FRIDAY TEAM UPDATE
The 22-year-old is averaging 22.0 disposals in the VFL this season, collecting 30 against the Casey Scorpions a fortnight ago. On that afternoon, he also returned 10 clearances and six tackles, a collection followed up with a further 20 disposals against Essendon last Saturday. Broomhead has not appeared at senior level since round 15 last season, when he injured his shoulder against Port Adelaide. His shoulders haven't been kind to him in recent times. A knock to the shoulder in the opening match of the NAB Challenge put his hopes of a round one berth on the backburner, sidelining him for more than a month. The South Australian is one of three inclusions to Sunday's team. First-choice defenders Tom Langdon (knee) and Ben Sinclair (concussion) bounce back after a week on the sidelines. The pair will bolster a backline that will need to contend with Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras and Josh Hill, among others. They replace the injured Travis Varcoe (hamstring) and Taylor Adams, who withdrew from Sunday's squad due to a knee complaint. Recruit James Aish has been omitted. |
Round 6 The Side
B: Jack Frost, Nathan Brown, Tom Langdon HB: Adam Oxley, Ben Reid, Josh Smith C: Tim Broomhead, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom HF: Jordan De Goey, Darcy Moore, Levi Greenwood F: Alex Fasolo, Mason Cox, Jeremy Howe Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Jack Crisp Int: Jarryd Blair, Ben Sinclair, Alan Toovey, Brayden Maynard Emg: James Aish, Tom Phillips, Matthew Goodyear IN: Tim Broomhead, Tom Langdon, Ben Sinclair OUT: Taylor Adams (knee), Travis Varcoe (hamstring), James Aish (omitted)
|
Friday, April 29, 2016
UPDATE Round 6: The Team
AFL
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Round 6: The Team
| Round 6 COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST Time Place TV: Sunday May 1, 4:40pm Subiaco Fox Footy 4:30pm Weather: Min 9 Max 20 Chance of rain 50%: < 1mm Wind: WSW 18kph Betting: Collingwood $6.85 West Coast $1.10 |
HB: Adam Oxley, Ben Reid, Josh Smith
C: Jack Crisp, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom
HF: Jordan De Goey, Darcy Moore, Levi Greenwood
F: Alex Fasolo, Mason Cox, Jeremy Howe
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams
Int (from): Jarryd Blair, James Aish, Matthew Goodyear, Ben Sinclair, Tim Broomhead, Alan Toovey, Brayden Maynard
Collingwood News
Three of them have been sighted already in 2016, while a fourth – 21-year-old Tim Broomhead – may make his first appearance of the season. Broomhead hasn't played at AFL level since round 15 last season. The crafty forward made a cameo in Collingwood's first NAB Challenge game against Geelong this year, before leaving the clash with a shoulder complaint. He returns to the frame almost two months later after successfully navigating three games at VFL level. Joining him in the 25-man extended squad is defender Tom Langdon, utility Ben Sinclair and round three debutant Matthew Goodyear. Travis Varcoe has been left on the sidelines as he attempts to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in Collingwood's ANZAC Day victory over Essendon. Collingwood Director of Football Neil Balme on Wednesday told Collingwood Media's 'Blackmores Injury Update' that it would be "a big risk" to take Varcoe to Perth in round six. |
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Preview Round 6: Collingwood v West Coast
SportsMatt
The monkey's off the back, that was the general thought after
Collingwood notched a 69 point win over Essendon on ANZAC day at the
MCG. The Pies had been struggling, they'd lost two games in a row to
young and developing teams (Melbourne and St Kilda) and the pressure was
building on everyone at the club. By quarter time on Monday though
every Magpie fan breathed a sigh of relief as finally Collingwood showed
a glimpse of what they are capable of. Of course the opposition was as
about as weak as they'll face this season, but the ease in which the
Pies blew the Bombers away early showed that maybe the corner has been
turned.
We will find out more on Sunday in Perth when the Pies travel west to face last years' losing grand finalist, the West Coast Eagles. The Eagles aren't exactly firing on all cylinders themselves, they have looked ordinary when they've traveled away from home suffering two big defeats to Sydney and Hawthorn. They have more confidence at home though and are 3 for 3 at Subiaco Oval so far in 2016.
It's an important game for both teams with the Eagles looking to keep in touch with the top 4 while the Pies are just trying to hang on to the possibility of playing finals.
The win over Essendon may have taken some of the pressure off the
Magpies but not everything is rosy down at the Holden Centre. Injuries
are playing a major toll on the Pies season with Swan, Elliott,
Scharenberg and Ramsay all but ruled out for the entire campaign. Those
players are a big enough loss on their own, but then you add Marley
Williams, Travis Varcoe (will miss at least 1 week), Jarrod Witts and
Tyson Goldsack and the depth of this Collingwood list is being tested
already. That was as clear as day in the VFL on the weekend when the VFL
Magpies were simply uncompetitive against Essendon's reserves. They
started the game well, with Travis Cloke kicking two first quarter
goals, but after that fell away badly to eventually lose by 75 points.
There isn't much to chose from down there for the Pies with Cloke,
Broomhead, White, Marsh and a bunch of kids all that is left.
There are positives though and most came out of that win over the Bombers on Monday. Alex Fasolo is having a career best start to a season, sitting equal 5th in the Coleman medal race, at the moment matching last years winner Josh Kennedy. The Collingwood midfield may finally be hitting top gear too with Pendlebury, Sidebottom (fresh off an ANZAC medal winning performance), Treloar, Adams and Greenwood all tearing the game apart at different stages. The back line held up well too, with the three talls in Reid, Frost and Brown restricting Essendon to just 2 goals in the first half despite a relatively comparable inside 50 count. But the story of the day was of course Mason Cox, and the big American is almost certain to get a second game this week against the Eagles, with Natanui and Lycett being a formidable partnership in the ruck. Cox showed he can make an impact as a forward, and provided genuine ruck support for Brodie Grundy, something that had been missing this season so far. The Magpies to the eye looked to take the game on more and the open spaces of Subiaco may well be just what this side is looking for now.
There shouldn't be too many changes in regards to selection this week, with Travis Varcoe the only new injury. His replacement will likely come from one of the players who missed last week through injury themselves, with Langdon, Sinclair and Goldsack all hoping to be back in time for this game. Of the 22 who played against the Bombers most aren't in any danger of being omitted, although a few are. James Aish and Jack Crisp have been noticeably struggling to impact games and their spot in the team may be under threat for the trip to Perth. This game is a tough task for the young Magpies indeed, but coming off a confidence boosting win anything may be possible.
After being embarrassed in the Grand Final by the Hawks last season
most expected the Eagles to romp through the 2016 home and away season
and easily secure a top 4 spot leading into the finals. Why that may
still happen, the early signs haven't been great, especially away from
home. They've dominated at home, as they always have, but in the two
trips interstate so far this season they've been uncompetitive really.
Yes the opposition has been absolutely top class (Swans and Hawks) but
at no stage in either game did you really think the Eagles were going to
win. The final quarter versus the Swans last week was close to woeful.
The Eagles hit the lead half way through the third term but didn't kick
another goal after that. The good news is they return home this week,
and should get back on the winning track.
The Eagles forward line should be their strength but at the moment only two forwards are delivering for the Eagles. Coleman medal winner Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling have started the season well but they need help from the likes of Josh Hill, Mark LeCras, Jeremy McGovern and Lewis Jetta. LeCras must be a real concern for coach Adam Simpson as he looks to be a player whose best football may well be behind him. Of course the way the ball is being delivered inside forward 50 is always crucial and it does seem as if the Eagles aren't hitting their targets as cleanly as they did last season. They come up against a Pies defense that put in a stellar performance against Essendon, especially in the first half, but one that is suspect to fast and accurate ball movement. If the Eagles midfielders and rebounding defenders can move the ball into the forward zone quickly they could exploit that Magpies weakness.
