Last Time We Met

Collingwood 86 defeated Bulldogs 34

Under the open Marvel Stadium roof, in front of no fans, the Pies clinically pushed aside the Bulldogs by 52 points.

Star performances came from Brodie Grundy, Jeremy Howe, Taylor Adams and Brody Mihocek.

Key Match-Ups

Scott Pendlebury vs Marcus Bontempelli

Pendlebury comes into his 317th game on the back of another strong pre-season.

However, Marcus Bontempelli shapes up to be one of the premier midfielders of the competition in 2021. He dominated the Demons in the Bulldogs’ AAMI Community Series match, with 3 gaols and 32 disposals.

Pendlebury’s anchor role in the Pies midfield will be key to nullifying one of the Bulldogs' key strengths.

Brodie Grundy vs Stefan Martin + Tim English

Grundy had a dominant performance last time the Pies faced the Bulldogs, massing 35 hit-outs, 19 disposals and a goal.

This time Tim English has the help of experienced ruckman Stefan Martin who joined from the Brisbane Lions over the off-season.

Grundy averages more disposals per game than either ruckman, however the Dogs duo have it over Grundy for marks per game.

Darcy Moore vs Aaron Naughton

Moore’s intercept marking and general-like leadership in defence earned him a spot in the All-Australian team for 2020.

The emerging Bulldogs forward has been plagued by injuries for the past couple of years, but when on the park he has impressed with his contested marking and ability to crash packs.

It will be a team effort as always, with players like Jordan Roughead helping lockdown the Bulldogs key forwards, although Pies fans should look out for some epic marking contests between Moore and Naughton.

Look Out For

Ollie Henry's debut

Pies fans will have seen Henry pull on the black and white two weeks ago against Richmond, however Friday night marks the first proper occasion to see the Pies’ pick 17 from the 2020 draft explode onto the AFL scene.

Henry has proven himself throughout the pre-season, in particular during the club’s Country vs City match simulation in February. Booting 2 goals and using his athleticism to compete both in the air and on the ground.

Look for him to add a new dimension to the Pies’ forward line.

Jeremy Howe returns.

It’s felt like forever since Howey was standing on shoulders in the black and white, thankfully Pies fans don’t need to wait much longer, with Friday night’s match meaning the return of Howey.

In All-Australian form before injuring his knee in Round 4 last season, Howey will look to jump straight back to his best against the Bulldogs.

The Inside Word

De Goey in the midfield.

Is 2021 the year Jordan De Goey gets unleashed into the midfield? If Bucks’ press conference on Tuesday was anything to go off…then it just might be.

“He’ll play midfield and forward…blokes like Jordy will find themselves in the midfield, but there will be very few midfielders who will run out the game in there under the parameters that have been set.”

De Goey attended 19 centre bounces in the AAMI Community Series match against Richmond, equalled only by Scott Pendlebury on the night. The dynamic De Goey had 27 touches and kicked 2 goals against the Tigers before being rested for the latter period of the match.

Pies Priority

Get the season’s momentum moving early.

No game is going to be easy this season, but with tough trips to the Gabba and Optus Stadium in the first 5 rounds, it’s important the Pies get the season rolling early.

There have been plenty of naysayers recently, but Friday night is a perfect opportunity to prove to the AFL world why Collingwood won’t lie down in season 2021.

For the full team list click here

Collingwood v Western Bulldogs
AFL Round One
Friday 19 March
MCG, 7.50pm AEDT