Round 16
Saturday July 18, 4:35pmCollingwood v West Coast Etihad Fox Footy 4:30pm Weather: Min 6 Max 13 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: SSE 16kph Betting: Collingwood $2.15 West Coast $1.70 |
In many respects, West Coast is the in-form side of the competition. Currently sitting in second spot with the competition’s best percentage, the Eagles have made the most of a relatively good draw given its low finish in 2014. It means the Eagles are a real threat for a home Qualifying Final this year, and can no longer be taken lightly. Having won 10 of the past 11 games, this is a genuinely good football side that has improved in just about every area. West Coast has a tough month ahead with Sydney, Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Fremantle as the next four opponents. Therefore, this is a massive game and it will be keen to bank this win to secure its position in the top four.
Collingwood on the other hand has had a very frustrating three weeks. Having lost the previous three games by seven, 10 and three points against sides that finished top four last season, the improvement in the side has been clearly evident. Collingwood could have won all three of these games and little lapses at key moments have meant the Magpies have failed to that any points away. The other implication of the losses is that Collingwood has dropped from fourth on the ladder to seventh. There is the potential that Collingwood could drop out of the top eight altogether this round depending on other results. Whilst Collingwood has competed well against the best teams in the competition, it still hasn’t picked up that big scalp yet. Based on ladder position and current form, West Coast fall into this category and could be the Magpies first the year.
Collingwood will not enjoy the fact this game is at Etihad Stadium. It is a fast track and the Eagles have been a very slick team this year. Nonetheless, the Magpies need to remember that they have played terrific football for 95 per cent of the previous three weeks. It just needs to clean up that final 5 per cent to match the best sides.
Recent History
Despite Collingwood’s dominant history over West Coast in the last decade, the Eagles dominated the most recent meeting between these two sides when they won by 60 points in round 20 last year.
Just as he was in the side’s first encounter of the year, Matt Priddis was the best on ground and polled three Brownlow votes. He had 42 disposals, seven tackles and a goal in a dominant performance. Luke Shuey also starred with 31 disposals and a goal, earning him two Brownlow votes, while the one vote went to Sam Butler who had 32 disposals and a whopping 14 marks. Scott Lycett and Jack Darling managed four goals each as the Eagles claimed an easy victory.
By The Numbers
Collingwood Media breaks down the facts and figures that help make up the story of the club's 45 meetings with West Coast since 1987.1,681,720– The total number of people to watch a Collingwood v West Coast match since 1987. 67,502 – The largest crowd to attend a Collingwood v West Coast match (in the 2011 Qualifying Final at the MCG). 37,372 – The average crowd for a Collingwood v West Coast fixture. $20,000 – The fine Collingwood faced for a late arrival in Perth for an Ansett Cup match against the Eagles in 1998. 18,118 – The lowest crowd for a Collingwood v West Coast match (round 22, 1989). 1995 – The last year the Eagles beat the Magpies at the MCG (round two). 1987 – The year West Coast joined the VFL. By consequence, it was the year Collingwood and West Coast first met (in round 10). 2,238 – The total scoring shots in games between the two teams. 313 – Games played by Tony Shaw, the last of which was played against West Coast in the 1994 Qualifying Final loss. 209 – Games played by Quinten Lynch during his time as an Eagle (2002-2012). 173 – Collingwood’s highest score against West Coast, achieved twice. First in round 12, 2001 (26.17 173) and again in round 10, 2008 (27.11 173). 100 – Collingwood’s highest winning margin against West Coast (round 10, 2008). 90 – The number Collingwood and West Coast were locked on in the 1990 Qualifying Final draw (13.12 90). 84 – Games played for West Coast by Andrew Williams, who later played 32 games for the Black and White between 2003 and 2005. 81 – West Coast’s greatest winning margin against Collingwood (round 17, 1991). 79 – Tackles laid by Collingwood in the 2012 Semi-Final. 