When your midfield is led by a Brownlow medal winner usually it's not an area of concern. But the West Coast midfield is struggling at the moment. They sit lower than expected for clearances and contested possessions and this is despite a ruck service that is second to none in the AFL. Nic Natanui and Scott Lycett (returns from suspension this week) lead the league for average hitouts per game although some have questioned if those hitouts have been to the advantage of their team mates. There's enough talent in the middle for the Eagles to excel, with Priddis, Gaff, Shuey, Masten, Wellingham, Cripps and Yeo part of the midfield rotation. Being ranked 10th for clearances isn't good enough when you have that talent although the Magpies rank ever lower over the first 5 games, down in 14th. To win this game this is the area of the ground the Eagles need to get on top in.
The Eagles defense is actually holding up quite well despite their midfield and forward struggles. It has conceded only the most total points in the first 5 rounds and with Eric MacKenzie and Will Schofield back in tandem it is one area that the coaches wouldn't be as concerned about. Where the Eagles are struggling though is rebounding the ball out of the defensive 50 zone. They rank 14th for clearing the ball out of defense this season and that's something that is so important in the modern game. West Coast do seem to lack real runners out of defense and it's showed over the first 5 games. They do come up against a Magpies forward line though whose pressure (before last week) was as bad as anyone's in the league. The matchups will be interesting in the Pies forward line too with Mason Cox (backing up after that stellar debut), Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe and Alex Fasolo creating a few headaches for the opposition. The absence of Travis Cloke makes them less predictable to defend and it will be something new for the Eagles to figure out this week.
The West Coast Eagles go into this game with one of the healthiest lists in the entire league. There are some minor concerns over Andrew Gaff, Eric Mackenzie and Sam Butler but with a long break to Sunday all should take their place in the side. Despite the loss to the Swans there shouldn't be too many changes with Lycett returning from suspension the only given in. This is a game the Eagles will expect to win, and the should really, but given their away form and current deficiencies in several areas, it may not be as easy as most will expect.
TIP
West Coast will go into this game as short favourites and with good reason, they are nigh on unbeatable at home. The Magpies haven't defeated the Eagles at Subiaco Oval since 2009 although they only play them there every second season now. The Eagles will be looking to redeem themselves after a less than stellar effort in the second half last week while the Pies will be thinking something similar. Yes their first half was impressive on ANZAC day but their second half was quite poor. If the Pies can put four quarters together maybe they can cause one of the upsets of the season so far.
MAGPIES BY 2 POINTS
| Round 6 COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST Time Place TV: Sunday May 1, 4:40pm Subiaco Fox Footy 4:30pm Weather: Min 10 Max 20 Chance of rain 30%: < 1mm Wind: WSW 19kph Betting: Collingwood $6.50 West Coast $1.11 |
We will find out more on Sunday in Perth when the Pies travel west to face last years' losing grand finalist, the West Coast Eagles. The Eagles aren't exactly firing on all cylinders themselves, they have looked ordinary when they've traveled away from home suffering two big defeats to Sydney and Hawthorn. They have more confidence at home though and are 3 for 3 at Subiaco Oval so far in 2016.
It's an important game for both teams with the Eagles looking to keep in touch with the top 4 while the Pies are just trying to hang on to the possibility of playing finals.
COLLINGWOOD PREVIEW
There are positives though and most came out of that win over the Bombers on Monday. Alex Fasolo is having a career best start to a season, sitting equal 5th in the Coleman medal race, at the moment matching last years winner Josh Kennedy. The Collingwood midfield may finally be hitting top gear too with Pendlebury, Sidebottom (fresh off an ANZAC medal winning performance), Treloar, Adams and Greenwood all tearing the game apart at different stages. The back line held up well too, with the three talls in Reid, Frost and Brown restricting Essendon to just 2 goals in the first half despite a relatively comparable inside 50 count. But the story of the day was of course Mason Cox, and the big American is almost certain to get a second game this week against the Eagles, with Natanui and Lycett being a formidable partnership in the ruck. Cox showed he can make an impact as a forward, and provided genuine ruck support for Brodie Grundy, something that had been missing this season so far. The Magpies to the eye looked to take the game on more and the open spaces of Subiaco may well be just what this side is looking for now.
There shouldn't be too many changes in regards to selection this week, with Travis Varcoe the only new injury. His replacement will likely come from one of the players who missed last week through injury themselves, with Langdon, Sinclair and Goldsack all hoping to be back in time for this game. Of the 22 who played against the Bombers most aren't in any danger of being omitted, although a few are. James Aish and Jack Crisp have been noticeably struggling to impact games and their spot in the team may be under threat for the trip to Perth. This game is a tough task for the young Magpies indeed, but coming off a confidence boosting win anything may be possible.
WEST COAST PREVIEW
The Eagles forward line should be their strength but at the moment only two forwards are delivering for the Eagles. Coleman medal winner Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling have started the season well but they need help from the likes of Josh Hill, Mark LeCras, Jeremy McGovern and Lewis Jetta. LeCras must be a real concern for coach Adam Simpson as he looks to be a player whose best football may well be behind him. Of course the way the ball is being delivered inside forward 50 is always crucial and it does seem as if the Eagles aren't hitting their targets as cleanly as they did last season. They come up against a Pies defense that put in a stellar performance against Essendon, especially in the first half, but one that is suspect to fast and accurate ball movement. If the Eagles midfielders and rebounding defenders can move the ball into the forward zone quickly they could exploit that Magpies weakness.
When your midfield is led by a Brownlow medal winner usually it's not an area of concern. But the West Coast midfield is struggling at the moment. They sit lower than expected for clearances and contested possessions and this is despite a ruck service that is second to none in the AFL. Nic Natanui and Scott Lycett (returns from suspension this week) lead the league for average hitouts per game although some have questioned if those hitouts have been to the advantage of their team mates. There's enough talent in the middle for the Eagles to excel, with Priddis, Gaff, Shuey, Masten, Wellingham, Cripps and Yeo part of the midfield rotation. Being ranked 10th for clearances isn't good enough when you have that talent although the Magpies rank ever lower over the first 5 games, down in 14th. To win this game this is the area of the ground the Eagles need to get on top in.
The Eagles defense is actually holding up quite well despite their midfield and forward struggles. It has conceded only the most total points in the first 5 rounds and with Eric MacKenzie and Will Schofield back in tandem it is one area that the coaches wouldn't be as concerned about. Where the Eagles are struggling though is rebounding the ball out of the defensive 50 zone. They rank 14th for clearing the ball out of defense this season and that's something that is so important in the modern game. West Coast do seem to lack real runners out of defense and it's showed over the first 5 games. They do come up against a Magpies forward line though whose pressure (before last week) was as bad as anyone's in the league. The matchups will be interesting in the Pies forward line too with Mason Cox (backing up after that stellar debut), Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe and Alex Fasolo creating a few headaches for the opposition. The absence of Travis Cloke makes them less predictable to defend and it will be something new for the Eagles to figure out this week.
The West Coast Eagles go into this game with one of the healthiest lists in the entire league. There are some minor concerns over Andrew Gaff, Eric Mackenzie and Sam Butler but with a long break to Sunday all should take their place in the side. Despite the loss to the Swans there shouldn't be too many changes with Lycett returning from suspension the only given in. This is a game the Eagles will expect to win, and the should really, but given their away form and current deficiencies in several areas, it may not be as easy as most will expect.
TIP
West Coast will go into this game as short favourites and with good reason, they are nigh on unbeatable at home. The Magpies haven't defeated the Eagles at Subiaco Oval since 2009 although they only play them there every second season now. The Eagles will be looking to redeem themselves after a less than stellar effort in the second half last week while the Pies will be thinking something similar. Yes their first half was impressive on ANZAC day but their second half was quite poor. If the Pies can put four quarters together maybe they can cause one of the upsets of the season so far.
