Collingwood has confirmed its line-up for Sunday’s blockbuster clash with Richmond at the MCG.
The Pies have made two changes to the team that defeated Essendon on ANZAC day.
Chris Mayne and Jarryd Blair come into the side, with Ben Crocker (managed) and Travis Varcoe (managed) going out.
The emergencies are Crocker and Josh Smith along with potential debutants Flynn Appleby and Brayden Sier.
Mayne and Blair have both been in good form in the first three rounds of the VFL season.
Mayne has averaged 24 disposals and six tackles across the three games and has also kicked three goals.
Blair has averaged 20 disposals and seven tackles and has kicked four goals.
Collingwood v Richmond
AFL Round Six
Sunday 29 April
MCG, 3.20pm
Collingwood
B: Sam Murray, Lynden Dunn, Jack Crisp
HB: Brayden Maynard, Matthew Scharenberg, Jeremy Howe
C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips
HF: Jordan De Goey, Ben Reid, Will Hoskin-Elliott
F: James Aish, Mason Cox, Jaidyn Stephenson
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Callum Brown, Adam Treloar
Int: Chris Mayne, Jarryd Blair, Josh Thomas, Tom Langdon
IN: Jarryd Blair, Chris Mayne
OUT: Ben Crocker (managed), Travis Varcoe (managed)
TIGHT TURNAROUND
Collingwood has just three days to prepare for Sunday’s game. As part of their recovery from the ANZAC Day match, the players visited the Alchemy Cryotherapy Clinic in South Yarra on Thursday where they were exposed to temperatures of -110 degrees in an effort to be at their best for the clash with the Tigers.
SENSATIONAL STEELE
There’s no doubt that Steele Sidebottom is in career-best form at the moment. The star midfielder and part-time forward now leads the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year award. He is the only player to poll votes in each of the first five rounds.
PRESSURE VERSUS PRESSURE
Richmond has won plaudits for its high-pressure game-style, but the Pies are planning to fight fire with fire on Sunday. “We’ll do our best to handle that pressure but then pressure them," defender Sam Murray told Collingwood Media. We’re a high-pressure side as well. We like to hold the footy in our front half … so if we can play out own game, hopefully it will work.”
Will Hoskin-Elliott kicked three goals the last time Collingwood played Richmond (AFL Photos)
