2014 Ladder: Round 15

Pos Position    C Change from last round    P Played    W Won    L Lost    D Drawn    F Points for    A Points against
% Percentage    Form Past five results    Next Next opponent    Pts Points

Round 15: Collingwood 91 Carlton 76

THE FACTS

COLLINGWOOD   6.3.39    8.8.56    10.12.72    13.13.91
CARLTON              2.2.14    6.3.39    7.7.49       11.10.76

SCORERS - Collingwood: Ball (2.1), Pendlebury (2.0), Sidebottom (2.0), Young (2.0), Beams (1.3), Cloke (1.2), Goldsack (1.0), Keeffe (1.0), Witts (1.0), Adams (0.1), Dwyer (0.1), Elliott (0.1), Lumumba (0.1), Macaffer (0.1), Seedsman (0.1)

BEST - Collingwood: Sidebottom, Macaffer, Swan, Pendlebury, Dwyer, Beams

INJURIES - Collingwood: Elliott (hamstring), Langdon (concussion) replaced in selected side by Kennedy

SUBSTITUTES - Collingwood: Jamie Elliot (hamstring) subbed out for Ben Kennedy in the third quarter

REPORTS - Collingwood: Dayne Beams for striking Ed Curnow

OFFICIAL CROWD: 40,936 at the MCG

STATS CENTRAL

- You can tell a lot about a player from the way he responds to a suspension. Steele Sidebottom’s professionalism and maturity shone through against Carlton when he put in his best performance of the season to date after three weeks in the sheds. The 23-year-old collected 33 disposals, laid nine tackles, cleared a stoppage seven times and kicked two goals – including the sealer – for good measure. What’s more, he used the ball at 90.9 per cent efficiency. Outstanding. - Granted he twinged a hamstring in the warm up last week, but credit must still go to Brent Macaffer for his job on Marc Murphy. In round seven, the tagger restricted Murphy to 20 disposals. On Sunday night, it was just 15. Another job well done for Collingwood’s giant killer. - Ben Kennedy has started as Collingwood’s substitute more than he’d care to remember during his first 18 months as a Magpie. Included at the eleventh hour in place of Tom Langdon, Kennedy left his mark on the game when summoned from the bench midway through the third quarter. His speed and run and carry helped break open the congestion and won plaudits from his coach in the press conference after the match. With several weeks’ worth of consistent VFL form behind him, Kennedy will be aiming to cement his place in the senior side as the run to September begins.

- Never underestimate Sam Dwyer’s importance to the Collingwood machine. Few players are blessed with his clean hands and level headed approach to the madness that unfolds around him. He had a hand in three of his side’s 13 goals, taking his season tally of goal assists to seven. Of his 21 disposals, five took the ball inside 50, ranking him behind only Clinton Young, Dayne Beams and Heritier Lumumba who had six each. - Much of the pre-match focus was directed towards the likely crowd figure for the obscure Sunday night fixture. When a total of 40,936 fans turned up to the MCG to watch Collingwood and Carlton, you know it’s going to create headlines. It was the smallest crowd to a match between the two traditional rivals since 30,096 turned up in round 18, 2000, though that match was played at Princes Park as the ‘last suburban’ showdown’. You have to go all the way out to Waverley Park back in round 12, 1991, to find a Collingwood-Carlton fixture at one of the league’s neutral venues that pulled less than 40,000 (39,832 turned up at Waverley that afternoon). To dig even deeper, the crowd was the smallest between the two clubs at the home of football since 37,813 rolled through the gates on 1 October 1921 for the Semi-Final.

TALKING POINTS

1. Staying away on Sunday night The AFL has conceded the Sunday night timeslot is being reviewed with this game a test case for whether it works in future. The cold, wet weather didn't help crowd figures, nor did the reduced capacity in the MCG car park because of recent rain, but it was still a surprise that only 40,936 people braved the elements to see the Magpies win on the first weekend of Victorian school holidays. It was the lowest crowd between the traditional rivals at the MCG since the semi-final in 1921, when 37,813 attended, and the lowest home-and-away attendance between the two sides at the MCG. Collingwood president Eddie McGuire told radio station 3AW after the game that the Pies would ask the AFL for compensation on Monday morning given they expected to lose "a couple of hundred thousand" dollars due to the low attendance. 2. Moments of madness Mitch Robinson, Dayne Beams and possibly Dale Thomas may have cases to answer for after being involved in separate incidents set to be reviewed. Robinson has frustrated Mick Malthouse a few times and an incident in the first quarter would have had the veteran coach seeing red. Robinson was engaged in some push and shove with young Pie Taylor Adams when he swung his left arm and connected with the former Giant's chin. Robinson was reported by umpire Scott Jeffery and a free kick was paid in the centre as the players reset after a goal by Scott Pendlebury. The colourful Blue was quickly dragged where he no doubt copped an earful from Malthouse on the phone. If he is suspended, it will be the second time this year he's missed a game through ill-discipline after being rubbed out for a week for striking St Kilda's Jack Newnes in round eight. Later, Beams was reported for a blow to Ed Curnow's midriff in the third quarter, shortly after Thomas bumped Swan and caused the Brownlow medallist to seek medical attention on his jaw. 3. Laser-gate no distraction for Judd A green laser beam apparently shone from the stands was the talking point of the first quarter after it landed on the chest of Chris Judd when he was taking a set shot. Channel Seven's coverage picked up the beam, which didn't affect Judd as he calmly slotted the game's first goal at the MCG's city end, but it did prompt an influx of security guards and police behind the goals in the Ponsford Stand. It is expected the incident will be reviewed by stadium management and the AFL in the post-match debrief. At least the beam didn't cause the controversy it did in the World Cup in Brazil, when Russia insisted its goalkeeper was blinded by a green light and consequently missed Algeria's equalising goal that forced the Russians out of the tournament.

4. Macaffer magic, Murphy misery Collingwood's Brent Macaffer told the AFL Record this week he often looked at how Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley played on specific players, and that when preparing for any given opponent, he took confidence from having beaten them previously. While the Blues haven't played the Dockers this year, Crowley kept Murphy to just 13 touches in round 19 last season – and Macaffer restricted him to 20 in round seven this year. Perhaps it was reviewing Crowley's game or the self-belief he gathered from the Pies' first win over the Blues this season that saw Macaffer again reduce Murphy's effectiveness on Sunday night. The Carlton captain had just 15 possessions – six in the first half – in another win for the close-checking Pie. 5. Steele's stunning return It wasn't an incredible game to watch but the ending delivered in spades. It appeared the Pies would win when successive goals to Beams and Clinton Young put the Pies 26 points clear midway through the final term. But Henderson made up for an earlier miss with a goal at the 13-minute mark before Troy Menzel made both sets of fans nervous when he cut the margin to nine points with six minutes left. Then, Steele Sidebottom - fresh from the three-week suspension he received in round 11 for knocking out St Kilda's Maverick Weller – goaled with two-and-a-half minutes left on the clock. It was a tidy return for Sidebottom, who was extremely remorseful for the Weller incident after it happened, with the strong midfielder racking up 33 possessions. The cold, wet weather didn't help crowd figures, nor did the reduced capacity in the MCG car park because of recent rain, but it was still a surprise that only 40,936 people braved the elements to see the Magpies win on the first weekend of Victorian school holidays. It was the lowest crowd between the traditional rivals at the MCG since the semi-final in 1921, when 37,813 attended, and the lowest home-and-away attendance between the two sides at the MCG. Collingwood president Eddie McGuire told radio station 3AW after the game that the Pies would ask the AFL for compensation on Monday morning given they expected to lose "a couple of hundred thousand" dollars due to the low attendance.

