Brad Sewell, Dane Swan and Rick Ladson contest the footy in round seven this year
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MATCH DETAILS
Collingwood v Hawthorn at the MCG, 7.40pm, Friday, August 1
FORECAST
Showers, windy, Minimum: 10, Maximum: 14
BETTING
Collingwood $2.90, Hawthorn $1.38
LAST TIME THEY MET
Hawthorn 24.10 (154) d Collingwood 13.11 (89), round seven, 2008 at the MCG
FORM GUIDE
The Pies have dropped their last two games against Essendon and North Melbourne, both of which they were expected to win. Prior to that they had strung two wins together against sides inside the top eight, Adelaide and the Sydney Swans, and had only narrowly lost to the second-placed Western Bulldogs.
The Hawks have a similar form line to the Pies, having lost three of their last five matches. Hawthorn went down to North Melbourne, St Kilda and most recently Geelong, but has also recorded a strong win against the Swans, as well as easily accounting for the Eagles.
MEDICAL ROOM
Collingwood’s Simon Prestigiacomo (groin) is available, while Kevin Dyas (hamstring), Ben Reid (foot) and Anthony Rocca (ankle) are all out for a month to six weeks. Sean Rusling (shoulder) and Brad Dick (knee) are out for the season.
Stuart Dew (hamstring) is available for the Hawks, while the side will test Shane Crawford (knee) and Michael Osborne (corked buttock). Tim Boyle (groin) is out for two weeks as is Ben McGlynn (quad). Max Bailey (knee) and Beau Muston (knee) are out for the season.
RANDOM FACTS
- Collingwood’s two best winning streaks against all sides in the competition have both come against Hawthorn, winning 29 straight games between 1925 and 1941 and 19 straight between 1944 and 1954.
- When these sides met early this year, Tarkyn Lockyer kicked four goals for the Pies, matching his highest ever return and his best of the season to date.
- Hawthorn’s forwards had a day out against Collingwood earlier this year with Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin kicking six goals apiece and Mark Williams kicking five.
KEY MATCH UPS
Dane Swan v Luke Hodge
It is almost certain these two will not play on each other, but their influence will be critical in deciding which team wins the midfield battle. Last time these two sides played Swan managed 22 possessions and kicked a goal, while Hodge tore Collingwood apart with 15 disposals and two goals in the first half, before going off with a hamstring injury early in the third quarter.
Dale Thomas v Grant Birchall
Thomas has already kicked more goals this year than he did in 2007 when he played every game. Pacy and super-skilled, the Pies’ livewire looms as one of many small forwards that could prove dangerous against the Hawks. Birchall picked up 24 possessions last time these sides met and set up many of Hawthorn’s forward thrusts.
Shane O’Bree v Xavier Ellis
Ellis was one of Hawthorn’s quiet achievers against Geelong last week, amassing 27 possessions, taking seven marks and laying three tackles. O’Bree is Collingwood’s leading tackler and will have his hands full again this weekend.
WHAT THE CLUBS SAY
Collingwood
"They belted us the first game,” captain Scott Burns said.
"They've got some very good forwards down there, a very good backline, and their midfield is one of the better ones going around too.
"I think their two rucks are (also) underestimated a lot externally."
Hawthorn
"Collingwood is very experienced at playing in front of those crowds, so they don't get overawed at all,” midfielder Chance Bateman said.
"They're going to be looking to redeem themselves after their loss to Essendon at the weekend."
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club or the AFL.
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