Collingwood take on St Kilda in Round Two’s ‘Spud’s Game’ tonight at the MCG.
The clash is focused on raising vital funds and awareness for mental health through the Danny Frawley Centre housed at RSEA Park, Moorabbin.
Last time they met
The inaugural Gather Round in Round Five, 2023 saw the Magpies take on the Saints in a Sunday afternoon thriller at the Adelaide Oval.
Collingwood’s quintessential game management saw the Magpies run out six-point winners, but it wasn’t easy, with the Saints cutting a 26-point gap at the 18-minute mark of the fourth term to the final six-point margin.
Nick Daicos, who plays his 50th AFL game tonight, had a career high 42 disposals in the clash, as well as 856 metres gained, eight inside 50s, four score involvements and six intercept possessions.
Bobby Hill kicked three goals and Brody Mihocek two, while Tom Mitchell, Beau McCreery, Ash Johnson, Jack Ginnivan and Jamie Elliott all booted one.
Ins and Outs
Craig McRae has made three changes to the team that took on Sydney last week. Reef McInnes, Billy Frampton and Tom Mitchell come into the side, with Will Hoskin-Elliott (managed), Ash Johnston (omitted) and Charlie Dean (omitted) making way.
McInnes is set to play his 12th game at AFL level, after making his debut in Round One of 2022 against Geelong.
The 21-year-old has kicked six goals and taken 19 marks at the level, while in the VFL he has played 24 games, booting 39 goals since being drafted in the 2020 National Draft.
Frampton plays his first game at AFL level since the 2023 Grand Final, while Mitchell returns after missing the Round One clash against the Swans through an ankle complaint.
Key players to watch
In what will be McInnes’ first game for 2024, the 21-year-old will line up in the Magpies forward line and he will look to add to his career goal tally.
After playing 26 percent game time in last week’s clash as the tactical substitute, Finlay Macrae will be again one to watch for Magpies’ fans. During his time on-field, Collingwood’s number 18 collected eight disposals, two clearances, two tackles and a goal assist.
50 games for Nick
Collingwood midfielder Nick Daicos will celebrate his 50th AFL game in tonight’s clash against the Saints. Coincidentally Daicos debuted against the Saints in 2022 and had a career high 42 disposals against last year.
The 21-year-old has accumulated 1397 disposals, the most of any player in their first 50 games. The midfielder has also had a remarkable 25 or more disposals, 38 times.
Uniting for a special cause
The Round Two clash against the Saints marks ‘Spud’s Game’, a chance for the AFL community to come together to continue the legacy of Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley and raise crucial funds and awareness for the Danny Frawley Centre. You can buy tickets to the game here.
Take in the action
The match will be broadcast live Channel Seven, Fox Footy and kayosports.com.au. For local broadcast information, visit the AFL website.
The Magpie Army can stay connected with the team via the Official Collingwood website and social media channels. Visit collingwoodfc.com.au, @collingwood_fc on Instagram and threads, @collingwoodfc on X (formerly Twitter), Collingwood Football Club on Facebook and YouTube for a range of behind-the-scenes content, the latest news and more.
Game details
Thursday, March 21
Collingwood V St Kilda
MCG, Wurundjeri
7:30pm (AEDT)
