North Melbourne returns to Friday night footy this week to do battle with Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.
A five-day turnaround from a 21-point loss to the Power will test the Roos' resolve as they look to remain in the chase for a finals Wildcard position.
Round 18, Collingwood v North Melbourne
When: Friday, July 10 at 7.40pm AEST
Where: Marvel Stadium, VIC
How to watch: Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo Sports
The opposition
In a fierce and fiery bout with Gold Coast in Round 17, the Pies prevailed, winning by six points thanks to a Patrick Lipinski goal in the dying stages.
Nick Daicos was at his best, winning 31 disposals and eight clearances to go along with a goal, while key forwards Dan McStay and Tim Membrey kicked three majors apiece.
The win leaves Collingwood ninth on the ladder heading into Round 18, with plenty of time left for Craig McRae to lift his charges into the top six.
The Pies are expected to regain veteran Scott Pendlebury from a calf injury, but will still be without defender Isaac Quaynor due to an ankle issue.
Running hot
Charlie Comben was a brick wall against the Power at Adelaide Oval.
Despite the final result, his defensive efforts didn't go unnoticed with the key back notching 20 disposals, eight intercepts and a game-high 12 spoils to poll five coaches votes.
What the coach has said
North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday: "Collingwood is a strong contested ball side and we need to match them in that contest. They were really good against Gold Coast, particularly early in that space and that helped set up the victory for them."
Last time we met
The Roos went down to a fast-finishing Collingwood by 45 points at Marvel Stadium when the clubs last met in Round 11, 2025.
Just three points separated the sides at three-quarter time, but the Pies put the foot down in the final term to run out 15.18 (108) to 9.9 (63) winners.
Riley Hardeman starred in defence for the Kangaroos, collecting 28 disposals and 10 marks, while Tom Powell kicked one goal from his 28 touches.
