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 8 Friday night clash between Carlton and Collingwood.
Carlton
Curnow to kick 3+ goals
Despite having a 2-6 record against Collingwood, Carlton’s dual Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow has a decent individual record.
He’s kicked 15 goals in his last four meetings with the Magpies, including 23 from eight matches across his career.
In 2024, he has returned at least two goals in each of his seven appearances, including three lots of three and three lots of four.
On Friday night against the Pies, we’re very confident that the star Blue will nail at least three goals and continue his run towards a third Coleman.
Pittonet to have 15+ disposals, 20+ hit-outs and 5+ clearances
The first certainty seems a bit pedestrian, so we’ll go a little bit more rogue with the second.
Ruckman Marc Pittonet has put together two massive games in the last two weeks and should continue on with that form.
We are with Pittonet to have at least 15 disposals, along with a minimum of 20 hit-outs, plus at least five clearances.
It promises to be a HUGE Friday night at the MCG.
Andrew Slevison
Collingwood
Pendlebury to have 20+ disposals
Collingwood are going to need Scott Pendlebury at his best on Friday night.
With Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell both out, the veteran will no doubt play plenty of midfield minutes alongside the likes of Nick Daicos.
He’s picked up 20+ touches in four of his six full games in 2024, and you’d expect him to reach that marker in this game given how much his side needs him.
He racked up 23 disposals in last week’s draw to Essendon, expect him to feature around that marker again.
He won’t be shy of the big stage either.
Mason Cox to kick a goal
While Mason Cox has only goaled in one of his seven games in 2024, surely he is value for Friday night.
With Brody Mihocek set to get Jacob Weitering as an opponent, Collingwood will need to go through Cox on occasion as he’ll be on more favourable opposition, likely Lewis Young.
He’s also kicked goals against the Blues on six of the last seven occasions that he’s faced them.
While he hasn’t been in the best of form, he should get at least one opportunity at goal on Friday and he’s a pretty good finisher when he gets those chances.
Lachlan Geleit
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