| Collingwood v Essendon Sunday August 4, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 9 Max 14 Chance of rain 70%: 1-5mm Wind: WNW 25kph Betting: Collingwood $1.80 Essendon $2.02 |
HB: Harry O'Brien, Heath Shaw, Marley Williams
C: Steele Sidebottom, Luke Ball, Sam Dwyer
HF: Jamie Elliott, Quinten Lynch, Jarryd Blair
F: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Tyson Goldsack
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan
Int: Brent Macaffer, Jarrod Witts, Ben Reid, Josh Thomas, Ben Kennedy, Ben Sinclair, Paul Seedsman
IN: Luke Ball, Quinten Lynch, Paul Seedsman
OUT:
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Collingwood midfielder Luke Ball will make an immediate return from injury after he was named in an extended 25-man squad to face Essendon at the MCG on Sunday. A late withdrawal last weekend due to calf soreness, Ball’s return bolsters a Magpie side further strengthened by the key inclusions of utility Paul Seedsman and forward Quinten Lynch for the pivotal clash. Averaging over 24 disposals per game in eight outings this season, Ball has hardly skipped a beat since making his long awaited return from knee surgery, providing considerable poise and steel to the Black and Whites midfield. Leading the side in tackles made per match, Ball’s trademark pressure may prove critical against an Essendon side which remains firmly in Premiership contention. Indeed, given the nature of Collingwood’s loss on Anzac Day, as Nathan Buckley’s side found itself overwhelmed by Essendon’s strength at stoppages, Ball’s timely inclusion, in addition to the rising form of Dayne Beams certainly provides cause for optimism. The returning Seedsman meanwhile provides an added boost of pace and creativity across the half back line, the 21-year old’s daring run into the opposition half ensuring he has fast become a favourite of the Magpie faithful. Having frequently demonstrated his capacity to launch slingshot counters from deep, Seedsman’s attacking nous undoubtedly makes him a valuable addition, a boon in Collingwood’s quest for victory. Lynch completes the trio of returnees, having developed his match fitness during an impressive pair of performances for the VFL Magpies. Dividing his time between the forward line and ruck duties, Lynch amassed an impressive 27 disposals against Casey last weekend, which included 20 contested possessions, 15 clearances and seven inside 50s. Such a formidable statistics line can surely be seen as a sign that Lynch has rediscovered the form which made him a revelation earlier in the season before a persistent back concern took its toll. On the injury front, veteran rucks Darren Jolly and Ben Hudson will return to action via the VFL, while Dale Thomas continues to make impressive strides on the training track in his bid to recover in time for finals. |
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