THE MEDIA

COLLINGWOOD NEWS Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says the Magpies had to arrest a second-quarter mentality of "filling our boots" in order to beat Carlton on Sunday night. The Pies prevailed by 15 points but let the momentum slip in the second term after leading by 31 points early on. Buckley said he didn't think the players had been deliberately selfish in front of goal but rued their "fancy" decision-making in the spell that let the Blues within three goals. "We've got a very team-orientated group and it's not a suggestion they would do it maliciously," Buckley said. "But I think we were keen to pull the trigger when one more disposal and we would find a player 10 or 15 metres closer to goal with half as much pressure on him and give us twice as much of a chance to kick it. "I think we're still building that best shot mentality into our footy and it can happen across half-back by using the right option there. "Our offence can improve and we'll continue to work on it but I don't think it was malicious." Midfielder Steele Sidebottom returned after serving a three-match suspension for a crunching hit on St Kilda's Maverick Weller in round 11. Buckley said the fact he was able to come straight in and collect 33 disposals was a testament to his professionalism. "He's a very strong young leader, he's very developed in that regard this year," he said. "He was clearly disappointed with the split-second decision and the repercussions from it four weeks ago. "He's put a power of work in and he showed tonight that professionalism to be ready to go was evident and he performed as a result." Brent Macaffer claimed another high-profile scalp by keeping Carlton captain Marc Murphy to just 15 disposals – six in the first half. Buckley considered sending him to Bryce Gibbs or Chris Judd after assessing Murphy as not being at 100 per cent but was glad they stuck with their initial plan. "When you've got foot on throat you want to maintain that and I think 'Caff' has shown an ability to do that and finish a job off, which he did," he said. Tom Langdon was a late withdrawal after being concussed last week against Hawthorn, while Jamie Elliot was subbed out in the third quarter after becoming tight in his hamstring. Buckley said it was a precautionary move to take Elliot off and the doctors believed he hadn't sustained a tear. "It wasn't loosening up...generally where there's smoke there's fire but we'll have a look and scan it tomorrow," he said. "Whilst (Langdon) passed the test on Thursday, it just felt like he was not all together clean or clear, he was still a little dusty and that won't hurt him." He also said Taylor Adams wasn't injured in an incident that left Mitch Robinson on report for striking in the first quarter.                                  REAL FOOTY You might need to read this because plainly you were not at the game. This was a Carlton-Collingwood game, but not as you know it. Not in the sense of those interested to turn up for entertaining rivals. Just 40,936 people came out on a damp, cold Sunday night to the MCG. Not since 1991 at Waverley had Collingwood-Carlton played before a crowd of this size away from suburban grounds. Not since a semi-final in 1921 had Collingwood and Carlton played at the MCG before such a small crowd, and not since the Magpies left Victoria Park have they played Carlton in front of a crowd as tiny for a home game. On the field the game was distractingly good after a one-sided beginning. It started sharply enough with Chris Judd making good a free kick in front of goal, but the Blues undid their own work afterwards. Their kicking out of defence was loose, poorly chosen and consequently punished. Collingwood had four unanswered goals, one of them from a relayed free kick for a Mitch Robinson left hook that clipped Taylor Adams’ jaw and saw not only a goal result but a report, too. The Magpies almost doubled Carlton’s possessions in the first term, their comprehensive ownership of the ball illustrated by the 19-5 inside-50 count but not the scoreboard. A 25-point first quarter margin was significant but unreflective.  The second term began with Travis Cloke stretching the lead to five goals. With Collingwood playing one loose behind the ball, Carlton coach Mick Malthouse then went man on man. So Nathan Buckley put another behind the ball. And Malthouse manned him up. Consequently the Blues had eight forwards to match Collingwood’s eight defenders. It worked: the Blues kicked three unanswered goals and got back in the contest. There was a sense the Magpies still had the run of the play and the expectation they would score, but when they kicked five straight behinds as Carlton kicked three goals the idea took hold at Carlton that it was back in the contest. A goal in a minute to start the third quarter with, importantly, Judd being influential had the Blues back to 11 points, but rounding out the quarter with three behinds and two more set shots not making the distance or skewing off line left them afflicted like Collingwood. After quarter time the Magpies kicked 2.8 until they broke the run through Luke Ball and later Steele Sidebottom stepping through traffic to snap a goal and restore the lead to 23 points at the last break. Collingwood, however, was playing without a well-functioning forward line after Jamie Elliott had to be subbed out. Jesse White was having no influence, the small forwards offered nothing and Cloke was being double teamed and leading deep. Dayne Beams and Dane Swan were used as marking forward. Beams kicked the Magpies steadier in the last after Lachie Henderson had booted one from a free and 50 metres, and then hit the post with another set shot (the fourth Carlton miss from a set shot). When Clinton Young snapped another a minute later and the lead was 26 points,  Carlton’s chances of working into the game again looked forlorn. But  Marc Murphy, on the end of a Robinson handball, goaled and Henderson snuck out the back to goal. It was back to 15 points.  When Troy Menzel marked a short high kick directly in front it was nine points at the 22-minute mark and the game began having a Collingwood-Carlton tension about it. The tension broke when Ed Curnow cut a ball into the corridor from half-back to Kade Simpson but it hung in the air for Ben Kennedy to intercept with a punch and  Sidebottom dribbled  a goal.                                 "I think we were keen to pull the trigger when one more disposal and we would find a player 10 or 15 metres closer to goal with half as much pressure on him and give us twice as much of a chance to kick it. I think we're still building that best shot mentality into our footy and it can happen across half-back by using the right option there. Our offence can improve and we'll continue to work on it but I don't think it was malicious." Nathan Buckley

SUPERFOOTY FOR Carlton, the reality was as cold as the winter winds that lashed the MCG. The Blues just aren’t good enough. There’s tryers, battlers and even a sprinkling of stars, but on this wet and freezing Sunday night, here was another sobering reminder of the obvious shortcomings in navy blue. This time Collingwood offered the cold, hard truth to a side that’s last win now came more than a month ago. The final score was 13.13 (91) to 11.10 (76). Statistically the Pies were dominant - winning disposals 394-337, tackles 86-56 and inside 50s 56-45. But after storming to a 31-point lead early in the second term and threatening to blow the Blues off the map, Collingwood’s profligacy opened the door. The Pies kicked 4.9 across the second and third quarters and despite being put under serious heat by Carlton for the next three quarters, they were able to keep the Blues at arms length when it counted most. Carlton was brave again and close again, but its challenge was again self-sabotaged at pivotal second-half moments. Marc Murphy didn’t make the distance with a 35m set shot and watched the ball go up the other end where Luke Ball converted. Lachie Henderson hit the post from 35m right before Dayne Beams nailed a set shot from 50m. Levi Casboult put a set shot out on the full from 25m. And on it went until Ed Curnow’s looping centering kick with three minutes left was intercepted for Steele Sidebottom to give Collingwood a 15-point lead and put the final nail in the coffin. They didn’t want for effort, the Blues, but their reality is that they lack class. Indeed, it was the sort of congested, dour game that Mick Malthouse tells us he would hate if he wasn’t coaching. Murphy, returning from a hamstring strain, was held to 15 disposals by Brent Macaffer, while Scott Pendlebury (24 touches, two goals) started brightly before being kept in check by Andrew Carrazzo. “The boys played well. It was tough conditions tonight and they ground it out really well,” Pendlebury said. “It was great to have Steele (Sidebottom) back, he just covers the ground. I thought ‘Swanny’ was fantastic, but the guys just played their roles.” Sidebottom was excellent and finished with 33 disposals. The returning midfielder’s run was crucial to keeping Carlton at bay; ditto Dane Swan and Taylor Adams, who had 30 and 27 respectively. Chris Yarran was a clear standout for the Blues on a largely scrappy night, repeatedly splitting the Pies open with his dash from defence. Carlton kicked nine goals to seven after quarter-time, but it was that first 30 minutes that sunk them. Chris Judd kicked the game’s first goal after two minutes before Collingwood domination consumed the rest of that opening term. Goals to Luke Ball, Pendlebury - twice - Lachie Keefe and Clinton Young had the Pies up 27-7 after 20 minutes. When Tyson Goldsack added one in the shadows of quarter-time the fat lady was warming up. Collingwood was winning the inside 50s a staggering 19-5 and disposals 104-68. Carlton’s dire situation was found in the form of Murphy, who was forced to twice go back with the flight deep in defence and was crunched. It was an opening half-hour in which the Pies simply worked harder and got more numbers to the contest. The Blues would come hard, but unlike Collingwood, they didn’t have the weapons to inflict the damage.                                  COLLINGWOOD NEWS Collingwood president Eddie McGuire will demand compensation from the AFL for the low attendance at Sunday night's clash with Carlton and wants supporters to receive an apology for the unpopular scheduling. Just 40,936 turned up to watch the Magpies' 15-point win on a bitingly cold Sunday night that followed a day of rain. It was the lowest crowd between the traditional rivals at the MCG since the semi-final in 1921, when 37,813 attended, and the lowest home-and-away attendance between the two sides at the MCG. While the AFL has admitted the attendance was around 10,000 short of what it hoped for, a furious McGuire has slammed the decision to use what is usually a blockbuster event to trial a timeslot. "This is one of the greatest (examples of) vandalising of a key event that I've seen in years," McGuire said afterwards. "I'm sure I won't get a letter of an apology or anything else and I don't care – all I want is the cheque. "I'm worried it's probably cost a couple of hundred of thousand – there's equalisation money gone out of the door. "It's exactly the way we told them 12 months ago it would be. "What we'll do is take the money out of the AFL executives bonuses, those who did it, and send it to the Westpac Centre because at 9 o'clock and one second tomorrow, I'm going to be on the phone saying compensation. "You want to be entrepreneurs, you carry the downside." AFL spokesman Patrick Keane emphasised the trial nature of the timeslot and addressed the fact numbers were below what was expected. "Our figures from tonight show that between the two clubs, there's about 13,000 reserves seat holders who didn't turn up," Keane said. "Obviously the clubs get the money for those people but from our point of view, we want the people to attend. "We've said quite consistently this year we're trialling a number of slots, Thursdays worked really well, Monday only had the one game and the crowds have trended down in the last couple of years. "Sunday night obviously hasn't had the response in the same way Thursday has." McGuire thanked the supporters that did brave the elements for their support. But he was disappointed for the "35-40,000" fans put off by the wintery conditions, which were expected on a night in late June. "I'm the president of the joint and I was lucky to come tonight," he said. "Don't punish people. This is not a test to see what their endurance is. Make it easy for people. Life's hard out there at the moment, factories are shutting down, people are cold. "Make it easy, make the football the one thing in your life that's great, not an ordeal. "Don't say it's school holidays because most people who are working class people aren't flying to Noosa tomorrow, they get up and go to work tomorrow. It's a working family game and we've got to get back to it." McGuire said fans buying seats and not attending was "not good for football". "Even if it was one versus two, it would have been hard going," he said. "We've been screaming about it since the fixture came out and it won't happen ever again - we will never play a Sunday night in the middle of winter ever again." Carlton coach Mick Malthouse said he had no issues with being scheduled to play against Collingwood on a Sunday night. "It's a national football game. You've got nine games that have got to be played over Thursday to Sunday," Malthouse said. "If you have to play it Saturday or Sunday or Monday or Tuesday, as long as you get a minimum six days' rest, I'm quite comfortable with it."

