The arch rivals meet for the 255th time on Friday night and the stakes are high for both clubs seeking to register their first win of the season. Matthew Kreuzer's profound influence around the contest was sadly missed against the Suns and his likely return, along with Matthew Kennedy, will be welcomed by Patrick Cripps and Ed Curnow, who battled manfully last Saturday. Kreuzer's battle with Brodie Grundy, who starred against Greater Western Sydney, will be pivotal to the outcome. After a poor opening round performance against the Hawks, the Magpies' effort against the Giants last Saturday was much more encouraging, but their injury toll continues to grow. The Blues are trying to find the right balance between attack and defence, leaking too many goals in the first two games. Too much was left to young gun Charlie Curnow last Saturday and he will need better service and support against the Magpies.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday, April 6, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2017, Carlton 12.7 (79) d Collingwood 8.8 (56) at the MCG
R15, 2016, Collingwood 8.9 (57) d Carlton 6.9 (45) at the MCG
R7, 2016, Carlton 15.9 (99) d Collingwood 12.12 (84) at the MCG
R19, 2015, Collingwood 16.9 (105) d Carlton 13.9 (87) at the MCG
R5, 2015, Collingwood 18.12 (120) d Carlton 6.9 (45) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Sam Petrevski-Seton was best on ground with 21 disposals and two goals in the Blues' win over Collingwood last season. Veteran Kade Simpson picked up a Brownlow vote with 26 touches, nine marks and one goal.
2. Carlton holds a narrow advantage over Collingwood in inside 50s after the first two rounds. But both clubs have struggled to mark the ball inside the arc – the Blues are 16th and Magpies last.
3. Both teams have been impressive in taking contested marks this season, ranked equal sixth at an average of 10.5 a game. In total marks Carlton is equal ninth and Collingwood 12th.
4. No teams have played each other more times in history than Carlton and Collingwood. There have been 254 contests and the Blues hold a narrow advantage – 127-123 with four draws.
5. Since the start of 2017, Collingwood has won only nine of 24 matches. If the Magpies lose again, it will be their first 0-3 start to a season since 1999, when they last 'won' the wooden spoon.
6. Collingwood has two players in the top 10 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings – skipper Scott Pendlebury (No. 3 overall, 606.8 points) and fellow midfielder Adam Treloar, who moved up to 10th after round two with 528.3 points. The highest-ranked Blue is Patrick Cripps (No. 26, 489.4).
IT'A BIG WEEK FOR …
The coaches, Brendon Bolton and Nathan Buckley. Both would be looking to kick-start their season after the disappointment of losing the opening two games, and victory over the old enemy under the Broadway lights at the 'G would be an ideal way to open the account.
PREDICTION: Carlton by 17 points
