Collingwood know they have the game plan and the attitude for AFL success - it's the execution that has been lacking.

The Magpies have made some important changes to their team for Sunday's twilight match against the Western Bulldogs as they come off losses against Geelong and Brisbane.

Ruckman Josh Fraser returns along with key position player Leigh Brown, while the Magpies have also recalled small forwards Paul Medhurst and Leon Davis.

Forward firepower has been a glaring problem for the Magpies in the last fortnight - they had plenty of chances against the Cats, but only kicked six goals.

Against the Lions, they led at every change and again were inaccurate.

At other times this season, Collingwood have been outstanding and star midfielder Dane Swan said it is a matter of sticking to what they know works for them.

"We've been disappointing the last two weeks, we need a good showing against a really good side this week - get back to the way we were playing before Geelong," he said.

"We've been in a position to win every game we've played this year, it's not all doom and gloom.

"We have to take some positives out of it and hopefully just stick to our structures for four quarters.

"If we play the way we can for four quarters, we should come away with a win."

Just as AFL clubs speak these days of "team defence", the Magpies are emphasising the need for "team attack".

Swan points out it is a particular need for Collingwood because they at their best when they have a good spread of goalkickers.

"It's all over the ground, we have to make sure our structures are right, it starts with the forwards, it comes in with the 'mids' and backs," Swan said.

"It's no-one's fault, it's the whole side's fault - it's 18 on the field at once.

"We have to make sure we have an even contribution over the four quarters - we don't have a lot of stars who can win us a game on their own."

The Bulldogs also need a win, after a surprisingly-poor effort for much of the game against Essendon last weekend.

The loss came a day before the club had their inaugural Hall Of Fame dinner.

On top of everything, the Jason Akermanis circus was a giant distraction and headache.

The Bulldogs have left out Akermanis because of a hamstring problem.

He will also serve a two-week suspension after there was a mis-communication with the club in the wake of his controversial column on homosexuality in the AFL.

The Bulldogs could not consider Ryan Hargrave because of an ankle injury and they have promoted Brodie Moles and Nathan Eagleton.

Like Collingwood, the 'Dogs will push for a top-four finish this year and Swan has no doubt they will bounce back.

"They'd be dangerous anyway, but I'm sure it will galvanise the playing group, they will want to make a statement to the footballing public - we have to be careful of that," he said.

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