WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says third-quarter turnovers, not a treacle-slow start, were the most disappointing thing about his side's loss to Collingwood on Sunday afternoon.

Last year's two beaten preliminary finalists met in the highly anticipated match of the round, and the game didn't disappoint, with the Pies kicking nine of the first 12 goals before the Dogs fought back with seven of the next eight.

Despite looking spent, the Magpies pulled it together in the third quarter, capitalising on Bulldogs lapses to kick the final three goals of the term and turn for home with a lead of 20 points.

"We spent a lot of energy because of our turnovers," Eade said.

"I think our efficiency rate at some stage was about 58 per cent - it got up to nearly 70, but it's still not good enough.

"We had 20 inside-50s for two goals, a couple of set shots, but it's all 'ifs, buts, maybes', isn't it?

"The momentum was going our way and you just need to take those chances. That was just another example of not using the ball as well as we normally do."

Eade said his side was missing its usual focus at the start of the match, with the Magpies giving his side no time or space to move.

"You can always tell when the intensity's off - I relate it to fumbling when you don't normally fumble, and we fumbled a lot.

"And, obviously, execution of skill, and I think execution of skill is linked to your mindset.

"But full credit to Collingwood - they played very well and they're a very good side, so you cop your medicine and improve in those areas."

Ruckman Will Minson, one of the AFL's more enigmatic players, gifted the Magpies a goal early in the last quarter which increased their lead to 26 points and effectively sealed the game for the visitors.

"I haven't spoken to Will yet - I'll let my emotions subside before I talk to big Will," said Eade.

"Is he the dumbest smart bloke in the competition?"