SUMMARY
This clash between old enemies should result in a percentage-boosting victory to finals aspirant Collingwood, given both the Magpies' hot form and Carlton's deepening woes. The improving Pies have won eight of their past 10 games and should win five in a row for the first time in six years against a Blues side that has won just one game. The ruck duel between Pies star Brodie Grundy and Matthew Kreuzer will be one to watch given both are exceptional at ground level, but the Magpies should have a decided advantage with their star-studded, deep midfield. When they met in round three, Pies captain Scott Pendlebury nullified Blues gun Patrick Cripps around the stoppages, so it will be interesting to see what the Pies have planned this time. The Blues will also have their hands full with Collingwood’s bevy of speedy, medium-sized goalkickers.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday June 24, 3.20pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2018, Collingwood 16.4 (100) d Carlton 11.10 (76) at the MCG
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Since Brendon Bolton has taken over as Carlton coach, the Blues broke a six-game hoodoo against Collingwood and have broken even with two wins apiece.
2. The clubs have met 70 times at the MCG with Carlton winning 37 games to 33. Collingwood has won four of its eight games there this season, while the Blues have one win from five games.
3. The Magpies are easily the highest disposal side this season, averaging 415.9 a game – the only team above 400. In contrast, the Blues are second-last with 343.
4. The Magpies are ranked third for inside 50s (56.2 a game), seventh for marks inside 50 and third for goals a game, and have kicked 100 points in seven games. Meanwhile, Carlton hasn't scored a century in more than two years.
5. The Blues are ranked last or second-last for goals a game, marks inside 50, inside 50s, disposals and uncontested possessions. The Blues' biggest strength is clearances – they're 10th in general clearances and equal-ninth in centre clearances.
6. Collingwood forward Will Hoskin-Elliott, who leads the Pies' goalkicking with 28 this year, has climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 136 in the Schick Player Ratings. He is 16th in the AFL among midfielder/forwards.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Blues fans are tired of hearing about green shoots and growth from Brendon Bolton – regardless of the result, they want a maniacal response to the devastating home loss to Fremantle. The first half against the Dockers was a nightmare, going goalless while allowing a usually dour team to kick 12 goals. Expect the Carlton boys to go hell for leather early.
PREDICTION: Collingwood by 40 points
