Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Saturday June 29, 7.25pm AEST
TV, radio and online: Click here for broadcast guide
What it means for Collingwood: This season the Magpies have generally done little more than what's been required to win, and they were flat in their victory over the wasteful Bulldogs last round. Expect them to show more energy and increase their defensive efforts.
What it means for North Melbourne: A golden opportunity for the rebuilding Roos to produce an upset against a highly rated opponent that has been less than convincing in recent weeks. Their best chance might be to play fast but with discretion.
The stat: In their past two head-to-head clashes the Magpies have burst clear early to win by 54 and 66 points respectively, while keeping the Roos to tallies of just seven and nine goals.
The match-up: Brodie Grundy v Todd Goldstein
Magpies star Grundy (ranked the AFL's second-best ruckman at No.3 in the Official AFL Player Ratings) will face stiff opposition from Kangaroos southpaw Goldstein (the fourth-ranked ruckman at No.20).
It's a big week for: Rhyce Shaw
Straight after coaching against his younger brother, Greater Western Sydney veteran Heath Shaw, North's caretaker coach takes on his beloved former club where his family name is royalty. The emotion of the occasion won't get to him – he has already taken on the Pies plenty of times as a Swans player and assistant coach.
Big call: Pies key defender Darcy Moore, a contender for a spot in the All Australian team, will eclipse his personal-best effort of five contested marks.
Prediction: Magpies by 21 points
