Three weeks of the 2018 home and away season remain, and there is still so much to play out before the ladder is set in stone and the fates of all 18 teams are decided.

Collingwood Media takes a look at what lays ahead for the Magpies, who enter the final three rounds of the season in sixth place on the ladder with 12 wins and seven losses to their name.

Round 21
Opponent: Brisbane
Venue: Etihad Stadium
When: Saturday 11 August, 7.25pm
Ladder: Brisbane is 16th (four wins, 15 losses)

Last time we met: Round Seven 2018
Collingwood 19.7 (121) def. Brisbane 18.6 (114)

Notable for Collingwood: Jordan De Goey (five goals, 20 disposals), Josh Thomas (three goals, 22 disposals), Steele Sidebottom (34 disposals, six clearances)

Notable for Brisbane: Dayne Zorko (four goals, 34 disposals), Lewis Taylor (four goals), Dayne Beams (two goals, 31 disposals)

What to expect: This could be one of the games of the round. The Lions have lost their last three, granted, but their form in the back half of the season has many believing they’ll climb up the ladder in 2019. The Daynes, Beams and Zorko, are in fine form, while youngsters Jarrod Berry, Hugh McCluggage and Alex Witherden are all playing key roles. Then there’s a man called Luke Hodge, who you may recall from his flag winning days at Hawthorn.

Out of action: The Lions will be without Charlie Cameron, Matthew Eagles and Tom Bell for the remainder of the season.

Last five against Brisbane (most recent last): L-W-W-W-W

Quick fact: The match will be Collingwood’s first against Brisbane at the Docklands since the 114-111 epic of round eight, 2002.



Brodie Grundy and Stefan Martin contest a boundary throw in during Collingwood's narrow win over Brisbane in round seven.

Round 22
Opponent: Port Adelaide
Venue: MCG
When: Saturday 18 August, 1.45pm
Ladder: Port Adelaide is seventh (12 wins, seven losses)

Last time we met: Round 21 2017
Collingwood 10.11 (71) def. by Port Adelaide 14.14 (98)

Notable for Collingwood: Ben Reid (four goals, eight marks), Taylor Adams (31 disposals), Adam Treloar (31 disposals)

Notable for Port Adelaide: Ollie Wines (29 disposals, nine clearances), Brad Ebert (28 disposals)

What to expect: Collingwood has endured a lean run against the Power, winning only one of their past seven meetings since 2013. The average losing margin in the past three meetings is 42.6 points, though it must be said the Magpies have come a long way since the first two of those matches.

History aside, Port has enjoyed a strong season, but like Collingwood has lost three of its past four matches. Saturday’s three-point loss to Adelaide wasn’t pleasant, but the efforts of Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard (eight goals and 36 disposals between them) show how potent the Power can be when on song.

Out of action: Those on Port’s injury list include Karl Amon (2-3 weeks), Matthew Broadbent (season) and Hamish Hartlett (season)

Last five against Port Adelaide (most recent last): W-L-L-L-L

Quick fact: Collingwood’s most recent finals appearance was against Port Adelaide in the 2013 Elimination Final. The Power famously came away 24-point victors after the Magpies led by three points midway through the final quarter.



Jack Crisp evades a tackle during Collingwood's most recent meeting with Port Adelaide in round 21, 2017.

Round 23
Opponent: Fremantle
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
When: Saturday 25 August, 2.35pm (local)
Ladder: Fremantle is 13th (seven wins, 12 losses)

Last time we met: Round 11 2018
Collingwood 21.12 (138) def. Fremantle 12.5 (77)

Notable for Collingwood: Brody Mihocek (four goals on debut), Brodie Grundy (48 hitouts, 18 disposals), Tom Phillips (three goals, 36 disposals)

Notable for Fremantle: Lachie Neale (two goals, 29 disposals), Michael Walters (29 disposals, nine clearances)

What to expect: It’s hard to know. Fremantle has had a patchy season, never losing more than three in a row and recording six of their seven wins at the new stadium. They have conceded some big scores (Collingwood’s 138 points in round 11 was the second largest score against the Dockers in 2018) and held sides to an average of 62 points in their seven wins.

There’s still plenty to play out between now and round 23, with the Dockers set to play Carlton at home and Geelong away in the next fortnight.

Out of action: Those on Fremantle’s injury list include Nat Fyfe (2-3 weeks), Cameron Sutcliffe (three weeks), Harley Bennell, Aaron Sandilands and Andrew Brayshaw

Last five against Fremantle (most recent last): L-L-W-W-W

Quick fact: Collingwood will become the last team to play a match at Optus Stadium, having waited until round 23 to play at the venue. The club’s AFL Women’s team played in the opening match earlier this year, but fell short by 13 points.



Brody Mihocek kicked four goals on debut against Fremantle in round 11.