SUMMARY
This is the biggest clash between Collingwood and West Coast since the Magpies prevailed in a cut-throat semi-final at the MCG in 2012. A victory to the hot Eagles would consolidate their second placing and consign the pressured Pies to four consecutive losses for the first time in 12 years. Collingwood has lost its past three narrowly, and should have won at least two of them, but the time for gallant losses is over for this young but talented combination. However, the prospect of facing West Coast – which has won 10 of its past 11 games – on the fast track at Etihad Stadium is a daunting one.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday July 18, 4.35pm
AEST
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2014, West Coast 19.12 (126) d Collingwood 10.6 (66) at Subiaco Oval
R10, 2014, Collingwood 17.7 (109) d West Coast 15.11 (101) at the MCG
R22, 2013, Collingwood 15.11 (101) d West Coast 5.9 (39) at the MCG
1SF, 2012, Collingwood 10.13 (73) d West Coast 9.6 (60) at the MCG
R22, 2012, West Coast 15.17 (107) d Collingwood 8.10 (58) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Magpies have lost their last three games – by margins of just seven, 10 and three points. They haven’t lost four in a row since 2005.
2. Collingwood has dominated West Coast over the past decade, winning 12 of their 16 contests since 2005. The Eagles haven't won two in a row against the Pies since win in 2002 and 2003.
3. West Coast is ranked No.2 this year for inside 50s, averaging 56.4 a game. The Eagles are also the second-highest scoring team, averaging 108.7 points a game.
4. Collingwood is ranked second this season for marks inside 50 with 13.6 per game; the Eagles have also been impressive, ranked third averaging 13.3.
5. West Coast’s midfield was the difference the last time the sides met – Matt Priddis had 42 disposals, Andrew Gaff 34, and both Sam Butler and Chris Masten had 32 each. The Eagles had 441 possessions to the Magpies' 356.
6. Pies skipper Scott Pendlebury – ranked No. 1 in the Official AFL Player Ratings – has been the highest-scoring player in the AFL over the past month, averaging with 21.6 points a game.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jamie Elliott. The Pies star is one of the game's most exciting players with his spectacular marking ability, combination of aerial and ground skills, power and goalsense, but lately his touch has been slightly off. After netting 27 goals and 12 goal assists in the opening 12 games, the 22-year-old has managed just one goal and one goal assist in the past fortnight. In last week's loss to Port Adelaide he enjoyed a run on the wing, where he gathered most of his 22 disposals. It might well have reignited him.
PREDICTION:West Coast by nine points.
