Collingwood utility Tom Phillips says this weekend’s mouth-watering clash against top-of-the-table Richmond is like a “mini Grand Final.”
Over 90,000 fans are expected ahead of Saturday afternoon’s blockbuster encounter at the MCG with the Magpies currently occupying third spot on the AFL ladder.
Phillips believes the Pies are better equipped now than they were earlier in the season to knock off the Tigers and further enhance their premiership credentials.
“It’s going to be good,” he told SEN’s Time On.
“Hopefully for us we can redeem ourselves after our Round 6 defeat to the Tigers. I think we are better placed this time around hopefully.
“Anzac Day is probably the biggest occasion I’ve played on so playing on Saturday almost feels like a bit of mini Grand Final for us and for them potentially.
“It’s an important part of the year and obviously being one v three on the ladder it’s going to be the best test for us that we have come up against all year.
“For me it will be all the same sort of preparation and mindset, so it will be another one to have a crack at, go out there and do my best.”
The 22-year-old is enjoying a stellar season for the Pies, averaging 26.5 disposals a game and is right in contention for a maiden All-Australian berth.
Listen to Tom Phillips’ chat on SEN’s Time On with Sam McClure in the player below