Saturday’s AFL 2017 Round 23 match is between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons. The opening bounce is set to commence at 13:45 local time with the game to be played at MCG. The away team the Melbourne Demons are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons.
When: 13:45 | Saturday 26/08/2017
Where: MCG
Watch: Fox Footy or ? Watch Online for FREE HERE on your? or ?.
Preview:
Does this mark the end of Nathan Buckley’s time as Collingwood coach? Buckley’s future has been one of the main stories throughout this season as the Magpies have disappointed again. They are missing several key players, but ruckman Brodie Grundy returns from suspension and he will have a duel worth watching against Max Gawn. Collingwood have been competitive at the tail end of the season, but Melbourne have too much to lose. They are on the verge of their first finals series in 11 years.
Key: Star Demons key forward Jesse Hogan showcased his talent last week, kicking six goals after returning from a broken collarbone. How will he come up in his second game back?
Odds:
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Tip: Collingwood Magpies at $2.64
Value Bet: First Goal Kicker: Ben Reid at $10.00
More Info:
Head to head: Magpies 146 Demons 83 Drawn 5
Last clash: Round 12 2017 – Demons 15.14 (104) bt Magpies 15.10 (100) at MCG
Tab Sportsbet: Magpies $2.40 Demons $1.58
William Hill: Magpies $2.30 Demons $1.60
Teams:
MAGPIES 
B: B.Maynard, L.Dunn, T.Goldsack
HB: J.Howe, T.Langdon, J.Crisp
C: S.Sidebottom, T.Adams, T.Phillips
HF: J.Daicos, D.Moore, C.Brown
F: J.Elliott, B.Reid, W.Hoskin-Elliott
FOL: B.Grundy, J.Thomas, A.Treloar
I/C: M.Scharenberg, J.Aish, T.Broomhead, M.Cox
EMG: J.Blair, K.Kirby, J.Smith
IN: T.Goldsack, B.Grundy
OUT: J.Blair, J.Smith
DEMONS 
B: M.Hibberd, O.McDonald, N.Jetta
HB: N.Jones, T.McDonald, J.Hunt
C: J.Lewis, C.Petracca, C.Salem
HF: C.Oliver, J.Hogan, J.Melksham
F: J.Garlett, C.Pedersen, J.Harmes
FOL: M.Gawn, D.Tyson, B.Vince
I/C: J.Watts, A.Brayshaw, M.Hannan, A.Neal-Bullen
EMG: J.Wagner, D.Keilty, C.Maynard
IN: J.Watts, C.Salem
OUT: J.Wagner, B.Stretch
AFL News:
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon insists he’s not wobbling despite copping a wave of criticism in the wake of consecutive 104-point AFL losses.
The Dockers’ rebuild was showing promise earlier this year during a stretch where they won six of seven games.
But it’s come to a crashing halt over the past fortnight in embarrassing losses to Sydney and Richmond.
AFL great Garry Lyon questioned whether Lyon’s coaching had evolved with the game, while Essendon legend Tim Watson said Fremantle players were like witches’ hats over the past fortnight.
Watson also questioned whether Lyon had lost the support of the player group.
But Lyon insists the rebuild is on track, saying it takes time to become a consistently competitive team.
“Rebuilds don’t occur in six months,” Lyon said on Wednesday.
“We’re all committed, and along the ride there’s going to be pot holes along the way.
“There’s plenty of people that want to come over the hill, but I’ve experienced all that before.
“So I’m certainly not wobbling.
“I’ve got belief in our coaching group, our playing group, and the whole club.
“We’ll come again. It will just be a matter of time.”
After the loss to Richmond, Lyon hinted his team had reached a tipping point in regards to the amount of inexperienced players in the side.
He said there were no guarantees the Dockers won’t cop another hiding in Sunday’s clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
The defeats to the Swans and the Tigers were the heaviest of Lyon’s 11-year coaching career.
But the former St Kilda coach said he wasn’t worried about protecting his legacy.
“I’ve never been a numbers guy. I’m not protecting any record,” Lyon said.
“I’d like to think I’m a players’ coach.
“Win-loss records and winning percentages don’t interest me. That’s not what I’m about.”
Former Gold Coast midfielder Harley Bennell is set to play against the Bombers after pulling up well from last week’s loss to Richmond.
Midfielder Lachie Neale (groin/knee) is a chance to return, while Jon Griffin will replace suspended ruckman Sean Darcy.