Presenting all you need to know about Collingwood’s round 23 opponents – Melbourne – ahead of their clash the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
Recent form
Melbourne edged one step closer to its first finals berth in 11 years after defeating the bottom-placed Brisbane Lions by 13 points at the MCG last week.
Jesse Hogan starred in his first game back from a broken collarbone, kicking six goals to lead the Demons to the hard-fought victory.
Former Bomber Jake Melksham played one of his better games in a Demons jumper, recording 29 disposals, seven marks and one goal.
Cam Pederson added three goals for the Demons, while co-captain Nathan Jones was impressive with 32 disposals, eight clearances and seven tackles.
The win left the Demons in seventh position on the AFL ladder with one round remaining.
If they are to defeat Collingwood on Saturday, they’ll play finals. A loss against the Pies should still see them make the top eight, but they’ll be waiting on other results throughout the weekend to fall their way.
Jesse Hogan and James Harmes celebrate a goal against the Lions last week. Image: AFL Photos.
Words from the coach
“(Brisbane) made us earn the victory,” Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said of his side’s 13-point win over the Lions.
"I thought it was a great tussle all day in a number of areas. In the end, I'm really proud of the boys for sticking at it, and we come away with a great win for the footy club.”
When asked about his side’s finals prospects, Goodwin said his focus would remain on the round 23 clash against Collingwood.
“We have a really big game next week. It’s a really important game for the footy club, and it’s against an opposition who are playing some really good footy in Collingwood.”
“It’s exciting for our supporters in the position that we’re in, but the job isn’t done yet.
“We haven’t achieved anything yet, we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
Simon Goodwin addresses his side during a quarter-time break. Image: AFL Photos.
Last time they met
A thrilling finish on Queen’s Birthday ended in disappointment for the Magpies, as the Demons left the MCG victorious in the round 12 meeting.
Down by 28 points in the first half, the Demons fought back – thanks to Christian Petracca (three goals) and Jack Watts (two goals) – to secure a four-point victory over the Magpies.
Despite the final result, there was some joy for Magpie fans on the day, as former Demon Jeremy Howe flew for what may be one of his greatest high-flying marks of his career.
Jeremy Howe flies over McDonald during the Queen's Birthday clash. Image: AFL Photos.
Keep an eye on
It’s been a big year for Melbourne forward, Jesse Hogan. With personal challenges and injuries to contend with, the 22-year-old made a welcomed return to the Demons’ squad last week, kicking six goals.
And although he didn’t face the Magpies in the round 12 clash earlier this year, he looms as the danger man on Saturday.
“To hit the scoreboard was one thing, but I thought his intent in the way he played was outstanding,” Goodwin said of Hogan’s performance against the Lions last week.
“It’s terrific for Jesse. He’s had a really difficult year, but he’s had a fantastic period of training.”
Hogan could go up against former teammate Lynden Dunn on Saturday, in a match-up that will no doubt entertain the MCG crowd.
Former teammates Jesse Hogan and Lynden Dunn will likely match-up against eachother. Image: AFL Photos.
Melbourne’s team to face Collingwood
B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Nathan Jones, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt
C: Jordan Lewis, Christian Petracca, Christian Salem
HF: Clayton Oliver, Jesse Hogan, Jake Melksham
F: Jeff Garlett, Cam Pedersen, James Harmes
Foll: Max Gawn, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince
Int: Jack Watts, Angus Brayshaw, Mitch Hannan, Alex Neal-Bullen
Dynamic forward Jack Watts and half back flanker Christian Salem will return for the Demons, replacing Josh Wagner and Billy Stretch.
Watts and Salem come into the Demons' side, while Viney will miss with injury. Image: AFL Photos.
Injury list
Co-captain Jack Viney has been ruled out of the Melbourne-Collingwood fixture with a foot injury.
The 23 year-old recorded 25 disposals and seven tackles in the round 12 clash between the two sides earlier this season.
Melbourne’s Injury list
Jack Viney (foot) – test
Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) – season
Colin Garland (knee) – season
Dean Kent (shoulder) – season
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – season
Joel Smith (knee) – season
Tim Smith (navicular bone) – season
Jake Spencer (abdomen) – test
Aaron vanderBerg (heel) – season
Jack Viney (foot) – test
Mitch White (hamstring) – 2 weeks
Key numbers
Head to head
Overall
Collingwood - 146
Melbourne – 83
Draws - 5
Largest crowds (during the H&A season)
99,256 – Round 10, 1958 at the MCG
86,664 – Round 9, 1964 at the MCG
81,099 – Round 15, 1960 at the MCG
80,231 – Round 6, 1971 at the MCG
78,773 – Round 11, 2006 at the MCG
Melbourne’s recent form
Round 22 – Melbourne (104) def Brisbane (91) at the MCG
Round 21 – Melbourne (96) def St Kilda (72) at the MCG
Round 20 – Melbourne (62) def by GWS (97 at Canberra Oval
Round 19 – Melbourne (72) def by North Melbourne (76) at Blundstone Arena
Round 18 – Melbourne (88) def Port Adelaide (65) at the MCG
Last five times we’ve met
Round 12, 2017 – Melbourne (104) def Collingwood (100) at the MCG
Round 12, 2016 – Collingwood (58) def by Melbourne (104) at the MCG
Round 4, 2016 – Collingwood (67) def by (102) at the MCG
Round 18, 2015 – Melbourne (91) def Collingwood (54) at the MCG
Round 10, 2015 – Collingwood (110) def Melbourne (85) at the MCG
