Last Time We Met

Collingwood 85 defeated by Essendon 109

In front of 78,000 fans on ANZAC Day, the Pies fell short to an impressive Essendon outfit. The Pies battled hard all day, a to and fro contest in which the Bombers were able to run away in the final quarter.

Steele Sidebottom led the way with 30 disposals, 12 tackles and nine clearances. Darcy Cameron was outstanding up forward, finishing the day with 22 disposals, three goals and 10 marks. Jack Crisp and Scott Pendlebury also had 30 disposals on the day. Brodie Grundy was dominant in the ruck, amassing 40 hit-outs to go with 19 disposals seven tackles and a goal.

Marquee Match-Ups

Steele Sidebottom v Darcy Parish

On their days, both Steele Sidebottom and Darcy Parish are match winners for their sides.

Darcy Parish has had a break out season, averaging 30.71 disposals, 15.81 handballs, 14.9 kicks, 4.38 marks, 3.95 tackles, 7.67 clearances and 13.52 contested possessions. All career highs, quite impressive.

For Sidebottom, it’s been a roller coaster of a year. However, the last month has been exceptional from the experienced midfielder, averaging 27.5 disposals over his last four games.

Jordan Roughead v Peter Wright

In his 200th game, Jordan Roughead will line up on the in-form Peter Wright. Wright is coming off a quiet game last weekend against his old side, the Gold Coast Suns. However, two weeks ago put seven goals past the finals-bound Western Bulldogs.

His height and length make him a tough match up for any defender.

Fortunately for the Pies, Jordan Roughead has been in even better form this year, putting together the best season of his career. As he lines up for the 200th time, look for his experience and expertise to be key in this match-up.

Roughead is averaging a career high disposals, marks, kicks and rebounds in 2021.

Jordan De Goey v Jake Stringer

Two of the most explosive midfielders in the competition, both with a keen eye for goal. Jordan De Goey and Jake Stringer have been marvellous in 2021, especially after the mid-season bye.

Stringer has been putting together some scarily good games for the Bombers in 2021, including a 29-disposal and four goal game in round 14, 25 disposals and three goals in round 16, 17 disposals and four goals in round 19 and 19 disposals and five goals in round 22.

His ability to win clearances, combined with his tackle-breaking speed and elite composure around goals, makes him a match-up nightmare.

Fortunately for the Pies, Jordan De Goey is running around in the black and white. Under Robert Harvey, De Goey has gone to a new level as a midfielder, a move that has has seen his output increase significantly:

Look Out For

Jay Rantall to cause problems

Young midfielder Jay Rantall returns to the side after a stint in the reserves to work on his craft. Rantall debuted against the Bombers earlier in the year on ANZAC day, and will face the same opposition this Sunday afternoon. 

An industrious player, Rantall's effort and running ability goes unquestioned. 

The Inside Word

Wilson gets another chance

After a fantastic 2021 season in the VFL, Tom Wilson has been rewarded with several senior level games this year. He will return for the final game of the season. 

Something Pies fans haven't seen yet from Wilson in the AFL side is his elite versatility and athleticism. Expect Wilson to inject some height and bounce along the wing against the Bombers. 

Pies Priority

Finish the season on a high

The Pies can’t make finals in 2021, but that’s not to say the Pies can’t still impact how the rest of the season rolls out. The Bombers have to win to guarantee finals this Sunday and Collingwood will be keen to go out on a winning note.

Essendon v Collingwood
AFL Round 23
Sunday August 22
MCG, 3.20pm (AEST)