The league's new-look Finals series will be kicked off by Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs on Friday night in a blockbuster at the MCG.
After finishing the 2026 campaign in ninth on the ladder, the Pies qualified for the Wildcard Finals in the initiative’s maiden edition.
The black and white will take on the Dogs whose win over Melbourne in Round 24 saw them leapfrog the Pies to finish eighth.
It sets up a mouth-watering game under Friday night lights, with the winner set to face either Geelong or Adelaide in an Elimination Final.
Last time they met
Round 12, 2026
Western Bulldogs 14.13 (97) def. Collingwood 13.15 (93)
It was a four-point thriller when the Pies and Dogs met back in Round 12, with the black and white narrowly going down at Marvel Stadium.
In a high-scoring affair, the Dogs were in control for the majority of the contest before the Pies mounted a final-term comeback, kicking two quick goals to open the fourth term.
That brought the margin back to single digits, with the game going right down to the wire.
It wasn’t quite to be in the end as the Bulldogs secured the win under the roof.
Jordan De Goey (30 touches) and Nick Daicos (37 touches) were the stars on the night for the Pies, while Tim Membrey kicked three majors.
Team news
Experienced leaders Scott Pendlebury (hamstring) and Brayden Maynard were ruled out for the Wildcard clash earlier in the week, however the Pies have been bouyed by the returns of Isaac Quaynor and Pat Lipinksi.
Pendlebury and Liam Puncher (omitted) make way for the pair, with Lipinski playing his first game since Round 21 when he suferred a calf injury, while Quaynor missed just one week with a glute/hip issue.
Defender Harry Perryman was unable to recover from his hamstring strain in time, however could be available later in the final series should the side progress.
Sam Swadling, Ed Allan, Charlie West, Angus Anderson, Will Hayes and Harvey Harrison will all play their first finals game for the Club.
At the other end of the spectrum, Steele Sidebottom will suit up for his 29th final, moving him into equal-ninth all-time.
Key matchups
Ed Allan v Marcus Bontempelli
One of the most damaging players in the competition, Bontempelli has been in the top echelon of the League for over a decade and will be crucial to his side on Friday.
Collingwood Senior Coach Craig McRae indicated emerging midfielder Ed Allan would like play a role on the Bulldogs great, having ran with some the best opposition players frequently this season.
Allan, who is in his fourth year at the Pies, has played a career-high 18 games this season.
The 22-year-old has recorded 20 disposals or more in his past three games, part of his increased ability to win the ball while focussing on a particular opponent.
It means his role of Friday night looms as a crucial element to the game, with Bontempelli coming into the clash on the back of an eighth All Australian blazer earned on Tuesday.
Nick Daicos v Ed Richards
The competition’s most prolific ball-winner in Daicos will be crucial to the Pies’ hopes, as will Bulldogs star Richards for his side.
While it remains to be seen whether the two line up on each other at any stage, the pair’s speed and ball-use have been crucial to the success of their respective sides in 2026.
Daicos led the league in touches throughout the home and away campaign with 767, while Richards was bettered only by teammate Bontempelli when it came to rating points, with 649.3 for the year.
An intriguing midfielder battle, all eyes will be on the pair on Friday night.
Billy Frampton v Aaron Naughton
While there’s some uncertainty around Dogs spearhead Naughton’s availability, his matchup with Pies defender Billy Framtpon will be crucial should he take the field.
Frampton has been one of the revelations of the season and was unlucky to miss selection in the 46-player All Australian Squad this week, having taken the reins of the black and white defence in 2026.
The powerful Naughton has been the number one target inside 50 for his side meanwhile, finishing the home and away season with a team-high 46 goals.
Naughton suffered an acute ankle injury in Round 24, however was expected to get up for the clash, with Frampton waiting for the left-footer in a game-shaping head-to-head.
