THE NEW look Magpies face a first-up litmus test against 2013 runner-up, Fremantle. After making some big moves in the off-season, Collingwood is very much an unknown quantity heading in to 2014. The Dockers, meanwhile, will be keen to start their season on a positive note as they chase that elusive silverware. Jesse White's/Travis Cloke's impact may help shape the Magpies' finals chances, while Dayne Beams looks set for a big season after an injury-interrupted 2013. As always, Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands' output will help determine his side's fortunes. There will be plenty of questions answered when these teams square off in the season opener.
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WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday March 14, 7:50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2013, Fremantle 15.10 (100) d Collingwood 10.13 (73) at Patersons Stadium
R14, 2012, Collingwood 15.17 (107) d Fremantle 12.6 (78) at the MCG
R23, 2011, Collingwood 20.12 (132) d Fremantle 8.4 (52) at Patersons Stadium
R8, 2010, Collingwood 20.13 (133) d Fremantle 15.7 (97) at Patersons Stadium
R13, 2009, Collingwood 26.13 (169) d Fremantle 13.7 (85) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. At Etihad Stadium last season, both teams had good records - Collingwood was undefeated from three matches while Fremantle won two of three games.
2. In 2013, the Magpies were ranked second for marks inside 50 thanks largely to Travis Cloke, who took the most in the competition (99).
3. Collingwood has had the better of Fremantle in recent seasons, winning four of the last five matches by an average margin of 57 points. But last time the teams played Michael Walters bagged four to help the Dockers snap that losing streak.
4. Fremantle conceded just 69 points per game in 2013 (ranked No. 1 in the competition). Collingwood's defensive average was 85 points per game.
5. Both teams were good at winning the uncontested ball in 2013; Collingwood was ranked first and Fremantle third.
6. Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury is ranked No.4 in the competition in the Vero AFL Player Ratings. Fremantle's best is Stephen Hill at No. 39.
Prediction: Fremantle by five points
