The 4 certainties for Melbourne versus Collingwood

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 24 Friday night clash between Melbourne and Collingwood.

Melbourne

Salem to have 20+ disposals

Christian Salem has been back in form with 51 disposals (26 and 25) across the past fortnight.

He’s had some injury woes this season so he’ll want to go out on a high with another strong performance.

Salem averages 19.6 disposals in 2024 but we feel he’ll get to the 20-mark as he’s done on 10 occasions from 16 outings this season.

The rebounding defender has had 20 or more touches in eight of his last nine clashes with Collingwood and he is a great chance to get there again on Friday night.

Van Rooyen to kick at least a goal

After two weeks without a goal, Jacob Van Rooyen returned to the scorers’ list against Gold Coast last weekend.

The 21-year-old booted three goals to take his season tally to 29, bettering last year’s haul of 28.

Against the Magpies back in Round 13 he helped himself to three majors and we feel he’ll at least hit the scoreboard once on Friday night.

He’s kicked at least a goal in 15 of 20 outings in 2024 and we feel he’ll make it 16 for the campaign.

Andrew Slevison

Collingwood

Crisp to have 20+ disposals

Collingwood midfielder Jack Crisp has enjoyed another solid season in the black and white and he’ll hope to finish strong against the Dees on Friday night.

The last time the sides met on King’s Birthday, Crisp had 27 disposals, six clearances and five marks and won the Neale Daniher Trophy for best afield.

While he may not have that level of impact again, he should still perform strongly, especially if the Dees tag Nick Daicos which would make Crisp Collingwood’s main man on-ball.

20+ touches is well within his reach.

Schultz to kick at least one goal

Collingwood forward Lachie Schultz has had an up-and-down first season but he’s come into form at the back end of the campaign.

After his match-winning burst against Brisbane last week, Schultz will be full of confidence in front of goal.

He also could be Collingwood’s main target inside 50 with Brody Mihocek and Dan McStay sidelined.

He’ll get a few opportunities and should put at least one through the big sticks.

Lachlan Geleit

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