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- Jul 15, 2014
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Not many pundits at the beginning of the season would’ve picked this matchup to be a top eight clash. However, both these sides have proved everyone wrong, and managed to be the surprise packet teams of this season. This match is crucial for both teams. For Collingwood, a win is needed here to keep in touch with the top four. For North, a win is needed to keep in touch with the top eight.
Both these teams hit a hurdle last week, failing to win against higher quality opposition. For North Melbourne, they had a chance to beat Sydney, but capitulated in the last quarter to give them a heartbreaking loss. For Collingwood, they stumbled against West Coast. Last time these two met, Collingwood were too good, putting on a wire to wire performance.
Collingwood
Coming into the game against the West Coast, Collingwood had the chance to prove all the doubters wrong, but unfortunately for the Magpies the injuries that had been suffered were just too much. As a result, the Magpies were overwhelmed and easily handled by the Eagles. De Goey and Adams were the only real standouts for Collingwood, with the midfield struggling, and the backline under constant siege. Not only was this a hit to morale at the club, but it also puts their top four hopes into deep jeopardy. If Collingwood fails to beat North, top four falls out of reach. Therefore, this match becomes the most important in the season. Collingwood welcomes back Mason Cox into the side, who was a late withdrawal last week. The Magpies were missing height in the forward line last week, so Cox will be a good inclusion for Collingwood.
Steele Sidebottom is the man to watch for Collingwood this week. Sidebottom had been having an outstanding season leading in the West Coast game, but was effectively tagged out of the game. After only recording 18 disposals, Sidebottom will need to be able to show his experience and determination and be able to shake off the tag that will more than likely be applied to him. With Adam Treloar out for the near future, it will be important for all the midfielders, including Sidebottom, contribute to the side.
North Melbourne
Many tipped North to finish bottom two at the beginning of the season, but to the credit of the Kangaroos, they have shocked many to become top eight contenders. While many have doubts over whether North can march into the finals, credit must be given to Brad Scott’s men in proving the doubters wrong and have become finals contenders. North had the game in their hands last week, but fell away in the closing moments of the game, allowing Sydney to run over the top of them, resulting in a heartbreaking loss. However, it shouldn’t be all negative for North fans, as their team showed that they can compete with the best teams in the leagues.
Shaun Higgins has continued to be an excellent recruit for North, with the midfielder going to another level this season, launching into Brownlow contention. Ben Brown has also been excellent for North, and will most likely have a field day over a depleted Collingwood backline. North average the lowest marks per game, playing a low disposal game, focusing on long kicks to tall targets down field. This has worked wonders earlier in the season, but teams have started to put more work into these tall targets, and at crucial times in the game the long kicking game plan has become a liability.
The man to watch for North is Majak Daw. For years, Daw has been an “almost” player. He at times has showed great potential, but has also shown some average form. Against the Swans last week, he produced perhaps the best performance in his career, kicking four goals and taking six marks. Daw will be hoping to put a repeat of that performance, and prove the doubters wrong.
Changes
North Melbourne
No Change
Collingwood
In: Sam Murray, Mason Cox
Out: Ben Crocker (Omitted), Josh Daicos (Omitted)
Head to Head Odds
North Melbourne: $2.50
Collingwood: $1.54
TV
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Radio
SEN
ABC
MMM
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
The run home…
So, it’s the pointy end of the season, and it’s necessary to see what a loss or win means for Collingwood. The ladder predictor will assume that all the other favorites win.
If Collingwood wins
Barring an absolute demolition job of North Melbourne, Collingwood can only finish the round as high as third. However, depending on the margin, they could fall to fourth.
If Collingwood loses
They fall to fifth.
Tip
Both teams are desperate to get back to winning. However, playing at the MCG could prove to be the difference here, with the Magpies edging North out with a close win.
Collingwood by 17
Both these teams hit a hurdle last week, failing to win against higher quality opposition. For North Melbourne, they had a chance to beat Sydney, but capitulated in the last quarter to give them a heartbreaking loss. For Collingwood, they stumbled against West Coast. Last time these two met, Collingwood were too good, putting on a wire to wire performance.
Collingwood
Coming into the game against the West Coast, Collingwood had the chance to prove all the doubters wrong, but unfortunately for the Magpies the injuries that had been suffered were just too much. As a result, the Magpies were overwhelmed and easily handled by the Eagles. De Goey and Adams were the only real standouts for Collingwood, with the midfield struggling, and the backline under constant siege. Not only was this a hit to morale at the club, but it also puts their top four hopes into deep jeopardy. If Collingwood fails to beat North, top four falls out of reach. Therefore, this match becomes the most important in the season. Collingwood welcomes back Mason Cox into the side, who was a late withdrawal last week. The Magpies were missing height in the forward line last week, so Cox will be a good inclusion for Collingwood.
Steele Sidebottom is the man to watch for Collingwood this week. Sidebottom had been having an outstanding season leading in the West Coast game, but was effectively tagged out of the game. After only recording 18 disposals, Sidebottom will need to be able to show his experience and determination and be able to shake off the tag that will more than likely be applied to him. With Adam Treloar out for the near future, it will be important for all the midfielders, including Sidebottom, contribute to the side.
North Melbourne
Many tipped North to finish bottom two at the beginning of the season, but to the credit of the Kangaroos, they have shocked many to become top eight contenders. While many have doubts over whether North can march into the finals, credit must be given to Brad Scott’s men in proving the doubters wrong and have become finals contenders. North had the game in their hands last week, but fell away in the closing moments of the game, allowing Sydney to run over the top of them, resulting in a heartbreaking loss. However, it shouldn’t be all negative for North fans, as their team showed that they can compete with the best teams in the leagues.
Shaun Higgins has continued to be an excellent recruit for North, with the midfielder going to another level this season, launching into Brownlow contention. Ben Brown has also been excellent for North, and will most likely have a field day over a depleted Collingwood backline. North average the lowest marks per game, playing a low disposal game, focusing on long kicks to tall targets down field. This has worked wonders earlier in the season, but teams have started to put more work into these tall targets, and at crucial times in the game the long kicking game plan has become a liability.
The man to watch for North is Majak Daw. For years, Daw has been an “almost” player. He at times has showed great potential, but has also shown some average form. Against the Swans last week, he produced perhaps the best performance in his career, kicking four goals and taking six marks. Daw will be hoping to put a repeat of that performance, and prove the doubters wrong.
Changes
North Melbourne
No Change
Collingwood
In: Sam Murray, Mason Cox
Out: Ben Crocker (Omitted), Josh Daicos (Omitted)
Head to Head Odds
North Melbourne: $2.50
Collingwood: $1.54
TV
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Radio
SEN
ABC
MMM
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
The run home…
So, it’s the pointy end of the season, and it’s necessary to see what a loss or win means for Collingwood. The ladder predictor will assume that all the other favorites win.
If Collingwood wins
Barring an absolute demolition job of North Melbourne, Collingwood can only finish the round as high as third. However, depending on the margin, they could fall to fourth.
If Collingwood loses
They fall to fifth.
Tip
Both teams are desperate to get back to winning. However, playing at the MCG could prove to be the difference here, with the Magpies edging North out with a close win.
Collingwood by 17
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