday’s game will be named at 5pm on Saturday. WINNING STREAKS Melbourne will be aiming for seven consecutive wins for the first time since the end of 2000 when it won seven in a row, including a preliminary final. Collingwood will be looking for four straight wins for the first time since midway through 2015. Melbourne has won four of the past five clashes between the sides ending Collingwood’s run of five consecutive wins in 2011-15. MEMORIES OF 2017 Who could forget the Pies' dramatic upset win over the Demons in the final round of last season, which ended up costing Melbourne a place in the finals. Nathan Buckley's men set up that victory by kicking six goals to one in the first quarter. Will Hoskin-Elliott led the way, finishing the game with 12 marks and kicking two goals. Will that result give Collingwood the belief to do it again?

AFL PREVIEW ROUND 12 COLLINGWOOD V MELBOURNE AFL LAST FIVE TIMES R23, 2017, Collingwood 14.15 (99) d Melbourne 12.11 (83) at the MCG R12, 2017, Melbourne 15.14 (104) d Collingwood 15.10 (100) at the MCG R12, 2016, Melbourne 16.8 (104) d Collingwood 8.10 (58) at the MCG R4, 2016, Melbourne 16.6 (102) d Collingwood 9.13 (67) at the MCG R18, 2015, Melbourne 13.13 (91) d Collingwood 7.12 (54) at the MCG LADDER POSITIONS Collingwood: 7 Melbourne: 3 INJURY LIST Sam McLarty (toe) – test Brayden Sier (adductor) – test Ben Reid (leg) – 1-2 weeks Alex Fasolo (ankle) – 5-6 weeks James Aish (knee) – 7-8 weeks Jack Madgen (broken jaw) – 4 weeks Jamie Elliott (hamstring) – TBC post-bye Darcy Moore (hamstring) – TBC post-bye Josh Smith (hamstring) – TBC post-bye Travis Varcoe (hamstring) – TBC post-bye Jeremy Howe (bone bruising) – testKayle Kirby (medical condition) – indefinite Tim Broomhead (knee) – season Tyson Goldsack (knee) – season SUMMARY Coming off three straight victories, the Magpies face a significant test against a red-hot Melbourne on Queen's Birthday. A crowd of up to 80,000 is expected to turn out to watch the Demons attempt to make it seven wins in a row, a feat they have not achieved since 2000. Melbourne's midfield is humming along nicely with Max Gawn's ruck dominance allowing Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw to find the footy at will over the last month. Melbourne's dangerous and versatile forward line has also been pivotal in its powerful form, with coach Simon Goodwin's team ranked No.1 in the AFL for scoring. The Magpies are getting a good spread across the board, although midfielder Tom Phillips, who has averaged 27.9 disposals per game this season, is one of the most improved players in the competition. Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar and Steele Sidebottom will need to have big afternoons if Collingwood is going to match it with the form side of the competition. AFL THE SIX POINTS Collingwood’s win in round 23 last season ultimately cost Melbourne a place in the finals. The Magpies kicked six goals to one in the first quarter. Will Hoskin-Elliott finished best on ground taking 12 marks and kicking two goals. Melbourne is the highest-scoring team in 2018 kicking 107 points per game. Since round six the Demons have kicked 116 goals to their opposition's 52 and are averaging 127 points per game over that stretch. The Demons are the No.1 centre clearance team this season, averaging 14.6 per game and are ranked second in general clearances. Collingwood is 10th in the competition for centre clearances. Melbourne will be aiming for seven consecutive wins for the first time since the end of 2000 when it won seven in a row, including a preliminary final. Collingwood will be looking for four straight wins for the first time since midway through 2015. Melbourne has won four of the past five clashes between the sides ending Collingwood’s run of five consecutive wins in 2011-15. Melbourne has had three players inside the League's top 10 for average Schick AFL Player Ratings points between rounds eight and 11, with Max Gawn (No.1), Clayton Oliver (No.6) and Tom McDonald (No.8) all influential in the club's six-game winning streak. IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Brodie Grundy The Collingwood ruckman faces a significant challenge up against fellow All Australian contender Max Gawn. Gawn has been central to Melbourne's centre-square dominance this season, so the star Magpie must do his best to curtail his rival's influence. PREDICTION: Melbourne by 22 points