MAGPIES BY 2 POINTS
Preview Round 6: Collingwood v West Coast
AFL
SUMMARY
The Magpies got their season back on track with a thumping win over Essendon but the Eagles at Domain Stadium will be a far truer measure of their form. The Eagles are having trouble on the road against the best sides but their home form continues to be exemplary. The battle begins in the midfield. The Magpies sliced open an inexperienced Essendon outfit, but the combination of Nic Naitanui, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff presents a completely different challenge. The Eagles' forwards were off last week and they will be keen for a big showing at home. Josh Kennedy has kicked just six goals since bagging eight in round one and he would be keen to impress against the Magpies' defence.
LAST FIVE TIMES
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Mason Cox.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 30 points
SUMMARY
| Round 6 COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST Sunday May 1, 4:40pm Subiaco Fox Footy 4:30pm Weather: Min 10 Max 21 Chance of rain 40%: < 1mm Wind: WSW 19kph Betting: Collingwood $6.50 West Coast $1.11 |
LAST FIVE TIMES
- R16, 2015, West Coast Eagles 11.21 (87) d Collingwood 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium
- R20, 2014, West Coast Eagles 19.12 (126) d Collingwood 10.6 (66) at Domain Stadium
- R10, 2014, Collingwood 17.7 (109) d West Coast Eagles 15.11 (101) at the MCG
- R22, 2013, Collingwood 15.11 (101) d West Coast Eagles 5.9 (39) at the MCG
- 1SF, 2012, Collingwood 10.13 (73) d West Coast Eagles 9.6 (60) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
-
The Eagles win over the Magpies in 2015 could have been bigger. They had 32 scoring shots to 21 and dominated the inside 50s, 61-41. Andrew Gaff had 34 disposals in the 31-point win.
-
West Coast has been strong for marking the ball inside 50 so far in 2016, averaging 15 per game. Collingwood has struggled, ranked equal 16th in the AFL with 10 per game.
-
The Eagles are the number one rucking team so far in 2016, averaging 52.6 hit-outs per game. Nic Naitanui is ranked second for total hit-outs. Collingwood is ranked 17th for hit-outs per game.
-
West Coast has dominated Collingwood at Domain Stadium. The Eagles have registered 11 wins from 15 matches including seven by 50 points or more.
-
On Anzac Day, the Magpies' final score of 22.10 (142) was their highest score against any opposition since late 2012. By contrast, the Eagles' score of 7.7 (49) in round five was their lowest since early 2014.
-
Collingwood has three midfielders ranked in the top 100 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings; Scott Pendlebury (5), Adam Treloar (28) and Steele Sidebottom (42). The Eagles only have Matt Priddis (14) and Luke Shuey (22). Their reigning best and fairest, Andrew Gaff, is ranked 102nd.
The American made a splash in his debut on Anzac Day. But this week's test against Nic Naitanui is a whole new ball game.
Injury List
| Injury Update Tuesday, April 26, 2016 | |||
| Player | Injury | Status | Round 6 COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST Sunday May 1, 4:40pm Subiaco Fox Footy 4:30pm Weather: Min 10 Max 21 Chance of rain 40%: < 1mm Wind: WSW 19kph Betting: Collingwood $6.50 West Coast $1.11 |
| Jamie Elliott | Back | 4-12 weeks | |
| Corey Gault | Concussion | Test | |
| Tom Langdon | Knee | Test | |
| Jackson Ramsay | Knee | Season | |
| Matt Scharenberg * | Knee | Season | |
| Ben Sinclair | Concussion | Test | |
| Dane Swan * | Broken leg/foot | Season | |
| Travis Varcoe | Hamstring | TBC | |
| Marley Williams | Mid-foot strain | 2 weeks | |
| Jarrod Witts | Split webbing | Test | |
| * Placed on the club's long-term injury list | |||
Varcoe injured his hamstring in Collingwood's 69-point win over Essendon on ANZAC Day. The speedy utility watched from the sidelines in the second as his teammates recorded the club's second win of the year. After being assessed in the aftermath of the ANZAC Day clash, Varcoe's chances of flying west appear low. "It would be a big risk to take him to Perth and hope that he plays," Collingwood Director of Football Neil Balme told the 'Blackmores Injury Update'. The setback for Varcoe marks his second hamstring complaint of the season. After playing all 22 home and away games last year, the 28-year-old failed to play the Magpies' opening three matches of 2016 after pulling up sore on the eve of round one. He added grunt and experience against Melbourne, yet only managed to play 35 per cent of game-time against the Bombers the following week. While it may be difficult to make changes to a winning side, Nathan Buckley and the selection committee may find two new players available ahead of round six. Corey Gault and Ben Sinclair were both starved of action on the weekend as they recovered from respective concussion issues. "Both are going pretty well," Balme said. "Naturally they'll need to go through the concussion testing. We're pretty confident that both will be okay but neither are certainties as yet." Marley Williams is walking a little easier this week after progressing in his recovery from a toe injury, while Balme was happy to move forward Jamie Elliott from a 'long term' category to 'medium term'. "He's out of his boot and moving pretty well," the Football Director said of Williams. "Jamie Elliott has been suffering with that back. He's gone from long term to medium term, so he's doing a fair bit of work and we're really pleased with what he's doing." Jarrod Witts remains on the sidelines after suffering an infection in the split webbing in his hand. Balme was confident in the ruckman's progression from the injury, however raised concern over Witts' readiness to return. "We're still a little but concerned that he hasn't been able to do a lot of work with the footy," Balme said. "There's more chance that he'll stay short term. He probably won't play this weekend." Matt Scharenberg, Jackson Ramsay and Dane Swan remain on the long term injury list as they recover from serious injuries. Scharenberg continues to progress as he takes part in the extensive rehab involved in a knee reconstruction, while Swan and Ramsay remain in recovery mode after respective surgeries. |
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Round 5: Collingwood 142 Essendon 73
COLLINGWOOD 8.4.52 14.6.90 19.8.122 22.10.142
ESSENDON 1.1.7 2.2.14 7.4.46 11.7.73
GOALS - Collingwood: Sidebottom 4, Fasolo 4, Blair 3, Howe 2, Moore 2, Greenwood 2, Cox, Oxley, Smith, De Goey, Adams
ANZAC DAY MEDAL VOTING: Steele Sidebottom 9, Scott Pendlebury 6, Taylor Adams 1, Jordan de Goey 1, Adam Treloar 1
BEST - Collingwood: Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Treloar, Fasolo, Reid, Adams
INJURIES - Collingwood: Varcoe (hamstring)
REPORTS - Collingwood: Levi Greenwood for striking Brendon Goddard in the third quarter.
Official crowd: 85,082 at the MCG
ESSENDON 1.1.7 2.2.14 7.4.46 11.7.73
GOALS - Collingwood: Sidebottom 4, Fasolo 4, Blair 3, Howe 2, Moore 2, Greenwood 2, Cox, Oxley, Smith, De Goey, Adams
ANZAC DAY MEDAL VOTING: Steele Sidebottom 9, Scott Pendlebury 6, Taylor Adams 1, Jordan de Goey 1, Adam Treloar 1
BEST - Collingwood: Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Treloar, Fasolo, Reid, Adams
INJURIES - Collingwood: Varcoe (hamstring)
REPORTS - Collingwood: Levi Greenwood for striking Brendon Goddard in the third quarter.
