collingwood vs hawthorn

Collingwood vs Hawthorn: Will the Magpies Ground the Hawks' Flight?

Footy fans, get ready for a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG as Collingwood and Hawthorn face off in Round 12 of the AFL! All eyes are on this clash, with Collingwood looking to solidify their position and Hawthorn aiming to prove their early-season form wasn't a fluke. The buzz is building, with online searches for "Collingwood vs Hawthorn" hitting a fever pitch. But what's at stake, and what should you be watching for? Let's dive in.

Recent Updates: Team Changes and Doubts Add Fuel to the Fire

The team selections are in, and there are some big surprises. Collingwood has made some significant changes, with Mason Cox being axed. Meanwhile, Hawthorn is looking to bounce back after a couple of recent losses.

Adding to the intrigue, some are questioning whether the Hawks can maintain their early-season momentum. ESPN's analysis suggests this match against Collingwood will be a crucial test of Hawthorn's mettle, either silencing the doubters or confirming their fears. Are the Hawks merely "brash, extroverted exponents" of a trendy style, or can they deliver under pressure? This game will provide some answers.

Collingwood is set to welcome back a host of premiership heroes, including Scott Pendlebury (recovering from illness), Bobby Hill (returning from personal leave), Steele Sidebottom (managed rest), Darcy Moore (recovering from a shoulder issue), and Lachie Schultz (cleared from concussion protocols). This influx of talent presents a "massive selection dilemma" for the Magpies, according to reports, but it also signals a significant boost in their firepower.

Nick Daicos: Has He Found His Spark Again?

Another key storyline revolves around Collingwood's young gun, Nick Daicos. After a month of performances that fell below his usual high standards, there's speculation that he rediscovered his mojo in the previous game against North Melbourne. As NT News reports, Daicos may have "snapped a mid-season malaise" after a slow start to that match. Fans and SuperCoach players alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain that form against the Hawks.

Contextual Background: A Clash of Styles and Expectations

Collingwood, the reigning premiers, entered the season with high expectations. Any slip-ups are met with intense scrutiny. Hawthorn, on the other hand, have been on a rebuild, and their strong start to the season surprised many. They've been playing an exciting brand of football, dubbed "Hokball" by some, but recent losses have raised questions about their consistency.

The Hawks, who started the season with a 4-0 record, have since gone 3-4 since Will Day's injury. This slide has seen them drop to sixth on the ladder, placing extra importance on this clash with the Magpies.

Historically, Collingwood has often been a dominant force in the midfield. This season, they boast an average clearance differential of +3.5 per game, highlighting their strength in this crucial area. Hawthorn, with a -1.2 differential, will need to find a way to counter Collingwood's midfield dominance if they want to win.

Immediate Effects: Ladder Positions and Team Morale

The outcome of this game will have significant implications for both teams. A win for Collingwood would consolidate their position near the top of the ladder and boost their confidence heading into the second half of the season. For Hawthorn, a win against a top side like Collingwood would be a massive statement, proving they are genuine contenders and silencing their doubters. A loss, however, could further dent their confidence and raise more questions about their ability to compete with the best teams.

The pressure is on Hawthorn to prove that their early-season success wasn't a fluke. As one analysis pointed out, "Ignore the manufactured alarm, Magpies clash will answer Hawks doubters." This game is their chance to show the AFL world that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Where to Watch: Don't Miss the Action

For those wanting to catch the game, Collingwood vs. Hawthorn is scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025, at 7:40 p.m. AEST at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Check local guides for free live streams, free-to-air channels, and other viewing options. The Sporting News and other outlets will provide updated information on how to watch the game live.

Future Outlook: What to Expect Moving Forward

Looking ahead, both Collingwood and Hawthorn have different goals for the remainder of the season. Collingwood will be aiming to secure a top-four spot and make a serious push for another premiership. Hawthorn will be focused on continuing their development, building a sustainable game plan, and proving they can consistently compete with the top teams.

Several factors could influence their success. For Collingwood, maintaining their key players' fitness and managing the workload of their veterans will be crucial. For Hawthorn, the continued development of their young players and their ability to adapt their game plan will be key to their success.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Collingwood's midfield vs. Hawthorn's midfield: The battle in the middle of the ground will be critical. Can Hawthorn's midfielders match Collingwood's strength and experience?
• Nick Daicos vs. Hawthorn's taggers: If Daicos is firing, Hawthorn may need to assign a tagger to limit his influence. How Daicos handles the attention will be a key factor.
• Collingwood's forward line vs. Hawthorn's defense: Collingwood has a potent forward line, especially with the return of key players. Can Hawthorn's defense hold up under pressure?

The Verdict: A Close Contest Expected

This promises to be a fascinating contest between two teams with contrasting styles and ambitions. Collingwood, with their experienced lineup and premiership pedigree, will be tough to beat. However, Hawthorn has shown they are capable of causing upsets, and they will be desperate to prove their doubters wrong. Expect a hard-fought, close game that could go down to the wire. Footy fans, you won't want to miss this one!