Round 11: Collingwood 138 Fremantle 77

THE FACTS

2018 AFL Round 12 COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE Time & Place: Monday June 11, 3:20pm EST MCG 7mate / Fox Sports 3:00pm EST Weather: Min 7 Max 15 Chance of rain 70%: 2mm Wind: NNW 22kph Betting: Collingwood $2.42 Melbourne $1.57

COLLINGWOOD   3.6.24   8.8.56   14.9.93   21.12.138
FREMANTLE         2.3.15   3.4.22    5.4.34       12.5.77

GOALS - Collingwood: Hoskin-Elliott 6, Mihocek 4, Thomas 3, Phillips 2, Cox, Maynard, Stephenson, Pendlebury, De Goey, Daicos

BEST - Collingwood: Hoskin-Elliott, Phillips, Sidebottom, Treloar, Pendlebury, Mihocek, Grundy

INJURIES - Collingwood: TBC

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 34,542 at the MCG

TALKING POINTS

1. Where there's a Will there's a goal – or six Magpies forward Will Hoskin-Elliott continued his unbroken streak of at least one goal a game in 2018 when he converted from just outside 50m late in the first term. Hoskin-Elliott and Melbourne spearhead Jesse Hogan are the only players in the competition yet to be held goalless in every game this season, while the former Giant has now kicked a goal in 14 straight games – a streak that began in round 21 last season. Before Sunday's game, Hoskin-Elliott's biggest tally for the season had been three majors against Carlton in round three, but he played a star turn rather than a cameo against the Dockers, finishing with an equal career-high haul of six. With 23 goals after 11 rounds, the forward is on track to shatter his previous season best of 26 majors, in 2014. He has not missed a game for Collingwood since crossing from Greater Western Sydney ahead of 2017 and is becoming an increasingly important member of its attack. 2. Mihocek soars in long-awaited debut Brody Mihocek endured a long wait before making his debut, but the 25-year-old made the most of his first AFL opportunity against Fremantle on Sunday. Overlooked in five consecutive drafts before Collingwood took him in last year's rookie draft, Mihocek earned a shot as a mature-age recruit after starring as a key defender in Port Melbourne's 2017 VFL premiership season. Mihocek came into the Magpies' team as a replacement for injured forward Ben Reid and, after a quiet first term, looked right at home in attack. In the second quarter, he goaled from close range with a clever snap and set up Collingwood's next goal with a pin-point long kick to an unattended Will Hoskin-Elliott at the 19-minute mark. The debutant deservedly received a warm round of applause from the Magpies faithful when he ran to the bench soon after. But he was not done yet. He kicked the opening two goals of the final term and one in the dying minutes to finish with four on debut, while he also took some strong marks. It was enough to suggest his long wait will prove worth it – for both him and the Magpies. 3. Dismal day for the Dockers Fremantle started the game brightly enough. It kicked the opening goal through Darcy Tucker after little more than a minute's play, and debutant Stefan Giro extended its lead soon after when he hit the post with the first kick of his AFL career. But things went downhill from there for Ross Lyon and his men. By three-quarter time, they had added just four more goals, before saving some face with sevengoals in the final quarterwhen the heat had gone out of the game. Ross Lyon will no doubt be concerned with the fact his team allowed Collingwood to pile on its highest score of the year, 138 points, and were comprehensively beaten in contested possessions (128-153), inside 50s (35-62) and, in the absence of injured star Aaron Sandilands, the hit-outs (25-62). To rub salt into the Dockers' wounds, captain Nat Fyfe is likely to face match review scrutiny after a clash with Collingwood defender Levi Greenwood in the third term, while key defender Alex Pearce suffered a right ankle injury early in that quarter and did not return to the field.

