Last time we met
Collingwood 79 defeated Carlton 75.
What a game this was, with the replay this weekend set to be just as good. The Pies got the early jump, getting out to a decent lead mid way through the second quarter. However missed opportunities in front of goal started to prove costly, with Carlton going on a four goal streak to lead at half time.
In classic Collingwood fashion, there was a fight back, a close finish and plenty of drama right up to the final siren as the Pies walked away with the four points.
Jack Crisp, Steele Sidebottom and Patrick Lipinski were among the best.
Marquee match-ups
Moore v McKay
McKay was a notable exclusion from Carlton's line up in round 11, however this match-up over the last few seasons has been top notch entertainment.
The reigning Coleman medalist averages 2.75 goals per game against the Pies, a very respectable output considering he's usually matched up on by Collingwood's star defender, Darcy Moore.
Moore is averaging above his career average in disposals, kicks, and spoils. Most remarkably however, he is averaging almost double his career average for intercept marks with three a game.
Elliott vs Saad
What a season Jamie Elliott is having, from a game winning goal after the siren, a new three year contract and since round 10 a really consistent run of footy. His form in 2022 has been elite, averaging career highs in almost ever aspect of his game.
Jamie's leadership in what is a very young forward line has been pivotal throughout the season. Not only is his presence and support crucial for the likes of Jack Ginnivan and co., but his goal output has been just as good as ever before
The midfield battle
Let's be honest, the midfield battle is going to be crucial on Sunday afternoon.
An interesting aspect to this weekend's game will be how the midfield's stack up. Collingwood have had a variety of contributors throughout the season, without any individuals carrying too heavy a load. We've seen Pendlebury, Crisp, both Daicos brothers, Adams, De Goey, Elliott, Maynard, T.Brown, Lipinski, Sidebottom and Carmichael all have stints in the midfield.
Conversely, Carlton's recent injuries in their midfield has mean that a lot of their clearance work is reliant on the likes of Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh.
Similarly, both clubs have tried multiple ruck combinations throughout the season. Since Brodie Grundy's injury, Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron have been awesome for Collingwood, balancing both forward and ruck duties. At Carlton, young ruckman Tom De Koning has spent a lot of the season in the ruck, while Mark Pittonet was in elite form despite an injury interrupted season.
We're really looking forward to how this plays out on the weekend.
Look out for
It's a big week for Brody Mihocek.
Checkers has been incredibly consistent this season, already surpassing his career best goals in a season with 37. The Blues have two very impressive spearheads up forward in Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, and Checkers will need to be at his best to ensure he can be as damaging as those two have been for the blues this year.
The industrious forward has kicked bags of four goals on 10 seperate occasions but has never made the jump to five goals in a match, is this the week?
The inside word
Jordan De Goey and Jack Ginnivan are on track to push for selection this weekend. De Goey was a late exclusion from last weekend's game against Sydney with hip soreness, while Ginnivan had a hamstring scare mid way through the second quarter of the match.
According to head of high performance Jarrod Wade, De Goey has progressed will with his rehab and Ginnivan has escaped any major damage to his hamstring. This leaves both in a great position to prove their fitness this week and push for selection for Sunday.
Pies priority
Lock in a top four position
With a victory on Sunday, the Pies will accomplish what very few thought possible at the beginning of the year, a spot in the top four.
The mission is clear, COMMON' THE PIES!
Collingwood v Carlton
Round 23
Sunday 21 August
MCG, 3.20pm (AEST)
