IS THERE something extra in the game when Collingwood faces off against Carlton?
Absolutely, according to Magpie forward Tyson Goldsack.
"It's another game in the sense you get four points for the win, but it's a big game, in front of a big crowd and it's a big rivalry," Goldsack said at the Westpac Centre on Thursday.
"(Collingwood president) Eddie (McGuire) gets up for it. He wants us to win, so we'll try to win it for him as well."
Dale Thomas' defection to the Blues from Collingwood adds further spice to Friday night's clash at the MCG.
Despite Mick Malthouse's assertion that the Thomas issue is a "sideshow", Goldsack expects there to be plenty of banter thrown the ex-Magpie’s way in the heat of battle.
"He (Thomas) is pretty witty. He can throw out a sledge, but I'll just throw it straight back," Goldsack said.
Thomas remains close friends with a number of Collingwood players and Goldsack said the Magpies would not go out of their way to target Carlton's marquee recruit.
But he does anticipate the fans finding their voice and giving Thomas plenty of stick from the grandstands.
"I daresay they will. We can't control that but if they're giving him a bit, I don't mind that," Goldsack said.
The Magpie forward has played an understated role in Collingwood's team this year, but he's a major reason behind their renaissance, which has seen them gather three wins on the trot.
Goldsack has become Collingwood's pressure man, directly causing 28 turnovers in six rounds, resulting in 18 scoring shots for his team.
Despite a delayed pre-season, where he battled a lingering hamstring issue, Goldsack has thrived up forward this season.
"I didn't have a great pre-season, but I'm feeling good now week to week," Goldsack said.
"It's probably just confidence and consistency. Being able to train. I've had years where my body's been unable to hold up, so I haven't been able to get out on the track."
But he doesn't claim full credit for Collingwood's increased pressure in attack.
"It's definitely not just by myself. It wouldn't work if it was just me. As a forward group we know that (pressure) wins us games. If we can lock the ball in there, the more chance it gives us to score," he said.
"If the boys don't tip in, it's hard for me."
