COLLINGWOOD and Melbourne will meet in a vital King's Birthday blockbuster at the MCG.

The Magpies (6-4-2) ran out of lives last week as injuries arguably took their toll for their first defeat since round two. 

MAGPIES v DEMONS Follow it LIVE

The Pies won't have too many reinforcements to call on just yet but will still like their chances of putting their foot on the throat of a demoralised Demons outfit that they have beaten eight times in their past 10 meetings, including in a seven-point thriller in last year's qualifying final. 

Melbourne (7-5) will enter its traditional King's Birthday blockbuster and Big Freeze 10 event in no mood for celebrations after a humiliating 92-point thumping by Fremantle last week. 

02:12

Match Previews R13: Collingwood v Melbourne

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Kane Cornes preview the game between the Magpies and the Demons at the MCG

It was the heaviest defeat of Simon Goodwin's reign but the Demons can hope to turn their fortunes around quickly against the undermanned Magpies, with North Melbourne to follow after their bye.

The Demons have swung the axe and made four changes, dropping recruit Shane McAdam, defender Adam Tomlinson and versatile youngster Taj Woewodin, while veteran Lachie Hunter is out with a calf injury.

Collingwood v Melbourne at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST

NO LATE CHANGES

SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Jack Bytel
Melbourne: Jack Billings

Jack Billings, Blake Howes and Bailey Laurie have all earned a recall, while Jacob van Rooyen is back after an adductor issue.

Collingwood's Nathan Kreuger will play his first senior game in more than a year after a horror run of injuries, while Will Hoskin-Elliott returns after a hamstring issue.

Ash Johnson and Wil Parker have been dropped from the Pies' side.