Magpies go big in battle with Blues

COLLINGWOOD look set to redeploy Mason Cox and Ben Reid in a twin-tower forward set-up in the Magpies’ must-win clash against Carlton on Saturday.

Both clubs are looking for their first win and the Blues have had the upper hand on the Magpies, winning two of their past three matches.

Collingwood have lost Darcy Moore (hamstring) and Tim Broomhead (broken leg) from the attack that pushed Greater Western Sydney last weekend.

Moore’s three-to-four-week absence opens up a spot at fullforward for Reid, although the swingman will have to prove his fitness on the training track this week. Reid was a late withdrawal on Saturday with a hip problem.

Cox’s return may also help relieve captain Scott Pendlebury from ruck duties.

Lynden Dunn, Jeremy Howe and Matthew Scharenberg will anchor a mobile-looking defence against Blues big men Levi Casboult and Charlie Curnow.

Mature-age VFL pick-up Brody Mihocek and Sam McLarty are on standby if coach Nathan Buckley wants a taller defensive set-up.