Round 15: The Team - Final

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Carlton Sunday June 29, 7.10pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7.00pm Weather: Min 9 Max 13 Chance of rain 90%: 5- 10mm Wind: WSW 30kph Betting: Collingwood $1.25 Carlton $4.00

B: Paul Seedsman, Jack Frost, Alan Toovey
HB: Tom Langdon, Lachlan Keeffe, Heritier Lumumba
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Clinton Young
HF: Tyson Goldsack, Jesse White, Brent Macaffer
F: Jarryd Blair, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliott
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
Int: Sam Dwyer, Luke Ball, Taylor Adams, Josh Thomas

IN: Tyson Goldsack, Steele Sidebottom
OUT: Marley Williams (ankle),Tim Broomhead (omitted)
Emg: Brodie Grundy, Ben Kennedy, Tim Broomhead

Collingwood News Collingwood has finalised its team to take on Carlton on Sunday night. Senior duo Steele Sidebottom and Tyson Goldsack make their return after mid-season spells on the sidelines. Marley Williams will sit out the match after injuring his ankle during the team’s main training session on Friday morning. “He rolled it at training. We’ll see how it pulls up and assess it early next week,” Director of Football Rodney Eade told collingwoodfc.com.au. “There’s not a lot of swelling but he can’t play on the weekend, so hopefully he will be alright for next week.” Second-year draftee Tim Broomhead has been omitted. Sidebottom and Goldsack have been notable absentees in recent weeks, with injury and suspension respectively conspiring to force them to the sidelines while the side endured successive losses for the first time this season. Having established himself among the leading pressure players in the game during 2014, Goldsack’s likely return is a boon for a Magpies side seeking to arrest its recent form slide, with his ferocious tackling and relish for the contest making him a key asset against the Blues. His influence is borne out statistically with Goldsack ranking first in the AFL for effective tackles within the forward zone of the ground (20), and second overall for tackles laid by forwards (62). Sidebottom’s return meanwhile will provide clear relief to a midfield group which has felt the impact of his unavailability rather acutely. Averaging nearly 25 disposals a game, fourth among Collingwood players, Sidebottom’s decision making and effectiveness in disposal has proven invaluable this season, particularly from across half back as he has revelled in linking defence with attack.

Round 15: The Team - Preliminary

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Carlton Sunday June 29, 7.10pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7.00pm Weather: Min 9 Max 13 Chance of rain 90%: 1- 5mm Wind: W 31kph Betting: Collingwood $1.25 Carlton $4.00

B: Marley Williams, Jack Frost, Alan Toovey
HB: Tom Langdon, Lachlan Keeffe, Heritier Lumumba
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Clinton Young
HF: Tyson Goldsack, Jesse White, Brent Macaffer
F: Jarryd Blair, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliott
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
Int (from): Sam Dwyer, Brodie Grundy, Luke Ball, Taylor Adams, Josh Thomas, Tim Broomhead, Paul Seedsman

IN: Tyson Goldsack, Brodie Grundy, Steele Sidebottom

Collingwood News Collingwood is poised to welcome back Tyson Goldsack and Steele Sidebottom after they were named in an extended 25-man squad to face Carlton at the MCG on Sunday night. The duo have been notable absentees in recent weeks, with injury and suspension respectively conspiring to force them to the sidelines while the side endured successive losses for the first time this season. Having established himself among the leading pressure players in the game during 2014, Goldsack’s likely return is a boon for a Magpies side seeking to arrest its recent form slide, with his ferocious tackling and relish for the contest making him a key asset against the Blues. His influence is borne out statistically with Goldsack ranking first in the AFL for effective tackles within the forward zone of the ground (20), and second overall for tackles laid by forwards (62). Sidebottom’s return meanwhile will provide clear relief to a midfield group which has felt the impact of his unavailability rather acutely. Averaging nearly 25 disposals a game, fourth among Collingwood players, Sidebottom’s decision making and effectiveness in disposal has proven invaluable this season, particularly from across half back as he has revelled in linking defence with attack. Emerging ruck Brodie Grundy is the final inclusion to the 25-man squad, returning to selection consideration after he was overlooked for last week’s clash with Hawthorn. Despite boasting just 18 matches of senior AFL experience, Grundy has largely shouldered primary ruck duties for Collingwood this year, registering 217 hit outs at an average of nearly 20 per match. Grundy’s potential re-introduction follows a solid performance at VFL level last weekend, as he produced 30 hitouts, laid eight tackles and amassed five clearances to rank amongst Collingwood’s best in a 45-point loss to Footscray. Collingwood will finalise its match day squad tomorrow (Friday).

Preview Round 15: Collingwood v Carlton

Collingwood News
 

Collingwood v Carlton Sunday June 29, 7.10pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7.00pm Weather: Min 9 Max 13 Chance of rain 90%: 1- 5mm Wind: W 31kph Betting: Collingwood $1.25 Carlton $4.00

This week’s preview analyses the battle between the two most traditional rivals in the AFL, ahead of a game played in a most untraditional timeslot of 7.10pm on Sunday evening at the MCG.
Collingwood and Carlton are both desperate for wins this Sunday. The Magpies have slipped from fourth spot to sixth spot after two consecutive losses and are yet to really cement a top eight position considering they are only one game clear of ninth spot at the moment.
Carlton, on the other hand, has suffered four consecutive defeats, none more demoralising than the loss last week to Greater Western Sydney. The Blues have plummeted to 12th spot on the ladder with only four wins for the season. It suggests the Blues are extremely unlikely to be able to make the finals from here, but there is plenty riding on this match considering the eyes of the football world will be on them to see how they respond to the shock loss last weekend.
Collingwood was far from disgraced last week against Hawthorn, but would be disappointed that it was again beaten for contested football and for the second week running conceded over 100 points. Collingwood’s young defence has been tested in recent weeks, which is concerning because Nick Maxwell, Ben Reid and Nathan Brown all remain out of the side. Therefore, the onus is going to continue to remain on the likes of inexperienced players such as Jack Frost, Lachlan Keeffe and Marley Williams.
Carlton simply lacked run and carry against the Giants. This would have been concerning for Carlton because its form over the previous two weeks was solid against strong opponents in Geelong and Hawthorn. The Blues were playing with a lot more attacking flair and were willing to take risks. However, on the weekend, I felt Carlton reverted back into its shell and was run off its legs by the young Giants. Coach Mick Malthouse’s instructions this week will undoubtedly be to take risks and to take the game on.

Recent History
Collingwood has won its previous three encounters against the Blues by an average margin of 30 points.
The most recent encounter was only eight rounds ago where it was Collingwood that was convincing 34-point victors. The margin could have been a lot greater, but a final quarter fadeout by the Magpies saw the Blues kick eight last quarter goals.
Dane Swan was brilliant with 32 disposals, whilst Dayne Beams was dominant with 21 disposals and four goals. Pendlebury was also prolific with 26 disposals and Jamie Elliott continued his good form against Carlton with three goals from 20 disposals. 

At the Selection Table
Both sides will have big name inclusions this week.
Starting with the Magpies, and Steele Sidebottom is available after serving his three-week suspension. Tyson Goldsack faces a fitness test but is firming for selection as well. Nick Maxwell has ruled himself out of contention to play, while Tom Langdon also faces a fitness test due to concussion. Also keep an eye on Ben Kennedy, who has been dominating at VFL level and is demanding senior selection.
Carlton should welcome back Marc Murphy who pulled out of last week’s match after feeling tightness in his hamstring during the warm-up. Also in line for selection are youngsters Nick Graham and Luke Reynolds who impressed at VFL level last week.

