Contested ball the key for Magpies: Harvey

COLLINGWOOD assistant coach Robert Harvey says the Magpies are focused on winning the contested ball in tonight's qualifying final against Hawthorn.

Robert Harvey

COLLINGWOOD assistant coach Robert Harvey says the Magpies are focused on winning the contested ball in tonight's qualifying final against Hawthorn.

Harvey said Hawthorn - which beat defeated Collingwood by 47 points in Round 17 - was "clearly the best team all year".

"Last time we played them they beat us at the contest, and that's what we pride ourselves on," Harvey said.

"We're starting there and working back from there.

"Going into a big finals series like this, our boys are experienced in that situation. We're really confident they can give a great contest.

"If we get our structure right on the outside of that contest, we feel like we're going to compete really well ...

"Players have found a bit of form, I think we go in really confident that we'll get a great contest."

Harvey said the performance of Travis Cloke and Lance Franklin would be "the icing on the cake" for one side.

He insisted Cloke wasn't expected to back up last week's five-goal haul with another match-winning performance.

"I think the pressure's on the team to perform in a big game," he said.