The AFL season rolls into Round 6 with another epic as the Carlton Football Club hosts the Collingwood Magpies at the MCG on Thursday night.

90,000 fans will watch as these two rivals write another chapter in one of the oldest rivalries in Australian sport.

While both clubs have had their fair share of struggles to start 2026, all of that will be forgotten when these two old foes take the field.

The Magpies have held the wood over the Blues recently (as have many other clubs) winning each of their last four encounters.

However, Craig McRae’s men are coming off a frustratingly close loss to Fremantle and will be forced to shuffle the deck due to injuries. The old guard at Collingwood will be confident that they’ll still have the legs to match it with the up-and-coming Blues midfielders.

Meanwhile, Carlton continues to be the league's most frustrating club to support. Michael Voss’s side has shown glimpses of elite football, including an encouraging performance against Adelaide, but they remain haunted by second-half fadeouts.

With defensive reinforcements on the horizon, the Blues will be eyeing this as the perfect opportunity to claim their second win of the year and get one over the Pies.

But they’re still yet to play a full four quarters this season.

Punters should note a significant trend for this time slot: each of the last 11 Thursday night matches at the MCG have gone under the total match points line. Expect a gritty, high-pressure encounter where scoring is earned the hard way.

For a Carlton vs Collingwood match, we wouldn’t expect anything less.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Carlton vs Collingwood Round 6 prediction and preview below.

Carlton Blues vs Collingwood Magpies Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Once upon a time, this would be must-see TV based on ladder positions alone, but today there is beauty in the wayward nature of both squads.

Both teams will arrive at the MCG expecting to win, but the battle in the engine room will decide the four points.

Carlton’s best around the ball are definitely good enough to trouble a vulnerable Magpie midfield that is currently missing several key pillars.

Much was made of Patrick Cripps’ increased time on the bench last week, but it shows Voss and his staff are trying to discover ways to remain strong late in the game, a clear response to their psychological scars from early-season collapses.

For the Blues to win, big Harry McKay needs to front up and dominate the air.

If he can provide a consistent target and the Blues' defence settles with the return of their general, they should have enough class to edge out the old enemy. 

We’re expecting big H to silence those polite and restrained Collingwood fans that we all know and respect!

Head-to-head prediction: Carlton Blues by 5 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Harry McKay is the logical choice for the Blues to open their account in this blockbuster.

With Collingwood’s backline missing the stability of Darcy Moore and now potentially reshuffling again, McKay’s height and leading patterns will be a nightmare to contain early under the lights.

Expect Crippa and his Blues to find Big H early and set the tone for the Carlton faithful.

Betting tip: Harry McKay.

Most Disposals Prediction

This match almost boils down to Daicos vs Sam Walsh. Both are shining lights in otherwise disappointing campaigns, and both are integral distributors in their teams attack.

Both on the ball players and both come into this one with a point to prove.

We’ve got Sam Walsh pipping the AFL’s favourite son Nick Daicos in this one, mainly because of the depleted Pies defence.

But if Daicos can top 35 clean disposals, Collingwood will be hard to beat.

Betting tip: Sam Walsh.

Odds are subject to change.*

Carlton Blues vs Collingwood Magpies Predicted Teams

Carlton Blues Predicted Team List

FB: Harry Dean, Jacob Weitering, Nic Newman

HB: Adam Saad, Mitch McGovern, Oliver Florent

C: Matthew Carroll, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh

HF: Will Hayward, Hudson O’Keeffe, Zac Williams

F: Talor Byrne, Harry McKay, Brodie Kemp

Foll: Marc Pittonet, Jagga Smith, Cooper Lord

I/C: Lachlan Cowan, George Hewett, Elijah Hollands, Ben Ainsworth, Francis Evans

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

FB: Billy Frampton, Charlie Dean, Brayden Maynard

HB: Dan Houston, Jeremy Howe, Harry Perryman

C: Jack Crisp, Nick Daicos, Ed Allan

HF: Lachie Schultz, Jamie Elliott, Beau McCreery

F: Patrick Lipinski, Tim Membrey, Dan McStay

Foll: Darcy Cameron, Angus Anderson, Josh Daicos

I/C: Isaac Quaynor, Wil Parker, Roan Steele, Ned Long, Lachie Sullivan

Note: Collingwood's Jordan De Goey (concussion) and Steele Sidebottom (hip-pointer) are unavailable. Carlton's Nick Haynes and Wade Derksen are expected to make way for returning players.

Carlton Blues vs Collingwood Magpies Match Details

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026

First Bounce: 7:30pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports