SUMMARY
The Magpies had their opportunities to upset West Coast in their qualifying final clash, but now have to turn their attention to a semi-final contest – to keep their season alive – against Greater Western Sydney. The Giants were impressive in a 49-point hiding of Sydney, dismantling their crosstown rivals and keeping the Swans to their lowest score – since moving to Sydney – in a final. The battle around clearances will be a fascinating element in Friday night's game, with both teams boasting strong midfield units.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday September 16, 7.50pm
AEDT
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WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR?
Round two: Greater Western Sydney 15.5 (95) def Collingwood 12.7 (79) at the MCG
Greater Western Sydney notched its second ever win at the MCG, withstanding a brave Collingwood fightback to win by 16 points in a fierce Easter Saturday contest.
LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2018, GWS Giants 15.5 (95) d Collingwood 12.7 (79) at the MCG
R8, 2017, GWS Giants 15.12 (102) d Collingwood 15.9 (99) at Spotless Stadium
R16, 2016, Collingwood 19.11 (125) d GWS Giants 14.9 (93) at Spotless Stadium
R11, 2015, Collingwood 18.11 (119) d GWS Giants 11.11 (77) at the MCG
R22, 2014, Collingwood 11.9 (75) d GWS Giants 9.13 (67) at Spotless Stadium
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Collingwood
1. The Magpies' tackling pressure to ramp up. Collingwood laid 64 tackles against the Eagles. Look for them to key in on this area against the Giants.
2. Pour time and effort into Toby Greene. Greene is the Giants' matchwinner, so expect Brayden Maynard or Levi Greenwood to try to shut him down.
3. Keep Lachie Whitfield accountable. The All Australian pushed more onto the wing with Zac Williams back in the Giants' team. Whitfield is dangerous.
Greater Western Sydney
1. Stephen Coniglio to go to Steele Sidebottom and try to keep him in check. Sidebottom is often the talisman for the Pies, so the Giants will put a lot of work into him.
2. Phil Davis to play another critical role after outpointing Lance Franklin. Stopping Mason Cox, and preventing him from getting to marking contests, will be a priority.
3. Harry Himmelberg to play another key role. The mobile forward's impact will be important to assist the likes of Toby Greene and Jeremy Cameron.
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants led by just a single point at three-quarter-time in round two before kicking five goals to three in the final quarter. Giants onballer Stephen Coniglio starred with 27 disposals, three goals, five inside 50s and seven clearances.
2. Collingwood has been the highest-ranked disposal team all season, the only team to average more than 400 touches per game all year. The Giants are mid-table for disposals with an average of 380.8.
3. The Giants have now won the past two clashes between the sides ending Collingwood's dominance. The Magpies won the first five matches in 2012-16 including a 120-point thrashing in 2012.
4. GWS continues to be the No.1 clearance team in 2018, averaging 39.6. But Collingwood has also been strong in this area, ranked fourth with an average of 37.7.
5. If Collingwood loses, it will be the first time since 1992 it has finished top four and failed to win a final. The Giants will be aiming for consecutive finals wins for the first time in club history.
6. Taylor Adams was the top-ranked Magpie in the Schick AFL Player Ratings and the third-best player on the ground in the Collingwood-West Coast qualifying final.
WHAT THE COACHES SAY
Nathan Buckley: "We're still in the fight … we won't dwell or cry over spilt milk. We have an opportunity now to make sure we in some ways take the lessons from this experience and dust ourselves off and go again." – after Saturday night's loss to West Coast
Leon Cameron: "From Toby (Greene) and Brett (Deledio) and Matty (De Boer) in the front half, to Zac (Williams) in the back half, they all contributed in a manner that made them look like they'd been playing for a month. There's no doubt they're hungry for more, so we have to get them ready for next week." – Cameron on returning players from injury.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Toby Greene. After much discussion about his controversial technique in marking contests this week, Greene could be the difference between the Giants winning and losing. GWS is a much better side with its star playmaker in the line-up. Look for him to have another big game.
PREDICTION: Collingwood by 10 points
