SUMMARY
The Pies regained some much-needed confidence and could hardly have been more impressive in their 78-point obliteration of an admittedly insipid Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, but a hot Geelong at the MCG is a vastly different proposition. The second-placed Cats have won their past six games by an average margin of 56 points, easily boast the highest percentage in the AFL (166.7) and continue to push undefeated North Melbourne for top spot on the ladder. If Collingwood is to be any chance, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Adam Treloar must at least break even, if not win, in the midfield against Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Cam Guthrie – which would be no mean feat given the considering the disparity between the teams in clearance figures this season.
Steele Sidebottom will be out to continue his recent hot form. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, May 21, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2015, Collingwood 17.8 (110) d Geelong 9.8 (62) at the MCG
R6, 2015, Geelong 15.10 (100) d Collingwood 8.11 (59) at the MCG
R3, 2014, Geelong 12.15 (87) d Collingwood 11.10 (76) at the MCG
R8, 2013, Collingwood 15.12 (102) d Geelong 14.12 (96) at the MCG
R16, 2012, Collingwood 17.8 (110) d Geelong 10.19 (79) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Geelong is ranked third in both clearances and centre clearances, while Collingwood is ranked 14th and 12th respectively.
2. The Cats continue to be the AFL's No.1 team for marks inside 50, averaging 16.9 per game, thanks largely to spearhead Tom Hawkins, who is ranked first with a total of 30.
3. Collingwood has won four of the past six clashes between the clubs. Going back further, since 2010 nothing separates the sides, with both winning six apiece.
4. The Pies dominated Geelong the last time they met in round 22 last year, kicking 11 goals to three in the first half. Taylor Adams was best–afield with 36 disposals and Scott Pendlebury had 32, while injury-plagued Cat Daniel Menzel kicked four goals in in his comeback game.
5. Collingwood has not won consecutive games since rounds 10 and 11 in 2015, while the Cats will be searching for seven consecutive wins for the first time since rounds 15-21 in 2014.
6. The Pies' boom recruit Adam Treloar has broken into the top 20 in the Official AFL Player Ratings for the first time, lifting himself to a career-best ranking of 19th. The ex-Giant is second at Collingwood, behind only skipper Scott Pendlebury (No.5).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jesse White. The much-maligned key forward, who has been tried in defence this season, was a good target against the Lions and finished with 3.3. It was the kind of performance the Pies had hoped the ex-Swan would produce on a more regular basis. Experienced defenders Harry Taylor and Lachie Henderson will provide tougher opposition but White still needs to find a way to be effective, particularly as Travis Cloke searches for form in the VFL.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 35 points
