SUMMARY
It wasn't long ago that this clash loomed as a percentage-boosting opportunity for the Bulldogs, and that might still eventuate given Collingwood's inconsistency this season. However, the Pies appear to have regained their mojo over the past fortnight in posting impressive victories over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba and Geelong. A clash with the fifth-placed Dogs will provide perhaps the truest indication of Collingwood's standing. The Dogs will be hell-bent on ensuring they don't suffer successive losses for the first time this season, after going down to the ultra-impressive Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium. The Pies will need to maintain their inside hardness, manic defensive pressure and attacking flair if they are to notch a third win on the trot and a second successive upset.
Matthew Boyd returns from suspension to tackle the Pies. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, May 29, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R12, 2013, Collingwood 15.9 (99) d Western Bulldogs 9.11 (65) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2012, Collingwood 15.8 (98) d Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2011, Collingwood 15.15 (105) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Western Bulldogs have the No.1 defence in the AFL this season, conceding only 70 points a game, while Collingwood is 12th (97).
2. In their past two outings the Pies have started brilliantly, kicking a combined 11.14 to 0.3 in first quarters. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs kicked their second-lowest score of the season last week against the Giants.
3. The Dogs are the best uncontested possession team this year, averaging 282.4 a game, while Collingwood is ranked ninth (230.1).
4. The Bulldogs have won the past two clashes between the clubs, ending Collingwood’s sequence of six consecutive wins. They haven't won three in a row over the Magpies since 2006-08.
5. Matthew Boyd was the star for the Bulldogs in their win over Collingwood last year with 38 disposals and 12 marks, earning three Brownlow votes. Tory Dickson kicked four goals, while for the Magpies Darcy Moore booted a career-high five goals.
6. A year ago, Pies forward Alex Fasolo had plummeted to No.469 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, but has since discovered some consistency and risen to No.157, and No.9 at Collingwood.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jack Redpath. The big key forward will be determined to make amends after being suspended for the clash with the Giants, when his absence in attack left the Dogs sorely lacking a marking target. The 25-year-old will feel he owes his teammates, and he is in a good position to repay them given that in his previous two outings he'd tallied six goals and 17 marks (including seven contested).
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 29 points.
