The 2026 AFL finals series kicks off with something we've never seen before, as the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood contest the inaugural Wildcard match at the MCG on Friday night.

The Dogs arrive with the momentum. They leapfrogged the Magpies to claim eighth spot after a 108-87 win over Melbourne on Saturday, a night defined by the return of the Bont.

Bontempelli went about it in typical superstar fashion, finishing with 27 touches, 13 score involvements, 11 marks and two goals to help claw the Dogs into finals contention, the way we’ve seen so many times before.

Luke Beveridge will be hoping to bolster his side further, with ruckman Tim English racing the clock on an MCL injury.

Collingwood, meanwhile, limp into September. The Pies were dismantled 159-96 by Brisbane last Friday and the damage didn’t stop at the scoreboard.

Scott Pendlebury suffered a hamstring strain that has ruled him out of this one, while a fresh knee concern has sidelined Brayden Maynard. With Darcy Moore already gone for the season, Nick Daicos again leads the side.

History offers Collingwood some comfort. The last time these two met in a final was the 2010 qualifying final, when the Pies romped home 124-62 on their way to the flag.

Crazy to think that both Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom lined up for the Pies that day.

But this is 2026, not 2010 and the Wildcard Round is a whole different beast. The Dogs have the momentum; the Pies have the experience. Which of these famous clubs will have their season ended on Friday night?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Magpies Wildcard Round prediction and preview below.

Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Magpies Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Let's briefly acknowledge the absurdity and then move on: Collingwood hosts the Western Bulldogs at the MCG despite the Dogs finishing higher on the ladder and the Dogs do it off one less day of rest.

That is a genuine edge for the Pies, who have won six of their last seven when carrying a rest advantage. Beyond that, there is hardly anything splitting these two.

We know the Dogs are next to no chance of sending anyone to Nick Daicos but keep an eye on Ryley Sanders. He has spent time running with opposition midfielders this season, so do not be surprised if he has a crack at quelling the little champion who has all but wrapped up the 2026 Brownlow.

Ed Allan held Bontempelli well last time, and that looks the obvious matchup again. The Bont has the ability to creep forward and influence a game without dominating the ball, though, so it is hardly a shutdown job.

Ed Richards has been totally airborne in his last few weeks, which will give Craig McRae plenty to think about when he decides where his tagger goes.

Billy Frampton against Aaron Naughton will determine plenty and we expect Jordan De Goey and Beau McCreery to make their presence felt for the Pies.

In the ruck, Darcy Cameron looms as a match-winner. Rory Lobb, unless English recovers in time, will need to effectively tag the Magpie big man who takes so many intercept marks and does so much damage around stoppages.

The coaching clash is its own subplot. McRae is a genuinely different operator, while Beveridge is never afraid to show emotion and tap into it when preparing his men.

Head-to-head prediction: Collingwood Magpies by 3 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Dan McStay has become remarkably consistent in front of the sticks for this Collingwood outfit.

He has developed into a reliable option when the Pies need someone to hit the scoreboard, and a finals stage at the MCG is exactly where you want your dependable big men standing up.

We are picking him to nab an early one for Collingwood.

Betting tip: Dan McStay first goal scorer.

Most Disposals Prediction

There is no overthinking required here.

Nick Daicos averaged 35 disposals per match across the regular season, by far the highest figure in the competition all year.

The Dogs may throw Sanders at him, but even a partially restricted Daicos still finds the football. He just may be the difference in this one.

Betting tip: Nick Daicos most disposals.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Collingwood win 1-39, Bailey Dale 30+ disposals, Dan McStay 3+ goals, Marcus Bontempelli 2+ goals.

Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Magpies Predicted Teams

Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List

FB: M.Sellwood, B.Khamis, C.Budarick

HB: L.Bramble, J.O'Donnell, B.Dale

C: B.Williams, J.Freijah, C.Hynes

HF: C.Weightman, A.Naughton, A.Jones

FF: J.Dolan, M.Bontempelli (c), S.Davidson

FOLL: R.Lobb, M.Kennedy, E.Richards

I/C: L.Carmichael, R.Gardner, L.Kennedy, R.Sanders, R.West

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

FB: B.Frampton, J.Howe, L.Puncher

HB: D.Houston, J.Daicos, J.Crisp

C: R.Steele, J.De Goey, S.Sidebottom

HF: A.Anderson, H.Harrison, B.McCreery

FF: D.McStay, C.West, T.Membrey

FOLL: D.Cameron, E.Allan, N.Daicos (c)

I/C: L.Schultz, I.Quaynor, P.Lipinski, S.Swadling, N.Long

Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Magpies Match Details

Date: Friday, August 28, 2026

First Bounce: 7:40pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports

Odds are subject to change. *