67 – The most scoring shots in a game between Collingwood and West Coast. 63 – Collingwood’s lowest winning score against West Coast (8.15 63) at Subiaco Oval. The Magpies still won by a point in round 13, 1992. 46 – Collingwood’s losing margin against West Coast in round one, 1990. It went on to win the premiership. 45 – Times the two clubs have met. 43 – Disposals won by Dane Swan against West Coast in the 2011 Qualifying Final. 38 – Disposals won by Dane Swan against the Eagles in the 2007 Semi-Final. 36 – Disposals won by Dane Swan in Collingwood’s 100-point win over West Coast at the MCG in round 10, 2008. 35 – Disposals won by Tony Shaw in Collingwood’s first meeting with the Eagles in round 10, 1987. 32 – Games for West Coast played by ex-Magpie Damien Adkins between 2003 and 2006. 26 – The average goals kicked in a Collingwood v West Coast match. 22 – Times the Magpies have triumphed over the Eagles. 22 – Times the Eagles have triumphed over the Magpies. 19 – Disposals won by Chris Judd on debut for West Coast against Collingwood in round two, 2002. 19 – Goals kicked by Travis Cloke in his 14 games against the Eagles. 18 – The age of Simon Prestigiacomo when he made his debut against West Coast in round 11, 1996. 17 – Hitouts won by Damian Monkhorst in his final game for Collingwood, against West Coast in round 18, 1999. 16.63 – Disposals averaged by Sharrod Wellingham in eight games for Collingwood against West Coast. 14 – Goals kicked by Scott Cummings in two games against Collingwood in 1999. 13 – Disposals won by Nathan Brown en route to winning a Rising Star nomination against West Coast in round 10, 2008. 13 – Individual goal kickers in Collingwood’s 100-point win over the Eagles in round 10, 2008. 12 – Goals kicked by Gavin Brown in three finals against the Eagles. 9 – Second quarter goals scored by the Magpies against the Eagles in round 12, 2001. 9 – The number of times these two teams have met at the MCG. 8 – Goals kicked by Brodie Holland to propel Collingwood to victory over the Eagles in round two, 2002. 8 – The highest number of first quarter goals kicked by Collingwood against West Coast (in round 22, 2013, and in the 1990 Qualifying Final). 7 – Goals kicked by then-Eagle Scott Cummings in the final meeting between the two clubs at Victoria Park in round three, 1999. 7 – Times Collingwood and West Coast met at Victoria Park between 1988 and 1999. 6 – Finals played between the two teams (1990, 1990, 1994, 2007, 2011 and 2012). 6 – Goals kicked by Andrew Tranquilli in just his third game for the club against the Eagles in round 13, 1994. 6 – Weeks Tony Francis was outed for after kicking Murray Rance on debut against the Eagles in round one, 1990. 5 – Disposals won by an 18-year-old debutant named Heath Scotland against West Coast in round three, 1999, at Victoria Park. 5 – Goals kicked by captain Gavin Brown in Collingwood’s two-point loss to West Coast at the WACA in the 1994 Qualifying Final. 5 – Straight goals kicked by Paul Medhurst in Collingwood’s 100-point win over the Eagles in round 10, 2008. 4 – Bounces taken by Dale Thomas as he ran halfway down the ground to goal during Collingwood’s 100-point win over West Coast in round 10, 2008. 3 – Behinds kicked by Peter Sumich, including the infamous point to tie the game, in the Qualifying Final at Waverley Park in 1990. 3 – Consecutive goals kicked by Dale Thomas in the opening minutes of the second half of the 2012 Semi-Final. 3 – Disposals won by Stephen Patterson in his final game for Collingwood, against West Coast in round 11, 2000. 3 – Games played for West Coast by former Magpie Brent Tuckey in 2002. 3 – Goals kicked by Collingwood in extra time to defeat the Eagles in the extraordinary 2007 Semi-Final at Subiaco Oval. 3 – Finals between the two teams to be decided by less than a goal (or to at least be level ahead of extra-time). 1 – Draw between Collingwood and West Coast (in the 1990 Qualifying Final at Waverley Park). 1 – Behind scored by Sav Rocca in the 1994 Qualifying Final (his only final as a Collingwood player). 1 – Goal kicked and score assist recorded by Alex Fasolo after coming into the ground as a substitute in the 2011 Qualifying Final. 1 – Goal kicked by Simon Prestigiacomo against West Coast (one of only three in his career). 1 – Kick recorded by Scott Cummings in his only game for Collingwood against West Coast in round two, 2002. 1 – Minute’s silence observed for the passing of John McCarthy ahead of Collingwood’s 13-point win over the Eagles in the 2012 Semi-Final. |
