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It’s a Friday night blockbuster to kick off Round 22 as Geelong look to push back into the top eight against Collingwood at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
It would have been difficult to comprehend just a few short weeks back that the Magpies would be under any sort of pressure heading into the final stages of the home and away season: yet here we are, with the Pies off the back of two losses and now without key personnel as the finals loom.
Hawthorn and Carlton have stunned the ladder-leaders over the last fortnight and coach Craig McRae has looked a little testy throughout the week, upset at some media outlets suggesting that the Pies are in trouble.
Geelong have done little to write home about in recent weeks and also have concerns. A solid win over the injury-ravaged Port Adelaide in Round 21 was admirable, yet losses to Fremantle and Brisbane in the two weeks prior appeared to have put an end to their dreams of contending in the finals as reigning champs.
There is still a glimmer of hope and a win against the Pies would most likely see them back inside the top eight with two rounds still to play.
Team news sees the Pies without Nick Daicos, in what is potentially the biggest news story of the season. The Brownlow Medal favourite is a huge loss, while Steele Sidebottom is also sidelined with injury. Nathan Murphy, though appears to have made a miracle recovery from an ankle problem.
As for the Cats, Tom Hawkins will remain out with a soft tissue injury to his hamstring, while Jack Henry will also miss after being injured in Round 21.
Prediction
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In front of what looks likely to be a sell-out crowd, another loss for the Pies will most likely send their supporters into panic with just two weeks remaining before the finals.
The Cats are significantly weakened without Hawkins: do they have the weapons to topple one of the best systems in the league after a season of mediocrity? I’d suggest not, and am sensing a strong win for the Pies.
Collingwood by 27 points
Game Information
Venue: MCG First bounce:7:50pm (AEST) TV: Channel 7, Fox Footy Streaming:Kayo Sports Betting: Magpies $1.81, Cats $2.00 – odds via PlayUp