Focus on Collingwood
Collingwood is going through a very tricky part of the season. It has managed injuries to key players all season but it seems the inexperience in the side is finally starting to take its toll, while the injury list seemingly gets bigger by the week.
While question marks remain over the young backline, it has been the forward line in the last two week that is a greater concern due to the poor spread of goal kickers.
Travis Cloke is in terrific form and has booted 11 goals in the past two rounds and Jamie Elliott continues to kick goals. But the assistance has been few and far between considering Jesse White has failed to have an impact and the Magpies have not been getting the usual amount of goals from their midfielders.
In some regards, it is unsurprising considering players such as Alex Fasolo, Tyson Goldsack and Ben Reid are all out of the side. Although it is great to see Cloke in form, there is no doubt that the Magpies need to find other avenues to goal.
The other major area that Collingwood needs to improve is contested football and clearances. Carlton is typically a good side out of stoppages, so the Magpies need to match the Blues in this area.
Player Focus
Jarrod Witts – There was nowhere to hide for Witts last weekend when coach Nathan Buckley gave him a spray on the boundary line late in the third quarter. It was a poor game for Witts, who just lacked his usual aggression and was struggling to have an impact in marking contests. To his credit, he responded in the last quarter with two goals from strong marks, as well as taking another good contested mark and making a critical spoil in defence. Buckley has a lot of faith in Witts to become something really special, and undoubtedly Witts is still a young ruckman learning his craft. However, he needs to play with his usual aggression and needs to hold his ground in marking contests. He faces a huge challenge this week against another monster of the competition in Robbie Warnock.
Taylor Adams – The knock on Adams so far this season has been his disposal. He improved this dramatically last week against Hawthorn and ran at an efficiency rate of 86 per cent. I feel Adams is clearly the heir apparent to the inside midfielder role and he is getting better with every game he plays. He will square up against the likes of Chris Judd and Marc Murphy this week, so it is yet another big test for Adams.
Scott Pendlebury – Collingwood’s midfield has been inconsistent in recent weeks, but the form of Pendlebury has remained stellar. He was again Collingwood’s leading disposal getter last week with 35 and he averages 30 for the season. This is despite the fact that he gets the tag week, in week out. He may get a tag from Andrew Carrazzo this week.
Alan Toovey – Toovey continues to quietly go about his football and remains one of the toughest defenders to beat. Despite Hawthorn’s dominance last week, Toovey’s direct opponent Jack Gunston was kept in check. Without Nick Maxwell in the side, Toovey has been forced to play on taller opponents, which outlines his versatility and importance to the team. He’ll likely face Lachie Henderson this week, but may also be asked to play smaller on the likes of Daisy Thomas.

Focus on Carlton
As stated above, the Blues lacked any attacking flair last round. This has been a trend for Carlton in 2014 as they are ranked second last in the competition for disposals. Simply put, the Blues just don’t get enough of the football, and when they get it they don’t take enough risks with ball in hand. It seemed as if this trend was reversing as Carlton played ultra attacking footy in the two rounds prior, so much so that it could have beaten both Geelong and Hawthorn.
The question will be: which Carlton turns up this weekend? With Chris Judd now back in the side, along with the return of Marc Murphy, the Blues can still be an incredibly dangerous side and a hard one to contain.
For Carlton to challenge though, it needs an impact from Jarrad Waite, Levi Casboult and Lachie Henderson up forward. Last week, the Carlton tall forwards just did not offer enough to beat the Giants.
Player Focus
Bryce Gibbs – With much of the focus on his contract talks, many people have failed to realise how good his football has been in 2014. He is winning his own footy in contests and is averaging 25 disposals a game. He has also kicked 11 goals so far this year. It will leave Nathan Buckley a real decision this week as to whether to tag Gibbs, Murphy or Judd. Gibbs is perhaps the most damaging of the three and should be buoyed after signing for five years this week, putting the end to the speculation about his future.
Levi Casboult – It was a disappointing game for Casboult last week after he had a real breakout game against Hawthorn the week before. Casboult has always been a terrific contested mark and a handy back-up ruckman, however he has always had question marks over his goal kicking and disposal in general. His goal kicking has improved this year and he has the ability to kick a goal from outside 50. If Waite and Henderson can threaten, Casboult will likely get the third defender which makes him a very difficult match-up.
Troy Menzel – In only his second year, Menzel has already become one of the most important players in the Carlton team. Although he doesn’t win a lot of the football (averaging 10 disposals), he has kicked 19 goals so far in the season. Menzel has so much creativity and reminds me a lot of a young Alan Didak who can make something happen out of nothing. With Jeff Garlett struggling for form all season, Menzel has become the most dangerous small forward for the Blues and will likely get the Marley Williams match-up this round.
Dale Thomas – It’s hard to write a preview about Carlton without mentioning former Collingwood premiership player Dale Thomas. After a very slow start to the season, Daisy has really stepped up his form in recent weeks and is hitting the scoreboard with regularity. Although he hasn’t built up the tank yet to run through the midfield permanently again, he is proving very dangerous up forward and still drifts up the ground to assist through the middle.

The Wrap Up
Collingwood will go in as warm favourites, but it is a real danger game considering Carlton will come out breathing fire after last week’s loss to GWS.
The Magpies have so many injuries and are relying on youth across every line. Despite Carlton’s woes this year, the Blues actually have a more experienced side on the park this weekend. The return of Goldsack and Sidebottom will be important. It also gives Collingwood a bit more flexibility to swing Goldsack into defence if need be, or play forward to put the immense pressure on Carlton’s defenders, which Goldsack has become renowned for.
Collingwood has more depth through the midfield, and this should prove telling as the game wears on. If Cloke has another big game, he could be the difference as Carlton’s talls have been inconsistent all year.
Pies by 15 points.

Preview Round 15: Collingwood v Carlton

SportsMatt

Collingwood v Carlton Sunday June 29, 7.10pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7.00pm Weather: Min 9 Max 13 Chance of rain 90%: 1- 5mm Wind: W 33kph Betting: Collingwood $1.25 Carlton $4.00

Collingwood versus Carlton, it really doesn’t get any bigger than this. It’s the most storied and fierce rivalry in Australian domestic sport and this weekend they will clash for the 249th time in the VFL/AFL. Carlton hold a 6 game lead in the head to head battle, which in itself shows just how close and hard fought these contests have been since 1897. The relationship between the two clubs started off well enough with Carlton being one of the main supporters of the Magpies entering the then VFA back in 1892, changing their schedule to allow the Pies to join the VFA. Once the two entered the VFL in 1897 thought the rivalry rose to another level and the powder keg of supporter and social angst between the two exploded after the 1910 VFL Grand Final. The controversy surrounding that game has become the stuff of infamy, with Collingwood players accused of lying about whether or not they were involved in an intense brawl. It kick started the war between these two great clubs and to this very day if you support either club, it becomes mandatory that you hate the other.
As they lead into this clash on Sunday Night, the time of the game being an argument all of itself, both teams would be disappointed with where they find themselves after 13 games. Carlton came into the season with high expectations after winning a final last season but 4 losses in a row has left them fighting to avoid the wooden spoon, not fighting for a spot in the finals. The Magpies would have liked to be in the top 4 by this time of the season but after 2 losses in a row themselves they are slowly losing touch with the elite teams in the competition. It’s an important game more so for the Pies than the Blues, with Carlton’s faint finals hopes all but ended last week after a shock loss to the GWS Giants.

COLLINGWOOD PREVIEW
It’s been a tough season to endure so far for Magpie fans with the side never really finding their top form and now struggling to win games altogether. The last two losses have hurt the clubs top four chances although last weekend’s loss to the Hawks was totally predictable in just about every way. The Pies played better against the Hawks than they did the previous week in the devastating loss to the lowly Bulldogs, but Hawthorn’s talent and ability to score so quickly eventually broke the resilient Collingwood outfit. The Pies midfield played well enough with Swan, Pendlebury, Adams, Beams and Ball all getting plenty of possessions but the Magpies weakened defense was exposed yet again as the Hawks won the game with a 4 goal spurt just before 3 quarter time. The return to form of Travis Cloke continued though as the leagues’ best contested mark pulled in 10 grabs and booted another 5 goals. The Pies will be angry about the last two weeks so you’d expect a fired up Magpies outfit against the old enemy on Sunday.
On the injury front there’s not too much good news for Collingwood with only Tyson Goldsack likely to return this weekend, although Steele Sidebottom will return after serving a 3 game suspension for a reckless act against St Kilda. Out of the VFL on the weekend there won’t be too many who come into selection contention with only Ben Kennedy and Kyle Martin shining in the VFL loss to Footscray. Ex skipper Nick Maxwell is at least a week away from returning and with Nathan Brown and Ben Reid absent long term it’s a tough ask for the youngest backline in the AFL to perform consistently. Letting in back to back scores of over 100 points will be a point of concern for the club and something they will hope to remedy against a Carlton team that can score heavily itself.

