The long-time Premiership favourites meet what is arguably the most in-form team left in the hunt on Friday night.
Collingwood returns with fresh legs following a seven-point win over the Dees a fortnight ago, and there could be massive news on the injury front with superstar midfielder Nick Daicos potentially available to return.
The Giants, meanwhile, will be hoping to keep their momentum rolling after knocking off Port Adelaide away from home in the Semi’s.
After running out 23-point winners, Adam Kingsley continues to lead the charge for Coach of the Year honours at this point.
The Giants were enormous around the stoppages, while overall, their tackling and pressure continues to pay large dividends in the form of goals down the other end.
Looking back, GWS won’t hold particularly fond memories of playing Collingwood after suffering a 65-point defeat way back in Round 9.
Jesse Hogan cashed in with a three-goal haul that day, but after coughing up a handful of early goals to Jamie Elliott and Will Hoskin-Elliot, the game quickly got out of hand.
A lot has changed since then though, particularly through the GWS midfield.
Tom Green has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the game, complimenting the likes of rookie Finn Callaghan and Stephen Coniglio – who has returned to strong form in recent weeks – rather nicely.
Of course, the Pies boast one of the best midfield’s in the game, and with 95,000+ behind them, this still shapes as a huge uphill battle for Kingsley’s young side.
To their credit, the Giants have made a habit of winning on the road, picking up both finals wins at the ‘G and Adelaide Oval over the last two weeks.
On one hand, you could argue there is more pressure on Collingwood, but given the Giants are prone to turning the ball over (ranked fourth in the category) and the Pies are one of the best tackling teams in the league, this has all the makings for an emphatic black and white win.
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