AFL: Rivals to clash in MCG blockbuster

It does not get much bigger than Collingwood versus Carlton, with the two arch rivals set to clash at the MCG on Saturday night.

Collingwood edged a thriller when the two sides met back in Round 8 this season, and they need the same again to keep their finals hopes alive.

The reigning premiers are in danger of missing out on the eight altogether, and must knock over the Blues to stay in the hunt.

They are 21.00 to make the eight, but a win over Carlton could see those odds tumble.

Carlton are going better than the Pies, but need to bounce back themselves after losing to Port Adelaide at the weekend.

The Blues sit fourth on the ladder and can be backed at 7.50 to go on and win the grand final.

Fireworks are guaranteed when these two sides meet in front of what will be a packed MCG.

. What: Collingwood v Carlton
. Where: MCG, Melbourne
. When: 19:30 (AEST), Saturday 3rd August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Collingwood 2.60, Carlton 1.50

Pies snap losing streak

Collingwood showed glimpses of their old selves when they returned to winning ways against Richmond at the weekend.

However, not too much can be read into the 26-point win against a Tigers side that have won just two games to sit bottom of the ladder.

But a win is a win, and after four losses on the bounce, the Pies faithful will be hoping the win can spark an end-of-season surge.

Daniel McStay top-scored with three goals against the Tigers and can be backed at 13.00 to boot the first goal of the game.

Nick Daicos stood out as always with another 42 disposals, while his brother Josh also collected 32.

Both players will be crucial once again, and Nick is 2.50 to collect 35+ disposals on Saturday night, while Josh is 10.50 to do the same.

Draws are a rarity in the AFL, but Collingwood have been involved in two already this season. The draw on Saturday night can be backed at 51.00.

Blues look to bounce back

Carlton’s top-two hopes suffered a setback when they went down by 14 points against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.

The Power may be an improving side, but it was a setback nonetheless, and Carlton will be keen to get back to winning ways.

They will also be out for revenge after suffering a six-point defeat against the Pies back in Round 8.

Harry McKay booted four goals on that night, but it still wasn’t enough to get the job done.

McKay can be backed at 9.50 to kick the first goal of the game, while Charlie Curnow is priced at 7.00 to do the same.

Curnow is averaging almost three a game, and helped himself to three goals in the loss to Port Adelaide.

Carlton have won one of the last three meetings and that was in Round 20 in 2023, when they came out on top by 17 points.