Footscray ( western bulldogs) v Collingwood, MCG Friday, March 21, 7.40pm AEDT

Last time: Footscray 15.10 (100) d Collingwood 12.10 (82), R12 2024

What it means

Footscray will look to the past and revert to its original name for its centenary celebration but showed against North Melbourne last week that it also has an eye on the future. The Bulldogs fielded nine players with fewer than 50 games of experience in the win over the Roos amid an injury crisis that has sidelined five key players and leaves them again relying on youth to mark the huge occasion in style.

The all-too-immediate reaction to Collingwood failing to keep pace with GWS in Opening Round was that it was too old and too slow, but it was little surprise to see it bounce back in emphatic style against Port Adelaide at the MCG. The Magpies might have fielded the fourth-oldest team ever but have shown they still have the energy as well as experience to tame the young Dogs.

Game shapers

Tom Liberatore has built a reputation for being able to rise to a challenge during his 235 matches with the Bulldogs and was at it again last week. The 32-year-old led a decimated midfield to counter the Kangaroos' strength at stoppages as he gathered 28 disposals with nine clearances to be a key to the rousing victory.

Steele Sidebottom was far from the Magpies' worst player in its heavy defeat to the Giants but at the age of 34, fairly or not, is always likely to be dragged into the spotlight when his side is run off its feet. The veteran midfielder responded in the best possible way by turning back the clock with 31 disposals and a goal in the win over the Power and could now have a field day against the undermanned Dogs.