Before the 2015 season began, Collingwood fans would have pencilled this one in as a certain four-pointer, however Friday’s clash looms as a danger match for Nathan Buckley’s side.
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St Kilda looked to have unearthed a star key forward in Josh Bruce following his six-goal effort against the Suns and the Collingwood defence will have its hands full trying to keep the youngster quiet.
But just who will stop Magpies superstar Dane Swan?
Check out the four key match-ups from Friday’s game below:
Tyson Goldsack v Josh Bruce
With Nathan Brown likely getting the job on Saints star Nick Riewoldt, Goldsack looms as the man tasked with the job of stopping the Josh Bruce.
Bruce was the hero in the Saints’ win over Gold Coast last week with a six-goal effort, and Goldsack will need to be at his best to limit the key forward’s damage.
Saints fans shouldn’t expect a repeat effort here, but he has shown he can mix it with some of the AFL’s best defenders.
Nathan Brown v Nick Riewoldt
Collingwood will likely rotate on Riewoldt but you suspect Brown will get the job on the Saints star.
Riewoldt is still without doubt St Kilda’s key man, and if the Magpies can limit his influence it will go a long way in deciding the result.
Dane Swan v Maverick Weller
While they won’t necessarily line-up directly on each other, Weller will likely be tasked with the role of helping keep the brilliant Swan quiet.
The Magpies midfielder is given licence by coach Nathan Buckley to roam, and the big-bodied Weller has to keep an eye on the Brownlow Medal winner.
Travis Cloke v Luke Delaney
The Magpies key forward is struggling for form this season, kicking just three goals in Collingwood’s opening two games.
However, he has kicked nine goals in his last two matches against the Saints and it would come as no surprise if he works himself into form at the MCG.
Luke Delaney has a massive role to play for his team here. Shut down Cloke and the Saints are in with a sniff.
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