SUMMARY
The Pies have a fair bit to play for on Friday night. They're a game and a half out of the top four, but their draw in the next few weeks presents opportunity to keep pushing for the double chance in the finals. They looked sublime from late in the first quarter against Carlton and a repeat of that form should hold them in good stead against the Crows, whose narrow home defeat to West Coast on Saturday might all but put paid to their hopes of a repeat finals appearance. Adelaide's midfield has been down on last year and the forward line lacks bite. Of note here will be whether Ben Reid will line up forward for Collingwood once again. He is on the verge of joining the ever-growing ranks of AFL swingmen.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday July 12, 7.50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2012, Collingwood 10.15 (75) d Adelaide 6.13 (49) at AAMI Stadium
R9, 2011, Collingwood 20.15 (135) d Adelaide 14.8 (92) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2010, Collingwood 6.18 (54) d Adelaide 7.9 (51) at the MCG
1SF, 2009, Collingwood 12.11 (83) d Adelaide 11.12 (78) at the MCG
R19, 2009, Collingwood 13.11 (89) d Adelaide 9.14 (68) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Collingwood and Adelaide last met in round nine last season at AAMI Stadium with the Magpies winning by 26 points. Dayne Beams starred with 36 possessions and three Brownlow votes.
2. Collingwood has dominated Adelaide recently winning the past five contests. Adelaide's last win over Collingwood came in the opening game in 2009 at the MCG.
3. Three of the top 10 players in the Official AFL Player Rankings will appear on Friday night. Patrick Dangerfield (second), Scott Pendlebury (sixth) and Dane Swan (ninth) are three of the most watchable players in the competition.
4. Did you know the last three times Collingwood and Adelaide have met at the MCG they have gone to the wire, decided by four, five and three points?
5. Did you know that Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson are practically best mates with each other?
6. Collingwood remains high for total disposals this season ranked second while Adelaide is ranked seventh.