OPPOSITION ANALYSIS
It’s just gone from bad to worse for Carlton in 2014, after starting the season with hopes of contending for the finals, or even a top four spot as coach Mick Malthouse stated pre season. But they’ve really looked like a class team and the 4 game losing streak they find themselves on has all but finished any hopes they had this season. There really hasn’t been too many positives for the Blues this year and with the club sitting on the same amount of wins as the 15th placed team, it really is all about the future now for Carlton. There are a few good signs in that regard with Menzel, Docherty and Buckley all performing well at senior level but if you’re being honest the future looks very bleak for Malthouses’ Blues.
The Carlton backline is a worry, it’s their biggest weakness and at the moment it’s really struggling to stop sides from scoring against it. The defense has conceded 100 points in the last 3 games and while 2 of those sides were Geelong and the Hawks it still shows that this backline isn’t strong. Jamison and Rowe have been tasked with the main defensive tall roles and while they got about it manfully they wouldn’t exactly be called elite. If there’s a strength in this weakness it’s the run they get out of their defensive zone though with Walker, Gibson, Docherty and Tuohy all good users of the ball. This week they run into a Pies forward line that is under performing itself so Carlton may have hope, although the form of Cloke and Elliott has to be of most concern for the coaching staff of the Blues.
If Carlton has a real area of strength it’s the midfield, and with names like Judd, Gibbs, Murphy, Thomas, Carrazzo and Robinson it’s not hard to see why. The Blues have a much better average when it comes to the clearances than the Pies with Carlton ranked 5th while Collingwood sit down in 16th. What Carlton may be lacking at the moment is run on the outside once they win the ball but there’s little dispute that they can win the ball from the stoppages. They of course run into a Magpies midfield that’s big on name and reputation but has been inconsistent at times in 2014. The ruck is one area where Carlton will also look to dominate with the experienced Warnock likely to dominate the youngster Witts from the Pies. To win this game, or even to remain competitive Carlton will need to win the midfield battle quite clearly, which is a distinct possibility.
The Carlton forward line has a habit of putting the score on the board yet they really don’t have too many consistent contributors to this result. Youngster Troy Menzel is the only forward to be close to averaging 2 goals a game although there are plenty of others who contribute small numbers on a weekly basis. The recent good form of Levi Casboult has been a positive sign for a Carlton forward line devoid of a real target to kick the ball to. Jarrad Waite has had a poor year really and the move of Henderson forward hasn’t really bought big numbers to the Blues overall scoring. They do face a Collingwood backline that is young and inexperienced though this week and with Tom Langdon in doubt for the Pies it may be weakened even more. If ever this forward line was to have a decent game this may be the week.
Carlton seem to be devoid of confidence and belief at the moment and the loss to GWS was as shocking as it was evidence of just where this Blues outfit is at the moment. Realistically they will need to play above their recent form to be any chance of beating the Pies but sometimes these rivalry clashes bring out the best in the underdog so there is hope for Carlton. On paper they are the more experienced team and have a list that is relatively fit so there are few excuses as to why they can’t at least be competitive here. It’s a big game for Carlton as a football club, Sunday Night, prime time TV and if they fail again here their 2014 season is almost certain to be relegated to the waste bin of history as a failure.

TIP
It’s a strange game to tip this one, if someone showed you the two probable line-ups of paper you’d give Carlton a considerable chance of causing the upset. Yet for some reason many of the experienced players at the Blues are struggling while it’s the opposite with the Pies as the only ones who let them down last week were their bottom 6-8 players.
If the Pies stars come to play again like they did last week, and the backline can just hold its own the Magpies should be able to get a much needed win and keep themselves in touch with the top 4.
PIES BY 19 POINTS.

Preview Round 15: Collingwood v Carlton

AFL

Collingwood v Carlton Sunday June 29, 7.10pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7.00pm Weather: Min 9 Max 13 Chance of rain 80%: 1- 5mm Wind: WNW 32kph Betting: Collingwood $1.26 Carlton $4.00

COLLINGWOOD is on a two-game losing skid, so it will be keen to address its shortcomings against old foe Carlton on Sunday night. The Blues have now dropped four games on the trot and fell away badly in last week's loss to Greater Western Sydney. The Magpies will welcome back Steele Sidebottom from suspension, while Nick Maxwell and Tyson Goldsack are also chances to return. Fresh from signing a newly inked five-year deal, Bryce Gibbs again looms as a key player if the Blues are to cause an upset.

LAST FIVE TIMES

1. R7, 2014, Collingwood 14.20 (104) d Carlton 10.10 (70) at MCG
2. R15, 2013, Collingwood 17.16 (118) d Carlton 12.5 (77) at MCG
3. R2, 2013, Collingwood 17.15 (117) d Carlton 15.10 (100) at MCG
4. R15, 2012, Carlton 12.13 (85) d Collingwood 8.14 (62) at MCG
5. R3, 2012, Carlton 18.14 (122) d Collingwood 9.8 (62) at MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. Collingwood’s big guns were the difference in the clubs' round seven clash. Dayne Beams kicked four goals, Dane Swan starred with 32 possessions and Scott Pendlebury had 26 touches.
2. Only the Brisbane Lions have had fewer disposals in 2014 than the Blues. Carlton averages 347.5 touches per game, compared to the to the 14th placed Magpies who average 357.5.
3. Carlton has received more free kicks (18.5 per game) than any other side. Collingwood is at the opposite end of the spectrum, ranked last in the competition, with just 14.7 per game.
4. No two teams have played more games against each other than Collingwood and Carlton. There have been 248 contests between the sides, with the Blues winning 125 to the Magpies' 119. There have also been four draws.
5. Both teams have struggled with conversion in 2014. Collingwood is ranked second-last in the competition at just a 47 per cent accuracy rate. The Blues haven't fared much better, listed at 15th with an accuracy rating of 47.4 per cent.
6. Marc Murphy is the Blues' top-ranked player (34th in the competition) in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. Scott Pendlebury is the Magpies' highest-rated (second in the AFL).
   

Prediction: Collingwood by 26 points.

Injury List

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Carlton Sunday June 29, 7.10pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7.00pm Weather: Min 8 Max 13 Chance of rain 70%: 1- 5mm Wind: NW 27kph Betting: Collingwood $1.24 Carlton $4.00

Thirty-five year old ruckman Ben Hudson will be moved onto Collingwood’s long-term injury list after being sent in for surgery on his injured shoulder.
“He has hurt the tendon in his shoulder,” Director of Football Rodney Eade explained to CollingwoodTV’s Blackmores Injury Update.
“Ben will have an operation this week. He will be on the long-term injury list and he will be (out for) eight weeks.
“It could be seven, but it could be nine, so it will probably be eight weeks so he will go on the long-term injury list and hopefully he’ll be back for the reserves (VFL) finals.”
Hudson has been one of Collingwood’s best-performed players in the VFL this season.
In his second season at the club – following ‘retirements’ at the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane – Hudson has averaged 17.7 disposals, 5.9 clearances and 32.9 hitouts across his nine games.
The news is better in the case of senior trio Tom Langdon, Tyson Goldsack and Nick Maxwell who are all considered to be in contention for selection against Carlton on Sunday night.
Eade said all three will be tested later on this week to determine their fitness.
Hamstrung pair Ben Sinclair and Patrick Karnezis are due to return in the VFL this Saturday, as might rookie Corey Gault who has recovered from a broken collarbone.

Injury List as of Monday 23 June 2014

Name	Injury	Status
Corey Gault	Broken collarbone	Available
Patrick Karnezis	Hamstring	Available
Ben Sinclair	Hamstring	Available
Tyson Goldsack	Knee	Test
Tom Langdon	Concussion	Test
Nick Maxwell	Calf	Test
Adam Oxley	Ankle	1 week
Nathan Freeman	Hamstring	1 week
Ben Reid	Quad	1-2 weeks
Alex Fasolo	Foot	2 weeks
Matthew Scharenberg	Feet	3 weeks
Ben Hudson	Shoulder	8 weeks
Quinten Lynch	Broken leg	Indefinite
Nathan Brown	Shoulder	Season

Long-term injury list: Matthew Scharenberg has been added to Collingwood's long-term injury list. Jack Frost has been elevated from the rookie list as his replacement.

2014 Ladder: Round 14

Pos Position    C Change from last round    P Played    W Won    L Lost    D Drawn    F Points for    A Points against
% Percentage    Form Past five results    Next Next opponent    Pts Points

Round 14: Collingwood 86 Hawthorn 115

THE FACTS

COLLINGWOOD   3.1.19    6.4.40    9.7.61        13.8.86
HAWTHORN          4.3.27    7.7.49   12.10.82    17.13.115

SCORERS - Collingwood: Cloke (5.1), Elliott (2.1), Witts (2.0), Blair (1.1), Macaffer (1.1), Adams (1.0), Young (1.0), White (0.2), Swan (0.1)

BEST - Collingwood: Pendlebury, Cloke, Elliott

INJURIES - Collingwood: Tom Langdon (concussion) replaced by Tim Broomhead in the third quarter

SUBSTITUTES - Collingwood: Tim Broomhead replaced Tom Langdon in the third quarter

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD: 74,095 at the MCG

STATS CENTRAL

- Saturday’s loss makes it 1002 days since Collingwood last beat Hawthorn, back in the 2011 Preliminary Final. It continues a trying run against the brown and gold, which dates back to 2007. Since ’07, the Magpies have won just three of their 14 games against the Hawks. All three wins came in the team’s Grand Final years of 2010 and 2011. - Travis Cloke’s season continues to gain momentum. He has now kicked 18 goals in his past four games, and 11 in his past two. At times he looked like he was capable of beating the Hawks off his own boot and his sticky fingers were worth their weight in gold on a greasy afternoon. - Taylor Adams is quietly going about cementing a permanent place in Collingwood’s first choice midfield. He has collected 55 disposals in his past two games, choosing to use the ball more by hand than by foot against the Hawks.

