SUMMARY
If either team is to figure in this year’s finals series, this is simply a must-win encounter against a similarly placed opponent. The Magpies, who are a game clear of the Bulldogs, deserve their favouritism given they have been far more consistent and boast greater depth of quality and experience. The Pies, who have won five of their past seven games, also appear to have at their disposal more potential match-winners, including emerging star Jordan de Goey, who in his past three outings has kicked bags of six and five goals. A Collingwood win would break a five-game hoodoo against the Bulldogs. The Dogs, meanwhile, will be sore after their comprehensive loss to Adelaide in a highly-contested, bruising encounter in heavy conditions at Adelaide Oval. The Dogs will hope they can provide more support for star midfielder Jack Macrae, who over the past three weeks has averaged 40 possessions (23 contested) and 11 clearances.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday May 25, 7.50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2017, Western Bulldogs 15.10 (100) d Collingwood 12.14 (86) at the MCG
R21, 2016, Western Bulldogs 14.11 (95) d Collingwood 14.8 (92) at Etihad Stadium
R10, 2016, Western Bulldogs 11.8 (74) d Collingwood 7.11 (53) at the MCG
R17, 2015, Western Bulldogs 15.14 (104) d Collingwood 13.8 (86) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2014, Western Bulldogs 16.10 (106) d Collingwood 15.8 (98) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Bulldogs have dominated the Magpies recently, winning their past five games by an average of 13 points. Collingwood last defeated the Dogs in round 12, 2013.
2. In their most recent clash in round one last year, Collingwood had 39 more disposals, took more marks, doubled the Dogs in hit-outs, had one more scoring shot and 17 more inside 50s, but trailed at every change as the Dogs posted a 14-point win.
3. Collingwood has scored more heavily than the Bulldogs this year, averaging 87 points a game and tallying 100 points on five occasions. In contrast, the Bulldogs are averaging 72 points and have reached three figures just twice.
4. It will be a contest between the AFL’s two highest disposal teams – Collingwood is ranked first with 411.3 a game (the only side to average more than 400) and the Bulldogs are second with 391.8.
5. The Pies lead the competition in uncontested possessions and are fifth in contested possessions, while the Bulldogs are 12th and third respectively.
6. Third-year Magpie Tom Phillips continues to make rapid progress in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. After being ranked No.614 at the end of 2016, and No.318 at the end of last year, he has climbed to No.138.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Ed Richards. The Bulldogs’ No.16 pick last year will play his first game against Collingwood – the club he supported as a boy after multiple generations of his family (Richards and Pannam) represented the Magpies with distinction. The flame-haired left-footer, 18, has played the past eight games and has looked at home across half-back.
PREDICTION: Collingwood by 19 points