Official crowd: 85,082 at the MCG
1. Mason Cox joins an illustrious club
Two minutes into the game, the American-born forward kicked a goal with his first kick in AFL football, to not only join the first-goal, first-kick club, but create a new sub-category: first American-born player to kick a goal with his first kick. Cox played up front instead of omitted key forward Travis Cloke and Cox's moment set the Magpies up for a record first-quarter score against Essendon at the MCG. They had 8.4 (52) by the first break and the contest was over. It wasn't Cox's only moment. He also palmed the ball expertly to captain Scott Pendlebury at a centre bounce in the opening quarter and created a goal with a quick handball in the third quarter. It's hard to imagine the first time Magpie recruiters laid eyes on Cox was exactly two years ago at a training centre in Los Angeles. 2. Steele Sidebottom wins Anzac Day Medal Sorely missed after being suspended in the first round, the gun midfielder hit back against the Bombers with a brilliant opening half. He had 20 disposals and four goals at the long break which ensured the Magpies would win well. Known for his ability to perform on the big stage, Sidebottom hit the contest well, was at the fall of the ball all day and finished with 33 disposals, took seven marks and laid four tackles. He signed a five-year deal earlier in the year and looks set to be a key figure during this era. 3. Scott Pendlebury is back, in the midfield Collingwood finally decided to return its best playmaker to the heart of the action and he didn't disappoint. In the first half he had 23 disposals as the Magpies won the ball at the source and recorded eight of the first 10 inside 50s of the game. Pendlebury has always been a genius at stoppages so was wasted behind the ball, particularly when the midfield and forward pressure was down. He released teammates into space, showing his class by hand with 14 first-half handballs (although he made the odd mistake). He even set up a Jeremy Howe goal late in the second-quarter with an intercept deep in defence that led to a chain of handballs as the Magpies moved the ball into attack. Pendlebury is a midfielder and the flirtation with him as a defender should be put on ice, particularly with the sort of link-up play he can create with Sidebottom, Adam Treloar and Taylor Adams. |
4. A memorable occasion nonetheless When the Court of Arbitration for Sport handed out season-long suspensions to 34 past and present Essendon players, the ramifications for the Anzac Day clash was one of the first thoughts that went through most people's minds. However, the Bombers' win in the second round and form against Geelong in round four was enough to give everyone hope they could rally on the big day. Unfortunately they found Collingwood in an unsympathetic mood and appeared both overawed and out of answers very early in the game. No one blames Essendon (and full credit to the 85,082 people who turned up for the occasion) but the 76-point margin at half-time was an unfortunate reminder of what the Bombers are up against in 2016. To their credit, the Bombers fought out the second half and matched the Magpies. On the positive side, Michael Hartley was impressive in defence, Orazio Fantasia was lively inside forward 50 and the pre-match ceremony was as moving as ever. 5. Party pies The Magpies decided during the week to generate some excitement amongst the group with a simple method. Every time a goal was scored, the young Magpies mobbed the goal kicker as though it was the winning goal. The biggest two celebrations were reserved for first-gamers, Mason Cox, and the impressive Josh Smith, who also kicked a goal in his first game with a third-quarter snap. Essendon's Sam Grimley tried to do the same with an impressive solo celebration after he kicked the third goal of his career, bringing the Bombers back to within 69 points. In the end Collingwood had 11 goal kickers and every time another was kicked, the Magpies turned into party pies. Known for his ability to perform on the big stage, Sidebottom hit the contest well, was at the fall of the ball all day and finished with 33 disposals, took seven marks and laid four tackles. He signed a five-year deal earlier in the year and looks set to be a key figure during this era. |
| THE MEDIA | |
|
A win is a win. That was the message from Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley after a 69-point victory over Essendon on ANZAC Day. Although given the Bombers' plight it wasn't a time for cartwheels, but the coach was entitled to rest a little easier going in at half-time with a 76-point lead. "We have still got a lot of work to do," Buckley said. "With the position we're in right now, we'll take the win. We'll take the steps forward knowing there are plenty to go." A record first-quarter score against Essendon at the MCG built on the positive signs that had emerged a week earlier in the loss to Melbourne and put the result beyond doubt. Collingwood's second win of the season had some highlights. Steele Sidebottom won the ANZAC Day Medal after kicking four first-half goals despite feeling "crook in the guts" and vomiting before the game. American Mason Cox kicked the first goal of the game on debut and young rookie Josh Smith impressed on the big stage in his first game, kicking a goal and picking up 23 disposals. Buckley said finding the right time to play Cox was the challenge, as it was with any player, but he was pleased with what he gave the team and his competitiveness in the ruck. He said the Magpies would take some confidence from showing it could play the way it wanted to play and he was happy for his team to win their second game of the season and stay in touch with the top eight. "Any win is going to be crucial and right now for where we sit it was an important performance," Buckley said. "We clearly have a lot of improvement against any opposition going forward because we can't afford to take a half-step back." THE SIEGE engulfing Collingwood has lifted after the Magpies got their spluttering season back on track with a 69-point thumping of Essendon in an Anzac Day fizzer at the MCG. On a magnificent day for football, the Pies rose to the occasion after weeks of intense scrutiny and made a mockery of expectations that the depleted Dons might seize the opportunity to cause a boilover. Nathan Buckley's men split the match wide open with their best first term against Essendon, an 8.4 (52) blitz, on the way to a 22.10 (143) to 11.7 (73) triumph. Essendon narrowly avoided suffering the biggest Anzac Day loss – still the Bombers' 73-point defeat in 2008 – by winning the second half by seven points, but it offered little solace. Steele Sidebottom took home the Anzac Day Medal after bagging four majors and running rampant against the listless Bombers, whose worst fears were realised on the biggest stage without the 12 experienced players serving doping bans. Banished Pies spearhead Travis Cloke was a forgotten figure as a giant American ignited Collingwood, with cult figure Mason Cox marking a dream debut by slotting the game's opening goal with an ice-cold 25m set shot. The 211cm Dallas native was swamped by his teammates, and from there the Pies swarmed all over the overawed Bombers – 14 of whom were making their first appearance in the April 25 showpiece. Essendon was ranked second in the AFL for uncontested possessions leading into the match, but John Worsfold's charges simply couldn't get their hands on the ball in the face of white-hot Pies pressure. Knowing their season was slipping away at 1-3, the Pies chased, tackled and harassed the inexperienced Dons into turnover after turnover, never allowing the Bombers to settle into the contest, as Buckley's men breathed life into their campaign. Sidebottom kicked three of his majors in the opening term to end any fears of an upset, while skipper Scott Pendlebury (35 disposals) was in everything, showcasing the poise and class that Essendon sorely lacked. The Bombers (1-4) remarkably matched the Pies for inside 50 entries (27-all) at half-time, but the quality of the supply going was worlds apart as Collingwood kicked 14 goals to two. "We were able to defend well enough but we were actually scoring pretty heavily from our inside (50s), so it's a pretty simple game when you get those elements right," Buckley said. Dons spearhead Joe Daniher, often outnumbered, had a dirty day with one kick to the main break and one goal for the match. At the other end, Cox crashed packs, was nimble on the deck and finished with 10 touches, 11 hit-outs and 1.1. Adam Treloar (32 possessions) continued his great start in black and white, with strong support from Taylor Adams (36) and first-gamer Josh Smith (23). Orazio Fantasia (25 touches, two goals) was his side's best player, while ex-Geelong star James Kelly (29 disposals) made the most of his one and only Anzac Day appearance and defender Michael Hartley battled against the odds. After his first involvement on Anzac Day, Bombers coach John Worsfold said his side didn't step up to the occasion when the heat was on. "That first half was really disappointing from a lot of viewpoints. We were pretty disappointed with ourselves at half-time," Worsfold said post-match. "I thought they did (have a crack in the second half). Not to the level that we outscored them by a lot, but we played a lot better footy in the second half – more like the style of footy we're trying to play consistently." The Pies' victory continued their recent dominance of Anzac Day. They've now won nine of the last 11 contests, and 13 of the 22 blockbuster matches overall. While a much bigger challenge awaits against West Coast, Buckley's men will at least fly west with some renewed belief and a chance to push back towards a finals berth that looked so attainable during the pre-season. However, Collingwood might have to take on the Eagles without Travis Varcoe (hamstring), while Levi Greenwood could be in Match Review Panel trouble after he was reported for striking Brendon Goddard. Medical room Collingwood: The big blow was Travis Varcoe, who didn't feature after half-time and looks doubtful for the Eagles next week after "disrupting" his troublesome hamstring. Taylor Adams (knee) and Josh Smith needed early treatment but played out the match. Next up The Pies fly west for a daunting task against a West Coast side on the rebound from another disappointing effort away from Domain Stadium. Next Five West Coast, Carlton, Brisbane, Geelong, Footscray. "Any win is going to be crucial and right now for where we sit it was an important performance. We clearly have a lot of improvement against any opposition going forward because we can't afford to take a half-step back." |
