Collingwood are sitting at 9th on the ladder and will look to maintain their push for a finals berth when against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

The Magpies claimed a crucial 104-98 victory over Gold Coast at People First Stadium on Saturday, though the story of the night was a half-time melee that saw Brayden Maynard and Touk Miller fined $5,000 apiece for umpire contact.

Nick Daicos continued his stellar season with 31 touches, 12 score involvements and a goal, keeping his Brownlow credentials firmly on track.

Meanwhile, North Melbourne lost its spot in the top 10 after going down 73-52 to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Harry Sheezel starred despite the defeat, finishing with 40 touches, seven marks, nine tackles and a goal, but the bigger concern is George Wardlaw, who didn't finish the game due to a hamstring injury and is awaiting scan results to determine how long he'll be sidelined.

The experience of Collingwood has them looking the goods in the back half of the season as the stakes rise.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Collingwood Magpies vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Round 18 prediction and preview below.

Collingwood Magpies vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Collingwood did what they do on the Gold Coast last week.

They overcame drama and remained professional throughout a hostile and willing contest.

The Suns challenged them, but with Nick Daicos leading the way, the four points travelled back to Melbourne, an important victory as it pursues a Wildcard berth and, in the same breath, makes Gold Coast's life much more painful.

North Melbourne remains a frustration.

At times under the pump against Port in Adelaide, they fought back and took the lead deep into the third term before only managing a single behind in the last, going down without much of a whimper at all.

Social media blames Nick Blakey, and he gets plenty from us too, but the ball lived in the Power's half, meaning none of the Roos forwards did anything without any real supply.

This one looks like a must-win for North. Bizarrely enough, it's a Pies home game at North's home ground. North should take that advantage and win the football game.

But how can you be confident they will?

Head-to-head prediction: Collingwood Magpies by 10 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Tim Membrey has been all over it lately, kicking goals left right and centre - we've got him for first goal scorer here.

The Traralgon junior has found consistent touches inside 50 in recent weeks and looms as a genuine early target for the Magpies against a North defence that has been leaking supply from turnovers all season.

Membrey for the first goal in this one.

Betting tip: Tim Membrey.

Most Disposals Prediction

Nick Daicos, the AFL's favourite son, has been racking up disposals – topping the count for most games he’s involved in, with 37, 35, 41, 37 and 31 in his last five games.

He's averaging the highest disposal count in the league this season and is almost a shoo-in for the Brownlow at this point.

With Collingwood likely to win the territory game in this one, expect Daicos to find plenty of Sherrin.

Betting tip: Nick Daicos.

Collingwood Magpies vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Predicted Teams

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

FB: Liam Puncher, Jeremy Howe, Billy Frampton

HB: Harry Perryman, Josh Daicos, Dan Houston

C: Steele Sidebottom, Ned Long, Patrick Lipinski

HF: Lachlan Schultz, Harvey Harrison, Beau McCreery

FF: Jack Buller, Nick Daicos, Tim Membrey

FOLL: Darcy Cameron, Jack Crisp, Jordan De Goey

I/C: Brayden Maynard, Angus Anderson, Edward Allan, Sam Swadling, Daniel McStay

North Melbourne Kangaroos Predicted Team List

FB: Aidan Corr, Charlie Comben, Luke Parker

HB: Josh Goater, Caleb Daniel, Tom Blamires

C: Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Luke McDonald

HF: Finn O'Sullivan, Cooper Trembath, Jacob Konstanty

FF: Charlie Spargo, Nick Larkey, Jack Darling

FOLL: Tristan Xerri, Zane Duursma, Harry Sheezel

I/C: Cooper Harvey, Colby McKercher, Dylan Stephens, Wil Dawson, Cameron Zurhaar

Collingwood Magpies vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Match Details

Date: Friday, July 10, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:40pm AEST

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports