IN AN important clash between two finals contenders, the Western Bulldogs host Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

The Western Bulldogs (6-5) breathed fresh life into their season as they hung on to cool a red-hot Melbourne and claim just their second win in seven matches.

BULLDOGS v MAGPIES Follow it LIVE

The Dogs are still suffering from a lengthy injury list and have had cracks start to appear in their home fortress with three straight defeats at the venue, but can ill-afford too many more slip-ups against sides sitting around them like the Magpies.  

Collingwood (5-1-5) did what it needed to do against West Coast to celebrate Scott Pendlebury’s record-breaking game in style and reaffirm that it can handle the sides sitting around or below it on the ladder.

The Magpies might not visit Docklands too often but tend to find success when they do and have won their past five matches at the venue since losing to the Dogs in 2024.

Tim English returns for the Bulldogs after two weeks on the sidelines with concussion, although small forward Cody Weightman will have to wait at least another week to return from his long-term knee problem.

Luke Cleary (concussion) comes out of the Dogs' side.

Collingwood veterans Darcy Moore (hamstring) and Jamie Elliott (knee) miss through injury, as does Will Hayes (shoulder), while Charlie West has been omitted.

Wil Parker, Harvey Harrison, Tim Membrey and Angus Anderson come into the Magpies' side.

Brisbane v Fremantle at the Gabba, 4.15pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES

LIONS v DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats

Sydney v Richmond at the SCG, 1.15pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES

SWANS v TIGERS Full match coverage and stats