- A 2.10pm game? How quaint! The fans gave football’s traditional time slot the seal of approval. More than 70,000 spectators filled the MCG for Saturday’s game, which was Collingwood’s first in the time slot since round four last year and only its second since 2011. - Saturday’s match was Clinton Young’s first against his old Hawthorn teammates since leaving the club after the 2012 Grand Final loss to Sydney. He certainly didn’t let himself down, either, gathering 20 disposals (15 kicks, five handballs) and taking the ball out of the backline a team-high seven times. Young’s searching run through the middle and long and perfectly directed kick into the hands of Travis Cloke right on half time will remain in the mind’s eye for some time.

TALKING POINTS

1. Hawks still have the wood over Pies Collingwood threw the kitchen sink at the reigning premiers, particularly in a fierce third term, but still couldn't break the Hawks' hold over them. With the 29-point win, Hawthorn has now equalled its club record winning streak of six games against the Magpies. Collingwood's last triumph was in the thrilling 2011 preliminary final, but the Pies will get another chance to end that streak when they host the Hawks on a Friday night in round 23. 2. Cloke v Lake There's few bigger challenges than trying to shut down an in-form Travis Cloke, especially when you haven't played since May. That was the task facing Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake in his first game since suffering a calf injury in round seven. Lake started well against the Pies man mountain, restricting him to marks up on the wings and no scoreboard impact until Cloke hit his straps in the second term. Cloke, who booted six goals last round, slotted three second-quarter majors to lift the Pies to within nine points at half-time. The Pies star added his fourth with a sublime rolling snap in the third term and split the middle from outside the boundary in the final term to take the honours with five majors. 3. Young ruckman steps up One of the biggest bonuses from Hawthorn's injury toll has been ruckman Jonathan Ceglar's form. The 23-year-old had just two games to his credit before this season, but has played seven this year and continues to build his case to keep recruit Ben McEvoy out of the side. Ceglar took the chocolates against Jarrod Witts on Saturday, collecting 13 touches, winning 15 hit-outs and booting a goal. Ex-Saint McEvoy booted five goals for Box Hill on Saturday, but is no certainty to force his way back in next week.

4. Ton up for Hawks favourite Shaun Burgoyne is already loved at Hawthorn, but Hawks fans would have particularly enjoyed seeing him run out for his 100th game in the brown and gold. That's because the former Port Adelaide star's sons, Ky and Percy, are now eligible father/son selections at the the Hawks as well as the Power. Burgoyne, who has won flags at both clubs, became the 36th player in VFL/AFL history to reach the 100-game milestone at two clubs in his 257th career match. 5. Saturday afternoon timeslot remains popular It was a match that would have warmed that hearts of footy traditionalists – a Saturday afternoon blockbuster at the home of football between two of Melbourne's biggest clubs – and fans voted with their feet. A massive crowd of 74,095 turned up to watch two heavyweights in action. Although Collingwood always attracts a huge crowd at the MCG, this was a strong argument that suggests as long as the game is appealing that the Saturday afternoon timeslot remains a winner. With the 29-point win, Hawthorn has now equalled its club record winning streak of six games against the Magpies. Collingwood's last triumph was in the thrilling 2011 preliminary final, but the Pies will get another chance to end that streak when they host the Hawks on a Friday night in round 23.

THE MEDIA

COLLINGWOOD NEWS Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says his team must learn to seize the big moments in matches as it fights to stay in touch with the top four following Saturday's loss to Hawthorn. The Magpies enjoyed periods of momentum in Saturday's blockbuster clash at the MCG, but they were overrun in a game-shaping 10-minute period late in the third quarter, conceding four unanswered goals. Having lost two straight games, Buckley's men sit in sixth place on the ladder with an 8-5 record, two games adrift of the second-placed Hawks, who showed a killer instinct when Saturday's game was on the line. "We'd worked so hard as a side to be in the game and we needed every individual to understand there's those moments in games you've got to seize," Buckley said. "Hawthorn today was the side that seized those moments and we let them go. That's the big take home for us. “We did a lot right but there's a lot more for us to learn. We think we'll face them better next time." Buckley spoke to his team about the Hawks' ability to gain momentum and push the ball forward when they were in control of the game.He chose his words carefully post-match when asked about a decision to penalise captain Scott Pendlebury for a throw when replays showed a clear handball. The decision led to a quick inside 50 and a goal to Brad Sewell, sparking the Hawks' four-goal run late in the third quarter. "I saw the handball on the replay so my view wouldn't be positive towards that particular decision," Buckley said. "At times it felt like we were up against it in that particular regard. "That's the game. We didn't get the rub of the green at all today, but that happens from time to time." Down 21 points at the final change, Buckley said he was disappointed with how his players ran out the match, with Hawthorn barely challenged as they cruised to the finish line. "We've had consecutive six-day breaks coming up against opponents who have had eight-day breaks," he said. "There was every reason for our run to potentially drop off, but it actually wasn’t that...it was our intent. "We need to be better than that." The coach praised stopper Brent Macaffer for sticking to his task on hard-running midfielder Brad Hill, who had five of his 14 possessions in the second half. Tom Langdon, who was substituted late in the second quarter, was "dazed and confused" after the match after he was struck in the head with an accidental boot when pursuing a loose ball.                                  REAL FOOTY Nothing can deflate a team that which has worked its heart out to stay in a contest more effectively than a burst of quick goals from its opponent. Hawthorn is the master of that football art, and yesterday it was Collingwood's turn to have its tyres let down by it. Midway through the third quarter, in front of a throng of more than 70,000 at the MCG, the Magpies were in this contest up to their necks. They trailed by just two points, having kicked five of the last seven goals. The last of that run, Travis Cloke's fourth, was a gem, too, the big man managing to square a contest against Brian Lake and Matt Spangher, recovering quicker, taking a handball receive from Dayne Beams and calmly bouncing one through from near the boundary line. Brad Sewell's steadier five minutes later was a relief for the Hawks. But it was also just an entree. With the third term deep into time-on, we looked set for a nailbiter. Instead, one of those trademark Hawthorn surges effectively killed the contest. It was Luke Breust who struck first, sneaking out the back of  pack and cashing in on the spills. Barely one minute later, it was Brad Hill's turn to get on the end of a sublime bit of football, skipper Luke Hodge's booming centre clearance brilliantly tapped to Cyril Rioli by Paul Puopolo. Rioli's handball over the top of a defender to hit the oncoming Hill was also a thing of beauty. And less than two minutes after that, it was Puopolo doing it all himself, somehow climbing over the top of the much bigger Alan Toovey and teammate David Hale to take a genuine "screamer" and pop through another. Three goals in almost three minutes. A nine-point lead out to 27 in the blink of an eye, and Collingwood all of a sudden with a huge mountain to climb. Even Jarryd Blair's belated response seconds before the siren couldn't seem to spark the Pies again, and after Jack Gunston slotted the first of the final term, the rest was pretty academic. It wasn't that Collingwood hadn't had its moments. After spending most of the first half only just staying within striking distance, by the long break, the Pies had gone from mere nuisance value to a clear and present danger. They'd swapped goals for a while from the opening, Jarryd Roughead's first of the game cancelled out by Clinton Young's response against his old team, Ryan Schoenmakers giving the Hawks the edge, Brent Macaffer, shadowing the dangerous Hill, squaring things up again, running into an open goal after a rare Hawk turnover. Only a couple of minutes after that, Collingwood hit the front when Matt Suckling bumped Paul Seedsman when he should have tackled, the young Pie riding the knock and going long to an unmarked Jamie Elliott. But even then, Hawthorn looked the cleaner, slightly more efficient side, and it didn't take long to stamp its authority on proceedings in a more meaningful fashion, either. It was Breust who put the Hawks in front again, converting a nice kick out into space ahead of him from Hill. From the next centre bounce, he added another, skirting the pack and cleverly bouncing one through. The Hawks probably could have led by a little more at quarter-time, and soon  did anyway. Roughead brought up his second and Breust his third, marking strongly in front of young Pies' defender Tom Langdon. Ruckman Jonathon Ceglar, very impressive around the ground, slipped between two Magpie defenders to mark and goal as well. By this stage the contested marks were 10-2 in favour of the Hawks and the gap on the scoreboard 21 points. The toughness of  Sewell in the midfield was proving a valuable weapon, skipper Hodge was his usual leadership presence and Grant Birchall, after a slow start, was penetrating off half-back. The Hawk midfield, even without a regular driver against the Pies in Sam Mitchell, had the edge, and while the Pies' keys in Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan didn't want for statistical output, the latter at least was struggling to have his usual influence. The Pies weren't rebounding out of defence as well, either. The Pies would have been in bigger trouble without Cloke, his five-goal haul, making it 11 in two weeks. The fact that both of those efforts haven't delivered victory, however, says just how great a burden he carries. As for victory over the Hawks, Collingwood's last remains the 2011 preliminary final, the sequence of losses now stretched to six. If the Pies are looking for some consolation, both the score and the winning margin this time were less than usual over that stretch. But it's small consolation. Because, given how comfortable this win seemed in the end, it probably also underlines that the Pies don't seem all that closer to breaking their run of outs against this opponent, either.

