Where and when: MCG, Saturday, May 23, 4.35pm (2.35pm AWST)
TV: Live on 7 and 7plus in WA, nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: Collingwood 13.10 (88) defeated Waalitj Marawar 8.11 (59) at Marvel Stadium, Round 16, 2025.
Waalitj Marawar pushed ladder-leading Collingwood all the way when the sides last met at Marvel Stadium, taking an eight-point lead into half-time on the back of strong pressure and work rate. Led by Liam Baker, Brady Hough and co-captain Liam Duggan, the Eagles challenged the Pies throughout but were unable to halt their surge around stoppages as the experience and class of Collingwood saw the game slip away in the second half, resulting in a 29-point defeat.
What it means for the Eagles:
Saturday presents a significant opportunity for Waalitj Marawar on a big stage, with a packed MCG set to witness history as Scott Pendlebury breaks the all-time games record. Amid the occasion, the Eagles have a chance to test themselves against one of the competition’s most experienced teams, with several young players playing on the MCG for the first time. A strong performance, or a back-to-back win, would mark a significant step in the group’s development and provide a powerful statement against the odds in front of a huge crowd.
The stat: Separated by just one win, Waalitj Marawar edges Collingwood 31–30 in 62 all-time meetings, plus one draw.
The match-up: Harley Reid v Nick Daicos
Young gun Harley Reid and one of the competition’s most polished ball-users in Nick Daicos will be vying to lead their teams to victory through their midfield impact. Reid’s power and ability to break tackles and drive the ball forward will be tested against Daicos’ composure, work rate and elite decision-making in space. Both players shape games in different ways and whichever can impose their strengths more consistently is likely to have a major say in the direction of the game.
It’s a big week for: Harley Reid
Reid will reach his 50th AFL game on Saturday, doing so on the one of the biggest occasions in the AFL this season. With a packed crowd expected, the milestone presents an opportunity for the promising midfielder to showcase his growing influence, having already lived up to the hype since being selected as the No.1 draft pick in 2023. The high-pressure environment is one Reid has shown he can rise to, and his presence around the contest will be crucial as the Eagles look to match it with Collingwood and spoil the Pendlebury party.
Big call: The Eagles crash the celebration, using the big-stage energy to fuel an upset with a statement win at the MCG.