Collingwood has at least two forced changes this week with Taylor Adams (suspension) and Tim Broomhead (shoulder) sidelined. Adams in particular will be a huge loss given he was perhaps Collingwood’s best player against Port Adelaide last week and has been in terrific form of late.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of players available to step into their roles. Marley Williams and Tyson Goldsack are fit and available for selection and will come into contention while at VFL level there were a number of key players who performed well despite a heavy loss. Levi Greenwood showed his value with 25 possessions and 10 tackles and looks the most logical replacement for Adams. Ben Kennedy continued his dominant VFL form and arguably deserves a chance, whilst Paul Seedsman and Patrick Karnezis also had impressive games. Jonathon Marsh could also be a left-field inclusion if Goldsack is given another week to recover from his knee injury. After three consecutive defeats, expect a few changes from Nathan Buckley this week.
It should be a much quieter week on the selection front for the Eagles given their impressive form. Sam Butler was a late withdrawal last week with a hip complaint and remains unlikely to play, whilst Liam Duggan was rested and may be a chance to return. The Eagles are without key defenders Eric McKenzie and Mitch Brownfor the season, but have managed to fill this void comfortably.
Focus on Collingwood
Whilst the last three weeks have been frustrating in many respects, it has also shown how quickly Collingwood has bridged the gap between itself and the top sides. The losses have had a major impact on Collingwood’s aspirations for the finals this season, however have also left me with a real sense of confidence of where this side is heading. It was gutsy for Buckley to play debutants Brayden Maynard and Darcy Moore over the last two weeks, and both these players showed really promising signs. Along with Jordan De Goey, the 2014 draft crop looks really promising.
Nonetheless, if Collingwood wants to re-cement its place in the top eight this season, the words ‘honourable loss’ cannot be in the vocabulary. Given the impressive start to the season, anything short of a spot in the top eight would be classed as a disappointment from here. The Pies need more from Jamie Elliott, Alex Fasolo, Jesse White and Travis Cloke who have been well held in recent weeks. Despite being a strong offensive side, the Magpies have only scored 73, 91 and 63 points in the last three rounds. As winter takes its grip on the competition, conditions have been tricky for forwards. However there will be no excuses of this nature on Saturday under the Etihad Stadium roof.
Player Focus - Collingwood
Tom Langdon – Langdon doesn’t get much kudos for his work. In many regards we forget that he is still only a second year player and was a lowly fourth round draft pick. The 21-year-old was very good against Port Adelaide, taking seven marks in wet conditions, while also picking up 23 disposals. Without Goldsack, Langdon has had to play on taller opponents and he is rarely beaten in marking contests. He still needs to work on his disposal under pressure, but has been really good so far this season.
Jamie Elliott – There has been a lot of negative press this week about Elliott which is somewhat undeserved. However there is no denying his output over recent weeks has been well down on his usual. That a 22 disposal and 1 goal game is considered ‘below par’ shows how high the expectations are on Elliott. In any event, he has kicked 28 goals for the season but only three in the previous three rounds. It will be interesting to see how he reacts to the scrutiny this week.
Brodie Grundy – Grundy was a late inclusion last week after a few weeks on the sidelines with a neck injury. He slotted straight back into the side, winning 30 hitouts and picking up 13 disposals. This was a nice compliment to Jarrod Witts who also had 32 hitouts. Both ruckmen tend to prefer playing as the number one ruck, but need to keep learning to develop their partnership and also having an influence as a forward. Grundy’s work at ground level was also profound against Port Adelaide and he is so strong in the contests. He faces a huge test this week against the unstoppable Nic Naitanui.
