Alan Toovey aside, Collingwood's defence right now is an AFL nursery.

There will be times in Sunday's game against the Western Bulldogs when Toovey will have more AFL experience than his five fellow backmen combined.

Alan Toovey in action earlier in 2014 Credit:Pat Scala

And at just 27 years of age and 124 games, Toovey is hardly a veteran.

But the more impressive statistic is that only Fremantle and Sydney - teams renowned for their defensive grunt - have conceded less points this season than the Magpies.