4. New-look Dockers After making six changes at the selection table, Fremantle lost 1091 games of experience for Sunday's clash, the eighth biggest drop from one round to the next in League history. Veterans Michael Johnson, Hayden Ballantyne, Danyle Pearce (all omitted), Aaron Sandilands and Stephen Hill (both injured) all came out of the Dockers' team, along with former Sun Brandon Matera (omitted). Their replacements had a collective 139 games experience between them, with Tommy Sheridan (70) and former Cat Shane Kersten (58) the only two to have played 10 or more games. Michael Apeness, pick No.17 in 2013's NAB AFL Draft, had been restricted to just seven games before Sunday through a string of injuries, while rookie Taylin Duman had played four games and Stefan Giro and Scott Jones were making their debuts. 5. Pies pile on highest score in two years Collingwood's final score, 21.12 (138), was its highest since round eight, 2016 – when it scored 143 points against Brisbane at the Gabba – and also the first time in that stretch it had kicked 20 or more goals. The Magpies did so without their best two key forwards, the injured Ben Reid and Darcy Moore, and with the in-form Jordan De Goey contributing just one goal. Coach Nathan Buckley was understandably buoyed after the game that Will Hoskin-Elliott (a career-high six goals) and 25-year-old debutant Brody Mihocek (four) had been able to stand up in their absence. Buckley also said the Pies' decision to play six forwards in front of the ball more often in 2018 had been a factor in their potent forward line. Nonetheless, the Pies coach was not happy with the final quarter of Sunday's game when both teams kicked seven goals apiece. "It was a shootout really the whole of the last quarter, which is not the way that we want to play the game," Buckley said. Coach Nathan Buckley was understandably buoyed after the game that Will Hoskin-Elliott (a career-high six goals) and 25-year-old debutant Brody Mihocek (four) had been able to stand up in their absence. Buckley also said the Pies' decision to play six forwards in front of the ball more often in 2018 had been a factor in their potent forward line. Nonetheless, the Pies coach was not happy with the final quarter of Sunday's game when both teams kicked seven goals apiece. "It was a shootout really the whole of the last quarter, which is not the way that we want to play the game," Buckley said.

