Back for another year, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.
Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for the Round 17 Friday night clash between Collingwood and Essendon.
Collingwood
Mihocek to kick 2+ goals
Brody Mihocek returned to Collingwood’s side last week after a four-week layoff and immediately kicked two majors.
He’s also kicked multiple goals in each of his last seven games apart from one. In that one off game, he injured his hamstring against Carlton.
Mihocek also kicked 3.3 including a few shots that failed to score against Essendon on Anzac Day.
We’re not expecting him to have eight or more shots again, but he should finish with at least two majors.
Pendlebury to have 20+ disposals
Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury was another player who returned last week from injury.
While he only had 18 disposals in that game, he had 20 or more in the five games he played leading up to it.
If Essendon try and stop Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey – which we suspect they will – then Pendlebury should get his hands on the footy 20 or more times as he operates with relative freedom.
Lachlan Geleit
Essendon
Merrett to have 30+ disposals
Essendon captain Zach Merrett has a very strong individual record against Collingwood.
In his last 12 matches against the Magpies, the gun midfielder has hit the 30-disposal mark on nine occasions including the last four games straight.
While he is only averaging 28.4 touches in 2024 and hasn’t reached 30 in his last three outings, we feel he’ll step up on Friday night and get plenty of the ball.
While 25 touches is a moral, we’ll push the boat out and try to get Merrett to 30 in what is a massive match for his Bombers.
Langford and Wright to combine for 3+ goals
The Bombers need their forwards to deliver on Friday night.
The last time they met Kyle Langford kicked 4.2 in the Anzac Day draw while Peter Wright kicked 2.1.
The former (Langford) has had 18 scoring shots (kicking 9.9) in his last four against the Pies so we feel he’ll hit the scoreboard, even if he has struggled with just three goals in his last four outings overall.
The latter (Wright) has also been below his best in recent times, but has kicked 12.3 in his last five against the black and white.
If the Dons are to win, they’ll need these two firing and at least three goals between them feels like a good place to start.
Andrew Slevison
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