COLLINGWOOD'S Mason Cox is set to retain his place as the forward line spearhead against West Coast. The bold move to select Cox for his AFL debut ahead of Travis Cloke paid dividends, with coach Nathan Buckley describing the 211cm big man as "a beacon" in the victory against Essendon. The victory helps relieve pressure on the club after an underwhelming start to the season. Buckley said he considered whether he was throwing the first-gamer "to the wolves" on Anzac Day, but was thrilled with his impact and effort. "He was excellent, he gave us everything we selected him for," Buckley said. "The contest in the air, (he was) a bit of a beacon going inside-50m or down the line when we needed to go long down the line and his follow-up at ground level was pretty industrious as well. "He created a few opportunities for the front and centre boys and competed really hard in the ruck." An eight-goal first-term blitz set up the win, helping lift Buckley's men to 11th place on the ladder. "We were plus-21 for contested ball in the first half and that's largely where it was (won) for us, which gave us field position," Buckley said. "We were able to defend well enough but we were actually scoring pretty heavily when we were inside-50m, so it is a pretty simple game when you get those elements right." He said the Pies had improved incrementally each game this season, but admitted they remained "a long way" off a complete performance. "We put it (the win) in our back pocket and clearly we have got a lot of improvement (to go) if we are going to be competitive against any opposition going forward because we can't afford to take half a step back," Buckley said. Buckley said he encouraged Cox to enjoy the occasion on Monday when they spoke minutes before the first bounce. "Like most Americans, they don't mind the big stage, so he was looking forward to it and it was good for him to have his family across," he said. Travis Varcoe is in doubt for the trip west after aggravating a hamstring in the second term. He did not reappear second half, with Buckley conceding "the likelihood is that he has probably disrupted it (hamstring) again". Cloke was dropped for the first time in 11 years last week and was starved for opportunities in the VFL side's loss on Sunday. But Buckley said the window remained ajar for Cox, Cloke and Darcy Moore to all play in the same side if they were all in form. Later, Buckley said the forward line functioned well without Cloke but the struggling star would return to his best. "We thought that our big fellas got to really good positions to draw the ball to them," Buckley told Fox Footy's AFL360 on Monday night. "I think Trav can still be a really damaging player in this competition. I think he's going to be very important for us as our year progresses. "This is short-term but he needs to find that thirst for the contest again." There had been a sense of dread about the sort of contest which might be served up to a huge live and lounge-room audience on Anzac Day almost from the moment Essendon lost half their best team in mid-January. That, however, had changed significantly by the time the occasion itself dawned. It had been Collingwood's apparent deep trough as much as some spirited showings from the Bombers which had awakened renewed hope for a game to match the moment. Naïve optimism, as it turned out. And a balloon of hope punctured very early indeed. Unless, obviously, you are of the black-and-white persuasion. Because it took fully five minutes to realise that this was a very different Collingwood to the side which had laboured through the first month of the season for one lucky win. The intensity palpably absent from their starts, even in that game, was there in spades, no Essendon player given a moment's peace when they had the ball. Which, admittedly, wasn't all that often, because the Pies dominated in every area. Mason Cox wrote the fairytale for the day, a mark and goal with his first touch at senior level, within two minutes of the start. Steele Sidebottom, sorely missed for the fortnight he was suspended, was everywhere. By the time of his first goal, five minutes in, thing were already ominous indeed. By the time of Sidebottom's third before quarter-time, Collingwood led by 34 points. And when the first change did arrive, the game was effectively over. The Magpies had rattled on 8.4 to just 1.1 to lead by 45 points. That was a far bigger gap than existed between most of the other statistics, and was testament to how well Collingwood used the football. This was the version of the Pies all that pre-season hype had been about. Led by a skipper in Scott Pendlebury who finally had some teammates jump on board with him, Collingwood tackled and contested, then ran and spread with equal enthusiasm, a balance sorely out of kilter over the first four rounds now put right. Besides Sidebottom running amok, the Pies had Jordan de Goey setting up scoring opportunities, Taylor Adams and Jack Crisp back in the sort of touch they had in 2015, and Adam Treloar exerting a greater influence the longer it went. Essendon were like a rabbit in the spotlights, hesitant, fumbly, completely overwhelmed, and after four rounds of at least decent effort, leaving their opponents in acres of space cheerfully accepted. David Zaharakis ran tirelessly, as he has all season, Michael Hartley took a strong defensive mark which was the first act in the Bombers' first goal to Kyle Langford, and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, even he restrained by his recent standards, managed to nail Adams in a tackle. But that essentially was it for the entire first half. The Bombers' first bit of fluent play came nearly 10 minutes into the second quarter, when Conor McKenna hit Mitch Brown on the chest, the first time all game they'd managed to transfer the ball from end to end for a score. But that was anything but a game-changer. More a mere hiccup in an on-going picnic for the Pies. Jarryd Blair, also busy, converted a free kick. Jeremy Howe, showing his first positive signs in black-and-white, slotted the next with Blair again heavily involved. Darcy Moore and Alex Fasolo roamed the forward line menacingly, the latter's goal just on half-time the first of four he'd kick for the day, besides setting up almost as many. Which spoke volumes as well. Fasolo hasn't always been seen as the most selfless player going around, but his attitude was reflective of a Collingwood more determined to work for each other than at any time since the pre-season served up a healthy slice of apparent fool's gold. A 76-point margin at half-time made a 100-point-plus belting seem almost inevitable. So some small credits to Essendon for actually squaring the third term and booting five goals where they had managed two for an entire half. Hartley showed again why he'll have a decent AFL shelf life, good in the contest, sensible with his exits from the defensive arc. James Kelly ended up with the most disposals for his team. Orazio Fantasia continues to get better for the Bombers, and after a slowish start, Darcy Parish had his moments, too. But it needs to be remembered that for three quarters of this game, there was no contest as such. When the heat really was on, it was Collingwood, and their key men, who were on fire, and Essendon the scorched earth which remained afterwards. Not great for the occasion, of course, but pretty timely for a club under siege. |
Saturday, April 23, 2016
UPDATE Round 5: The Team
UPDATE SATURDAY 4:00PM
Collingwood has announced its final line-up for the ANZAC Day game against Essendon.
Travis Cloke and Jesse White have been dropped, while Tom Langdon has been ruled out with a knee injury.
The Team
B: Jack Frost, Nathan Brown, Alan Toovey
HB: Adam Oxley, Ben Reid, Josh Smith
C: Jack Crisp, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom
HF: Travis Varcoe, Darcy Moore, Levi Greenwood
F: Alex Fasolo, Mason Cox, Jeremy Howe
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams
Int: Jordan De Goey, Jarryd Blair, James Aish, Ben Sinclair
Emg: Matthew Goodyear, Travis Cloke, Brayden Maynard
IN: Mason Cox, Jack Frost, Josh Smith
OUT: Tom Langdon (knee), Travis Cloke, Jesse White (omitted)
NEW: Mason Cox (25, Oklahoma State University), Josh Smith (22, Redland)
Collingwood has announced its final line-up for the ANZAC Day game against Essendon.
Travis Cloke and Jesse White have been dropped, while Tom Langdon has been ruled out with a knee injury.
