This Friday night at the MCG, the Collingwood Magpies will host the Hawthorn Hawks in a highly anticipated Round 12 clash. The Magpies, currently leading the AFL ladder, will look to extend their dominance, while the Hawks aim to rebound from recent setbacks.(The Stats Zone)
🔥 Match Preview
Collingwood enters the match with momentum, having secured a commanding 45-point victory over North Melbourne in Round 11. The return of key players—Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Bobby Hill, Darcy Moore, and Lachie Schultz—bolsters their lineup, enhancing their premiership aspirations .(The Stats Zone, news)
Hawthorn, under coach Sam Mitchell, faces challenges but remains competitive. The team has shown resilience, with young talents like Jai Newcombe and Connor Macdonald stepping up. However, injuries have impacted their forward line, and the absence of experienced players like Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear has been felt .(bets.com.au, Reddit)
🧠 Tactical Insights
Collingwood’s midfield, led by Pendlebury and Sidebottom, is expected to dominate possession. Nick Daicos’s recent form has been exceptional, though Hawthorn’s Finn Maginness has previously limited his influence, making for an intriguing matchup .(news, news)
Hawthorn’s strategy will likely focus on quick ball movement and pressure around the contest. Their defensive structure, with players like Jarman Impey and Massimo D’Ambrosio, aims to disrupt Collingwood’s attacking flow .(FOX SPORTS)
