Collingwood have been hit by another injury blow as Scott Pendlebury is set to miss Friday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs.
The reigning premiers are having a nightmare on the injury front, but are still managing to hold on to their place in the top eight on the AFL ladder.
Collingwood can be backed at 7.50 to go on and win back-to-back grand finals, but they will need the treatment room to clear if they are to do so.
Next up is a clash with the Western Bulldogs, who have set their sights on the top eight and are 3.50 to play finals this year.
With the Pies missing some key players, the Bulldogs will sense a good opportunity to leave Marvel Stadium with all four points.
. What: Collingwood v Western Bulldogs
. Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
. When: 19:40 (AEST), Friday 31st May 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Collingwood 2.02, Western Bulldogs 1.80
Collingwood had to settle for a 75-75 draw at Fremantle last week as they threw away a great chance to pick up four points.
And just to make matters worse, an already crippling injury list has seen more key players added to it.
Scott Pendlebury picked up an arm injury at Optus Stadium and coach Craig McRae has confirmed he will not feature after failing to make it through training.
Brody Mihocek has also picked up a hamstring injury, while Mason Cox will miss out with a knee problem and concussion.
The trio join Jordan De Goey (abdominal tendon), Jamie Elliott (vascular), Tom Mitchell (plantar fasciitis), Will Hoskin-Elliott (hamstring) and Dan McStay (knee) on the sidelines as the injury situation reaches crisis point.
There is some good news, however, as Jeremy Howe returns from a groin injury.
Billy Frampton has been training with the forwards and will help fill the void against the Bulldogs.
Usually a defender, Frampton can be backed at 13.00 to boot the first goal of the game, or 1.22 to score at anytime.
Collingwood won by just 12 points in this fixture last season and if they are to come out on top, it is likely to be close once again.
They can be backed at 6.00 to win by 1-12 points on Friday night.
It may not be to the same extent as Collingwood, but the Bulldogs also have their own injury issues heading into the clash.
Aaron Naughton will miss out with a knee injury, while Ed Richards and Anthony Scott both sit out with concussion.
They still managed to put in a brave performance before losing by 14 points to ladder-leaders Sydney last week, while they beat GWS the week before.
The Bulldogs have a great chance to bounce back against the Pies and Sam Darcy will be crucial to their chances.
He has scored at least one goal a game this season and has 19 for the campaign, with Darcy 11.00 to kick the first goal of the game or 1.11 to score at anytime.