THE WORD ‘blockbuster’ is saved for occasions like this.

On Friday night, the second placed Demons will host the third placed Magpies in a match that will have massive bearings on the 2022 AFL ladder.

While few predicted Collingwood to be in premiership contention this season, it has proven to be the in-form team of the competition, and arguably the biggest challenge Melbourne will face.

Coming off 10 consecutive victories, the Magpies have discovered a will to win, getting the job done in seven matches by under seven points.

The Dees are yet to play in a single-figure margin game this season, most recently upsetting Fremantle on the road by 46 points to make it four wins from their past six outings.

But if Melbourne is to retain a top-two spot in the league, it will need to bounce back from its 26-point Queen’s Birthday loss to the Pies eight weeks ago.

The black and white actually holds a favourable record against the Demons in recent years, winning six of the last seven encounters.

Since 2017, when the two sides have met at the MCG, they have played in front of an average crowd of 64,621 people, with another hostile environment expected for the Dees’ home game in Round 21.

Spectators are encouraged to attend the match and support the club's charity partner, The Reach Foundation, by donating $11 to 'Be Like Jim'.

To book your spot at the ’G for this match click the link below.