SUMMARY
Some extra spice has suddenly been added to this game and it's largely down to Collingwood's return to form. As recently as seven days ago, the Pies were being written off as a threat in 2013 following a first ever loss to the Gold Coast and a very unconvincing win over Greater Western Sydney. But that all changed courtesy of a comprehensive 79-point thrashing of Essendon on Sunday that re-ignited their flagging top-four hopes and gave them the perfect fillip ahead of a trip to Sydney to face the premiers.
They will likely need to lift again, however, if they are to knock off the Swans at ANZ Stadium. Despite a bevy of injuries to key players, the Swans have surged to second place on the ladder via a six-game winning streak. Following an 11-match losing run to Collingwood, the Swans have also won the past two between these teams, including a 47-point belting at the MCG in round nine this year. The Pies sit a game-and-a-half outside the top four and the Swans have a tough run home to try to retain second place, so expect an intense contest on Saturday night.
WHERE AND WHEN: ANZ Stadium, Saturday, August 10, 7.40pm (AEST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R9, 2013, Sydney 15.12 (102) d Collingwood 8.7 (55) at the MCG
2PF, 2012, Sydney 13.18 (96) d Collingwood 10.10 (70) at ANZ Stadium
R20, 2012, Collingwood 12.6 (78) d Sydney 9.16 (70) at ANZ Stadium
R14, 2011, Collingwood 13.21 (99) d Sydney 14.9 (93) at ANZ Stadium
R13, 2010, Collingwood 13.18 (96) d Sydney 10.11 (71) at ANZ Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Pies will be pleased Adam Goodes' knee injury forces him to miss this game. In round nine he put in one of the best games of his career, including 30 touches, 11 marks and three goals, to lead the Swans to a commanding victory.
2. Overall this will be the 221st game between these two teams and Collingwood holds a dominant 138-81 win-loss record, with one draw occurring way back in 1947.
3. There will be plenty of star power on show at ANZ Stadium – the Swans and Pies are the only teams to have two players ranked in the top 10 in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Collingwood's Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan are sixth and seventh respectively, while for the Swans, it has Kieren Jack (5th) and Josh Kennedy (8th).
4. The Swans have managed to overturn what had been a shaky record at the Sydney Olympic Park venue. Between 2009 and 2010 they lost five straight games there, but they have since won six of their past eight, including last year's preliminary final against Collingwood, en route to the flag.
5. It has been more than 14 years since a Swans side beat Collingwood in three straight games, something they can achieve again on Saturday. Between round 22, 1995 and round 10, 1999, the Swans knocked off the Pies on six consecutive occasions.
6. Both of these teams have their clear strengths. For the Swans, they are ranked first in the competition for contested possessions, clearances and tackles. Collingwood, meanwhile, leads the AFL in total disposals and uncontested possessions.
