Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons, Round 13 2026 - Tight one in store as Big Freeze hits MCG
In the much-anticipated King's Birthday clash at the MCG, Collingwood Magpies take on the Melbourne Demons in AFL Round 13, 2026. Collingwood carries a strong recent record with five straight wins over Melbourne, excelling in high-pressure close finishes. Melbourne, aggressive in attack, faces challenges in efficiency but remains a scoring threat. Both teams are set to honour the late Neale Daniher, adding to the significance. Expert predictions favour Collingwood by a narrow 1-15 point margin, with a low-scoring, finals-like intensity expected.
- The game will be played at MCG on Monday, 8th June, with the bounce at 3:15 PM (AEST)
- Who will take out the Big Freeze at the G?
- Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bet
Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons, Round 13 2026 - Expert Prediction
- Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons, Round 13 2026 - Expert Prediction
- Head to Head Stats
- Collingwood Magpies Form Analysis
- Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
- Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons Team List & News
- Collingwood Magpies Team News
- Melbourne Demons Team News
- Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons AFL 2026 Round 13 FAQ’s
The Big Freeze hits the MCG on King's Birthday and it will be an occasion to remember, with both sides set to pay tribute to the former Melbourne coach and MND campaigner, Neale Daniher, following his passing.
This will be a tough match and a real old-school pressure cooker, and the early head-to-head betting suggests so with both sides posted at $1.90.
There is very little separating these sides on exposed form. Melbourne sit above Collingwood on the ladder and have been one of the more productive attacking teams in the competition, ranking fifth for scoring and fourth for inside 50s this season. But the Magpies have built their game around pressure, contest and defence, particularly at the MCG where they generally make life difficult for opposition forwards.
The Demons should bounce back strongly from their disappointing showing in Alice Springs. While the scoreboard painted an ugly picture, they still generated 62 inside 50s and more scoring shots than GWS. Their issue was efficiency going forward and connection between midfield and attack rather than an inability to create opportunities.
That creates an intriguing battle against Collingwood. The Magpies are one of the better pressure sides in the competition and continue to find ways to keep games on their terms even when they are not at their best. Their ability to defend territory and generate repeat pressure acts inside forward 50 should ensure Melbourne do not enjoy easy ball movement through the corridor.
The Demons have enough midfield quality to challenge around the stoppages through Max Gawn, Jack Steele, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, while Kozzie Pickett remains their most dangerous attacking weapon. Pickett has kicked 2+ goals in each of his past four matches against Collingwood and looks capable of extending that record in a game that should suit his pressure and creativity around goal.
Collingwood's strength lies in their ability to stay in contests and close games out. They have been involved in a host of tight finishes this season and five of the past seven matches between these sides have been decided by seven points or less. The Magpies have also won the past five meetings and have repeatedly found a way to execute in the key moments against Melbourne.
Jordan De Goey is building into some excellent form and looms as a key factor. He is averaging 28.5 disposals over the past four rounds and continues to spend more time through the midfield. Against a Melbourne side that will focus heavily on Nick Daicos, De Goey shapes as a strong chance to collect 25+ disposals and have a major influence around stoppages.
The total points market is also appealing. Both sides are likely to prioritise territory, pressure and contest, while the occasion itself often lends itself to a finals-like intensity. Melbourne's ability to generate inside 50s should keep them in the game, but Collingwood's defensive structure at the MCG can limit the quality of those opportunities.
This shapes as one of the hardest games of the round to split. Melbourne have the talent to respond, while Collingwood have the home-ground advantage, the superior recent record in the matchup and a proven ability to win close games.
Expect another thriller, with the margin staying well inside 15.5 points and the total points finishing under.
Collingwood by 1-15.
- Five of the past seven matches between the two sides have been decided by seven points or less.
- Collingwood have won the past five against Melbourne.
- Kozzie Pickett has kicked 2+ goals in each of his past four matches against Collingwood.
- Jordan De Goey is averaging 28.5 disposals in the past four rounds and has had 25+ in two of his past three against Melbourne.
Head to Head Stats
Collingwood have won the past five against Melbourne, including the corresponding match last season by a point, before getting up by six in Round 24. Five of the past seven matches between the two sides have been decided by seven points or less.
Standout player performances in the recent head to heads have come from:
- Jordan De Goey (Pies) – 25+ disposals in two of his past three matches against Melbourne.
- Christian Salem (Dees) – 25+ disposals in two of his past three.
- Bayley Fritsch (Dees) – three goals in each of his past two games against the Pies.
- Kozzie Pickett (Dees) – 2+ goals in his past four against Collingwood.
Collingwood Magpies Form Analysis
Collingwood come in with a 5-6-1 win/loss/draw record. Since splitting their Round 8 fixture against Hawthorn at 93 apiece, they have lost three of four with their only win in that period a 10-point margin against West Coast.
Last weekend they left their run too late at Marvel Stadium when going down to the Bulldogs by four points. That came despite the work of Nick Daicos (37 disposals and a goal), Scott Pendlebury (33 disposals) and Jordan De Goey (30 disposals and one goal).
There were encouraging signs late in that match, with Collingwood winning clearances and controlling territory in the final quarter. Their pressure game remains one of the strongest in the competition and they continue to generate scores from forward-half turnovers.
With some injury carnage a fortnight ago when losing Jamie Elliott and Darcy Moore, Tim Membrey and Lachie Schultz chimed in with five goals between them, but the question remains about the Magpies' depth and their reliance on the big names such as Daicos. He has had 30+ disposals in all but two matches this season and had 29 and 28 in those. De Goey is averaging 28.5 disposals in the past four rounds.
Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
Melbourne remain firmly in the finals mix with a 7-5 record despite dropping their past two matches, with those coming against the Western Bulldogs in Round 11 by three points before going down to GWS by 49 in Alice Springs last weekend.
That was their biggest loss of the season but the margin did not quite reflect the closeness of the match, with the Demons leading the inside 50 count 62-46 while also generating more scoring shots in the 9.16 (70) to 19.5 (119) scoreline.
The Demons rank fifth in the AFL for scoring and fourth for inside 50s this season, highlighting their ability to create opportunities. Their challenge has been maximising those chances when games tighten up.
Brody Mihocek returned to the side with three goals, while Max Gawn and Jack Steele were other major contributors. Steele has had 25+ disposals in three of his past four matches, while Gawn continues to be a force in the ruck.
Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons Team List & News
To be updated after team selection on Thursday.
Collingwood Magpies Team News
Dan McStay suffered a facial injury in the narrow loss to the Bulldogs but is expected to be okay. Harry Perryman is edging closer to a return from a hamstring injury, while Jack Buller will be considered after booting three goals in the VFL.
Melbourne Demons Team News
Harrison Petty injured his foot in the loss to GWS and will be assessed during the week. Changkuoth Jiath was managed and will be available. Jake Lever and Aidan Johnson may be available to return, pending clearances at training during the week.
Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons AFL 2026 Round 13 FAQ’s
How to watch Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons AFL 2026 Round 13?
You can watch the Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons AFL 2026 Round 13 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.
How to buy tickets to Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons AFL 2026 Round 13?
To buy tickets to the Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons AFL 2026 Round 13 game check the AFL website or the official Collingwood Magpies site.
Verdict
Total Points Under in a close match on Kings Birthday
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