SUPERFOOTY COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley conceded he was at his wit’s end when he ripped into Jarrod Witts during the 29-point loss to Hawthorn. Buckley came to the interchange area late in the third quarter at a time when Hawthorn unleashed a matchwinning three-goal burst, and delivered a withering and animated spray at the 21-year-old ruckman. After the siren both men acknowledged that it was an emotional exchange, but had no problem with outburst. “It’s an emotional game, but I was fairly calculated in my approach to Wittsy,’’ Buckley said, “and he just happened to be running off at that time, which was bad timing for him’’. Witts told Fox Footy after the game that Buckley “got stuck into me a little bit. He just wanted me to come out and have a big last effort and will the boys to get over the line. “I’ll just take it on the chin and move on.’’ Buckley said the blast was “designed as a prickle. It was designed to really challenge him and wake him up in some ways. We’re getting about 85 per cent of what he’s capable of, right now, and there’s gold in that last 15 per cent. “Wittsy came into the club five years ago now as a young bloke,’’ Buckley said, “and I’ve got great belief in what he’s going to be capable of achieving. And I don’t think he shares that belief at the moment. “His last quarter was good. He kicked a couple of goals, took a contested mark in the goalsquare, but we want our big fellas to play like big fellas. We want them to play big and tall and tough and have blokes stand up taller around them, and I didn’t think Wittsy was doing that for most of the game, and definitely in that 5-10 minute period leading up to three-quarter time.’’ Buckley felt the last five minutes of the third quarter undermined all of the hard work the Pies had put in to get back in the match from 22 points down late in the first half. “We can’t afford to give up two or three goals in two minutes,’’ he said. “We can’t afford to do that against a quality side. We’d worked so hard as a side to be in the game and we need every individual to understand — and we’ve got a lot of young players there — but still understanding that there are moments in a game that you need to seize, and Hawthorn were the side today that seized those moments, and we let them go.’’ Another crucial moment in the third quarter involved a controversial decision by the non-controlling field umpire to penalise Pies skipper Pendlebury for throwing the ball, even though replays suggested it was a legitimate handball. The umpire made the call from 50 metres away, and the resulting free kick led to a goal from Brad Sewell that made the margin eight points. “I saw the handball on the replay, so my view wouldn’t be positive towards that particular decision,’’ Buckley said. “At times I felt like we were up against it in that regard. “But that’s the game. We didn’t get the rub of the green at all today, but that happens from time to time.’’ Buckley said he felt Collinwgood was “in the contest for a lot of it, although minus 25 in contested possessions hurts, and really that’s just like water dripping on a stone, eventually it told’’. He was also critical of his team’s slow ball movement in the final term, which he suggested was more of a factor than a lack of run caused by consecutive six-day breaks. Collingwood should regain the suspended Steele Sidebottom and Tyson Goldsack (knee) for next Sunday night’s match against Carlton. But Tom Langdon, who was subbed out in the second quarter with concussion after wearing a stray Jack Gunston boot in the mouth, is a chance to miss, while Nick Maxwell (calf) is likely to be unavailable for at least another week.                                  COLLINGWOOD NEWS Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says his boundary line chat with Jarrod Witts in Saturday's loss to Hawthorn was a calculated "prickle" designed to wake up his young ruckman. Buckley grabbed a hand full of Witts' jumper on the sidelines and delivered a forceful message late in the third quarter after the Hawks went on a four-goal run that floored the Magpies. The 21-year-old, who had nine possessions and 17 hitouts to that point, responded and was one of the few Magpies to lift in the fourth quarter, finishing with two goals. Buckley said his young ruckman had lacked presence in the first three quarters and he was not giving the Magpies everything he was capable of. "It was designed as a prickle...it was designed to really challenge him and wake him up in some ways," the coach said post-match. "I've got great belief in what he's going to be capable of achieving, (but) I don't think he shares that belief at the moment. "We're getting about 85 per cent of what he's capable of right now, and there's gold in that last 15 per cent. "If you're saying was there emotion involved, yes there was, it's an emotional game. But I was fairly calculated in my approach to 'Wittsy'. "Buckley said the Magpies wanted their big men to "play big and tall and tough and have blokes stand up taller around them", and his ruckman hadn't done that for the majority of the game. Witts said he was disappointed with his game overall, but he had responded to the challenge from his coach. "It's part of footy and you've just got to wear it, you can't think about it too much," Witts told AFL Media. "You've got to get your head back in the game and move on, which is what I tried to do. "He was trying to will me on to finish the game strongly and get a few centre bounce clearances. I was able to finish off with a couple of goals, but I was a little bit disappointed with my game as a whole." Witts carried the ruck on Saturday with usual sidekick Brodie Grundy left out of the team and tall forward Jesse White offering minimal support. He said it was extremely important in his role to push forward whenever possible and hit the scoreboard. "It just gives the opposition something else to think about, so I've got to do that a little bit more," he said.                                   "It was designed as a prickle. It was designed to really challenge him (Jarrod Witts) and wake him up in some ways. We’re getting about 85 per cent of what he’s capable of, right now, and there’s gold in that last 15 per cent. Wittsy came into the club five years ago now as a young bloke and I’ve got great belief in what he’s going to be capable of achieving. And I don’t think he shares that belief at the moment." Nathan Buckley

Round 14: The Team

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Hawthorn Saturday June 21, 2.10pm MCG Fox Footy 2.00pm Weather: Min 9 Max 15 Chance of rain 60%: 1- 5mm Wind: N 19kph Betting: Collingwood $3.20 Hawthorn $1.35

B: Marley Williams, Jack Frost, Alan Toovey
HB: Paul Seedsman, Lachlan Keeffe, Heritier Lumumba
C: Tim Broomhead, Brent Macaffer, Clinton Young
HF: Sam Dwyer, Jesse White, Luke Ball
F: Dane Swan, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliott
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
Int: Jarryd Blair, Taylor Adams, Josh Thomas, Tom Langdon
Emg: Brodie Grundy, Ben Kennedy, Jonathon Marsh

IN: Dayne Beams
OUT: Brodie Grundy (omitted)

Collingwood News Collingwood star Dayne Beams will make an immediate return to the senior side after he was named to face Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday. Beams, who was withdrawn from the team to play the Western Bulldogs last round due to a calf injury, has trained strongly throughout the week to prove he has overcome any lingering doubts to reclaim his place in the side. The Queensland native has further enhanced his reputation as one of the competitions leading midfielders with a stellar campaign this season, averaging over 28 disposals a game while garnering a team-high 67 clearances to emphasise his importance to the Magpie on-ball brigade. Beams’ scoreboard prowess has also come to the fore once again this year, with 16 majors ample return for a player who possesses a seemingly uncanny ability to goal at pivotal moments, highlighted by his game changing effort in the final quarter against West Coast during round 10. Tasked with challenging the Western Bulldogs’ fledgling, but highly regarded midfield core last weekend, Beams’ absence proved conspicuous, making his return for this weekend’s clash with reigning premiers Hawthorn all the more timely. Emerging big man Brodie Grundy is the player forced to make way for Beams’ return, his relegation to the emergencies list paving the way for fellow goliath Jarrod Witts to assume primary ruck duties after the 21-year old performed admirably against the Bulldogs Will Minson. Despite making only a cameo appearance during his debut AFL appearance as a substitute last weekend, utility Tim Broomhead has retained his place in the Collingwood side after providing a glimpse of the silky skills which has defined the South Australian’s outings at VFL level. Fellow 2012 draftee Ben Kennedy remains on the cusp of senior selection, but a 30-disposal effort against Sandringham in the VFL level was only sufficient for him to retain his place as an emergency, while first year player Jonathon Marsh makes his first appearance in the extended squad.

Preview Round 14: Collingwood v Hawthorn

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Hawthorn Saturday June 21, 2.10pm MCG Fox Footy 2.00pm Weather: Min 9 Max 15 Chance of rain 60%: 1- 5mm Wind: N 19kph Betting: Collingwood $3.20 Hawthorn $1.35

All eyes will be on the Collingwood and Hawthorn battle this Saturday afternoon at the MCG. From a fan’s perspective, it is fantastic to see footy back at the MCG at the traditional 2:10pm timeslot. I’m sure as a result we will see a bumper crowd.
This is undoubtedly a crucial match for both sides. Collingwood lost its top four position last week following a shock loss to the Western Bulldogs, while Hawthorn sits in second position but are only one game clear of the Magpies who currently sit in sixth position.
The consequence of a loss for Collingwood will severely dent its hopes for a top four position, while a Hawthorn loss will also leave it vulnerable considering the logjam at the top end of the ladder.
After such a disappointing loss, the Magpies will be very keen to bounce back. But Collingwood has not beaten Hawthorn in its last five outings since the Preliminary Final win in 2011. Hawthorn, on the other hand, will be keen to continue its dominance over the Magpies and also cement itself in second position on the ladder.
There is no doubt that the stakes are high. Both sides are carrying significant injuries to key personnel, which means that previous history is hard to take into account considering the different faces that will take to the field this Saturday.