The Team
| Round 5
COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON Time Place TV: Monday April 25, 3:20pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 3:00pm Weather: Min 10 Max 24 Chance of rain 5%: < 1mm Wind: N 22kph Betting: Collingwood $1.31 Essendon $3.45 |
HB: Adam Oxley, Ben Reid, Josh Smith
C: Jack Crisp, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom
HF: Travis Varcoe, Darcy Moore, Levi Greenwood
F: Alex Fasolo, Mason Cox, Jeremy Howe
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams
Int: Jordan De Goey, Jarryd Blair, James Aish, Ben Sinclair
Emg: Matthew Goodyear, Travis Cloke, Brayden Maynard
IN: Mason Cox, Jack Frost, Josh Smith
OUT: Tom Langdon (knee), Travis Cloke, Jesse White (omitted)
NEW: Mason Cox (25, Oklahoma State University), Josh Smith (22, Redland)
American ruckman Mason Cox and Queensland onballer Josh Smith will receive a baptism of footballing fire against Essendon after the match committee named them in their final 22-man squad. They join defender Jack Frost as the three inclusions to Monday's team. Tom Langdon was ruled out on Saturday morning due to a knee complaint, while premiership forward Travis Cloke has been omitted. Defender Jesse White's omission was announced on Thursday evening. Cloke will remain one of his side's three emergencies, taking his place alongside Brayden Maynard and Matthew Goodyear. Cox's story is remarkable, for he only picked up a Sherrin in May 2014 and has played just 21 VFL games and three NAB Challenge games in the time since. But he is well and truly ready to make his mark on the AFL, having won 51 hitouts in the ruck against the Casey Scorpions in the VFL last week. He's already proven that he is not just a ruckman. Standing 211cm tall, Cox is difficult to counter when playing at full forward. He kicked 17 goals in 20 VFL games last year, including a haul of five against Richmond late in the season. At the other end of the scale is Smith. At just 181cm, he is a good 30cm smaller than Cox, but his form has been just as impressive since arriving at the Holden Centre just four months ago. He is averaging 21.5 disposals in the opening two rounds of the VFL season, this despite spending most of March on the sidelines due to a foot injury sustained during the NAB Challenge. The 22-year-old was recruited from Queensland club Redland, for whom he averaged 28.7 disposals last season. For Cloke, Sunday will mark his first appearance in the VFL since round 15, 2006, when he represented Collingwood's then-VFL affiliate Williamstown against the Casey Scorpions. He has been remarkably durable in the years since, missing just 16 of Collingwood's last 229 games due to injury or suspension. The club's VFL team will take on Essendon at Victoria Park at 2.10pm on Sunday. Collingwood Media will be covering the match with a live radio broadcast on collingwoodfc.com.au and in the club's official smart phone App. Cloke's omission will see the Magpies operate with a new-look forward line on Monday. Height is the order of the day. The 211cm Cox has been named at full forward and the 200cm Darcy Moore at centre half forward. Jeremy Howe, 190cm, has been named in a forward pocket. Collingwood's team includes eight players who are yet to play on ANZAC Day. James Aish, Jordan De Goey, Levi Greenwood, Adam Treloar, Cox, Howe, Moore and Smith will all run out on the biggest day of the home and away calendar for the first time. |
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Round 5: The Team
| Round 5
COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON Time Place TV: Monday April 25, 3:20pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 3:00pm Weather: Min 12 Max 24 Chance of rain 5%: < 1mm Wind: N 26kph Betting: Collingwood $1.41 Essendon $2.90 |
HB: Adam Oxley, Ben Reid, Ben Sinclair
C: Jack Crisp, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom
HF: Travis Varcoe, Darcy Moore, Levi Greenwood
F: Alex Fasolo, Mason Cox, Travis Cloke
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams
Int (from): Jordan De Goey, Tom Langdon, Jarryd Blair, James Aish, Brayden Maynard, Jeremy Howe, Josh Smith
In: Jack Frost, Mason Cox, Brayden Maynard, Josh Smith
Out: Jesse White (omitted)
New: Mason Cox, Josh Smith
The Magpies have named newly promoted rookies Mason Cox and Josh Smith alongside defenders Jack Frost and Brayden Maynard in their 25-man squad for ANZAC Day. Defender Jesse White (omitted) is the only absentee from Sunday's loss to Melbourne. The squad will be finalised at 4pm on Saturday. Cox's story is remarkable, for he only picked up a Sherrin in May 2014 and has played just 21 VFL games and three NAB Challenge games in the time since. But he is well and truly ready to make his mark on the AFL, having won 51 hitouts in the ruck against the Casey Scorpions in the VFL last week. He's already proven that he is not just a ruckman. Standing 211cm tall, Cox is difficult to counter when playing at full forward. He kicked 17 goals in 20 VFL games last year, including a haul of five against Richmond late in the season. At the other end of the scale is Josh Smith. At just 181cm, he is a good 30cm smaller than Cox, but his form has been just as impressive. He is averaging 21.5 disposals in the opening two rounds of the VFL season, this despite spending most of March on the sidelines due to a foot injury sustained during the NAB Challenge. The 22-year-old was recruited from Queensland club Redland, for whom he averaged 28.7 disposals last season. Collingwood's team includes eight players who are yet to play on ANZAC Day. Should they be selected, James Aish, Mason Cox, Jordan De Goey, Levi Greenwood, Jeremy Howe, Darcy Moore, Josh Smith and Adam Treloar will all run out on the biggest day of the home and away calendar for the first time. |
Preview Round 5: Collingwood v Essendon
Collingwood News - David Natoli
At the commencement of this season, there were concerns that the ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon would be a fizzer. Given Essendon's under-strength line-up and Collingwood's sizzling pre-season form, most experts had already pencilled this game in as a comfortable victory for the Magpies.
After four rounds of the home and away season, this year's match is actually shaping as one of the more intriguing ANZAC Day games in recent history.
Collingwood is in a form slump, whilst Essendon has been a lot more competitive than most were expecting. It's make or break time for the Magpies this Monday.
This match is not going to be a walkover, and I get the impression that the Bombers sense they can score a second victory for the season.
No matter which way you look at it, Collingwood has been disappointing in so many aspects. It's impossible to pick up a newspaper this week without finding a critique of Collingwood's form. For all the analysis, though, to me, the biggest problem plaguing Collingwood right now is lack of confidence. In many ways, the Magpies were quite good in the second half last week, but sloppy mistakes and poor turnovers eliminated any hope of getting back into the match. Unfortunately, confidence is not an ingredient that can simply be bottled. It's going to be a hard grind for the Magpies to regain form.
But it could be a big tackle or a big mark that ignites the side. Collingwood needs a spark this week, and ANZAC Day is just the stage for it to happen.
If we turn the focus onto Essendon, there is no disputing that its start to the season has been pleasing. The Bombers have been competitive in every game this season, and have also already notched up a victory. It was always going to be a difficult year, but the improvement in players such as David Zaharakis, Zac Merrett, Orazio Fantasia, Marty Gleeson, Joe Daniher and Kyle Langford must have Bombers fans licking their lips for what could be in store next season when the senior players return from suspension.
Essendon was particularly good against Geelong last week, and at half time, an upset was on the cards. The Cats finally overpowered the Bombers in a dour struggle, but it was a warning to the competition that Essendon is not a side to be taken lightly.
Scott Pendlebury has already declared this game a mini-final, and I have no doubt that Essendon is treating the game in a similar vein. This is the biggest home and away game for the year, and an opportunity for both sides to regain a lot of respect on the big stage.
Recent History
Recent history is almost irrelevant as we head into this game, given the fact that Collingwood has such a long list of injuries and Essendon is missing twelve senior players through suspension.
That said, Collingwood has won four of the past five ANZAC Day clashes. When these sides last met in round 23 last year, it was Essendon who claimed the bragging rights. Although it was a dead-rubber, given both sides were out of finals contention, the Bombers stormed home to claim a thrilling three-point victory. Brent Stanton continued his domination over Collingwood with 30 possessions and three goals to poll the three Brownlow votes, while Taylor Adams was Collingwood's best with 33 disposals (polling two votes). Dyson Heppell polled one vote with 28 disposals.
