Collingwood return to the MCG to take on Kuwarna (Adelaide Crows) in Saturday’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash.  

The Magpies head into the Round 10 clash after starting the season with five wins, three losses and a draw, including two consecutive victories over the Carlton and the West Coast Eagles respectively. 

Kuwarna have started 2024 with three wins, five losses and a draw of their own, after a Round Nine stalemate with the Brisbane Lions last weekend.

The last three clashes between Collingwood and Kuwarna have had a cumulative margin of eight points, with the Magpies running out winners by two (Round 15, 2023), one (Round 7, 2023) and five points (Round 18, 2022) respectively.

Last time they met

Collingwood came into Round 15, 2023 sitting second on the AFL ladder and fresh off a bye with 11 wins and two losses. Kuwarna were eighth with seven wins and six losses.

The clash at the MCG saw the Magpies run out winners by just two points, with their signature game management saluting. Kuwarna overcame a 27-point half time deficit and held a 13-point three-quarter-time lead, but strong performances from Nick and Josh Daicos, and two final term goals from Mason Cox saw the Magpies prevail and regain top stop on the ladder.

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Match Highlights: Magpies v Crows

Catch all the action from our thrilling two point victory over the Crows at the MCG.

Nick Daicos was at his usual best, gathering the ball a mammoth 37 times, while kicking a goal and laying five tackles. The then 20-year-old also had 14 contested possessions, four more than fellow midfielder Tom Mitchell who had 10 along with his seven tackles. Eventual Copeland Trophy Winner Josh Daicos had 33 disposals, 604 metres gained and six clearances.

In the forward half Mason Cox and Jamie Elliott both kicked two goals, while a further eight teammates all kicked a singular major.

For Kuwarna, Jordan Dawson had 35 disposals and Taylor Walker booted five goals.

Ins and outs

Craig McRae has made two changes to the Magpies side that beat West Coast on Mother’s Day, with Jordan De Goey and Lachie Schultz coming back into the side, replacing Jeremy Howe (groin) and Jack Bytel (concussion).

De Goey returns after missing the last two games through a groin injury, while Schultz missed last week’s win through suspension.

Players to watch

After an impactful debut, Wangaratta teacher turned AFL footballer Joe Richards will be one to watch on Saturday afternoon. With a goal, 18 disposals and eight score involvements to his name, Richards has started his AFL career with a bang.

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Joe Richards kicks his first AFL goal!

24-year-old debutant Joe Richards kicks his first goal in AFL!

The ever-explosive Jordan De Goey returns after missing the last two games through injury and will be looking to pick up where he started on the MCG. The 28-year-old leads the side for average tackles in 2024 (5.1 tackles) and will bring sure fire impact to Collingwood’s side.

Spirit strong, game on

Saturday’s clash marks Collingwood’s first of two in this years Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Held across Rounds 10 and 11, the round is a chance to celebrate and elevate First Nations’ culture through football.

Collingwood will run onto Wurundjeri Country on Saturday wearing their 11th Indigenous Guernsey. This year’s edition is designed by Trevor Davis, a proud Wadjuk, Ballardong, Wilman, Wongi and Noongar man, and father of Club legend Leon Davis.

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The powerful story depicted in Collingwood's fresh guernsey

Uncle Trevor Davis, father of Leon, tells the story of his 2024 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey design.

The inspiration for the guernsey design stems from a piece of art by Davis called ‘Healing’, that depicts a healing process which the Club has embarked on over the past few years.

What’s happening at the game

As part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, there a range of actives to celebrate First Nations culture. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early to take in all of the proceedings:

  • 12:00pm: Gates open
  • 1:18pm: Didgeridoo Performance by Trevor Davis
  • 1:28pm: Collingwood enter the field
  • 1:37pm: Welcome to Country by Uncle Colin Hunter
  • 1:41pm: Traditional Gift Exchange between Collingwood and Kuwarna players

100 games for John

The game also marks John Noble’s 100th at AFL level, after being selected at Pick 14 in the inaugural Mid-Season Draft in 2019. Noble becomes the first ever player selected in a Mid-Season draft to reach the milestone.

Across his career Noble has averaged 18.4 disposals, 2.4 tackles, 4.6 marks and 4.1 contested possessions a game.

Take in the action

The match will be broadcast live on 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.