Recent History
These sides met twice in 2013, in round three and round 21, and it was Hawthorn who was convincing winners on both occasions. In both games, Collingwood was competitive in a lot of areas, however the Hawks just had too much class and scoring power for the Magpies to handle.
Collingwood’s midfield has managed to win its fair share of the ball in recent encounters, but it couldn’t play at the same level of efficiency and couldn’t defend the Hawks well enough.
When these sides last met in round 21 last season, Luke Hodge polled the three Brownlow votes with 28 disposals, while Josh Gibson was strong in defence and polled two votes. Dane Swan managed to poll one vote with 35 possessions and Scott Pendlebury also had an influence with 31 disposals.
In round three, Hawthorn overcame a slow start to win by 55 points. Again it was Luke Hodge who polled the three votes with 31 disposals and two goals while Dane Swan again polled votes with 33 disposals. Lance Franklin polled the one vote for booting four goals.

At the Selection Table
Injuries and availabilities of key players will go a long way to determining the outcome of this match. Both sides are missing key defenders and midfielders and have a number of players facing a race against time to be fit by Saturday.
Starting with Collingwood, and much of the focus will be on Dayne Beams who was a late withdrawal last round with a calf injury. The early indication is that Beams is fit and should be available, adding a significant boost to the midfield.
Earlier in the week, the Magpies ruled out Nick Maxwell and Tyson Goldsack from returning. Their presence would have been welcome, especially if Jack Frost is forced onto the sidelines after he jarred his knee against the Western Bulldogs last round. Also keep an eye on Ben Kennedy and Kyle Martin who continue to dominate at VFL level and must be on the cusp of selection.
In other news, Steele Sidebottom will serve the last of his three week suspension this week, but Ben Reid has had another injury setback and will miss 3-4 weeks with a quad complaint.  Alex Fasolo underwent foot surgery this week and will miss 2-3 weeks.
Turning the focus onto Hawthorn, and all eyes will be on whether Brian Lake and Ben Stratton are recalled to the side following injury. Both would typically come back through the VFL given their importance to the side and the fact they would be short on match-fitness. But with Travis Cloke in good form, the temptation will be there to rush back Lake in particular, as he is the best match up for the monster forward.
Ben McEvoy will also put his hand up for selection. He played at VFL level last week but will need to displace former Magpie Jonathon Ceglar who has impressed at AFL level in McEvoy’s absence.
If Lake is unavailable, then it will force the likes of Ryan Schoenmakers, Angus Litherland and Matt Spangher to take the key match ups on Cloke and Jesse White. I feel the Magpies will fancy these match-ups.

Focus on Collingwood
Collingwood has prided itself on solid team defence all year and has placed heavy reliance on a number of youngsters to hold up key posts in the backline. Last week, the bubble burst, as the Bulldogs were able to move the ball very quickly and really expose the defence one on one.
Although this was a concern, I think the bigger concern for the Magpies was the way that the Western Bulldogs were able to get on top in the midfield. In particular, the Bulldogs smashed Collingwood in contested football and clearances. In turn, the Bulldogs had way too many inside 50s, and were able to get really quick entries which consistently put Collingwood’s defence under pressure.
On a more positive note, Collingwood looked dangerous offensively with Cloke and Jamie Elliott kicking 10 goals between them. The Magpies just need to work on their disposal efficiency going forward as too many passes are missing targets.
Player Focus
Travis Cloke – Many doubted Clokey, but he has finally hit form again. He has kicked 13 goals in the last three weeks and now looks to be much more confident. I hate to put the mozz on Cloke, but his kicking for goal has also really improved. If Lake is unavailable, I feel Cloke will really fancy his chances against the Hawks. With Jarryd Roughead up the other end, Cloke will be Collingwood’s most important player as the forward line which gets the most opportunity should be able to put the game away.
Taylor Adams – The pressure is on Adams to hold his spot, but I thought he played a solid game against the Bulldogs. He had 30 disposals (21 contested), seven tackles and kicked a goal. When I watch Adams, it seems a case of often trying too hard as opposed to not trying hard enough. Therefore, I think his disposal will continue to improve if he can keep getting more senior exposure.
Lachlan Keeffe – After a disappointing game against Adelaide, Keeffe was forced to go back to VFL level to regain form. This stint in the VFL was short lived following the injury to Nathan Brown, and Keeffe was recalled immediately to the senior side. Since his return, he has looked very solid and his confidence has returned. He will be essential this week, especially if Jack Frost and Nick Maxwell fail fitness tests. Hawthorn has a tall forward line, which is made more dangerous as its ruckman are also very handy forwards. Keeffe will therefore be required to rotate onto the most dangerous forward at the time, which is a mighty responsibility for a young, developing defender.
Brent Macaffer – Macaffer was beaten last week by Ryan Griffen and only managed to win 12 disposals of his own. As a result, he will be very keen to make amends this weekend. It will be tough for Buckley to decide to whom he sends Macaffer. He is well suited to Jordan Lewis and this seems the most logical match up. But Buckley may also opt to try and shut down the dangerous Shaun Burgoyne or even Hodge who polled a perfect six votes against Collingwood. The other option is to potentially play Macaffer off a forward flank to try and reduce the influence of Matt Suckling. I expect Macaffer to bounce back this week.

Focus on Hawthorn
The Hawthorn side has been near unrecognisable in terms of personnel over the last month. In fact, even the coach has been on the sidelines. This could have totally unravelled Hawthorn’s season, but to its credit it has won each of its past three matches.
Although the Hawks are not playing to the same level we have come to expect, they would be pleased to have gotten through this tricky period intact and without further injuries. With so many experienced premiership players to return over the next month, Hawthorn is very well placed.
There is no secret to the game plan that has seen the Hawks dominate the competition for the past few seasons. The team is chock full of players who use the football well and are willing to take the game on. They convert their chances and hit targets. Even if the Hawks are losing out of the centre, they are able to get numbers back quickly and then rebound through the centre corridor to give the talented forward line plenty of space to work in. Even though opponents know what is coming, it is just about impossible to stop. Teams that have challenged Hawthorn this year have put a lot of pressure on its defenders and forced it into errors. Collingwood is one of the best sides in this area.
Player Focus
Jarryd Roughead – The reigning Coleman Medallist was expected to struggle in 2014 without his partner in crime Lance Franklin. Instead, Roughead has continued to flourish and is fourth in the Coleman race this year. His form is red hot at the moment after an eight goal haul against West Coast followed by three more last week against Carlton. He seems to be playing a bit deeper this year, but it is not uncommon to see him go into the midfield at the centre bounces or even assist in the ruck. He is such a versatile player and a very difficult match-up. I think Jack Frost will get the match-up if he is named to play.
Luke Hodge – Hodge has been written off a number of times over the last few years due to his ageing body often breaking down. But he bounced back in 2013 and has carried this form into 2014. The Hawks skipper is pretty much asked to play wherever there is a hole. With Sam Mitchell out of the side, Hodge has been playing more through the middle and has averaged 24 disposals. However, he is also frequently required to chip in down back due to injuries in that area as well. The Magpies will put attention into him this week as he polled a perfect six votes against them last season.
Bradley Hill – I feel that Hill is one of the most underrated players going around. He doesn’t get a lot of fanfare, perhaps because Cyril Rioli takes a lot of the limelight at Hawthorn. Hill has really taken his game to a new level with a huge fitness base and ability to break the game wide open. He is averaging over 22 disposals a game but most importantly is ranked third in the AFL for goal assists.
Matt Suckling – Suckling missed the 2013 season due to having a knee reconstruction, but has bounced back into the side seamlessly. The defender has a deadly left foot and an ability to push forward and kick a goal when it is needed as well (he has kicked 10 goals this season). Shutting down the likes of Suckling and Grant Birchall is such a key to beating the Hawks as they generate so much run from defence.

The Wrap Up
Given the question marks over both sides’ defences, this could come down to a real midfield battle. Whichever side can give its forward line enough opportunity should be the winner.
The other determining factor will be how much pressure the Magpies forwards can put on the Hawks defenders. When Hawthorn has lost this year, it has been due to the fact that its defenders have made uncharacteristic errors and have been given no time or space. Collingwood is renowned for its forward pressure, but this area of the game was lacking last week against the Bulldogs.
I’m backing the Magpies to bounce back from last week’s loss and beat their bogey side this weekend.
Pies by 5 points.