<p>Collingwood knows they'll be playing in September—it’s just a question of where they start on the grid.</p> <p>In a way, and through no real fault of their own, how they enter and then emerge from Friday night’s clash with Melbourne is out of their hands.</p> <p>So, what can they do? Win. Bank the four points—something they’ve only managed once in the past six weeks. A win would lift them to third, and from there, it’s a waiting game. A healthy percentage boost could lock in a top-four finish, which would see them hit the road in week one of the finals. But if they drop to fifth, they’ll at least stay at home and host a final at the MCG.</p> <p>They didn’t quite get the result against the Crows, but there were signs of the old Collingwood. The forward handball chains were back, the pressure around the contest returned, and when the game was on the line, the Pies lifted—almost pulling off another classic under Craig McRae.</p> <p>How much belief do they take from that? And how much does rediscovering a bit of their identity help as they face a Melbourne side that got smacked by the Hawks last weekend and looks like it’s counting down the days until they can put this season behind them?</p> <p>The Pies will likely be without livewire Bobby Hill again, which could cast some doubt over his chances of featuring in September. But veteran defender Jeremy Howe is expected to return after recovering from concussion.</p> <p>As for the Dees, there’s a chance they give some of the younger players a run in what will be their last AFL hitout of 2025, especially with Casey heading into VFL finals. So keep an eye on team selection—there could be a few surprises.</p> <p>Xavier Lindsay is out with a hamstring injury and will be shut down for the rest of the year.</p> <p>For the latest team updates, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our full Pies vs Dees preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Melbourne Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Collingwood Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, Wil Parker</p> <p>HB: Dan Houston, Billy Frampton, Jeremy Howe</p> <p>C: Josh Daicos, Ned Long, Steele Sidebottom</p> <p>HF: Jordan De Goey, Dan McStay, Lachie Schultz</p> <p>F: Jamie Elliott, Brody Mihocek, Tim Membrey</p> <p>Foll: Darcy Cameron, Scott Pendlebury, Nick Daicos</p> <p>Int: Beau McCreery, Isaac Quaynor, Harry Perryman, Pat Lipinski, Ed Allan</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Trent Rivers, Steven May, Tom McDonald</p> <p>HB: Judd McVee, Daniel Turner, Christian Salem&nbsp;</p> <p>C: Jai Culley, Christian Petracca, Harvey Langford</p> <p>HF: Kysaiah Pickett, Bayley Fritsch, Kade Chandler</p> <p>F: Tom Sparrow, Jacob Van Rooyen, Jake Melksham</p> <p>Foll: Max Gawn, Jack Viney, Clayton Oliver</p> <p>Int: Jake Bowey, Harrison Petty, Harry Sharp, Blake Howes, Ed Langdon</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Melbourne Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Collingwood has won seven of the past eight games head-to-head against the Demons. On current form, that looks like it will stretch further and become eight of the past nine.&nbsp;</p> <p>Much like this corresponding game last season, how much will the Pies feed Nick Daicos to ensure he gets the three votes to finish near the top of the pops come <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl-brownlow-medal">Brownlow Medal</a> night?</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-melbourne-9504808">Pies</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Tim Membrey would be itching to add to his two AFL Finals appearances. It’s why he came over to Collingwood in the first place once St Kilda discarded him.&nbsp;</p> <p>With some questions around how Collingwood will setup the forward line, Membrey will want to make sure he isn’t the expendable one. We’re backing him to get the first here as part of a bag.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-melbourne-9504808">Tim Membrey</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>We said last week, that whoever was best on ground last week between Dawson and Nick Daicos would likely walk away with the Brownlow Medal.</p> <p>Nick got more of the ball, but the Crows won the game. We think his teammates might look after him here. We’re backing him to top the disposal charts.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-melbourne-9504808">Nick Daicos 35+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, August 22, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:10 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>