A huge test awaits the Pies on Sunday afternoon when Port Adelaide Power come to the MCG.
Last Time We Met
Port Adelaide 61 defeated Collingwood 45
A close encounter in round 18 last season unfortunately saw the Pies go down by 16 points to the Power. The Pies held the lead at three different times throughout the game, however weren’t able to get the job done in the final quarter.
Taylor Adams starred with 26 disposals, 11 tackles and 6 clearances. It will be good to have him back this week!
Marquee Match-Ups
Scott Pendlebury v Travis Boak
Two of the most experienced midfielders in the competition will face off in the centre of the MCG.
Travis Boak comes into this weekend in red hot form since his career resurgence over the past few seasons. The industrious midfielder is averaging 28 disposals and 6.5 clearances a game.
In his 16th season of AFL football, Collingwood captain Pendlebury is showing no sign of his age. As his role adapts to the increased midfield time of Josh Daicos, Pendlebury has spent a bit more time up forward. He is averaging a career high in goal assists in 2021 (1.67), almost an entire assist over his career average of 0.75.
Jordan Roughead v Charlie Dixon
What a great week for Jordan Roughead to return to the senior side as the Pies face the challenge of Charlie Dixon. The Port Adelaide spearhead has kicked 14 goals already this season, and is averaging an impressive 2.33 contested marks per game, putting him equal 5th in the league in that category.
Roughead has been a mainstay in the Collingwood backline until missing last week with concussion protocol. A fantastic lockdown defender with a keen eye for how the game plays out, Roughead has had arguable his best season so far in the black and white. Averaging a career high in marks, disposals and rebound 50, Roughy is a great option for Bucks’ down back to play on the oppositions best tall forward.
Jordan De Goey v Tom Jonas
JDG has been back to his dangerous best in the last two matches, kicking 8 goals in a return to form after going goalless in round 5 and 7, and missing round 6 to injury.
The dangerous forward quite often turns the tide of games and has the ability to earn the side 4 points of his on boot. The Pies need De Goey in his best form up forward to compete against the best sides in the competition.
Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas will do his best to ensure De Goey is unable to impact significantly on Sunday afternoon’s match. Alongside a daunting defensive line of Tom Clurey and Allir Allir, the Port Adelaide defenders have caused issues for opposing forwards all season.
Look Out For
Battle of the hyphenated names
All-Australian defender Darcy Byrne-Jones will go toe to toe with his hyphenated name companion Will Hoskin-Elliott this Sunday afternoon on the half-forward flank.
Byrne-Jones has made a name for himself as a lockdown defender on the flashy forwards of the competition, utilising his grunt effort and speed to make it difficult for his opponent to get free.
After a slow start to the season, Hoskin-Elliott has built into form quite nicely in recent weeks. Despite not hitting the scoreboard as regularly as in 2018, the 27-year-old has found the footy up the ground more prominently. 23 disposals last week against the Swans earned him a best on ground performance, so look for Hoskin-Elliott to continue to find the footy in a role that connects the midfield with the forward line.
The Inside Word
Taylor Adams to return
After 6 weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury, Pies fans should be ecstatic to know that Taylor Adams will return to the senior side this week against Port Adelaide.
The tough inside midfielder is an essential piece to the Collingwood puzzle and will provide an invaluable level of effort and leadership for the Pies. Adams is an elite midfielder and in a season where the Pies have struggled in the midfield, his presence will undoubtedly lift the morale around the change rooms.
Pies Priority
Get that winning feeling back.
A disappointing performance in Sydney last week after beating the Kangaroos the week prior. The Pies need to start to build momentum and regain that winning feeling from years past.
Collingwood v Port Adelaide
AFL Round 10
Sunday, May 23
MCG, 3.20pm AEST
