Collingwood return to the MCG for the first time in three weeks as the Magpies take on Melbourne in the tenth edition of ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ on Monday.
The annual clash raising vital funds for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease will be headlined by the fan favourite slide event that will see 10 Australian sporting legends take the plunge into freezing cold water before the first bounce.
Last time they met
2023’s thrilling Qualifying Final between Collingwood and Melbourne at the MCG went down to the wire, with the Magpies’ defence overcoming a three to zero goal final term to the Demons to hold tight for a seven-point victory.
Collingwood led for the whole evening thanks to three goals to Bobby Hill, two to Dan McStay and a game high 34 hit outs from Mason Cox, despite the Demons leading the inside 50, clearance, contested and uncontested possession counts.
Darcy Moore was steely in defence with 11 intercept possessions, while for Melbourne Clayton Oliver had 31 disposals, ten tackles and 11 clearances.
Ins and outs
Nathan Kreuger is set to play his first AFL game of 2024, with the forward one of two inclusions to Craig McRae’s side for Monday’s King’s Birthday Clash against Melbourne.
Joining Kreuger is utility Will Hoskin-Elliott who will play his first game since suffering a hamstring injury in Round 10 against Adelaide at the MCG.
Wil Parker and Ash Johnson have both been omitted, with Tew Jiath, Ed Allan and Johnson the three emergencies for Monday’s clash.
Players to watch
After a career high 14 tackles last week against the Western Bulldogs, Beau McCreery will look to continue his high-pressure game on Monday against the Demons. The small forward was the number one forward in the competition for pressure acts last Round (37) and has laid 15 tackles inside 50 this season.
Also bringing the heat in the forward 50 is Lachie Schultz. The Magpies’ number eight has laid the third most tackles inside 50 in the league and is averaging 19.5 pressure acts a game.
Crisp’s milestone
After last week equalling Adem Yze for the second most consecutive AFL games, Jack Crisp will this week move to outright second place of all time with his 227th consecutive game.
After being drafted by Brisbane at Pick 40 in the 2012 National Draft, the midfielder played 18 games for the Lions in 2013 and 2014 before he was traded to Collingwood at the end of 2014. He then went onto make his Club debut in Round One, 2015 against his former side Brisbane and hasn’t missed a game since.
Crisp will be 17 games behind the all-time games record set by Melbourne legend Jim Stynes.
Big Freeze for the tenth time
Monday’s King’s Birthday clash marks the 10th edition of the ‘Big Freeze’ at the ‘G. The clash supports Fight MND’s goal of finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. Fight MND was established in 2014 by former Melbourne Coach and Essendon legend Neale Daniher, who has bravely and ccourageously fought the terminal disease for over 10 years inspiring all Australians along the way.
As part of the clash ten Australian sporting legends will slide into a pool of ice-cold water to help raise awareness and funds for Fight MND. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early to take in all of the action from 2:00pm.
The Magpie Army are also encouraged to join the wider community to buy a Fight MND beanie to help fight the beast that is MND. Beanies can be bought at Coles or online at Fight MND website.
For more information about what's on offer for fans before and during Monday's clash, visit the Magpie Army Hub.
Take in the action
The match will be broadcast live on Seven network, 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.
