Two bitter rivals of the 1950s clash this Monday when Collingwood take on Melbourne in the now annual Queens Birthday meeting at the MCG. The Magpies continue to defy the critics, last week overcoming the highly rated Fremantle in a gritty nine point victory, and will this week have their sights set on puncturing the tyres of the Demons, who, after nine long weeks, registered their first win for the season.

Unbelievably, this is Melbourne’s eighth home game against Collingwood this century from as many matches, prompting many to label the bout as the ‘Queens Birthday Charity match’. We get to wear the black shorts for the first time since 1999 when the two sides meet in round 20.

With a number of sides only one game behind us on the ladder, a win this week is imperative, in order to leapfrog opposition sides and cement our position in the top four. It won’t be easy, however, as Melbourne have fallen into the habit of lifting for the occasion in recent years.

The Match Ups:
With Simon Prestigiacomo succumbing to persistent foot problems, the old reliable, Shane Wakelin, has been summoned from Williamstown to shutdown Melbourne skipper and full forward David Neitz. Wakelin has been in excellent form in the VFL of late, and is the perfect man to keep Neitz to a quiet afternoon.

Another highly anticipated duel will be contested between ruckmen Josh Fraser and Jeff White, both at the centre bounces and around the ground. The two are perhaps the most athletic ruckmen of their era, and their input will have a huge say on the outcome of the match.

Perhaps the deadliest footballer going around, Alan Didak, will be atop the pile of Collingwood names Neale Daniher will seek to lockdown, his precise left boot and ability to create something from nothing continuing to cause opposition coaches headaches. Daniel Bell has improved with each season since debut, the tough tackling Demon the man expected to be assigned the role of shutting Didak down.

The form guide:
Another third quarter surge propelled the Magpies to a match winning lead against Fremantle last Friday night, holding off the fast finishing Dockers to record our seventh win for the year. The pairing of Anthony Rocca and Leon Davis in attack proved the difference, the pair combining for nine goals and no behinds.

The following afternoon at the same venue saw Melbourne blast away from Adelaide early before holding sway throughout a tense final term to record a three goal win. Cameron Bruce and Brad Green, two of a number of Demons to come under heavy fire from Robert Walls during the week, proved that they are far from finished, the latter feeling the leather on a career high 37 occasions.

Head to Head since 2000:
Collingwood: 3
Melbourne: 4

It’s Collingwood’s turn to defeat Melbourne this week, or so say those who subscribe to omens. After a three week winning streak, propelled by Chris Tarrant, from 2001 to 2003, the Demons have turned the tables, winning the past three battles, including a ten goal drubbing in the corresponding round last year.

A number of individual highlights have arisen in recent battles, Tarrant’s Mark of the Year contender in 2001 stands out, as does Ryan Lonie’s length-of-the-field run and goal in the 2003 flogging of the red and blue.

Last time the two sides met, Melbourne led from almost start to finish (Leon Davis’ early major giving the Pies their only lead of the match), taking full advantage of Collingwood’s injury woes following a bruising encounter against Brisbane the previous week.

The X-Factors:
Collingwood: Scott Burns – The champion’s champion has made every post a winner in a stunning 2007, and his grit and determination will be again required in order to break even with the Demons tough-as-teak onball duo of James McDonald and Brock McLean.

Melbourne: Adem Yze – Although his patchy form has been well documented this year, Yze has the runs on the board against the Pies in recent years, booting 11 goals in his last three meetings with us.

Broadcast guide:
TV: Channel 10, 3:00pm
Radio: 3AW, 3MMM, 774 ABC, SEN 1116

The tip: In what looms as a real danger game, Melbourne will provide us with stiff opposition, however our self belief is too great, and the need to jump ahead of the pack will see us come home with the chocolates. Collingwood by 15 points.

Please note: the views expressed in the above article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Collingwood Football Club or employees of the club. The Collingwood Football Club would like to acknowledge the tireless work of its supporters who contribute to collingwoodfc.com.au.