FAMILIAR foes Collingwood and Brisbane meet for the 10th time in four seasons in a Friday night clash that could have a huge bearing on how each begins its finals campaign.

The Magpies (12-2-8) hung on for a historic second draw of the season against Hawthorn in the most dramatic circumstances when a defensive punch on the goal line prevented a score after the siren.

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Collingwood has lost just once in its past nine games, and with a +12 advantage in clearances and +37 for tackles against the Hawks, showing it has a game suited to finals ahead of facing an old foe. 

Brisbane (15-7) tightened its grip on a top-four spot with a convincing victory against Gold Coast that was its ninth in the past 10 matches.

Collingwood v Brisbane at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST
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The Lions need a win against the Magpies to lock in a double chance, while another comprehensive victory should be enough to set up a qualifying final clash with the Swans.

A defeat to the Pies could see the Lions drop as low as seventh place. 

02:06

Match Previews R24: Collingwood v Brisbane

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Kane Cornes preview the game between the Magpies and the Lions at the MCG

Published on Aug 18, 2026

The Pies regain veterans Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe in place of the injured Isaac Quaynor and Noah Howes.

Ty Gallop returns from suspension for the Lions, with youngster Dan Annable omitted.