Adelaide has usurped Collingwood atop the ladder in recent weeks, riding a seven-match winning streak, and claiming 10 of their last 11 matches, since they last faced the Magpies in Round 10.
Conversely, Collingwood have lost four of their last five matches in alarming fashion, sliding back to the peloton, after being 10 points clear atop the ladder at the conclusion of Round 16.
Craig McRae's men are staring down the barrel of an all-time pre-finals fadeout, with letting the coveted finals double chance slip a very real possibility, should they fail to right the ship against a side whose measure they've had for seven years.
The Magpies have an excellent record over the Crows, and at Adelaide Oval, and will be invoking such history in the lead up to the clash. The last time the Pies failed to beat the Crows was the infamous 2017 draw, and the Pies are a perfect 10 wins from 10 matches since, including six wins from six matches at the Adelaide Oval.
Collingwood will also take solace from a league-best winning percentage at the venue, winning 71 per cent of their matches at the ground, while also being the only side yet to concede 100 points in a match at the picturesque stadium - a quirk in serious danger against Matthew Nicks' high-octane offence.
The recent rivalry is characterised by controversial and close results - five of those 10 straight wins have been single-digit margins for the Pies, and the most recent clash was also under a two-goal margin.
Individual excellence is also a feature of recent meetings, begging the question: Who is primed to influence Saturday night's blockbuster affair?
2Jordan de Goey
When the lights are brightest and the stakes are highest, Jordan de Goey simply excels. His CV is littered with memorable, game-shaping performances in finals and blockbusters, and with two weeks of AFL exposure under his belt following a long injury layoff, de Goey could detonate on Saturday night.
Collingwood's midfield has been taught footballing lessons over the course of their recent dip, but the power and unpredictability of de Goey changes the complexion of the Pies' engine room entirely when he's at his best.
De Goey made a name for himself playing the role Dawson now excels in, as a goalkicking midfielder with more than competent forward craft. He will need to match Dawson's output, if not outdo it, for the Pies to defy bookmakers and conventional wisdom when the two sides face.
