September is here.
After a week to freshen up, Collingwood take on Melbourne on Thursday night in the first Qualifying Final as they continue their quest for the Club’s 16th AFL/VFL premiership.
The two sides will meet in September for the first time since 1989.
After qualifying in top spot with a 18-5 record, the Pies earnt a double chance and will advance straight through to the Preliminary Final should they win.
The returns of captain Darcy Moore and Nathan Murphy from injury will be a welcome boost, while Beau McCreery will also make his way back into the 22 from suspension.
The blockbuster sold out within minutes of tickets going on sale, however the game will be broadcast live from 7pm AEDT on the Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.
Last time they met
Melbourne 66 d Collingwood 62
This year’s King’s Birthday clash was an epic encounter, with the Pies falling by just four points. Collingwood got out to an early lead and held an eight-point buffer at the main break, however a strong second half from Melbourne saw them narrowly triumph. Tom Mitchell and Jack Crisp were strong contributors that day with 30 and 28 disposals respectively, while Pat Lipinski was the Pies’ only multiple goal kicker in a low scoring affair. The Pies do have a good record over the Dees however, having won seven out of their last 10 meetings.
Finals history against Melbourne
While it’s been 34 years since Collingwood took on Melbourne in a final, there is still a strong history between the two. The Pies and Dees’ rivalry peaked when they played off in five Grand Finals between 1955 and 1964, with the Pies successful in the 1958 edition. Before that, they squared off in the 1926 and 1939 deciders, while there is an array of other finals contests the pair have shared. The Pies have won four of their 15 other finals with the Dees, with one of those a win in the replayed 1928 semi-final after they drew the week before.
Team news
Skipper Darcy Moore will return for the first time since injuring his hamstring against Geelong in Round 22, while Nathan Murphy will make his way back into the side after recovering from the glute injury he received in the penultimate match of the home and away season. Beau McCreery also returns after serving a one-match suspension in Round 24. Billy Frampton, John Noble, Finlay Macrae and Jack Ginnivan make way, however the latter will be the sub.
Key matchups
Jordan De Goey v Christian Petracca
Two of the most damaging midfielders in the game will spearhead their midfields on Thursday night. De Goey has had a career-best season to date, averaging 24 disposals and 7 score involvements. Meanwhile Petracca is a four-time All-Australian and has been Melbourne’s go to player this season.
Josh Daicos v Ed Langdon
Two running machines who are crucial to their respective sides’ success, Daicos and Langdon will present an intriguing battle on the wing. Daicos earnt his first All-Australian blazer last week after a standout season that has seen him elevate his game as one of the best ball users in the competition, while Langdon is widely regarded as one of the hardest runners in the AFL.
Brody Mihocek v Steven May
Mihocek finished the home and away season with 44 goals to continue his brilliant career to date and will likely have to contend with two-time All-Australian May. Mihocek kicked five goals in a game for the first time earlier this season and has been a constant in the Pies’ forward line for six years now. With May and Jake Lever’s intercept marking such a feature of Melbourne’s game, Mihocek looms as a crucial inhibitor to their success.
Fan Activities
There are plenty of game-day activities for fans to take part in, all the way until the first bounce at 7.20pm:
Gear up for finals with the Collingwood X Nike Community and make your way to the AIA Vitality Centre for nail art, hair braiding, face-art, and food and drink in our fan zone pre-game.
Timings:
2:00pm – 4:00pm |Nike activations in the brand-new Merch Shop
4:00pm | Fan Zone opens for food, drink and activations
5:50pm | Pre-game pep talk
5:55pm | March departs for the ‘G
6:10pm | Arrival at Gate 1 of the ‘G
7:20pm | First bounce
Toyota AFL Finals Series Week One
Collingwood v Melbourne
Thursday 7 September, 7.20pm
MCG, Wurundjeri
For all the latest Finals’ news, videos, events and more, visit the Finals Hub.
