Carlton v Collingwood at MCG, Saturday May 12, 2.10pm (AEST)
THIS WEEK’S TEAM
B: Andrew Carrazzo, Setanta O’hAilpin, Bret Thornton
HB: Andrew Walker, Jarrad Waite, Heath Scotland
C: Bryce Gibbs, Anthony Koutoufides, Kade Simpson,
HF: Eddie Betts, Lance Whitnall, Brad Fisher
F: Josh Kennedy, Brendan Fevola, Matthew Lappin
R: Cain Ackland, Ryan Houlihan, Marc Murphy
I: Adam Bentick, Paul Bower, Jordan Russell, Ross Young
Emerg: Joe Anderson, Luke Blackwell, Jason Saddington
In: Paul Bower – first game for 2007 after playing two matches for Carlton in 2006, Brad Fisher – returns after missing two matches with a fractured cheekbone, Anthony Koutoufides – returns for his first match of 2007 following surgery to repair a finger tendon.
Out: Joe Anderson – omitted, Luke Blackwell – omitted, Cameron Cloke – shoulder, confirmation of the extent of his injury will be known following a visit to the surgeon tomorrow.
Milestone: Kade Simpson - 50 games. A fourth round selection (45th overall), Kade was Carlton's first pick in the 2002 AFL National Draft.
When last we met: Carlton v Collingwood at the MCG, round 21, 2006 – Collingwood 24.12 (156) d Carlton 17.10 (112). The Blues, minus midfielder Nick Stevens, faced a desperate Collingwood side which still considered itself a top-four chance. After a free flowing start, the game exploded in the second quarter when Alan Didak took out Heath Scotland. Didak, Brendan Fevola and Jordan Bannister were all reported for striking. Kade Simpson collected 30 possessions and Eddie Betts kicked three goals. For the Pies, Anthony Rocca booted six while Simon Prestigiacomo and Alan Didak also made solid contributions.
Carlton win percentage: against Collingwood – 52.36 per cent; at MCG – 49.54 per cent
Comments: If the Blues win on Saturday, they will snap a three-game losing streak. Carlton has won two of the past five games against Collingwood, with the Pies’ last win coming in round 20, 2005. Collingwood has won three out of the four games they have played at the MCG this season; their only loss was against Port Adelaide.
Average disposals - top three: Carlton: Heath Scotland (26), Ryan Houlihan (23), Andrew Carrazzo (18). Collingwood: Dane Swan (25), Heath Shaw (24), Rhyce Shaw (23)
Goals - top three: Carlton: Brendan Fevola (21), Eddie Betts (9), Brad Fisher (7). Collingwood: Anthony Rocca (12), Leon Davis (7), Scott Pendlebury (7)
Leading tacklers: Carlton: Adam Bentick and Andrew Carrazzo (30). Collingwood: Scott Burns and Leon Davis (26)
From the coaches box: Assistant coach Tony Liberatore – “It’s shaping as a real even contest. Collingwood are a very hungry side and haven’t put a foot wrong all year. We will have to make sure that our intensity and our effort is at a high level for all four quarters and we don’t fall away towards the end of the game like we have from time to time this season. We just have to make sure we match it with our opponents when it comes to contested situations.”
Last five games: Carlton: Loss (Geel), Win (Ess), Loss (WC), Loss (Bris), Loss (StK). Collingwood: Loss (WC), Win (Rich), Loss (Port), Win (Ess), Win (Adel).
Comments: Cameron Cloke will be a loss for the Blues in the ruck, although the return of Anthony Koutoufides will provide Denis Pagan with several options to help support Cain Ackland. Carlton will be desperate to make up for their poor showing against St Kilda last week and eager to stay in touch with the top eight.
Collingwood will enter the blockbuster full of confidence as a result of their last two victories against Essendon and Adelaide. However, the Pies will be without the hardworking Leon Davis, due to a club-imposed suspension. Davis is the club’s leading tackler and second highest goal kicker behind Anthony Rocca.
The big question: Will Collingwood’s experienced players prove to be the difference between the two sides on Saturday?
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
