Back for another week, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.
Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for the Round 20 blockbuster Friday night clash between Collingwood and Carlton.
Brody Mihocek to kick 2 or more goals
Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek is a model of consistency.
While the key forward was flying earlier in the season, he struggled after the bye and was given two weeks off to recover from hamstring tightness.
In his first game back against Port Adelaide, Mihocek booted two goals and he’ll hope to build into September from here.
Last time against Carlton, the 30-year-old kicked a bag of four on Jacob Weitering and he’ll hope to have a similar impact on Friday night.
Expect him to at least get a few chances on goal in this blockbuster.
Nick Daicos to have 30 or more disposals
Collingwood midfielder Nick Daicos is as prolific as they come.
The young midfielder has picked up 35 or more disposals in three of his last five games and still managed 25 while being tagged by Port Adelaide’s Willem Drew last Saturday.
With Ed Curnow being dropped, you wouldn’t expect Carlton to send a run-with player to Daicos, allowing him to operate relatively freely.
While he’s yet to pass 27 disposals in his three games against the Blues, surely he’ll eclipse that mark on Friday if he’s allowed to roam without a direct opponent.
Lachlan Geleit
George Hewett 20 disposals
Carlton will be without Sam Walsh and Matt Kennedy and have opted to omit Paddy Dow, meaning George Hewett will spend the whole game on-ball.
He did so last week against West Coast and picked up 31 touches.
The Blues will be relying heavily on Hewett against Collingwood and he is a lock for 20+ touches.
Lachie Fogarty 5+ tackles
Since getting his opportunity in Round 14, Lachie Fogarty has maintained his spot in the side through a mixture of tackle pressure and versatility.
He has laid 3, 7, 5, 6 and 7 tackles across the five games and will do so again on Friday night when the pressure is on.
Expect him to stamp his impact on the game through tackle pressure.
Nic Negrepontis
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