Factbox for second week of AFL finals (all times local).

FRIDAY, SEPT 12

Second semi-final

Western Bulldogs v Sydney at MCG, 7.50pm

Head to head: Western Bulldogs 73, Sydney 69, Drawn 1

Most recent match: Western Bulldogs 17.11 (113) bt Sydney 14.13 (97), R18 2008, Manuka Oval

Head to head in finals: Western Bulldogs 1, Sydney 1

Most recent final: Western Bulldogs 18.11 (119) bt Sydney 12.12 (84), 1997 second qualifying final, MCG
Winner advances to preliminary final on weekend of Sept 19-20 against Geelong. Loser eliminated.

The Swans come into the match with the advantage in momentum, having powered past North Melbourne in the elimination final. Sydney snubbed their noses at critics who claimed they were too old and too slow. Youngster Craig Bird is a good chance to return from a groin strain against the Bulldogs, while veteran forward Michael O'Loughlin (ankle) could also come into the Sydney lineup. The Bulldogs need to bounce back hard after being brutalised by the Hawks in their qualifying final. Robert Murphy, Brad Johnson and Adam Cooney are just three of a large group of the Bulldogs' high-profile players who owe their club a big performance after being badly beaten by their Hawthorn opponents.

SATURDAY, SEPT 13

First semi-final

St Kilda v Collingwood at MCG, 7.30pm

Head to head: St Kilda 53, Collingwood 149, Drawn 1

Most recent match: Collingwood 14.13 (97) bt St Kilda 12.11 (83), R19 2008, MCG

Head to head in finals: St Kilda 4, Collingwood 3

Most recent final: St Kilda 13.13 (91) bt Collingwood 12.11 (83), 1992 second elimination final, Waverley Park

Winner advances to preliminary final on weekend of Sept 19-20 against Hawthorn. Loser eliminated.

After being humbled by Geelong, the pressure will be on the Saints to bounce back hard against a Collingwood side whose contested brand of football is well-suited to the finals. The Magpies will be hopeful of regaining the services of skipper Scott Burns, who missed the win over Adelaide with a calf strain. St Kilda fans with long memories will recall that their greatest-ever day came against Collingwood back in 1966, when Barry Breen kicked the behind that secured the Saints their only-ever premiership, by one point.

AAP