The changes
In: Adam Treloar
Out: Ben Reid (quad)
What to expect
The Magpies boast one of the best midfield combinations in the competition, led by Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams and Adam Treloar. This midfield triad are all averaging at least five clearances a game each, with their ability to generate forward thrusts one of their key strengths.
This midfield mix is also aided by ruckman Brodie Grundy, who is enjoying a career-best year in which is he averaging 18.1 disposals and 36.6 hit-outs.
Collingwood’s current two win-six loss record is perhaps slightly deceiving as their form has shown glimpses of the top eight side that they aspire to be.
Against GWS last week in Sydney, the Pies were able to challenge the premiership fancies across the entire game, with a last-minute Steve Johnson goal the difference in what would have been a famous Collingwood win.
On the season, Collingwood rank within the league’s top six in all-important statistical categories such as contested possession, uncontested possession, marks, contested marks and clearances, highlighting that their second-last position on the ladder may not resemble the challenge they pose to the Hawks this week.
Players to watch
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley settled on positioning Jeremy Howe in the backline this season and the 26-year old has since flourished into one of the game’s leading attacking defenders.
Howe, who is averaging 21.5 possessions a game, is top four league-wide in total contested marks this season, averaging 2.4 per game, as well as being fourth for general marks.
The former Demon also ranks 10th in the competition in rebound 50s, highlighting the importance that the Pies place on his boot to kick-start their offensive transitions.
At first, Alex Fasolo’s 12-goal start to the season doesn’t grab your attention. But when you consider that only a dozen players have had more shots at goal than the livewire forward, you can see why opposition sides are still paying close attention.
The 24-year old has had what could only be described as the yips in front of goal this season, but one would suggest his average of 3.8 shots at goal a game are at a danger of translating into three or four goals sometime soon.
Read: Five players to keep your eye on in Round 9
