Collingwood will have to drastically I prove its form in the second half of the season if it is to make anything of 2019, starting this week against Footscray. 

The Pies had a frustrating opening half to the campaign, picking up just two victories through its first nine games.

Reinforcements could be on the way, however.

Flynn Appleby is set to return from an ankle injury sustained in the opening minutes of the round three clash against Northern Blues. The Pies’ back six will happy to see one of its best one-on-one defenders return to the line-up.

Mid-season draft pick-up John Noble is also in line to make his debut in Black and White.

The West Adelaide product was held back until the bye while he adjusted to his new surroundings at the Holden Centre but is expected to be unleashed at Whitten Oval on Sunday.

The Bulldogs have enjoyed contrasting fortunes to the Pies so far this year, sitting in fourth place on the VFL ladder.

The Dogs were far too good in the first meeting between the sides in round two, winning by 72 points at the Holden Centre.

Sunday’s game will start at 11.00am, before the clubs’ AFL affiliates do battle at Marvel Stadium later that afternoon.