INJURY-HIT Collingwood will be aiming to extend its unbeaten run when it meets the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

The Magpies (6-3-2) could not quite hold off Fremantle when again hit hard by injury in their second draw of the season.

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Unbeaten in their past eight games, the Pies are doing well to stay inside the top eight despite the lack of personnel, but the tipping point could come at some stage especially with their forward line increasingly undermanned.

The Bulldogs (5-6) did almost all they could against ladder-leader Sydney with several key players sidelined during the brave defeat. 

They will have no excuses against a Magpies outfit that has an even longer injury list, especially with last year's grand finalist Brisbane and then Fremantle to come next.

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Match Previews R12: Collingwood v Western Bulldogs

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Kane Cornes preview the game between the Magpies and Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium

Published on May 31, 2024

Collingwood v Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, 7.40pm AEST

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SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Wil Parker
Western Bulldogs: Lachie McNeil

Collingwood has been forced into five changes for the match, with Jeremy Howe, Ash Johnson, Jack Bytel, Fin Macrae and Oleg Markov coming into the side. Scott Pendlebury, Mason Cox, Brody Mihocek and Joe Richards will all miss through injury, while Ed Allen has been omitted.

The Bulldogs have named tall forward Rory Lobb as one of three changes for the match, with James O'Donnell and Lachie McNeil also coming into the side. Injured trio Aaron Naughton, Ed Richards and Anthony Scott will miss.