MCG confidence

The win over Richmond at the MCG before the bye should do wonders for Freo’s confidence heading into a cauldron of Collingwood supporters this Saturday. Winning against St Kilda in an Etihad Stadium pressure-cooker should also hold the boys from the West in good stead.

Pendlebury out

The Pies will again be without star midfielder Scott Pendlebury, but that didn’t seem to bother Nathan Buckley’s side too much, with a number of players standing up in the win over West Coast.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A MATCH PREVIEW OF SATURDAY'S GAME BETWEEN FREMANTLE AND COLLINGWOOD AT THE MCG

Stopping Swan and Beams and Sidebottom and Thomas and Wellingham...

As previously mentioned, Collingwood’s midfield depth is impressive. The Magpies’ engine room is hitting its straps following an average start to the season. A big reason for that has been the emergence of Steele Sidebottom and Dayne Beams as stars in their own right. Add Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan, Dale Thomas and Sharrod Wellingham, and it’s easy to see why Ross Lyon rates Collingwood’s midfield group as good as any in the competition.

Lyon knows his Pies

If any coach in the AFL should know what Collingwood are capable of, it’s Ross Lyon. He coached his old side St Kilda into two Grand Finals against the Magpies, drawing the 2010 decider and then losing the replay. Saturday’s game will also be Lyon’s 300th match as a VFL/AFL player and coach.

Injection of pace

Freo clearly missed the pace of Hayden Ballantyne and Stephen Hill against Essendon. ‘Ballaz’ will definitely be back following his one-game suspension, while Hill must prove his fitness later in the week. Having both back will be a huge boost to Fremantle.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A MATCH PREVIEW OF SATURDAY'S GAME BETWEEN FREMANTLE AND COLLINGWOOD AT THE MCG