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West Coast v Collingwood Talking Points

3 minute read

West Coast will be aiming to make it five straight wins against Collingwood when they meet in Perth on Friday night.

WILLIE RIOLI Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

5 KEY TALKING POINTS FOR WEST COAST V COLLINGWOOD

*Can Mason Cox finally fire against West Coast defender Tom Barrass? The Magpies forward has been quiet in recent weeks, and doesn't have a good record against Barrass. Cox was held goalless from five disposals in last year's qualifying final loss to West Coast in Perth, and will be desperate to make amends.

*Who will win the ruck battle? Nic Naitanui has made a stunning return from a second knee reconstruction, and his understudy Tom Hickey is also in strong form. But Brodie Grundy was an All-Australian last year, and can do lots of damage around the ground.

*Will the real Magpies please stand up? Collingwood have looked a shadow of themselves in recent losses to North Melbourne and Hawthorn. How long will the funk last?

*Have West Coast become Collingwood's bogey side? The Eagles have won four straight against the Magpies - including last year's epic grand final. Another win to West Coast will give them an important psychological edge.

*Will West Coast's fleet feet fire? The Eagles boast amazing pace up forward, with Liam Ryan, Jarrod Cameron, Willie Rioli, and Jamie Cripps lightning up forward. Can Collingwood cope with that?