COLLINGWOOD could go in unchanged to Monday night’s match against Port Adelaide after reporting no injuries out of its win over Gold Coast this week.
The Pies welcomed back stars Jordan De Goey (four goals) and Adam Treloar (26 disposals) after respective hand and hamstring injuries and they are hopeful that a few more big names will be available come their first final.
Brayden Sier, Ben Reid, Tom Phillips, and Chris Mayne are all closing in on returns from injury but are unlikely to be rushed in to tackle Port, while key defender Jeremy Howe has been listed as available to return from a knee injury within one to three weeks.
The last time the sides met dynamic forward Jayden Stephenson was important with four goals and he would hope for another opportunity to press his finals selection claims, having been dropped for the game against the Suns.
The Pies will be celebrating two milestones for captain Scott Pendlebury who will play his 314th AFL game to become the most capped Collingwood player and captain his 162nd game, taking over the record for most games captained for the club from his now coach Nathan Buckley.
It will also be the 50th time midfielder Tom Rockliff lines up for Port Adelaide.
The game will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane – Collingwood’s sixth straight game at the venue and its seventh in the last eight matches.
It’s a significant advantage for the Pies, who have become accustomed to playing in the dewy night conditions.
The game is the last game of Round 18 to close out the AFL home and away season and will have ramifications on the final makeup of the top eight. Win and Port Adelaide guarantees itself the minor premiership for the first time since 2004. A Collingwood win could see it finish as high as sixth and avoid a potential trip to Perth to face West Coast.
Collingwood has won the last two meetings between the sides and Port Adelaide won the four games before that. The Pies have the overall advantage, but only just, having won 16 of the 31 meetings. This will be the first time a game between the sides is held outside of Adelaide or Melbourne.
The Pies will name their side on Sunday evening for the game at the Gabba the following night.
