Roos will play finals: Malthouse

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse says North Melbourne is certain to play AFL finals this season.

The Kangaroos have won four of their last five games, four of which were consecutive before their loss to St. Kilda last Sunday. They are currently 10^th on the ladder.

Collingwood will play North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

Malthouse says that, irrespective of the positions on the ladder, the Magpies are expecting a tough fight against a side he believes will be in the finals this year.

“I’ve had them in the eight before the season started and I still think they’ve got a wonderful chance to be in the eight,” Malthouse said on Thursday.

“I think they’re a terrific side. I look at that side and think, they’re young and aggressive, with a fantastic game structure.

“I admire the coach (Brad Scott) and I admire their club spirit – we’re in for a fight.”

Malthouse said that were it not for a few unlucky decisions this year, the Kangaroos would probably already be in the top eight.

“The win-loss ratio – I think they’ve been very, very stiff in a couple of decisions that may well have gone either way for them,” he said.

Malthouse was highly admiring of North captain Brent Harvey, who he coached in the Australian team against Ireland in 2008 but said Collingwood would have to tackle an all-round talented side.