Collingwood heads to the Gabba with a 2-5 record for 2016. The 14th-placed Magpies suffered their fourth loss in five games after losing to arch rival Carlton by 15 points at the MCG last Saturday, handing them their worst start to a season since 2005.
West Australian Alex Fasolo, however, has been a standout for the Pies as a focal point in attack. He kicked 4 goals against Carlton – averaging 16.2 disposals (another career-high) and 4.0 marks per game.
The 23-year-old is in equal eighth place in the Coleman Medal race with 18 goals in seven rounds of football.
Collingwood was led well by Captain Scott Pendlebury (34 disposals) against the Blues, along with star midfielder Steele Sidebottom (29) but lacked contributors across the board.
Former Demon Jeremy Howe (22) impressed in the first half across half-forward line in his best game for the club.
Injury Watch
The Pies may regain Geelong premiership player Travis Varcoe (hamstring) and despite withdrawing from the VFL last weekend (back), Travis Cloke could return to face the Lions on Saturday night.
Director of Football Neil Balme sighted a minor back injury as the reason behind the key forward’s absence.
“He was a bit sore during the week and it was treated and he came up fairly well for the weekend,” Balme explained.
“Before the game he felt a fair bit of pain in his back and also the fact that he couldn’t really feel his leg as well as he should.
“It was a bit of a risk to play.”
Ben Reid is likely to retain his place in Collingwood’s side after scans revealed an injury to his AC joint isn’t as bad as first expected.
“He’s got a reasonable chance of playing this week. We’ll have to see how he goes and he’ll be tested later on in the week,” said Balme.
Corey Gault and Ben Sinclair (concussion) are also likely to return.
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