Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Magpies Tips - Plenty at stake as Dogs look to make it two in a row
The Western Bulldogs and Collingwood Magpies meet in a pivotal Round 12 clash, with both teams eyeing a spot in the finals. The Bulldogs, coming off a rediscovery of form and improved health among their squad, are tipped to edge out the Magpies. Key contributors like Marcus Bontempelli and Rhylee West are highlighted for their recent strong performances. Although Collingwood’s pressure remains a threat, injuries are starting to test their squad depth, especially behind the ball. The preview tips the Bulldogs to win narrowly—with standout games from Bontempelli, Nick Daicos, and West.
- Bulldogs backed for a close win over Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.
- Key players Bontempelli, Daicos, and West tipped for standout performances.
- Collingwood’s injuries test their depth despite strong pressure and system.
Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Magpies Preview
- Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Magpies Preview
- Head to Head
- Western Bulldogs Form Analysis
- Western Bulldogs Team News
- Collingwood Magpies Form Analysis
- Collingwood Magpies Team News
The Western Bulldogs have rediscovered their mojo and will make it two straight wins when they take on Collingwood on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs come in with a win-loss record of 6-5 and are in 9th position on the ladder, just ahead of 10th placed Collingwood in the Wildcard zone.
Luke Beveridge’s side have rediscovered their contested edge and territory game over the past fortnight and their midfield depth and ability to control stoppages shapes as a major factor against Collingwood, particularly at Marvel Stadium where they have matched up well against the Magpies in recent seasons.
The Dogs are beginning to regain continuity after a difficult patch with injuries and their younger players are stepping up around the experienced core.
Collingwood’s pressure and system will ensure this is a genuine arm wrestle, but the Bulldogs look better placed to control the contest around the footy and generate repeat inside 50 opportunities. Aaron Naughton will provide problems aerially, while Marcus Bontempelli shapes as the key figure around stoppages and transition.
The Magpies continue to fight and compete strongly, but injuries are beginning to test their depth, particularly behind the ball. They still possess enormous class through Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey and Scott Pendlebury, while their pressure remains a major strength, but the Bulldogs appear to have more momentum and stability heading into this clash. Expect the big names to stand up in the Round 12 clash with Nick Daicos likely to find plenty of the footy again, while Bontempelli can dominate through the middle and Rhylee West can continue his strong form with another multiple-goal performance.
Take the Western Bulldogs to win in a close one, with Marcus Bontempelli to collect 30+ disposals, Nick Daicos 30+ disposals and Rhylee West 2+ goals.
- The Bulldogs have won two of the past three between the two sides at Marvel Stadium
- Rhylee West has kicked two goals in each of his past four matches
- Marcus Bontempelli had 38 disposals the last time he played the Magpies
- Nick Daicos has had 30+ disposals in eight of his 10 matches this season
Head to Head
Collingwood took out the most recent meeting between the two sides by six points in Round 2 last season. That was played at the MCG. The Bulldogs were 18-point winners at Marvel in 2024.
Standout player performances in recent head to heads have come from;
- Marcus Bontempelli (Dogs)- 38 disposals in his last outing against the Pies and 25+ in his past four
- Nick Daicos (Pies)- averaging 33 disposals in his past three against the Dogs and has had 30+ in his past two
- Jamie Elliott (Pies)- the injured forward has kicked seven goals in his past three appearances against the Bulldogs and will be missed
- Lachie Schultz (Pies)- 2+ goals in his past two against the Dogs
Western Bulldogs Form Analysis
The Bulldogs flew out of the blocks in 2026 with four straight wins before injuries began to take their toll, leading to a four-game losing streak. Since then, they have won two of three and held on by three points over Melbourne last weekend.
They responded with a far more aggressive stoppage game and controlled field position far better, particularly in the final quarter where their clearance work and ability to generate repeat inside 50s proved decisive.
The Dogs continue to rely heavily on their midfield depth and contest pressure, while their younger players are beginning to step up alongside the experienced core. Riley West’s pressure and forward-half effort stood out, while Rory Lobb’s work through the ruck and behind the ball provided important stability.
Aaron Naughton and Rhylee West each booted two goals and have registered 2+ in the past four rounds. Bontempelli has kicked two in three of his past five and has had 25+ disposals in eight of his past 10 matches.
Western Bulldogs Team News
The Bulldogs are hopeful Cody Weightman will return within the next fortnight after progressing strongly in his recovery, although a decision on whether he plays this week is yet to be made. Luke Cleary entered concussion protocols and is expected to miss at least one match, while Rory Lobb looks set to continue handling the primary ruck duties in the absence of Tim English. The Dogs also appear to be building continuity with their younger players, with several continuing to cement their place in the side through recent performances.
Collingwood Magpies Form Analysis
Collingwood come in with a 5-5-1 win/loss/draw record. Since splitting their Round 8 fixture against Hawthorn at 93 apiece, they have gone down to Geelong by 54 points and Sydney by six before chalking up a hard fought 10-point win in Scott Pendlebury’s record breaking 433rd match.
Nick Daicos was the star against the Eagles with 34 disposals and three goals. The Collingwood champ has had 30+ disposals in eight of his past 10 matches, while he had 28 and 29 in the other two. Jordan de Goey had 25 disposals, making it three in a row where he has reached the 25+ mark.
Against sides that missed finals in 2025, Collingwood have won 14 of their past 15 with the only loss coming against Sydney a fortnight ago. The Swans missed finals last year but currently sit in 2nd spot on the ladder.
The Magpies head to Marvel Stadium for the second time this season and defeated GWS by 33 points in Round 3. They have won their past five at the venue with their most recent defeat coming in 2024 and it was the Bulldogs that knocked them over by 18.
Collingwood Magpies Team News
There was a bit of carnage for Collingwood in the win over West Coast with Jamie Elliott suffering a serious knee injury, while Darcy Moore went down with another hamstring injury. Scott Pendlebury hurt his wrist in his record-breaking match and will be assessed during the week. Tim Membrey made his return from injury via the VFL last weekend and is an option to replace Elliott, while Jack Buller, Will Parker and Tew Jiath come off solid games at VFL level.
Verdict
Bulldogs in the head to head with major contributions from the stars of either side. Rhylee West to continue good form
Western Bulldogs
Win
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Marcus Bontempelli
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Rhylee West
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