With the top eight all set in the AFL, all eyes will turn to this Thursday night’s blockbuster first qualifying final at the MCG.
For two local lads, it will pit mate against mate when Collingwood play Melbourne in a final for the first time since 1989.
Will Martin and Lachie Marshall have attended three games live, with Collingwood supporter Will taking the honours so far three wins to nil.
Although Melbourne will be hoping to replicate their King’s Birthday weekend upset against the Pies, to give Lachie his first win against Will.
Wil’s preparing to brave enemy territory, with the pair to watch the game live at the Marshalls’ house.
When asked who will win, of course Will said “Collingwood”.
“And although I’m at the Marshalls’ I will have no remorse. None,” he said firmly.
He believes Collingwood’s fast paced pressure may get them over the line.
“I hope (Jamie) Elliott also bags a few.”
Both teams have similarities with record memberships, the Dees with more than 70,000 and the Pies at 101,954 and counting.
They are also both represented among the All Australian honours and both have injuries to juggle to big name players.
Fox Sports commentator Leigh Montagna predicts the game as “premiership defining” on foxsports.com.au.
The Demons have been labelled the most in form team over the last eight weeks, along with Carlton.
But they are in the fourth placed “death seat” where, since 2000, no club has ever won a premiership from.
“They’re in the death seat, they’re going to have to defy history and try and win (the flag) from fourth,” he said.
The result will be significant either way for the premiership hopes.
Lachlan believes the game will be a “battle of the defence and who holds up the best”.
“It will be good to watch the game with Will. We tried to get tickets but missed out.
“I think Jack (Lord Viney) and Trac (Christian Petracca) will both be very influential and can both turn the contest in the blink of an eye,” he said.
“I hope we can turn the tables on Thursday night.
“What ever the case, Will and I have forged a tradition to follow for many years to come.”
Both teams will be legitimate premiership contenders and have lots of big names who will need to pull out all stops to get them across the line.
The Collingwood vs Melbourne game will begin at 7.20pm Thursday.