This is a paid article. I only transcribed that relevant to Collingwood….
The Age: Key match-ups of Pies v Giants and Lions v Blues
By Jon Pierik, September 18, 2023
Ahead of this week’s two preliminary finals, we analyse the key match-ups that will help decide which two teams qualify to play in the AFL grand final.
Toby Greene v Nathan Murphy/Jeremy Howe
Greene did not play in the round-nine clash between these sides, when the Magpies won by 65 points. But he had Jeremy Howe and Nathan Murphy as his opponents when the teams met in heavy rain in round 15 last year. Howe, of course, has been spending time as a forward this season. Greene, the All-Australian captain, is arguably the league’s most entertaining player, and was instrumental in the Giants’ 23-point win over the Power on Saturday night, with three goals. GWS captain Toby Greene is always difficult to stop. On Friday night Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy (right) will probably spend some time on the dangerous Greene. While he is technically a medium-sized forward, he can play as a tall because of his strong overhead marking, while his skills at ground level are second to none. The Magpies will look to push him away from the goals.
Steele Sidebottom/Josh Daicos v Josh Kelly
Sidebottom and Kelly lined up on a wing in round nine, the pair almost negating each other. Kelly had 27 disposals while Sidebottom had 25, but Kelly could also spend time on All-Australian Daicos. Gut-runners Josh Kelly (GWS) and Josh Daicos (Collingwood) could find themselves facing off against each other on a wing at the MCG in the preliminary final. The smooth-moving Kelly has had a strong finals series, while the hard-running Sidebottom, who provides help in defence, was a key figure in the Magpies’ win over Melbourne. Daicos, however, was quiet against the Demons (14 disposals), and the Giants will be keen to ensure this continues.
Jordan De Goey v Tom Green
This is a battle of the bulls. The pair lined up on each other in round nine, De Goey finishing with 31 touches, including seven clearances, and a goal, while Green had 30 and seven. The robust Green has become one of the league’s best, and most powerful, midfielders, and carries the ball forward whenever possible. He had 29 touches, including eight clearances, against the Power. De Goey is a brilliant finals performer, and should benefit from having Nick Daicos back in the fold. The advantage here may ultimately go to the man who can have the most direct impact on the scoreboard.
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https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/pre ... 5e590.html
