Head to head: Collingwood 14 wins, West Coast 20 wins, one draw
Last time: Collingwood 27.11 (173) d West Coast 10.13 (73), round 10, 2008, at the MCG
MISSING IN ACTION
Collingwood
Josh Fraser (knee) - test
Paul Medhurst (ankle) - test
Alan Didak (hamstring) - test
Anthony Rocca (knee) - test
Dale Thomas (knee) - test
Ben Johnson (broken leg) - 2-3 weeks
Sean Rusling (fractured cheekbone) - 2-3 weeks
Travis Cloke (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks
SUMMARY
Collingwood’s past fortnight hasn’t been good – that’s no secret. Just 10 goals from two matches tells a tale. How many forwards it can re-inject into its ailing forward line will be paramount to its chances of downing a team that will be able to smell a kill. If the down-on-form Magpies get behind early, it could spell trouble. They’ll need their leaders to stand up. The Pies’ form this season isn’t too bad. They could easily be 5-3 with two of their losses coming by under a kick. This week will again test Mick Malthouse’s depth, as his sick-and-sorry list heads west to take on a team it would normally start a warm favourite against.
The Eagles were written off by most last week but gave the Sydney Swans a heck of a fright. In fact, had it not been for some errors in the final minutes they would and should have won. Still, John Worsfold’s young line-up is showing signs that the next generation is coming through. All three of West Coast’s wins have been on home soil this season and they get to play the Magpies with an extra night’s rest on their opposition – despite having to make the long haul back from Sydney. These teams have played some classics in the west in the past, and the Eagles will fancy their chances against the injury-ravaged Pies.
QUESTION MARKS
There are certain to be alterations to the Collingwood line-up. But just how many? And what effect will that potential raft of changes – in one hit – make for the Pies?
The Eagles seem a different team at home. Some would say they are a six-goal better team. Can the Pies – who say they like road trips – crack the Subiaco fortress?
Scott Pendlebury is averaging more than 29 disposals a match in eight games this season. Will the Eagles be able to stop the in-form Pie?
TARKYN LOCKYER ON HIS 200th GAME
“With the footy club in the position that we are at the moment, I don't expect the boys to go out and play for me.
“We just need to play and get the four points. The good thing we've got up our sleeve is that we travel well, and our record is pretty good when we go interstate.”
VFL
Collingwood’s VFL team has a bye this weekend. The team is seventh on the ladder and meets the Northern Bullants at Visy Park next weekend (May 30).
