The richest rivalries are the lifeblood of an AFL season. They are born naturally, set hearts racing and get blood boiling. A shared history of fiery clashes, tight and contentious finishes, or simply close proximity, give a game soul even when there is little at stake beyond pride and bragging rights. They tend to be at their best when a deep and long-running feud comes together in a finals series.
Adelaide and Collingwood have had a fresh rivalry brewing for years. A pair of large and fervent fanbases used to turning their home stadiums into a one-eyed cauldron of noise already have their fair share of historical and heated opponents. But as the temperature has soared in recent contests between the two teams, another arch-rival is ready to be added to each of their lists of nemeses.
