Collingwood Vs Carlton: Teams reshaped for Thursday night clash
collingwood vs carlton has been sharpened by team selection on the eve of Thursday night’s Round 6 meeting at the MCG, with both clubs naming changes for the 31st Peter Mac Cup. Carlton has confirmed three changes, while Collingwood has gone with two inclusions, setting up a fresh-look contest between the old rivals. The match is set for Thursday, 16 April at 7: 30pm AEST, with plenty riding on the night for both sides.
Carlton turns to fresh legs for collingwood vs carlton
Carlton has brought back co-vice captain Jacob Weitering and Harry Dean after both passed concussion protocols and trained fully during the week. Will Hayward also returns after serving a suspension, giving Carlton another option in attack. Omitted from the side are Jordan Boyd, Wade Derksen and Hudson O’Keeffe.
Assistant Coach Tim Clarke spoke to Carlton Media about the selections for the Round 6 clash with Collingwood, and the Blues will field a new-look defensive group after the changes. The club said Weitering missed against the Crows, while Dean has missed the last two games. In the middle of this collingwood vs carlton build-up, Carlton is also pointing to a major milestone, with Michael Voss set for his 100th game as AFL Senior Coach of Carlton.
Collingwood makes two changes at the MCG
Collingwood has named midfielder Ed Allan and forward Will Hayes as inclusions for the senior side. Allan will line up for game 19, while Hayes is set for his fourth game. The pair last played in the Round 4 loss to Brisbane.
The Magpies have left out Steele Sidebottom, who has a hip pointer, and Jordan De Goey, who is progressing through concussion protocols. Wil Parker, Lachlan Sullivan and Jack Buller are the emergencies. Collingwood also enters collingwood vs carlton with notable individual milestones attached to the night, including Nick Daicos’ 100th AFL game and Craig McRae’s 300th game as a player and coach.
Milestones and stakes add pressure to the old enemy meeting
The 31st annual Peter Mac Cup will be the longest running charity game in AFL history. The best player on the ground between Carlton and Collingwood will receive the Richard Pratt Medal, and the winning side will take home the Peter Mac Cup. The match is also the 269th meeting between the clubs in VFL/AFL history, giving collingwood vs carlton another layer of weight on top of the team changes.
Both clubs enter the night with selection decisions already made and a short turnaround before first bounce. Carlton’s changes bring back experience and pace, while Collingwood’s inclusions add midfield and forward depth. With the MCG set for Thursday night and the stakes clear, collingwood vs carlton now moves from selection news to the real test on field.
