Early date for grudge

Round 2 showdown for Mick

that the league has agreed to a request for an early THE much- anticipated pairing of the traditional f i r s t m e e t i n g o f rivals to make the most out Collingwood and Carlton of the Malthouse appointsince the Blues appointed ment. coach Mick Malthouse has Malthouse led Collingbeen locked in for Round 2 wood to the 2010 premiernext year. ship, but only after he

With tensions still simsigned a deal a year earlier mering between the two t h a t a l l o w e d for a c l u b s , a n d b e t w e e n transferral of power — with Malthouse and the MagNathan Buckley to take pies, whom he coached for over as senior coach for the 12 seasons, there is certain 2012 season. to be a massive build-up to The veteran coach opted the MCG clash. not to take on an agreed

While the AFL said yesrole as director of coaching terday it would not comto Buckley after his final ment on specific matches game as coach last year, ahead of the release of the with tensions between 2013 fixture before the end M a l t h o u s e a n d t h e of this month, it is known Magpies’ hierarchy playing a role in the decision.

Malthouse spent this year working in the media, but last month he signed on to become Carlton’s coach after Brett Ratten was sacked.

He incurred the ire of some at Collingwood when, while announcing his appointment as Blues coach, he made a very public play for the out- of- contract Travis Cloke.

The key forward rejected the advances and ended up signing a new deal to stay with the Magpies.

Carlton defeated Collingwood twice this season, which is certain to fuel even more emotions when the clubs meet again in Round 2.