What it means for Carlton: After another first round loss against Richmond, the pressure is already on to bounce back - and a win against the Filth would help ease early season tension and also create some momentum for an easy run in the following weeks. The difference between 0-2 and 1:1 is small in number but significant psychologically given our run of poor starts in recent seasons.
What it means for Collingwood: With a tumultuous off season now behind it the Pies will be coming off the Treloar grudge match and straight into battle with a fierce arch-rival. The Pies really need a strong start to the season on the field after a very poorly managed trade season, appalling handling of racism within the club and the resignation of its president. Backs against the wall, the Pies are going to be dangerous.
For the record
Carlton and Collingwood have played 258 times. Remarkably, the record stands at
Carlton wins: 127
Collingwood wins: 127
Draws: 4
The last time the Magpies were ahead in the head-to-head ledger was 1981. That's right, 30 years ago, before the 81 grand final. No pressure boys.
In the past decade, we've beaten the Magpies just four times, the last time being in 2017 when Marc Murphy had 30 possession (and five tackles) and Wright, Casboult and SPS each kicked two goals. Notably Weitering and C Curnow each kicked a goal and Caleb Marchbank played. Weird.
Line-ups
We'll get a significant boost in talent available for round two - and it will be interesting to see how many changes result from round one. Williams is a certainty to return from suspension while Martin, Betts and McGovern will all be in contention should their injury concerns be resolved. Under pressure for their spot include O'Brien, Gibbons, Dow and Silvagni is likely to miss with a shoulder injury. McDonald to be the sub again - or do we go with a runner instead?
The Pies could welcome back Sidebottom and will have another run under the belt for Adams who will be underdone. This will add some depth to the Pies midfield. Otherwise they are reasonably clear with injuries to key players (prior to Friday night).
Why we win
Cripps, Williams and Walsh will own the midfield as long as we break even with Grundy in the ruck contests. Our ability to win the ball inside at centre bounces and stoppages should give us majority of the pill and keep it in our forward half. The big question is can we smooth the process of delivery to our forwards and then convert even the slim chances ... I can feel Zac Fisher channelling Wayne Harmes circa the 79 grand final.
Need to make sure Moore is kept accountable as he can own the back 50 if we don't have a plan. Pressure needs to be up so that we don't let Crisp, Maynard and Noble run it out quickly.
The Pies have been playing De Goey in midfield during pre-season which I think works in our favour. Stephenson and De Goey (mostly) out of the Pies forward line makes Mr Plow's life a little less stressful. No doubt he'll find another way to earn the ire of the fans. Our backlines stacks up pretty well against the Pies (Jones v Cox; Weitering v Mihocek, Docherty/Saad v Elliott) and we should be able to run them ragged on the rebound from back there.
Our KPP look stronger but need to be wary of the annoying wingers and flankers which the Pies seem to have by the dozen. Our fringes need to step up and support those we know are going to play their part.
Carlton 9 points
GO BLUES 
