This will be a good test for the rested Western Bulldogs, who beat St Kilda and Port Adelaide heading into their bye last weekend. The mantra at Whitten Oval this year has been to play the kids, and the two matches before this would suggest that these young players will have a fair bit to offer the club going forward. But a reality check looms against the Pies, who even with a long injury list of their own, have plenty of weapons all over the ground. The midfield match-ups will be interesting, and Nathan Buckley's general reluctance to run hard tags might be tested when countering Ryan Griffen, who had 40 touches for the Dogs a fortnight ago and is in rare touch. This is Collingwood's last match before the bye and comes in the middle of its softest part of the draw for the season, so a win is essential here in order to remain in touch with the top four.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday June 16, 4.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
1QF, 2010: Collingwood 17.22 (124) d Western Bulldogs 8.14 (62) at the MCG
R11, 2010: Collingwood 17.11 (113) d Western Bulldogs 16.7 (103) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2010: Collingwood 19.15 (129) d Western Bulldogs 13.15 (93) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Collingwood has dominated the Bulldogs recently, winning the past five matches. The Dogs’ last win was in round 22, 2009 at Etihad Stadium.
2. This will be the 149th clash between the sides, and Collingwood holds the advantage winning 105 games to 42, with one draw. Collingwood holds a 9-5 edge at Etihad Stadium.
3. Collingwood enjoys an impressive recent record at Etihad Stadium, winning 10 of their past 11 games.
4. In three previous Sunday twilight contests between the sides at Etihad Stadium, the Bulldogs hold a 2-1 advantage.
5. Goalkicking in 2013 remains an issue for Collingwood, which is ranked 16th with 46.2 per cent; the Bulldogs are fifth with 53.4 per cent.
6. Ryan Griffen's 40 possessions and nine tackles against Port Adelaide equated to 29.4 player ratings points, the highest round 10 score in the Official AFL Player Ratings.
