COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury does not believe his side needs a victory over the in-form Melbourne in order to validate its rapid improvement so far this season.
The Magpies sit a game clear inside the top eight going into Monday's traditional Queen's Birthday clash, but are yet to beat a side above them on the ladder this year.
That feat can be achieved this weekend should they overcome a Demons outfit that is entrenched inside the top four following an impressive five-match unbeaten run.
However, Pendlebury was undeterred by the club's record against rival finals contenders, saying Collingwood's confidence will remain upbeat regardless of Monday's result.
"We've got self-belief, so it won't validate anything for us if we are to get over the top of them," Pendlebury told reporters on Thursday.
"Both sides have beaten the same sides, except they’ve knocked off Gold Coast and we've lost to GWS. That's the only difference.
"We're looking forward to the game, like they will be, and we just can't wait until the ball is bounced."
Collingwood and Melbourne haven't both played finals in the same season since 2006, with the Demons winning the Queen's Birthday clash in that year by 47 points.
However, with both sides in hot form going into Monday's outing, Pendlebury believes there's a different feel to the occasion.
"Usually, in the last few years, it's felt like in this game your season was on the line," Pendlebury said.
"One side was usually well behind in the finals race, so it's definitely exciting that both sides are in the eight at the moment and we're both in winning form.
"Hopefully we draw 90,000 people. That would be nice."
Despite Collingwood's strong start to the year, with the Pies winning seven of their last nine games, Pendlebury says expectations around the club haven't changed.
Meanwhile, the prospect of a first finals appearance in five years also hasn't crossed the skipper's mind as the club prepares for its final match before the mid-season bye.
"I haven't really thought about it," Pendlebury said.
"I know it's cliché, but you live in this bubble in the football world.
"For us, it feels like after this week is the halfway point. We'll probably sit down and reassess after this game as to what's gone right and what we want to continue to work on to make our strengths shine and to cover our weaknesses.
"We'll reassess a little bit after this game, but that will be more the coaching staff and those guys to drill down. Obviously we think we can get a lot better than what we're playing at the moment and that's the exciting thing for our club."
