After an unexpected loss to Gold Coast, the Magpies will be smarting as they prepare to face the winless Giants on Saturday night. Collingwood is a game clear in seventh position on the ladder, but needs a percentage-boosting win to keep pace with sixth-placed Richmond. The Pies' inconsistency has been a cause for concern for coach Nathan Buckley and the gulf between their best and worst football is far too wide heading into the finals. The Giants were much improved against an undermanned Essendon, and even led the second-placed Bombers at quarter-time. But it's hard to see them matching it with Collingwood, which will hope Travis Cloke rediscovers his goalkicking radar – and fast.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday July 27, 4:40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST TIME
R18, 2012, Collingwood 26.18 (174) d GWS Giants 7.12 (54) at Skoda Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney's only meeting came in round 18 last season at Skoda Stadium, with the Magpies recording a crushing 120-point win.
2. In that game, Magpies star Travis Cloke kicked six goals and Dane Swan was brilliant with 37 possessions and five goals.
3. The Giants will be searching for their first victory at the MCG, following defeats to Melbourne (twice), and to Hawthorn by 78, 162 and 41 points respectively.
4. Kevin Sheedy will be aiming for his first win at the MCG since 2007 and for his first win against Collingwood since round 19, 2006.
5. The Giants remain the most worst defensive team in 2013, conceding an average of 138 points per game.
6. Collingwood has two players in the top 10 of the Official AFL Player Ratings – Scott Pendlebury (No. 5) and Dane Swan (No. 7). Greater Western Sydney midfielder Callan Ward is the only Giant ranked inside the top 100 (No. 31).
