CARLTON will be desperate to get its season back on track when it takes on rival Collingwood in a Thursday night blockbuster at the MCG.
The Blues are 0-3 and under fire, desperately needing a win to ease the pressure.
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But they face another big test against the Magpies, who are 2-1 and coming off their bye last week.
The Pies have won five of the past six meetings between the clubs and 10 of the previous 12.
Brody Mihocek returns alongside Billy Frampton in a big boost for Craig McRae's side, with Mason Cox omitted and Reef McInnes succumbing to a season-ending knee injury against Footscray a fortnight ago.
For the Blues, Matt Cottrell is a big out due to injury, while Jordan Boyd and Francis Evans have been axed.
Collingwood v Carlton at the MCG, 7.30pm AEDT
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood:Â Ned Long
Carlton:Â Ashton Moir
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18:39
The Round Ahead: Key talls set to play, fresh finals faces, Wildcard gamebreakers
Sarah Hosking and Josh Gabelich preview the biggest games and storylines ahead of two blockbuster Wildcard Finals.
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03:43
Gamebreakers go head-to-head in Friday night’s inaugural Wildcard Final
Sarah Hosking and Josh Gabelich debate which gamebreakers will prove to be the difference in Friday night’s Wildcard Final between Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.
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02:26
Wildcard winner ‘in box seat’ for Coach of the Year honours
Sarah Hosking and Josh Gabelich discuss the similarities between Steven King and Josh Fraser and believe that whichever coach wins their first final on Saturday will be coach of the year.
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03:46
Why Bevo shouldn’t question Bont, Ed’s rich vein of form, who can stop Gawn?
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards discuss why Marcus Bontempelli should return despite the result not meaning anything for Western Bulldogs, his teammate Ed Richard’s vein of form and if there is a player on the Dogs’ list that can match it with Max Gawn.
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07:53
Fraser’s free hit, Rising Star battle heats up, Docker ruled out
Nathan Schmook joins Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards to discuss Josh Fraser’s appointment as Carlton’s senior coach, which Fremantle stars will miss the clash, the Blues’ Rising Star battle and Shai Bolton’s remarkable form.
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01:40
Tex returns, will game 250 be Jake’s last as a Giant?
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards discuss Taylor Walker returning to the Adelaide lineup after being managed in Round 23 before celebrating Jake Stringer’s 250th match in what could be his last as a Giant.
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02:17
Celebrating Hilly’s ‘incredible journey’ to 300 games
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards discuss Bailey Humphrey’s contract extension with the Suns before celebrating Brad Hill’s incredible journey leading up to his 300th game this weekend, just the ninth indigenous player to reach the milestone.
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25:14
The Round Ahead: Freo star ruled out, Friday night superstar face-off, stalwarts join 300 club
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards preview the biggest games and storylines ahead of Round 24
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02:26
Gunston’s ‘magnificent’ milestone, the issues Hawks must fix
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards discussing the issues Hawthorn need to fix before finals before celebrating the ‘phenomenal’ career of stalwart Jack Gunston.
