When and Where:
Sunday, May 14 at 4:40pm
Wurundjeri Country | Melbourne Cricket Ground
What it Means for the GIANTS:
The GIANTS currently sit just outside the top eight and travel to the MCG with a 3-5 record a third of the way through the season. Sunday’s clash against Collingwood is the GIANTS’ only home and away fixture at the MCG this season, providing Adam Kingsley with the only opportunity to claim his first home and away win at the iconic ground this season, and the GIANTS’ first since 2021.
Last Time We Met:
Collingwood survived a late charge from the GIANTS to record an 11-point win on a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon at the MCG late last year. The Pies looked home when they led by 34 points at the 12-minute mark of the final term, but the GIANTS sprung to life, booting four unanswered goals to cut the deficit to just 10 points with four minutes left on the clock. The GIANTS ran out of time in the end and the ‘Pies held on to claim a 11.22 (88) to 12.5 (77) win. Stephen Coniglio (31 disposals, one goal) and Jesse Hogan (four goals) stood out for the GIANTS, while Harry Himmelberg’s sensational move to defence continued with a 30 disposal, 11-mark outing.
Where’s the opposition at?
Collingwood currently sit on top of the AFL ladder a third of the way through the season with seven wins from eight games, including a convincing 29-point win over the Swans at the MCG last weekend.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
Adam Kingsley is licking his lips at what’s to come from GIANTS prodigy, Tom Green.
The 22-year-old went blow-for-blow with Western Bulldogs champion Marcus Bontempelli at Manuka Oval last weekend, and while master Bontempelli (25 contested possessions, 14 clearances) possibly got the points over apprentice Green (38 disposals, three goals), it was a tantalising display from the young GIANT.
Often labelled a ‘bull’ for his stoppage brutality, Kingsley said Green’s increased running power and ability to find uncontested ball was taking his game to new heights in 2023.
“Typically, he's been a really strong stoppage player, but he's now finding the ball in transition … that's through work-rate, through positioning, and then tonight he's been able to finish his work,” he said.
“He's (52) games into a career, it's a pretty special career already in terms of what he's capable of.
“I can't wait to see him progress and develop over the next two, three, five years, my belief is he could be an elite midfielder of the competition if he's not there already.
“Particularly in the second half tonight, that was next level, so that's the baseline for him, that's what I expect.”
In the Mix:
A host of GIANTS face fitness tests this week in a bid to take on Collingwood this weekend. Toby Greene, who was a late withdrawal from the Bulldogs clash at Manuka Oval, will ramp up his training this week to be passed fit to face the Magpies at the MCG. Lachlan Keeffe (thumb) and Jason Gillbee (calf) are also expected to undergo fitness tests to return to the field this weekend following minor injuries, while wingman Ryan Angwin is also a test. Jake Riccardi, Max Gruzewski, Phil Davis and Cameron Fleeton will all be in contention after impressing in the VFL.
VFL:
Collingwood v GIANTS
Sunday, May 14 at 11:05am
Wurundjeri Country | AIA Centre
All VFL matches will be live streamed free on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
Visit: afl.com.au/stream-vfl and follow the links. All matches will be available to watch on demand.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of the GIANTS' trip to the MCG, here.
Where to watch:
Sunday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 4:30pm.
