SUMMARY
Melbourne will enter Monday's Queen's Birthday clash against Collingwood as favourites for the first time in more than a decade. The Demons fell just short of causing a huge upset against Hawthorn in wet conditions last weekend and now face a downtrodden Magpie unit. Nathan Buckley's side put in a terrible performance against Port Adelaide, going down by 67 points. With its season on the line, Collingwood will be desperate to atone and keep its slim finals hopes alive. Based on existing form lines, the Demons should win comfortably. But Melbourne is prone to inconsistency and it has been shown to cost the Demons already this season.
Jesse White needs to lift after Travis Cloke was axed for the big game. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Monday, June 13, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2016, Melbourne 16.6 (102) d Collingwood 9.13 (67) at the MCG
R18, 2015, Melbourne 13.13 (91) d Collingwood 7.12 (54) at the MCG
R10, 2015, Collingwood 17.8 (110) d Melbourne 13.7 (85) at the MCG
R12, 2014, Collingwood 8.13 (61) d Melbourne 3.10 (28) at the MCG
R11, 2013, Collingwood 17.20 (122) d Melbourne 5.9 (39) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne is ranked equal second for centre clearances, averaging 14.5 per game. Max Gawn is the No.1-ranked ruckman this season with a total of 457 hit-outs.
2. Jack Watts enjoyed one of his best games against Collingwood earlier this season, kicking four goals in Melbourne's 35-point win.
3. Melbourne has now won the past two clashes between the sides, ending Collingwood’s dominance. The Magpies had won the previous five games including two wins by more than 80 points.
4. The Demons continue to be the highest ranked side kicking for goal this season, with an accuracy rating of 57.7 per cent. The Magpies have been well below that, travelling at 51 per cent.
5. If the Demons win, it will be the first time since 1988 they have defeated Collingwood twice in the same season.
6. Gawn is charging up the Schick AFL Player Ratings, rising from 295th in the competition at the start of the season to 87th after the weekend.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jesse White
The maligned Jesse White will be the focal point for the Magpies after Travis Cloke was again dropped. The 196cm forward has managed only four behinds in his last two games, but dragged in 16 marks and had 32 touches in total from those performances. For the Pies to have any chance of winning, White needs to start capitialising on his improved output. Mason Cox should provide some handy assistance and if the duo have big games then look out Dees ... and look out Trav.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 28 points
