Geelong and Collingwood will meet once again at the MCG in a match that could see the questions around Nathan Buckley’s tenure intensify.
The Cats are one of the best teams going around at the moment – an undefeated 5-0 with superstars Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood both in great form.
We’ve had our doubts about them at times but they’ve beaten every team put in front of them and always been able to find another gear – what more could you want?
Collingwood on the other hand have regularly put themselves in the position to win games, but only once all year have they pulled it off, beating Sydney by a point in Round 3.
Their Achilles heel has been their forward line, or lack thereof – they can get the ball forward but they can’t turn it into goals, and their accuracy when kicking for goal is the worst in the league.
They come into this match after another disappointing loss on Anzac Day last week that has left many questioning whether or not Nathan Buckley is up to the task.
The Cats have brought back Jed Bews and Sam Menegola into their team this week, with Daniel Menzel out being ‘managed’ and Jackson Thurlow dropped.
Collingwood have brought in Josh Smith and Lynden Dunn, dropping Jackson Ramsay and making the bold call to ‘manage’ Ben Reid.
That’s an advantage that Tom Hawkins, in the mix for the Coleman this year, should surely take advantage of, and $2.50 for him to kick five is a strong possibility.
The Pies have plenty of stars in their midfield but so do Geelong, and the Cats have a better system going around that – they should win this one comfortably.
Expect Collingwood to keep it relatively close though, Geelong to win by 1-39 points for $2.25 looks the most likely outcome.