At the Selection Table
Collingwood has added three new players to the injury list this week, all of whom are facing fitness tests. The biggest focus will be on Travis Cloke who hurt his elbow late in the game and has experienced mobility issues with his arm ever since. He faces a race against the clock to prove his fitness this week. Ben Reid also suffered a minor knee injury, and despite playing out the rest of the game still faces a fitness test. Ben Sinclair will also face the usual concussion testing this week following the knock he received against Melbourne.
If Cloke is ruled out, it will pave the way for Collingwood's American Pie, Mason Cox, to debut. Essendon has an inexperienced defence, and the height of Cox will be a handful to counter. Tim Broomhead and Rupert Wills were again dominant in the VFL and have put their hand up for selection. Broomhead, in particular, adds class and pace, which has been severely lacking in recent weeks. Tyson Goldsack should be right to play after he was a late omission following illness, while Jonathon Marsh and Brayden Maynard also look set to be available for selection. Finally, Jack Frost was superb at VFL level last week and for mine is the logical replacement for Reid should he not pass his fitness test.
The Bombers, on the other hand, have a relatively healthy list at the moment. Jayden Laverde unfortunately injured his shoulder last week and will miss around two months, but apart from that, the injury list is really low. At VFL level, Ryan Crowley and Shaun McKernan impressed last week. McKernan, in particular, could provide some valuable assistance to Joe Daniher who was held really quiet last week, as well as assisting in the ruck. Courtney Dempsey and Jackson Merrett are other names with senior experience who could be called upon, as is Shaun Edwards.
Focus on Collingwood
After such a big build up to last week's game against Melbourne, I think everyone was expecting Collingwood to come out firing. The fact that the Magpies basically switched off for a 40 minute period in the first and second quarters was a real concern. In this time, Melbourne kicked nine goals to one.
Nevertheless, Collingwood was able to get back to basics and even the game up after this point. In general, statistics relating to contested football and disposals were a lot better, as was the tackling numbers. Clearance work was quite good (apart from centre clearances), and the Magpies were a much more difficult team to play against. If Collingwood can get these basic fundamentals right again this week for four quarters, the result should be a lot better.
But turnovers continue to plague the Magpies. Not only is Collingwood conceding far too many points on turnover, it isn't capitalising on opposition mistakes at all. Collingwood is last in the AFL for scores on turnovers, which either indicates the side isn't defending hard enough, or alternatively isn't making the most of opportunities. Ball movement from defence has also been very stagnant. This could largely be due to injuries to key players, but is also as a result of a lack of confidence to take the game on and a lack of work rate from players up the ground to present as a marking option.
It was good to see Collingwood dig in last week and do the basic things a lot better. Hopefully this is the first small step towards better results.
Player Focus
Brodie Grundy – Grundy faced a massive assignment last week against the in-form Max Gawn. Gawn was totally on top at quarter time, but to Grundy's credit, he fought back really hard after that. It was the best I've seen Grundy ruck all year, and he was jumping really aggressively at the ball. His work rate around the ground was also very high and he got involved in a lot of the play. It was a challenging day, but in general, he was really solid and he is one who can hold his head up high after last week's performance.
James Aish – Aish has slowly improved in each of his three games this year, and was really good last week with 20 disposals. He is ranked number one at the club for disposal efficiency which makes him very valuable given Collingwood's turnover woes. Aish is really composed with the ball and typically takes the safest option. As he gets more confidence, he'll begin to become a lot more damaging, but for now it has been pleasing to see his steady improvement with each game he plays in the Black and White.
Nathan Brown – Whilst I feel Brown hasn't quite reached the lofty standards he set last year, he has still been the cornerstone of the Collingwood defence. With the majority of his backline teammates injured around him, Brown has been the one constant in the side and is rarely beaten one on one. It has been difficult for Brown as the lack of midfield pressure has left the defence exposed a lot this season. He faces a huge task against Joe Daniher this week in what could be the most crucial match-up on the ground.
Focus on Essendon
So little was expected of the Bombers this year, particularly early as this new group of players learned to gel. Their competitiveness has been quite surprising and there is no doubt that the Bombers need to be taken seriously. Last week, Essendon caught the Cats napping and nearly caused an upset. It had 67 more disposals, nine more contested possessions, more marks and more clearances against a side that is considered to have one of the strongest midfields in the competition. Essendon's midfield, in particular, has been quite solid, but has probably lacked support from an understrength forward line.
While Essendon has been able to acquire top up players, the pleasing part of its season to date has been the fact that it is the existing players on the list that have really stood up. There has been very little reliance on top-up players, with only James Kelly, Mathew Stokes and Matt Dea solidifying their spots at this stage. Younger players such as Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett, Fantasia, Langford and Gleeson have really stood up in the middle, and experienced players such as Brendon Goddard, Zaharakis and Adam Cooney have led from the front. Perhaps the side is playing with a 'nothing to lose' attitude, or perhaps a lot of the tension has been released from the side after the troubles of the past three years. Whatever it is, the Bombers are playing competitive football and are going to have such a deep list once the twelve banned players return in 2017.
For all the positivity though, there are still some significant holes in the current list, with the backline in particular looking quite vulnerable. Fortunately, the midfield has been quite good so the backline hasn't been too exposed yet. The biggest issue though is the lack of attacking forward options. After Joe Daniher, there haven't really been any forwards hitting the scoreboard. The Bombers only scored 42 points last week and 51 the week before. Finding avenues to goal is going to be the challenge going forward as it is difficult to win games with such low scores. Even the win against Melbourne in round two came off the back of a score of 80, which is fairly modest given some of the huge scores been kicked this year.
Player focus
Zach Merrett - Merrett has played most of his early career as a high half forward that often pushes into the midfield. In the absence of so many star players, Merrett has been unleashed as a permanent midfield this year and the results have been outstanding. He is averaging 30 disposals a game and an impressive seven tackles. At only 20 years of age, Merrett has a bright future and will be the beneficiary of the added responsibility he has received this year.
David Zaharakis – After a few years struggling with injury and form, Zaharakis has exploded this year with the best month of football he has played in his career. Averaging 32 disposals, Zaharakis has been an inspiration to his teammates and is one of the main reasons why the Bombers have been so competitive this year. If Collingwood opts to tag anyone this week, I have no doubt that Zaharakis will be the main man identified to shut down. We all know he loves ANZAC Day as well.
Joe Daniher – After a real breakthrough game against Melbourne in round two where Daniher took 15 marks, the young forward has returned more modest statistics in the past fortnight. He is largely playing a lone hand in the forward line, and Geelong was able to totally blanket him last week. Daniher will need some help going forward, but in any event he has shown really promising signs this season. When he attacks the ball, his long reach is almost impossible to defend and he is a nightmare for anyone to match up on. He may still need to clean up his set shot kicking, but that should come with time. With Darcy Moore up one end, and Daniher up the other, it's an opportunity to see two of the best young forwards in the competition going head to head.
The Wrap-Up
It doesn't matter what form these two sides are in, ANZAC Day is always unpredictable. Although the ladder does not suggest that this match is going to reach any great heights, the fact is that both sides have so much to play for. Collingwood needs to get its season back on track quickly, or it could be over before it started. The pressure is on, as a loss to an under-strength Essendon side will be difficult to explain. On the other hand, this is a real opportunity for Essendon to take it up to a Collingwood side that is very vulnerable right now, and there is no doubt that the Bombers will smell blood.
Collingwood should start this week better than it has in recent weeks, but I am still expecting a very scrappy affair. While Collingwood's forward line has failed to fire this season, there is still enough firepower up there to concern the Essendon defence. Up the other end, the Bombers will need to find different avenues to goal if it is going to pinch a victory.
