Magpies v Demons My Preview
The Magpies have been extremely competitive in the past month. Collingwood’s board are yet to decide the fate of coach Nathan Buckley. On the one hand, the pies have an extremely talented midfield, but on the other they may be lacking a key forward, with the recruitment of Chris Mayne seemingly a failure and Darcy Moore still young and learning his craft. The back line has evolved with Jack Crisp, Maynard, Scharenberg and Langdon performing admirably in the latter part of the season. Collingwood will be boosted by the return from a two week suspension of number one ruckman Brody Grundy. He has been shouldering the brunt of the ruck work for the majority of the 2017 season. Saturday could prove to be crucial for not only Buckley and the coaching staff with list management decisions coming up soon due to the Pies failure to reach September.
On the other end of the spectrum Melbourne have plenty to play for with their place in the top eight all but assured. Goodwin made a statement at the selection table last week with the decision been made to drop number one draft pick Jack Watts. The Demons have been bolstered by the return of co captain Nathan Jones to the line up. For the Dees the key has been that every player in the best 22 has played their role; Tom Mcdonald epitomises this with his role as utility switching from the back line to the forward line, whatever Goodwin finds necessary for first and foremost the team. Hogan should have another day out following a six goal haul last week, with his confidence being sky high. The Demons side as a whole will take confidence, after beating the Lions in a tight game last week.
Collingwood Game Changer: Steele Sidebottom
Melbourne Game Changer: Cameron Pedersen
My Prediction: Demons
Let me know what you think