SUMMARY
Coming off three straight victories, the Magpies face a significant test against a red-hot Melbourne on Queen's Birthday. A crowd of up to 80,000 is expected to turn out to watch the Demons attempt to make it seven wins in a row, a feat they have not achieved since 2000. Melbourne's midfield is humming along nicely with Max Gawn's ruck dominance allowing Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw to find the footy at will over the last month. Melbourne's dangerous and versatile forward line has also been pivotal in its powerful form, with coach Simon Goodwin's team ranked No.1 in the AFL for scoring. The Magpies are getting a good spread across the board, although midfielder Tom Phillips, who has averaged 27.9 disposals per game this season, is one of the most improved players in the competition. Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar and Steele Sidebottom will need to have big afternoons if Collingwood is going to match it with the form side of the competition.
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WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Monday June 11, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2017, Collingwood 14.15 (99) d Melbourne 12.11 (83) at the MCG
R12, 2017, Melbourne 15.14 (104) d Collingwood 15.10 (100) at the MCG
R12, 2016, Melbourne 16.8 (104) d Collingwood 8.10 (58) at the MCG
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Collingwood’s win in round 23 last season ultimately cost Melbourne a place in the finals. The Magpies kicked six goals to one in the first quarter. Will Hoskin-Elliott finished best on ground taking 12 marks and kicking two goals.
2. Melbourne is the highest-scoring team in 2018 kicking 107 points per game. Since round six the Demons have kicked 116 goals to their opposition's 52 and are averaging 127 points per game over that stretch.
3. The Demons are the No.1 centre clearance team this season, averaging 14.6 per game and are ranked second in general clearances. Collingwood is 10th in the competition for centre clearances.
4. Melbourne will be aiming for seven consecutive wins for the first time since the end of 2000 when it won seven in a row, including a preliminary final. Collingwood will be looking for four straight wins for the first time since midway through 2015.
5. Melbourne has won four of the past five clashes between the sides ending Collingwood’s run of five consecutive wins in 2011-15.
6. Melbourne has had three players inside the League's top 10 for average Schick AFL Player Ratings points between rounds eight and 11, with Max Gawn (No.1), Clayton Oliver (No.6) and Tom McDonald (No.8) all influential in the club's six-game winning streak.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Brodie Grundy. The Collingwood ruckman faces a significant challenge up against fellow All Australian contender Max Gawn. Gawn has been central to Melbourne's centre-square dominance this season, so the star Magpie must do his best to curtail his rival's influence.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 22 points
