Collingwood loses star midfielder despite impressive win over Western Bulldogs

Collingwood have overcome a sluggish start to sweep to a comfortable 35-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The Bulldogs led by 26 points early in the second quarter, but the Magpies kicked eight unanswered goals after halftime to score a 13.12 (90) to 8.7 (55) win in front of 37,985 fans on Friday night.

However, Collingwood's sixth win of the season came at a cost.

Speedster Travis Varcoe left the game with a hamstring injury in the third quarter and American forward Mason Cox was reported for a clumsy high bump on Jason Johannisen in the final term.

Adam Treloar was prolific with 40 possessions and two goals, Tom Phillips was eye-catching with 36 touches and a goal and skipper Scott Pendlebury was influential with 32 disposals and a goal.

Toby McLean (33 possessions and seven clearances), Jack Macrae (30 touches) and Luke Dahlhaus (24) led the way for the Dogs.

In a cautious start from both teams, just over nine minutes elapsed before Phillips kicked the first goal of the contest after a Bailey Williams howler deep in the Bulldogs' defence.

The match kicked up a few gears after that, but only as far as the Dogs were concerned.

In his first game back from a four-week hamstring injury Tory Dickson booted two goals as Luke Beveridge's side slammed through five unanswered majors to lead by 25 points at the first break.

Former No.2 draft pick Josh Schache was mobbed by his new teammates after he kicked his first goal in his first game for the Dogs since his switch from Brisbane.

The Pies worked into the contest in the second term, with Treloar and Pendlebury important, but the Bulldogs still led by 18 points at halftime.

Dogs defender Zaine Cordy didn't reappear after the break due to a concussion and his side were suddenly on the back foot.

The reinvigorated Pies showed an intent to harass their opponents, with Brodie Grundy getting on top in the ruck contest.

Josh Thomas gave his side the lead when he kicked truly to finish a sizzling coast-to-coast passage of play.

The Dogs couldn't manage a goal in the third term and the Pies had the momentum, nine points up heading into the last quarter.

The Bulldogs had only won a single final term for the season going into the clash and their poor finishing continued.

The Pies booted the last four goals of the game as Beveridge's side went goalless in the second half.