Preview: Carlton v Collingwood
VENUE & TIME: MCG, Friday July 24, 7.40pm (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 238, Carlton 123, Collingwood 111, Draws 4
LAST TIME: Carlton 16.8 (104) def Collingwood 7.11 (53), Round 8, 2009 at the MCG.
WALKING WOUNDED:The Pies hope Josh Fraser returns after resting a sore knee against Hawthorn. Tyson Goldsack (flu) was a late withdrawal against the Hawks but should return. Blues defender Michael Jamison (groin) was a late withdrawal against the Swans but is expected to be available. Setanta O’hAilpin (soreness) faces a fitness test. Andrew Walker (shoulder) made a successful return in the VFL but is set to wait at least another week before a senior recall.
FORM: The Magpies’ seven-game winning bubble burst big-time against the Hawks. Coach Mick Malthouse believed several of his players had been 'satisfied' with their efforts heading into that match – expect things to be different this week. The Blues have won three on the trot for the first time in five years, and their second-half against the Swans, drilling 15 goals to four, was impressive. The Blues can sniff their first finals series since 2001 and will be full of confidence after pounding the Pies in Round 8.
WHO'S HOT: Chris Judd and Kade Simpson were in full flight against the Swans, while ruckman Matthew Kruezer was also dominant – kicking two goals when sent forward. Andrew Carrazzo has had an excellent month with his clean skills by foot and hand hurting opponents. Heath Scotland has had a mixed season but he has averaged 22 possessions in each of his eight games against his former club. For the Magpies, Scott Pendlebury appears hampered by a knee injury but he has averaged 25 touches, including three clearances, in his past four games against the Blues. Dane Swan has averaged 32 possessions in the past month, while Alan Didak averaged 35 in five-straight matches before held to just 17 against the Hawks.
WE THINK: This will be must-watch viewing. It’s the first time in years these traditional rivals meet with both clubs in the eight so late in the season and with so much on the line. The Blues’ midfield was dominant in Round 8 with Chris Judd collecting 32 possessions while Kade Simpson (29), Bryce Gibbs (25) and Marc Murphy (24) were also strong. If Didak and Swan are restricted, the Blues will again take control. What made the Blues’ win in Round 8 even more impressive was that Brendan Fevola was goal-less. Don’t expect that to happen again. For the Magpies, Travis Cloke cannot afford to have another off night. When he struggles, so do the Magpies. The Blues have won their past three against the Magpies, and we expect that run to continue. The Blues by 15 points.