Here’s a look at four talking points heading into Friday night’s round one blockbuster between the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood at the MCG.

1. A handy Ad-dition

It’s a big night for Adam Treloar.

Not only does the star midfielder get to play his first AFL game for the Western Bulldogs, but he’ll do it against his former side – Collingwood – on the big stage.

Round one, Friday night, MCG. It doesn’t get much better.

The build-up for Treloar has been huge.

But once the clock hits 7.50pm and the ball is bounced, it’s just another game of footy. And Treloar will have his sights set on helping the Bulldogs get the chocolates to kick off 2021.

2. Shut down Grundy
Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy is one of the best big men in the business.

And he’s proved that in his past three outings against the Bulldogs, collecting the three Brownlow votes in each of those games.

But this time he’ll have a different challenge.

Off-season recruit Stefan Martin will pull on the red, white and blue for the first time, joining rising star Tim English in a potent ruck combination.

If Martin and English can give the Bulldogs’ midfield first use of the ball, it could go a long way to deciding this game.

 3. Two to debut

Welcome to the big time, Anthony Scott and Lachie McNeil.

Debuts games don’t get much bigger than this.

Scott’s story is one of perseverance. The 25-year-old has done it the hard way, coming through local and state league footy to get his opportunity.

The versatile left-footer is slotted into a defensive role seamlessly for the Bulldogs, after graduating from the Footscray VFL program.

McNeil was overlooked in his draft year, before being called up in the rookie draft in 2019.

The 19-year-old South Australian boasts a mix of skill and speed – expect to see him spend time forward and around the ball.

Good luck, lads.

4. Connection the key

As has been the case for the Bulldogs in recent times, when the midfield and forward line connect, it’s a hard brand of footy to stop.

In terms of talent, the Bulldogs midfield bats as deep as any in the competition.

And with key forward Josh Bruce and Aaron Naughton both fit – and English also due for time inside-50 – they have some big targets to aim at.

How long will Marcus Bontempelli spend forward? And the rest of the midfielders, for that matter.

Winning the ball in the middle and converting that into goal-scoring opportunities is the key to the game.