Collingwood vs Carlton: Team News, Injuries, and Blockbuster Preview
- Carlton and Collingwood are set to face each other in a Round 6 blockbuster at the MCG on April 16, 2026, with both sides navigating significant roster changes...
- The Magpies will be without Darcy Moore, who remains sidelined, and Jordan De Goey, who is out with a concussion.
- Despite the losses to key personnel, Collingwood has announced two inclusions for the Carlton game, specifically a midfielder and a forward.
Carlton and Collingwood are set to face each other in a Round 6 blockbuster at the MCG on April 16, 2026, with both sides navigating significant roster changes and injury concerns ahead of the clash.
Collingwood enters the contest with a depleted squad. The Magpies will be without Darcy Moore, who remains sidelined, and Jordan De Goey, who is out with a concussion. Steele Sidebottom has been ruled out after sustaining a hip pointer injury during a match against Fremantle.
Collingwood Team Updates
Despite the losses to key personnel, Collingwood has announced two inclusions for the Carlton game, specifically a midfielder and a forward. The club has named veteran Tom Mitchell and debutant Roan Steele in the lineup.
However, Norm Smith Medal winner Bobby Hill remains unavailable for the match due to personal reasons. With the team struggling in the front half, there has been speculation regarding the inclusion of Lachie Sullivan in a mid-forward role, as well as potential opportunities for young forwards Jack Buller and Charlie West.
Carlton Roster Changes
Carlton coach Michael Voss has implemented six changes to the Blues’ lineup following a heavy loss to Port Adelaide. This includes dropping four players, with Alex Cincotta and Jordan Boyd among those omitted.
The Blues are recalling Marc Pittonet to the side. While they still miss injured players Adam Saad and Jack Silvagni, Carlton’s defensive stocks are expected to improve. Jacob Weitering and Harry Dean have both exited concussion protocols and are expected to be available for selection.
Further potential returns for Carlton include Will Hayward, who was serving a suspension, and Cooper Lord, who has been dealing with illness.
Match Context and Outlook
The rivalry between the two clubs remains a central theme of the build-up, with coaches Voss and Craig McRae acknowledging the intensity of the fixture. Mason Cox has also highlighted the pressure faced by young stars in the current spotlight, comparing the experience of Harley Reid to that of Jack Ginnivan during Ginnivan’s tenure at Collingwood.
The game is scheduled for 7:30 pm AEDT on April 16, 2026. According to Pointsbet odds, the Magpies are favorites at $1.48, while the Blues are listed at $2.60. ESPN has provided a tip for a Collingwood victory by 11 points.
Wider AFL Round 6 Developments
Other notable developments across the league for Round 6 include:
- Geelong will face the Western Bulldogs on April 17, 2026, at GMHBA Stadium. Chris Scott has indicated that Patrick Dangerfield is
very likely
to play in the match, which also marks Mark Blicavs’ 300-game milestone. - The Western Bulldogs are managing several injury concerns, with Ed Richards (ankle), Aaron Naughton (hand), and Connor Budarick (hamstring) all under clouds.
- In other team news, Hawthorn has regained captain James Sicily after a three-match absence due to a hip problem, and James Worpel has also returned.
- Port Adelaide will see the return of Jack Lukosius after three months, joining Ollie Wines for a trip to the Gabba to face Brisbane.
- Brisbane has opted to keep ruckman Oscar McInerney in the VFL in favor of Darcy Fort.
- Greater Western Sydney will be without Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan, who is sidelined with a foot injury for the trip to face the Eagles.