TAYLOR Adams' comments about Collingwood recruit Lynden Dunn finally being at a "successful club" have caused a stir, with Melbourne midfielder Bernie Vince saying the team would use them as extra motivation for the Queen's Birthday clash.
In an interview following the Magpies' 20-point win over Fremantle in Perth on Sunday, the midfielder was asked to describe the impact former Demon Dunn had made since joining Collingwood.
"[Lynden] hasn't been part of a real successful club and I just get the feeling he loves being here at Collingwood," Adams told ABC Radio.
"It's just given him a spring in his step and the way he leads around the footy club and out on the field, it's crucial to our back six and our 18 out there."
Despite not being aware of Adams' comments, at his press conference on Tuesday Vince added extra spice to the clash between the traditional rivals.
"It might be (used as a motivating factor)," Vince said.
"What is he (Dunn) at a successful club now, is he?
"That's the first I've heard of it but we might be able to use that one as a bit of motivation.
"Not sure what he's done at Collingwood yet though."
Adams did his best to downplay the significance of his quotes in replying to Collingwood champion Mick McGuane on Twitter, who suggested the Demons would notice the comments: "Let's maybe look at the positive Mick. Unwanted at one club enjoying his footy at another. Don't conform," Adams tweeted.
Let's maybe look at the positive Mick. Unwanted at one club enjoying his footy at another. Don't conform
— Taylor Adams (@taylor_adams13) June 4, 2017
Both locked on five wins apiece, both ninth-placed Melbourne and 10th-placed Collingwood have the opportunity to push into the top eight with a win on Monday.
Eighth-placed Fremantle will face the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday, while seventh-placed West Coast (which has a worse percentage than both the Dees and the Pies) have the bye.
"Their (Collingwood's) form over the last month has been really good and to win over in Perth's always very tough," Vince said.
"We've got to expect their best."