Collingwood vs North Melbourne Preview
Collingwood will continue their late-season charge and cover the 17.5-point line against a Kangaroos side that continues to fold against sides above them on the ladder.
The Magpies sit in the wildcard zone in 9th position with an 8-7-1 win-loss draw record, just two points ahead of the 8-8 Kangaroos but have found form at the right time. This shapes as another opportunity to build momentum heading into the second half of the season.
The biggest concern for North Melbourne entering this contest is their inability to consistently score against quality opposition. The Kangaroos have become far more competitive this season and have shown they can match teams for periods, but against the stronger sides they have struggled to generate repeat inside 50s and sustained scoreboard pressure. That is unlikely to become any easier against a Collingwood outfit whose defensive pressure and transition game have steadily improved over the past month.
Collingwood's strength lies in their ability to force turnovers before quickly moving the ball into dangerous areas. Their ball movement has become far more efficient over recent weeks, with the Magpies regularly creating scores from intercepts and defensive transition. If they can apply the same pressure around the contest, North Melbourne may once again find themselves chasing the game for long periods, particularly given their recent struggles to score heavily.
The midfield battle in the Round 18 clash points to a Magpies advantage. Nick Daicos continues to produce extraordinary numbers while dictating games with his ball use, and North Melbourne will need to find a way to limit both his possession count and his influence by foot. If Daicos is allowed to control the game through the middle and spread into space, Collingwood's forwards should receive a consistent supply of quality inside 50 entries throughout the afternoon.
Inside attack, Tim Membrey has become an increasingly reliable focal point, combining superbly with Dan McStay to give Collingwood multiple aerial threats. North Melbourne's defence has competed admirably for much of the season, but containing the Magpies' tall forwards while also limiting the influence of their dangerous small forwards presents a significant challenge. Membrey's recent form suggests he is well placed to continue his scoring run.
Take the Pies to cover with Membrey on for multiple goals. Nick Daicos looks set to chalk up another 35+ disposal match and a possible three votes from the umpires.
- Collingwood defeated North Melbourne by 45 points in the most recent head-to-head meeting.
- North Melbourne have lost their past five matches to top 10 sides by an average margin of 55 points.
- The Magpies have kicked over 100 points in their past two matches.
- Tim Membrey has kicked eight goals in his past three matches.
- Nick Daicos has had 35+ disposals in five of his past six matches and had 38 the last time the two sides met.
Head to Head
Collingwood have won the past six matches between the two sides, including the Round 11 encounter last season by 45 points.
Standout player performances in the recent head-to-heads have come from;
- Caleb Daniel (Roos) – 30+ disposals in three of his past four against the Pies
- Nick Daicos (Pies) – 38 disposals in his last outing against the Roos
- Cam Zurhaar (Roos) – three goals in each of his past two against the Pies
- Lachie Schultz (Pies) – four goals in his most recent outing against North Melbourne and 3+ goals in three of his past five.
Collingwood Form Analysis
Collingwood head into Round 18 with an 8-7-1 win-loss-draw record and have built valuable momentum with three consecutive victories. They have defeated Port Adelaide by 26 points, Richmond by 34 points and Gold Coast by six points to move back into finals contention, with their attacking game showing significant improvement over the past fortnight.
The Magpies have now kicked more than 100 points in consecutive matches, with their transition game and forward chemistry continuing to strengthen. Against Gold Coast they produced 30 scoring shots and once again created plenty of opportunities from turnover, highlighting the confidence currently building throughout the side.
Nick Daicos gathered 31 disposals against the Suns after producing 35 or more in each of his previous five matches. The Brownlow Medal favourite continues to dominate games with his ball use and creativity. Tim Membrey and Dan McStay each kicked three goals against Gold Coast, with Membrey extending his streak to three consecutive matches with multiple goals. Josh Daicos continued his consistent season with another strong midfield performance, while Lachie Schultz remains a dangerous forward target after kicking four goals the previous week.
Collingwood have built an excellent record against lower-ranked opposition in 2026, remaining unbeaten in six matches against teams below them on the ladder. While they are yet to win outside Victoria this season, returning to Marvel Stadium presents another favourable opportunity to continue their winning run.
Collingwood Team News
Collingwood escaped the victory over Gold Coast without any fresh injuries. Scott Pendlebury remains the main selection watch after missing last week's match with a corked leg, with the veteran to be assessed during the week before a decision is made on his availability.
Outside of Pendlebury, Lachie Sullivan is pressing for selection after posting some big numbers in the VFL but the Magpies are expected to field a very similar side after three consecutive victories.
North Melbourne Form Analysis
North Melbourne come into Round 18 with an 8-8 record after having won three of their previous four matches before falling to Port Adelaide by 21 points last weekend. Scores were level at three-quarter time before the Kangaroos managed just one behind in the final term, eventually going down 10.13 (73) to 7.10 (52).
Scoring continues to be the biggest issue for the Kangaroos, who have averaged just 61 points per game across their past five matches. They have been competitive around the contest and defended strongly for long periods, but converting possession into scoreboard pressure has remained a significant challenge, particularly against finals-calibre opposition. That is reflected in their record against stronger teams, having lost their past five matches against top-10 sides by an average margin of 55 points.
Harry Sheezel continues to produce outstanding individual performances, collecting 40 disposals against Port Adelaide after recording 40+ in each of his past two matches and 30+ in his past four. Jack Darling kicked two goals for the second straight week, while Nick Larkey remains North Melbourne's leading goalkicker with 33 majors from 16 matches.
North Melbourne Team News
George Wardlaw is the major injury concern after leaving last week's loss with hamstring tightness. The midfielder will be assessed during the week, although there is genuine concern he could miss this important clash.
Paul Curtis has served his three-match suspension and will be a welcome addition to the forward line.