<p>Kings Birthday footy always brings us Melbourne and Collingwood battling it out, but for the last 11 years, the day has meant so much more than just football.</p> <p>It’s a day we have come to know as Big Freeze Day. It’s a day when the MCG transforms into a sea of blue beanies. As a community, we rally behind Neale Daniher and his fight against MND.&nbsp;</p> <p>As a collective, we wait to see who will be the best slider among the nominated dozen set to go down the slide into the freezing water this year and celebrate the 2025 ‘Australian of the Year’ and his courage.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the footy front, after a truly horrendous start to the year, Melbourne had injected some much-needed life back into their campaign by winning five of their next six matches.&nbsp;</p> <p>Just as Dees fans were starting to trust their team again and get back on the hype train, they squandered a golden opportunity against St Kilda in Alice Springs, kicking 21 behinds and only seven goals, dropping a game they could ill afford to lose to keep a fingertip on their fading finals aspirations.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now at 5-7, they return to the G, and their wiggle room for the remainder of the season gets even tighter when they come face-to-face with a high-flying Collingwood team that can seemingly do no wrong at the moment.&nbsp;</p> <p>At 10-2, they have established themselves as the team to beat in 2025, confirmed by the way they brushed aside Hawthorn with ease on Friday night. Having faced the toughest draw over the first half of the season, the Pies have met and overcome every challenge that has come their way.&nbsp;</p> <p>They can pull further ahead over the next month, starting with the Demons here on King's Birthday.&nbsp;</p> <p>At the selection table, Melbourne’s wait to reintroduce Jack Viney to the team stretches on after the midfielder underwent surgery for a broken hand. Mature-age recruit Aidan Johnson will miss the next two games due to suspension, opening the door for either Jacob van Rooyen or Matt Jefferson to reclaim his spot in the ones.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Pies will need to make two forced changes, with Pat Lipinski (concussion) and Lachie Schultz (hamstring) becoming casualties from the win over the Hawks. Collingwood coach Craig McRae hinted at some big changes, pointing to the possible inclusion of big men Mason Cox and Dan McStay. Or is this finally the week Pies fans get to see Charlie West make his debut?&nbsp;</p> <p>Veteran Premiership midfielder Tom Mitchell is also making his case after getting through another game in the twos on the comeback trail, but he might not reclaim his spot given the brilliance of Ned Long so far this year.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Demons vs Pies prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs Collingwood Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B:&nbsp; Jake Bowey, Steven May, Christian Salem</p> <p>HB: Caleb Windsor, Jake Lever, Xavier Lindsay</p> <p>C: Kade Chandler, Trent Rivers, Ed Langdon</p> <p>HF: Harvey Langford, Bayley Fritsch, Christian Petracca</p> <p>F: Jake Melksham, Harrison Petty, Kysaiah Pickett</p> <p>Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Tom Sparrow</p> <p>Int: Matt Jefferson, Daniel Turner, Judd McVee, Harry Sharp, Bailey Laurie</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Collingwood Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor</p> <p>HB: Jeremy Howe, Billy Frampton, Dan Houston</p> <p>C: Josh Daicos, Ned Long, Jack Crisp</p> <p>HF: Jamie Elliott, Dan McStay, Steele Sidebottom</p> <p>F: Tim Membrey, Brody Mihocek, Bobby Hill</p> <p>Foll: Darcy Cameron, Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury</p> <p>Int: Ed Allan, Mason Cox, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Beau McCreery, Harry Perryman</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs Collingwood Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Collingwood has absolutely dominated this fixture recently, winning 12 of the past 12 head-to-head battles against the Dees.</p> <p>As things stand, it’s almost impossible to go against Collingwood. They’re the best team both defensively and offensively, playing with the aggression and ingenuity that other teams dream of.</p> <p>And when they get their shots at goal, more often than not, they bury them too. Hello Dees. Take note here.</p> <p>The Dees would probably like the sound of there being wet weather forecasted and the hope that that would even things up for them.</p> <p>The Dees will once again need to rely on their stars Max Gawn and Kysaiah Pickett - the pair who have been carrying a heavy load for the Demons this year. They will also need their defence to be on top against an even Collingwood forward line.</p> <p>Then there is the question of who does new tagger Clayton Oliver goes to. Which Daicos will he go stand next to and bother all day?&nbsp;</p> <p>We expect this to become 11 wins out of 13 matches for Collingwood once this is all said and done.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-collingwood-9248651">Magpies</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Bobby Hill is more than just a human highlight reel. He’s one of the best small forwards in the game that has built a reputation for saving his best for the biggest stage.</p> <p>With 16 goals from 10 games this year, he reaches his 100th AFL game this week. We’re backing him to mark the occasion to draw first blood in the match.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-collingwood-9248651">Bobby Hill</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>We’re tipping a good news story here.</p> <p>Last year, Christian Petracca’s Kings' Birthday turned into a nightmare that almost cost him his career.</p> <p>This year, he’s back, playing good footy and itching to make an impact on the day to deliver a big win for his team.</p> <p>We’re backing him for most disposals and to be crowned best on ground.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-collingwood-9248651">Christian Petracca 30 disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Demons vs Collingwood Magpies Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Monday, June 9th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>3:20 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>