The 4 certainties for Collingwood versus Melbourne

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 13 King's Birthday clash between Collingwood and Melbourne.

Collingwood

N. Daicos 30+ disposals

Everyone’s aware of Nick Daicos’ current form. It is genuinely rare stuff.

The superstar midfielder is seemingly breaking records each week and he’s had 30+ disposals in each of the last five games – he’s also picked up at least seven clearances in all of those outings.

Even if they send someone to him, Daicos should reach the 30-touch marker as he’ll be Collingwood’s hit-to player at each stoppage with a few of their fellow midfield names out.

He loves the big stage too, expect him to deliver on Monday afternoon.

Schultz to kick a goal

Lachie Schultz had his best game in Collingwood colours in last Friday’s loss to the Bulldogs, kicking 3.2 to go with eight marks at 14 disposals.

The small forward has kicked goals in six of Collingwood’s last seven games, and without a few forward options, the Magpies will be looking for him to hit the scoreboard again.

It won’t be easy work for Collingwood’s tall forwards against Melbourne’s dominant tall defence, but players like Schultz should get a few opportunities inside 50 to make an impact.

Lachlan Geleit

Melbourne

Gawn to dominate with 20+ disposals, 5+ clearances

The Melbourne captain has crucified Collingwood in two of his three most recent meetings with Craig McRae’s side.

Combining last year’s Qualifying Final and Round 21 in 2022, Gawn has racked up a total of 58 disposals, 20 clearances, 17 inside 50s and 58 hitouts. For a ruckman, they’re numbers out of this world.

Few players have proven themselves on the bigger stage than Max Gawn and there aren’t many bigger games than King’s Birthday, especially with Melbourne coming off a horror loss.

If he’s not in the top handful of players on the ground… well, we’ll be shocked.

Pickett to be lively with at least 1 goal

Kysaiah Pickett hasn’t gone goalless in two games in a row since early 2022 and don’t expect the 23-year-old livewire to start now.

He wasn’t alone in putting up a poor showing against the Dockers last week but has consistently rebounded after a bad game. Round 12 was Pickett’s first goalless effort this year, while the small forward had four shots at goal in last year’s Qualifying Final against the Pies.

There’s no doubt he will have been one of the Demons challenged internally during the week and a response is expected on Monday afternoon.

Seb Mottram

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