Magpies demolish Bulldogs, 124-62

Minor premiers Collingwood have doubled the Western Bulldogs score to easily win their qualifying final by 62 points on Saturday night at the MCG.

The foot injury to midfielder Sharrod Wellingham was the only setback as they cruised to a 17.22 (124) to 8.14 (62) win.

It is also understood that Bulldogs key forward Barry Hall is on report after a second-term incident with Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien.

While Collingwood have the week off ahead of their preliminary final, the Bulldogs face the winner of the Sydney-Carlton elimination final in next Saturday night's semi-final.

Magpies midfielders Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury and Dale Thomas shone in the convincing win and captain Nick Maxwell was superb as a loose man in defence.

Swan and Steele Sidebottom kicked three goals apiece.

The Bulldogs are now 0-5 this season against their fellow top-four teams.

Collingwood's notorious inaccuracy cost them a much bigger margin, but it did not matter.

The minor premiers never looked like giving up control of the game, plus the Bulldogs were also wasteful in front of goal.

Wellingham, who has played 21 games this season, landed awkwardly on his right foot in the third term.

He collapsed to the ground in agony and two trainers had to help him from the field.

His injury was the one lowlight of a great night for the Magpies.

The Bulldogs started well, but could not kick early goals to put the pressure on Collingwood.

Within 10 minutes, the Magpies had taken control and would never give it back.

Maxwell's defensive work was particularly important in the first quarter, with the Bulldogs unable to find a reliable avenue to goal.

The Bulldogs came into the finals after a form slump and a shocking run with injuries last month.

They are without Adam Cooney and Dale Morris for the rest of the season, plus Brad Johnson and Shaun Higgins were clearly below top fitness.

Ryan Griffen had been in doubt with a knee injury, but he was their best player with a strong performance in the midfield.

It appears that Hall was put on report following his tangle with Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien in the second term.

At one stage, a field umpire interviened in their heated scuffle.

Bulldogs key defender Brian Lake was forced from the field early in the second term when he landed heavily on his shoulder, but was back on the field within a few minutes.