Last Time We Met

Collingwood 106 defeated Carlton 85

Collingwood face the traditional rivals for the second time in 2021, with the Pies looking to make it two wins from two. Back in round 2, it was Jordan De Goey that put on a show. He kicked 4 goals and if it wasn’t for some wayward kicking he could’ve had a few more. The midfield trio of Jack Crisp (36 disposals), Taylor Adams (29 disposals) and Scott Pendlebury (30 disposals) were dominant under the brilliant ruck work of Brodie Grundy (51 hit-outs).

The forward line was on fire last time out, with some fantastic delivery from the midfield proving too much for the Carlton backline. De Goey was supported by Mihocek’s three goals.

Marquee Match-Ups

Defence v Offence: Jordan Roughead v Harry McKay

Another week, another monster match-up for Jordan Roughead. Blues’ spearhead Harry McKay leads the Coleman Medal this year, consistently hitting the scoreboard all season. The 204cm giant was a nuisance for the Pies backline in Round 2, slotting four goals.

Roughead will be the match-up for Mckay this week, on the back of a solid performance on Richmond’s Tom Lynch last match. Despite having a fantastic season, Roughead will require the help from defenders such as Brayden Maynard and Jack Madgen to nullify the big forward.

Midfield Maestros: Jack Crisp v Sam Walsh

Two of the in-form midfielders of the competition, it’s going to be great viewing for Pies fans when Jack Crisp and Sam Walsh take to the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

Sam Walsh is in All-Australian form in just his third season of AFL, averaging 30 disposals and kicking goals. The more experienced Jack Crisp has played significantly more midfield time in 2021, with both players extremely damaging at their best. Crisp is averaging a career high 27 disposals, to go with a career high nine contested disposals and 18 uncontested possessions.

If the Pies can get on top in the midfield, it will go a long way to winning the match.

Tough Match Ups: Mid sized forwards v Blues Backline

The Blues have a dodgy record against dynamic, medium-sized forwards in 2021 with the likes of Toby Greene, Robbie Gray and Isaac Heeney causing a match-up night mare for Carlton. Another to create problems for the Carlton backline was De Goey and Elliott in Round 2. With both players in damaging form, they will both look to take advantage of Carlton’s inability to defend players of their mould.

De Goey’s four goals and Elliott’s two earlier in the season should provide the Pies with a clear idea of how to break down the Blues’ defence, in what should hopefully be a free flowing and attacking game.

Look Out For

Trey Ruscoe to make an impact

Ruscoe will get an opportunity to get a full match of AFL football under his belt this weekend against the Blues. After starting the season in the senior side, he was sent back to VFL level to develop different aspects of his game. In particular, an emphasis has been put on his versatility and ability to play across half back.

After a 26 disposal game against Sandringham two weeks ago, Ruscoe was given the opportunity to be the medical substitute and got a half of game time against Richmond last weekend. However, this week he will start in the 22 and is likely to play in a role across half back, freeing up the likes of John Noble and Brayden Maynard to play an attacking game style. 

Pies Priority

Let’s make it two from two against the Blues in 2021 and extend the lead in the historical head to head. A testing 2021, but if the Pies can finish the season with two wins over the Blues then there’s definitely something to be proud of.

Collingwood v Carlton
AFL Round 18
Sunday, July 18
MCG, 3.20pm (AEST)