SUMMARY
This clash between fourth (Port Adelaide) and 13th (Collingwood) promises to be much closer than their ladder positions suggest. The Power have conceded the fewest points in the competition and are second for scoring, but they are only two games (and considerable percentage) clear of the Pies. Despite injuries to key players, the Magpies have improved significantly over the past five weeks – a period in which their only losses were by three points (against Greater Western Sydney) and four points (Melbourne). Another loss here would virtually extinguish Collingwood's slim finals hopes. Meanwhile, in-form Port Adelaide runners Ollie Wines and Brad Ebert will be hoping for another dominant performance from 200-game ruckman Paddy Ryder in his big duel with Brodie Grundy. They'll have their hands full against Pendlebury, Treloar & co.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, June 24, 1.45pm AEST. FOLLOW IT LIVE
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R11, 2016, Port Adelaide 19.11 (125) d Collingwood 7.16 (58) at the MCG
R15, 2015, Port Adelaide 9.12 (66) d Collingwood 9.9 (63) at Adelaide Oval
R19, 2014, Collingwood 11.10 (76) d Port Adelaide 10.10 (70) at the MCG
2EF, 2013, Port Adelaide 12.15 (87) d Collingwood 9.9 (63) at the MCG
R14, 2013, Port Adelaide 13.8 (86) d Collingwood 7.9 (51) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Port has had the better of Collingwood in recent seasons, winning four of their past five clashes. The Power's 67-point win at the MCG in round 11 last year was a club record against the Magpies.
2. The clubs have met nine times at the MCG and Port holds a 5-4 advantage. This is the Power’s first game on the hallowed turf this year.
3. The Power's is 3-3 on the road this season, with their wins only coming against teams that were no higher than 12th on the ladder. Collingwood is 3-5 at the MCG.
4. The Power is the second highest scoring team in the AFL, averaging 105 points a game, while Collingwood is 10th, averaging 89.
5. Collingwood is second in uncontested possessions (261 a game) while Port is 13th (229). Both clubs love the hard ball, with the Power being third in contested possessions (151) and the Pies seventh (147).
6. Collingwood young gun Darcy Moore is on the rise in the Official AFL Player Ratings, lifting his ranking from No.370 at the end of last year to No.279.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jordan De Goey
Since breaking his hand and serving a club-imposed suspension for lying about how he received the injury, the 21-year-old has played six games and has been steadily building fitness and form, averaging 16 touches and tallying seven goals. The bustling runner appears well set for breakout performance.
PREDICTION: Collingwood by seven points
