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The two matchups set to shape “physical and combative” Collingwood-Hawthorn clash

“You’ve got to be ready for anything.”

Published by
Mitch Keating

Hard-nosed Magpie Brayden Maynard could be the central figure in a "physical and combative" clash between Collingwood and Hawthorn to close Gather Round.

The Magpies will come up against premiership teammate Jack Ginnivan for the first time since his shock trade to the Hawks, with the energetic goalsneak likely to go head-to-head with Maynard on Sunday.

While the Magpies will weigh up their final matchups 24 hours out from the clash, Maynard is expected to do his best to get under Ginnivan's skin one way or another.

Captain Darcy Moore said the Collingwood backline brigade is excited by "a bit of fun" when Ginnivan lines up for his fourth game as a Hawk.

"We haven't decided yet, we've got some meetings this afternoon where we might throw that around," Moore said of the likely Ginnivan matchup.

"[Maynard] is certainly an option, 'Bruzzy' has been the one who's started us off this season and his appetite for the contest has set the standard for a lot of us.

"I'm sure he's going to bring that tomorrow as well.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Brayden Maynard of the Magpies and Jack Viney of the Demons clash during the 2023 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 07, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"I'm excited to play against Jack for the first time. It's gonna be a bit of fun. He's obviously a premiership teammate and will be forever so there's always that special bond.

"We'll thoroughly enjoy playing against him in the brown and gold."

While the Magpies will do their best to ruffle the Hawks' feathers, Hawthorn's own captain is ready tp fly the flag at Adelaide Oval.

The All-Australian defender might find himself at the other end of the field if push does come to shove between Ginnivan and his old friends.

"You've got to be ready for anything," Sicily said.

"If there's some push and shove, which there probably may be with Maynard given the way he likes to play. Physical and combative."

The Hawks skipper has been rapt with Ginnivan's arrival since seeking a move to Waverley, with the Magpie-turned-Hawk catching the eye of his new teammates with his training standards.

Without small forward pairing Luke Breust and Nick Watson through injury, the Hawks' reliance on Ginnivan has only grown over the course of the week.

"To be honest I was quite surprised with how hard-working he was," Sicily added.

"He's someone that's really surprised with how hard he works and he really enjoys footy. He has a real high-level IQ when it comes to the game."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Jack Ginnivan of the Hawks celebrates a goal with teammates during the 2024 AFL Round 01 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 16, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ginnvian might not be the only premiership Magpie who gets some extra attention this weekend, with superstar Nick Daicos likely to gain another tag from Hawks stopper Finn Maginness.

Maginness kept Daicos to five disposals in 60% time on ground when the two sides met last year in what was a frustrating afternoon for the Collingwood young gun.

While teammates looked to step in and add some heat, the Hawks had the last laugh last August.

With the pair likely going head-to-head on Sunday, the Magpies will be ready to counter Maginness' knack for shutting down his direct opponent.

"It was obviously something that happened a lot last year to Nick, he got a lot of attention from the opposition - particularly against Hawthorn last year," Moore said.

"He's a super competitive and mature young player and he'll be ready for that and ready for the challenge.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 5: Nick Daicos of the Magpies and Finn Maginness of the Hawks are seen during the 2023 AFL Round 21 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 5, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"When you play for our team you're never alone out there. We're ready to have his back."

2024-04-07T07:10:00Z
Adelaide Oval
COLL
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FT
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Published by
Mitch Keating