<p>The Magpie Army will once again create their cauldron-like atmosphere at the MCG as Collingwood hosts the Fremantle Dockers on Sunday.</p> <p>It looms as an awesome contest between two finals contenders, and after the week that was, it might be closer than what anyone was initially expecting.&nbsp;</p> <p>After going goalless in the first half last week, Collingwood did what Collingwood does up on the Gold Coast… except for the part when they usually win the close game. They didn’t do that last Friday, suffering just their third loss of the season. But true to form, they did nothing to dispel the tag of premiership favouritism.</p> <p>The Dockers got straight back onto the winners' list with a win over Hawthorn at home. Following a week of media pressure and questions thrown their way, they rose to run over the top of the Hawks in the final quarter, in a powerful display of unity for their coach Justin Longmuir.</p> <p>Despite the win, their seventh in eight weeks, the job to secure a place on the finals starting grid is far from over as they still find themselves in eighth spot. With only a percentage separating all teams from fourth to eighth, and the ninth-placed Bulldogs only a game behind, four points are imperative for the Dockers at every move.&nbsp;</p> <p>How they would dearly love to come to the MCG for the last time this regular season and beat the Pies after they came to Perth and won earlier this year when they really shouldn't have. A five-day break, multiple stars rested for the clash.. It was one that Freo let slip, but it did ultimately spark them into action.</p> <p>The Pies, for the first time this season, appear a little vulnerable. Some injuries are starting to pile up, and what was only a few weeks ago seen as a management game of their stars into the back end of the season is looking different, as Craig McRae looks to settle his side ahead of the first final.</p> <p>At selection, the Pies should regain a first-choice trio, Pat Lipinski, Brody Mihocek, and Beau McCreery, for the clash. The latter returning from a hamstring issue while the former two were rested for the trip north.&nbsp;</p> <p>Forward Lachie Schultz will have his hamstring tested after hurting it again on the Gold Coast and is touch and go for selection this week. Dan Houston has been ruled out for a couple of weeks with an abdominal strain.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the Dockers, Superstar Hayden Young could make his long-awaited return from his significant hamstring injury, pending he passes some late fitness tests in what would be a huge boost for the Dockers. Captain Alex Pearce will miss again with some awareness in his shin and the area he’s been having issues with all year.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Pies vs Dockers prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Fremantle Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Collingwood Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Isaac Quaynor, Darcy Moore, Brayden Maynard</p> <p>HB: Josh Daicos, Dan McStay, Jeremy Howe</p> <p>C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Jack Crisp</p> <p>HF: Beau McCreery, Brody Mihocek, Pat Lipinski</p> <p>F: Jamie Elliott, Tim Membrey, Roan Steele</p> <p>Foll: Darcy Cameron, Ned Long, Nick Daicos</p> <p>Int: Tom Mitchell, Harry Perryman, Mason Cox, Oleg Markov, Ed Allan</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Fremantle Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Luke Ryan, Oscar McDonald, Heath Chapman</p> <p>HB: Jordan Clark, Brennan Cox, Karl Worner</p> <p>C: Matt Johnson, Hayden Young, Nathan O’Driscoll</p> <p>HF: Murphy Reid, Jye Amiss, Shai Bolton</p> <p>F: Sean Darcy, Josh Treacy, Sam Switkowski</p> <p>Foll: Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong, Andy Brayshaw</p> <p>Int: Isaiah Dudley, Jaeger O’Meara, Bailey Banfield, Michael Fredrick, Pat Voss</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Fremantle Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Pies hold sway in the recent head-to-head, winning four of the past five clashes. The odd one out was that draw last year.</p> <p>Despite the wobble last week, the Pies are still the best team defensively. The Dockers are ranked sixth for defence, so they’re not totally stuffed defensively and should pose a few problems for the dangerous and potent Collingwood forward line.&nbsp;</p> <p>You get the sense that Collingwood won’t make the same mistake as Hawthorn did last week, and will put some time into Caleb Serong after the evidence of the previous few weeks suggested how much he didn’t perform while receiving a hard tag.&nbsp;</p> <p>We think the MCG, the Magpie Army, and the fact that the Pies should really bounce back strongly should get them over the line here.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-fremantle-9386468">Magpies</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Dockers' young gun key forward Jye Amiss has had an up-and-down season. After several weeks without hitting the scoreboard, he found his range and the middle of the big sticks last week with two against the Hawks.</p> <p>With Moore occupied with Treacy, we think it’s a good chance for Amiss to bag the first and keep his uptick in form going.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-fremantle-9386468">Jye Amiss</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>We saw last week how much damage Josh Daicos, as a pure on-baller could do.</p> <p>His final quarter alone against the Suns saw him register 14 touches and kick 2 goals. Imagine what he could do if he played there all game!</p> <p>We kind of want to see that. So we’re picking him for most disposals here.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-fremantle-9386468">Josh Daicos 30+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood Magpies vs Fremantle Dockers Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, July 20, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 3:15pm AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch</strong>: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>