Both teams say they’re in great shape ahead of Thursday’s qualifying final, but Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury says his club’s raucous fans will give them an edge.
Melbourne defender Christian Salem says the Demons have timed their run into finals much better in 2023, admitting they “ran out of gas” in their premiership defence last season.
“This year we are in a great spot to attack it physically and mentally, and our game is in good shape. But in saying that, it is a whole new season with a fresh slate,” Salem said.Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury said on Sunday his team had emerged from a slight slump to play much better football in the final three rounds. Although the Magpies won just two of their final five matches in the regular season, the 380-game veteran noticed a shift in the final round against Essendon.
The Magpies have attracted just one crowd of less than 60,000 at the MCG this season – a Mother’s Day clash against the Giants – and Pendlebury said he expected Collingwood’s fans would outnumber, and drown out the sound made by, Melbourne supporters as both teams attempt to qualify for a home preliminary final.
“It’s a different season now, the pressure goes up in games and I feel like our game is in good shape. [It’s] going to be a cracking contest.
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