THE MEDIA

SUPERFOOTY COLLINGWOOD has piled on 20 goals for the first time in two years to gear up for Monday’s Queen’s Birthday blockbuster against a red-hot Melbourne. The Magpies destroyed a hapless Fremantle as captain Scott Pendlebury helped shut down Brownlow Medal favourite Nat Fyfe and Brody Mihocek bagged four goals on debut in the 61-point rout. But Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said the Magpies were “yet to prove” they could put together four good quarters against the top teams. Collingwood has beaten only one top-eight side so far this season – Adelaide away – and Buckley said his side was ready to try and raise the bar against an in-form Melbourne. “We have got some boys who have put together some really solid football and we have shown our best footy is pretty good,” Buckley said. “But you are right about who we have played and who we have beaten and who we haven’t. “That’s where the opportunity for growth is for us to continue to improve and next week is against a top-four side. “It gives us an opportunity to test ourselves against one of the better teams in the comp.” Speedster Will Hoskin-Elliott also booted six goals in the Magpies’ seventh win of the season, which kept Collingwood only four points outside the top four. The Magpies hadn’t kicked 20 goals since their 78-point win over Brisbane in Round 8, 2016. Buckley lauded his midfield brigade but was frustrated his team conceded five goals from centre bounce and seven majors in a last term fade-out. He said the Magpies could not afford to switch off against a team like Melbourne. “When we have played good footy against good opposition we have stood up, but we have just got to learn, like today, we have got to play it for longer,” he said. “You need to do it against the better sides of the comp to win those games and we are yet to prove that and we are looking forward to the challenge (against Melbourne).” High-flyer Jeremy Howe is a chance to return from knee soreness against his old team for Monday’s blockbuster, while Mihocek is certain to keep his spot after an impressive debut. Buckley praised his persistence after a six-year wait to realise his AFL dream. “The first 30 minutes he was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. He was excited, like a kid in a lolly shop,” Buckley said. “His story is amazing and he got his opportunity and really he showed us what he showed us over the last couple of weeks in that role (in the VFL).” AFL COLLINGWOOD has set the stage for an enticing Queen's Birthday showdown with Melbourne, destroying an inexperienced Fremantle side by 61 points to win its third game on the trot and cement its place in the AFL's top eight. The Magpies thoroughly outclassed the Dockers after quarter-time at the MCG on Sunday, building an insurmountable 34-point lead at half-time and finishing the job to run out 21.12 (138) to 12.5 (77) victors. Fremantle’s loss could be further compounded with Brownlow Medal favourite Nat Fyfe set to come under match review scrutiny for a high hit on Collingwood’s Levi Greenwood. Collingwood's work rate, especially through the arcs, was the big difference between the teams, with the Magpies' best runners Tom Phillips (35 disposals, three goals and 596m gained) and Steele Sidebottom (37) influential in the big win. Both Phillips and Sidebottom run around the six-minute mark over 2km, which is considered at the top echelon of elite, and their ability to cover the ground in such a dominant manner was telling. Mature-age debutant Brody Mihocek made a sizeable impact in the second quarter, kicking his first goal and being used as an important link between defence and attack. Mihocek, 25, who played for three VFL clubs and made the move from Tasmania after being overlooked in his under-18 year, is a great example of a player being rewarded for his persistence as the first-gamer finished with four majors. After missing a month with an ankle complaint, Brayden Maynard (27 touches) also settled nicely back into an underrated defence that has kept its opponents to an average of 67.5 points over the past four weeks. Will Hoskin-Elliott (six goals) continued his superb season and kept alive his streak of being one of only two players in the competition (alongside Melbourne's Jesse Hogan) to kick a goal in every match this season. Collingwood booted its highest score (138) since round eight, 2016, but coach Nathan Buckley was disappointed the Magpies allowed the Dockers to kick seven goals in the final term. "You don't see 20 goals in a game as often as you used to, but our offensive power especially after quarter-time was pretty strong. We scored relative to our entries pretty well so that was a positive part of the game," Buckley said. "I'm pretty dirty with the last 15 (minutes) at the moment so if you're talking about defence you want to finish the game off, but it was a shootout really the whole of the last quarter, which is not the way that we want to play the game. But the first three quarters we were really strong defensively." Without Aaron Sandilands, who missed the game with concussion, Fremantle's midfield ascendancy was stunted and with Fyfe (24) having a quiet day the Dockers lacked spark. Depending on how Match Review Officer Michael Christian views it, Fyfe could be in strife for the incident with Greenwood. After Ross Lyon wielded the axe by making six changes at the selection table, Fremantle lost 1091 games of experience from last week and it was significant in the narrative of the game. Lyon said the