Hawthorn v Collingwood Preview, MCG

Collingwood’s Premiership defence goes on the line this week in quite simply a must-win game at the MCG against the much-improved Hawthorn. The Magpies suffered a third straight defeat last Friday against Geelong and now sit four points outside the top eight with a tough run to the finish to come. Collingwood could regain both Mason Cox and Jeremy Howe this week, which would give a major boost to their injury-depleted side, but it will be without Lachie Schultz, who is in concussion protocols. Their record against the Hawks over the past 13 years hasn’t been pretty reading, winning only five of their last 19 meetings going back to the 2011 Preliminary Final. The Pies, however, won in the previous meeting earlier this season during the Gather Round. The Hawks will be looking to continue their charge towards finals this week and got back to winning ways with an impressive win over Fremantle in Launceston. They should be bolstered by Jack Ginnivan’s return to face his former side, which will certainly add extra spice to this weekend’s match at the home of footy. It will be fascinating to see whether Sam Mitchell calls upon Finn Maginness this week to tag Nick Daicos, a tactic he has deployed in the past.

TIP: Collingwood by 8 points, Jordan De Goey 25+ disposals