It’s like déjà vu.

Almost four years to the day since Collingwood hosted GWS in the 2019 Preliminary Final, the two sides will square off again in the 2023 version.

Only this time the Pies are looking for a different outcome.

Collingwood is refreshed after another week off following its Qualifying Final victory over Melbourne two weeks ago, with a near full strength side ready to take to the MCG.

The Giants made their way to the Prelim via two gruelling finals wins and come into Friday’s game off a six-day break, however, are full of confidence ahead of what is set to be another thrilling game.

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.

03:11

The Swoop: Preliminary Final Preview

Everything you need to know ahead of Friday's Preliminary Final against GWS.

Last time they met

Collingwood 120 d GWS 55

Few people would’ve predicted the then 13th-placed Giants would play the Pies in a Prelim when the home side beat them by more than 10 goals back in May. Nick Daicos amassed 41 disposals that day in a best on ground performance, while Mason Cox was also crucial with 19 disposals and two goals. Tom Mitchell (36 disposals) and Jordan De Goey (31 disposals) also continued their strong starts to the season in the Round 9 clash to hand GWS what is still their biggest loss of the season. The Giants have lost only four games since that day and have proved to be a vastly different side in the second half of the season.

Finals history against GWS

Everyone remembers the 2019 Prelim, but it’s easy to forget the Pies shut down the Giants in a final the year before. Collingwood won the 2018 semi final by 10 points in a low-scoring clash, in what was the first final between the two sides. Steele Sidebottom’s career-best year in 2018 continued when he collected 31 disposals, while Jordan De Goey kicked three crucial goals for the game - part of 12 throughout the 2018 finals series. The ’19 Prelim evened the Pies-Giants finals ledger at 1-1, with Friday night’s winner set to claim bragging rights.

Team news

Nick Daicos will make his long-awaited return having fully recovered from his knee injury against Hawthorn in Round 21. Midfielder Taylor Adams will unfortunately miss the game after he suffered a low-grade hamstring injury at Open Training last Friday. Adams’ recovery is progressing well however. Jack Ginnivan has been confirmed as the substitute. 

Key matchups

Brayden Maynard/Isaac Quaynor v Toby Greene

A tantalising matchup will see either Maynard or Quaynor take on the All-Australian captain in Greene. Greene didn’t play when the Pies beat the Giants earlier in the year but has kicked 64 goals so far in 2023 as the Giants’ captain. Quaynor has had a career-best season himself and has hardly lost a one-on-one contest all year, making him one of the best medium defenders in the competition. Maynard meanwhile is renowned for his fearless style and has had some monumental battles with Greene in the past.

Jordan De Goey v Stephen Coniglio

De Goey is only further establishing his status as one of the competition’s best big game players, while Coniglio has long been a star of the competition. The former Giants captain had 30 disposals and kicked two goals in the Giants’ semi-final win after missing their Elimination Final with the Saints. De Goey has enjoyed a brilliant 2023 and has made a habit of hitting the scoreboard from the midfield, namely in finals, after kicking 12 goals during the 2018 series.

Darcy Moore v Jesse Hogan

The Pies’ captain and All-Australian Centre Half-Back has been pivotal to the team’s success this season and will be tasked with handling in-from Giant Hogan. Hogan has kicked 48 goals for the season including bags of nine in Round 23 and four in last week’s Semi against Port Adelaide. While it will be a team effort in defence, Moore will play a big role in stopping his opponent’s avenue to goal.

Fan Activities

TIMINGS

  • 📆 Friday 22 September
  • ⏰ 4:00pm Activations Open
  • ⏰ 6:25pm Pre-Game Pep Talk (Paul Licuria)
  • ⏰ 6:30pm March to the 'G starts
  • ⏰ 6:45pm Arrival at Gate 1 of the 'G
  • ⏰ 7:50pm First Bounce
  • 📍 AIA Vitality Centre - 10 Olympic Boulevard Melbourne VIC 3000

Pies Fan Zone (Lou Richards Lawn area)

  • Face painting (Nike)
  • Hair Braiding (Nike)
  • Magpie Mail - write a letter to your favourite player
  • Meet the Jock ‘One Eye’ McPie the mascot
  • Membership handball
  • Coffee Cart

Good Vibes + Fan Experience

  • Collingwood Club Shop will be open
  • Nike customisation - spend over $25 dollars and customise a Nike hat!
  • DJ
  • FREE KFC Stubby Holder giveaways
  • FREE La Trobe Financial Collingwood posters


Food + Drink Options

  • Coles BBQ (all proceeds go to the Magpie Foundation)
  • Glasshouse Eatery will be open