Preview Round 17: Collingwood v Western Bulldogs

AFL

SUMMARY

Round 17 Collingwood v Western Bulldogs Sunday July 26, 1:10pm Etihad Fox Footy 1:00pm Weather: Min 9 Max 11 Chance of rain 90%: 1-5mm Wind: WSW 33kph Betting: Collingwood $1.62 Western Bulldogs $2.30

This looms as one of the matches of the round as two of the competition's most exciting young sides face off with spots in the eight up for grabs. The Bulldogs' form has been patchy of late but they've still managed to win five of their past seven games, while the Magpies have been gallant during a four-game losing streak. The Dogs' task will be made much easier with the Pies missing forwards Travis Cloke and Jamie Elliot and they should be too quick and strong on a ground they play well.

PAST FIVE TIMES

1. R13, 2014, Western Bulldogs 16.10 (106) d Collingwood 15.8 (98) at Etihad Stadium
2. R12, 2013, Collingwood 15.9 (99) d Western Bulldogs 9.11 (65) at Etihad Stadium
3. R6, 2012, Collingwood 15.8 (98) d Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) at Etihad Stadium
4. R6, 2011, Collingwood 15.15 (105) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) at the MCG
5. 1QF, 2010, Collingwood 17.22 (124) d Western Bulldogs 8.14 (62) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. When the Bulldogs defeated the Magpies in 2014 it was mainly thanks to Tom Liberatore starring role with 34 possessions, although Travis Cloke picked up the three Brownlow votes booting six goals for the Magpies. Neither will play on Sunday due to injury.Collingwood is ranked third for marks inside 50 this season however Cloke will be a big loss as he's ranked ninth for marks inside 50.
2. This will be the 151st meeting between the sides and Collingwood holds a big advantage winning 106 games to 43; there’s also been one draw. The Magpies have won six of the past seven clashes with the Dogs.
3. The Magpies are the No.1 contested possession team after 15 games averaging 146.3 per game but the Bulldogs aren’t far behind, ranked fifth with 139.9 per game.
4. The teams have played at Etihad Stadium 16 times with 10 wins to six in Collingwood’s favour, including four of the past five.
5. The Magpies have used the interchange more this season than any other side averaging 113 per game; the Bulldogs are 12th averaging 106 per game.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jesse White. A lot of responsibility is on the former Swan's shoulders with Cloke (32 goals) and Elliot (28 goals) missing through injury. The 27-year-old has played every game this season and kicked 21 goals, but went goalless when Cloke was subbed out early in last week's loss to the Eagles.

PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 18 points