Focus on West Coast
It was only a few seasons ago that West Coast were facing criticism for its aging and slow midfield. Fast forward to 2015 and the Eagles are ranked second for inside 50s and scoring. Their ball movement is so quick, and the midfield has become one of the deepest in the competition. The likes of Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed, Chris Masten, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff have really taken their games to the next level. This compliments Matt Priddis who is having an equally good year as his Brownlow Medal season in 2014. With Naitanui giving the midfield first use more often than not, the West Coast midfield is now really impressive and should keep getting better considering it is still quite young.
The forward line is also very dangerous, with Josh Kennedy leading the Coleman Medal race, and Jack Darling seamlessly slotting back in after missing the first half of the year with injury. Mark LeCras is fit, Josh Hill is contributing and Jamie Cripps has turned himself into a very influential midfielder/forward.
Player focus – West Coast
Jeremy McGovern – In addition to all the talk of the midfield and forward line, it has been West Coast’s makeshift defence that has impressed me most this season. With McKenzie and Brown injured, the worry was always going to be how the Eagles dealt with strong key forwards. Whilst the dominance of the midfield has helped ease the pain, it has been the emergence of Jeremy McGovern in defence which has had the biggest impact. He is so good at reading the play, peeling off his man and taking intercept marks (he averages 6.5 marks a game), and is also proving a weapon offensively. He is becoming a player that opposition coaches need to put a lot of time into. Playing alongside Will Schofield, the Eagles defence has held up so far this year.
Nic Naitanui – Whilst there has been a lot of criticism over Naitanui’s inability to take marks and win the ball around the ground, the fact is that he is one of the most dominant tap ruckmen in the competition. His follow up work from the ruck contests is the best in the game in the way he wins clearances and lays tackles. He has single-handedly won games for West Coast this year due to his dominant ruck work. He averages 33 hitouts a game, but has one of the best hit-out to advantage ratios, making him a real threat this week. Witts and Grundy will have their hands full nullifying his impact and will need to work in tandem to stop him.
Andrew Gaff – No one has ever disputed Gaff’s talent, but many had doubted Gaff as a player who could genuinely make it as an A-grader. This was due to the fact that he was easily tagged earlier in his career and was at times completely shut out of games. This has changed in 2015 and he has re-established himself as one of the best wingmen in the game. He led the way last week with 36 disposals and three goals in a best-on-ground performance. He is averaging a whopping 30 disposals per game this season and has kicked eight goals. These are terrific figures for such a damaging player and at 23 years old he has all the making to become elite. Perhaps his form is attributable to the improved depth in the Eagles midfield, and the fact opposition coaches are focussing on the likes of Priddis and Shuey before Gaff. In any event, if he is left to run free then he will have a massive impact on this game. For this reason, I expect Crisp to get a run-with role on Gaff.
The Wrap Up
The Eagles have rights to claim favouritism this week based on the current formline. However, the Magpies have not lost four games in a row for over a decade and have also not lost twice in a row to the Eagles since 2003.
I think Etihad stadium will suit the Eagles given their fast style of game. With this in mind, it is a much smaller ground to what they are used to and the Magpies will look to close up the game the best they can. Collingwood’s forward line will trouble the Eagles if it gets enough supply.
Both sides possess very talented and deep midfields. Therefore it could be a matter of whether Travis Cloke and Collingwood’s other forwards can return to form. Up the other end, Kennedy and Darling have been on fire, but the Magpies do match up well against these players. Toovey in particularly typically does a good job on Darling, whilst Kennedy’s record against Collingwood is moderate. West Coast remains undermanned down back, but it is just a matter of Collingwood matching West Coast’s midfield and also limiting the scoring sufficiently. There will likely be momentum shifts throughout the game, meaning it will be a matter of which side can capitalise most on its periods of dominance.
It should be another close game, and the Magpies need to show more composure than in recent weeks.
Pies by 10 points.
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