Dockers' match committee would persist with their policy to give their youth opportunities. "AFL is a great reality check. You can come here with the intent and enthusiasm to compete, but the realities of the game are very sobering," Lyon said. "To do what we did and kick seven goals in the last quarter, if I'm sitting back in Perth and I'm a member and part of the Docker community … there were some performances within that show we are growing and improving." Fremantle lacked impetus forward of centre and managed just five goals to three-quarter-time, in what turned into a beatdown once the Magpies clamped down on the Dockers' copious amounts of uncontested marks. With the Dockers' midfield being well beaten, Fremantle's defence eventually buckled under the weight of an avalanche of inside 50s (62-35). Michael Walters (29 disposals and nine clearances) was clearly Fremantle's best player, while youngsters Ed Langdon and Andrew Brayshaw tried hard and debutants Stefan Giro and Scott Jones got consolation prizes late in the game. Next Monday will provide a significant test for Collingwood against the AFL's hottest team in the Demons and it could provide a true indication of where the Magpies sit in the finals pecking order. MEDICAL ROOM Collingwood: Magpie Steele Sidebottom copped a hefty corkie to his left leg in the final term, but stayed on the field and played out the game. NEXT UP The Magpies will have an eight-day break before coming up against Melbourne, which has won six games in a row. REAL FOOTY Ross Lyon has for a long time been very good at making the most of what he’s got to work with. On Sunday at the MCG, what he dished up was never likely to win his side the game, but then again, it’s doubtful many coaches in the history of football would have been able to claim the four points with Fremantle’s current line-up. Although Collingwood took a while to get out of third gear, they ultimately crushed the Dockers to notch their seventh win from nine games, crucially escaping without injuries ahead of a tantalising Queen’s Birthday clash with Melbourne. Even with the Hill brothers injured and Aaron Sandilands concussed, the Dockers had still dropped Michael Johnson, Hayden Ballantyne, Brandon Matera and Danyle Pearce. As such, Fremantle fielded a side with eight players who had played 15 AFL games or less, including debutantes Stefan Giro and Scott Jones. It was bold selection statement from Lyon, a nod to the bigger picture with the Dockers having lost touch with the top eight in recent weeks. But it turned what would have ordinarily been a difficult task into a nigh-on impossible one, especially given the Dockers hadn’t won away from Perth since round 16 last year. Fremantle’s style suggested as much. Acutely aware of Collingwood’s running prowess this season, the Dockers played a possession-heavy game, a plan from Lyon’s top draw. They carefully chipped the ball in their back half, limiting the potential for damage. It worked OK for a while. Fremantle had the first 12 marks of the game, and at least had the Magpies on the back foot early, with Darcy Tucker converting a set shot for the game’s first goal. Giro could have made it two inside four minutes but missed, and that was about as good as it got for the Dockers. Collingwood soon enough took control. Fremantle’s game-plan made it desperately difficult for the Dockers to get dangerous entries in the forward 50, and much of the second term was played deep in the Pies’ forward half. The half-time inside 50 count of 31-16 told the story. Despite the Magpie dominance, a combination of some sloppy ball use from Collingwood and dogged Fremantle defending meant that when Bailey Banfield snapped truly at the 16-minute mark of the second quarter, the margin was back inside two goals. A weaker side than Collingwood might have kept the door ajar for longer, but the Pies slammed it shut with four goals to close out the half. Collingwood’s 25-year-old debutant Brody Mihocek was influential in the surge. He’d already snapped a major early in the term, and set up consecutive goals in the back half of the quarter as well, with a bomb to open the path for Will Hoskin-Elliott followed by a mark which led to Josh Thomas’ second major. Scott Pendlebury hadn’t been the most prolific member of Collingwood’ fearsome midfield, but he had gone head-to-head with opposing skipper Nat Fyfe and come out in front. Pendlebury cut inside and then baulked before drilling a shot from 55 metres early in the third term. Then Dockers backman Alex Pearce, a man due some luck with his body, hobbled off the ground with a lower-leg injury. The goals started coming thick and fast, with the headaches mounting for Fremantle as Fyfe collected Levi Greenwood high with an elbow midway through the quarter. Tom Phillips’ outstanding season continued, as he kept on finding the ball and was rewarded for his tireless running with a pair of goals late in the quarter. Hoskin-Elliott, one of only two players in the league to have kicked a goal in every round this season, pulled out a couple of his party tricks en route to a bag. Steele Sidebottom, Jack Crisp, Brodie Grundy and Adam Treloar were all very busy too, while Josh Daicos bobbed up for a third quarter goal to rouse the black and white faithful. Mihocek got in on the act as well, and the Pies had secured themselves a valuable percentage boost to assist their finals tilt, kicking 20 goals for the first time since Anzac Day 2016.

2018: LADDER ROUND 11

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