The most anticipated fixture of round 12 has had an extra layer of excitement added to it, with Collingwood welcoming back at least five premiership stars for their game against Hawthorn.
The first-placed Pies, who have been able to rotate a comparably healthy squad while still sitting two points clear of premiers Brisbane, take on the sixth -placed Hawks who will look to arrest a two-game losing streak.
Coach Craig McRae confirmed on Tuesday that Steele Sidebottom (managed), Scott Pendlebury (illness), Darcy Moore (shoulder), Bobby Hill (personal) and Lachie Schultz (concussion) will all be included for Friday night’s blockbuster against Hawthorn.
"All good to go. And we're excited for that," McRae told reporters three days after the Pies 45-point win over the hapless Kangaroos.
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"We stand here with a great performance on the weekend through guys coming in, doing the job."
In further good news for the Pies, McRae also confirmed star defender Brayden Maynard may miss just one game after being subbed out in the victory over North Melbourne.
Even with such an extended squad getting the business done nearly every week, it’s Collingwood’s veterans that have ensured the club enters the bye rounds firmly on top of the ladder.
Scott Pendlebury is enjoying winding back the clock for the club he’s played 412 games for since 2006, averaging 23.11 disposals in 2025, his best return in the past three seasons.
Steele Sidebottom is also in rare form, with the veteran recording 23.5 possessions a game, his best since 2021.
With 1148 games between them, the quintet of 2018 premiership heroes will ensure Hawthorn have an even bigger hill to climb as they look to sneak back into the top four.