Based purely on recent form, Essendon has a real chance as it has probably played the better football. However, this is one game the Magpies simply cannot afford to lose, and I expect them to get over the line in a real scrap. It should be a really intriguing battle.
| Round 5 COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON Time Place TV: Monday April 25, 3:20pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 3:00pm Weather: Min 12 Max 24 Chance of rain 5%: < 1mm Wind: N 26kph Betting: Collingwood $1.41 Essendon $2.90 |
After four rounds of the home and away season, this year's match is actually shaping as one of the more intriguing ANZAC Day games in recent history.
Collingwood is in a form slump, whilst Essendon has been a lot more competitive than most were expecting. It's make or break time for the Magpies this Monday.
This match is not going to be a walkover, and I get the impression that the Bombers sense they can score a second victory for the season.
No matter which way you look at it, Collingwood has been disappointing in so many aspects. It's impossible to pick up a newspaper this week without finding a critique of Collingwood's form. For all the analysis, though, to me, the biggest problem plaguing Collingwood right now is lack of confidence. In many ways, the Magpies were quite good in the second half last week, but sloppy mistakes and poor turnovers eliminated any hope of getting back into the match. Unfortunately, confidence is not an ingredient that can simply be bottled. It's going to be a hard grind for the Magpies to regain form.
But it could be a big tackle or a big mark that ignites the side. Collingwood needs a spark this week, and ANZAC Day is just the stage for it to happen.
If we turn the focus onto Essendon, there is no disputing that its start to the season has been pleasing. The Bombers have been competitive in every game this season, and have also already notched up a victory. It was always going to be a difficult year, but the improvement in players such as David Zaharakis, Zac Merrett, Orazio Fantasia, Marty Gleeson, Joe Daniher and Kyle Langford must have Bombers fans licking their lips for what could be in store next season when the senior players return from suspension.
Essendon was particularly good against Geelong last week, and at half time, an upset was on the cards. The Cats finally overpowered the Bombers in a dour struggle, but it was a warning to the competition that Essendon is not a side to be taken lightly.
Scott Pendlebury has already declared this game a mini-final, and I have no doubt that Essendon is treating the game in a similar vein. This is the biggest home and away game for the year, and an opportunity for both sides to regain a lot of respect on the big stage.
Recent History
Recent history is almost irrelevant as we head into this game, given the fact that Collingwood has such a long list of injuries and Essendon is missing twelve senior players through suspension.
That said, Collingwood has won four of the past five ANZAC Day clashes. When these sides last met in round 23 last year, it was Essendon who claimed the bragging rights. Although it was a dead-rubber, given both sides were out of finals contention, the Bombers stormed home to claim a thrilling three-point victory. Brent Stanton continued his domination over Collingwood with 30 possessions and three goals to poll the three Brownlow votes, while Taylor Adams was Collingwood's best with 33 disposals (polling two votes). Dyson Heppell polled one vote with 28 disposals.
At the Selection Table
 |
Scott Pendlebury and Jarryd Blair celebrate a goal in last year's ANZAC Day match.
|
If Cloke is ruled out, it will pave the way for Collingwood's American Pie, Mason Cox, to debut. Essendon has an inexperienced defence, and the height of Cox will be a handful to counter. Tim Broomhead and Rupert Wills were again dominant in the VFL and have put their hand up for selection. Broomhead, in particular, adds class and pace, which has been severely lacking in recent weeks. Tyson Goldsack should be right to play after he was a late omission following illness, while Jonathon Marsh and Brayden Maynard also look set to be available for selection. Finally, Jack Frost was superb at VFL level last week and for mine is the logical replacement for Reid should he not pass his fitness test.
The Bombers, on the other hand, have a relatively healthy list at the moment. Jayden Laverde unfortunately injured his shoulder last week and will miss around two months, but apart from that, the injury list is really low. At VFL level, Ryan Crowley and Shaun McKernan impressed last week. McKernan, in particular, could provide some valuable assistance to Joe Daniher who was held really quiet last week, as well as assisting in the ruck. Courtney Dempsey and Jackson Merrett are other names with senior experience who could be called upon, as is Shaun Edwards.
Focus on Collingwood
After such a big build up to last week's game against Melbourne, I think everyone was expecting Collingwood to come out firing. The fact that the Magpies basically switched off for a 40 minute period in the first and second quarters was a real concern. In this time, Melbourne kicked nine goals to one.
Nevertheless, Collingwood was able to get back to basics and even the game up after this point. In general, statistics relating to contested football and disposals were a lot better, as was the tackling numbers. Clearance work was quite good (apart from centre clearances), and the Magpies were a much more difficult team to play against. If Collingwood can get these basic fundamentals right again this week for four quarters, the result should be a lot better.
But turnovers continue to plague the Magpies. Not only is Collingwood conceding far too many points on turnover, it isn't capitalising on opposition mistakes at all. Collingwood is last in the AFL for scores on turnovers, which either indicates the side isn't defending hard enough, or alternatively isn't making the most of opportunities. Ball movement from defence has also been very stagnant. This could largely be due to injuries to key players, but is also as a result of a lack of confidence to take the game on and a lack of work rate from players up the ground to present as a marking option.
It was good to see Collingwood dig in last week and do the basic things a lot better. Hopefully this is the first small step towards better results.
Player Focus
Brodie Grundy – Grundy faced a massive assignment last week against the in-form Max Gawn. Gawn was totally on top at quarter time, but to Grundy's credit, he fought back really hard after that. It was the best I've seen Grundy ruck all year, and he was jumping really aggressively at the ball. His work rate around the ground was also very high and he got involved in a lot of the play. It was a challenging day, but in general, he was really solid and he is one who can hold his head up high after last week's performance.
James Aish – Aish has slowly improved in each of his three games this year, and was really good last week with 20 disposals. He is ranked number one at the club for disposal efficiency which makes him very valuable given Collingwood's turnover woes. Aish is really composed with the ball and typically takes the safest option. As he gets more confidence, he'll begin to become a lot more damaging, but for now it has been pleasing to see his steady improvement with each game he plays in the Black and White.
Nathan Brown – Whilst I feel Brown hasn't quite reached the lofty standards he set last year, he has still been the cornerstone of the Collingwood defence. With the majority of his backline teammates injured around him, Brown has been the one constant in the side and is rarely beaten one on one. It has been difficult for Brown as the lack of midfield pressure has left the defence exposed a lot this season. He faces a huge task against Joe Daniher this week in what could be the most crucial match-up on the ground.
Focus on Essendon
So little was expected of the Bombers this year, particularly early as this new group of players learned to gel. Their competitiveness has been quite surprising and there is no doubt that the Bombers need to be taken seriously. Last week, Essendon caught the Cats napping and nearly caused an upset. It had 67 more disposals, nine more contested possessions, more marks and more clearances against a side that is considered to have one of the strongest midfields in the competition. Essendon's midfield, in particular, has been quite solid, but has probably lacked support from an understrength forward line.
While Essendon has been able to acquire top up players, the pleasing part of its season to date has been the fact that it is the existing players on the list that have really stood up. There has been very little reliance on top-up players, with only James Kelly, Mathew Stokes and Matt Dea solidifying their spots at this stage. Younger players such as Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett, Fantasia, Langford and Gleeson have really stood up in the middle, and experienced players such as Brendon Goddard, Zaharakis and Adam Cooney have led from the front. Perhaps the side is playing with a 'nothing to lose' attitude, or perhaps a lot of the tension has been released from the side after the troubles of the past three years. Whatever it is, the Bombers are playing competitive football and are going to have such a deep list once the twelve banned players return in 2017.
For all the positivity though, there are still some significant holes in the current list, with the backline in particular looking quite vulnerable. Fortunately, the midfield has been quite good so the backline hasn't been too exposed yet. The biggest issue though is the lack of attacking forward options. After Joe Daniher, there haven't really been any forwards hitting the scoreboard. The Bombers only scored 42 points last week and 51 the week before. Finding avenues to goal is going to be the challenge going forward as it is difficult to win games with such low scores. Even the win against Melbourne in round two came off the back of a score of 80, which is fairly modest given some of the huge scores been kicked this year.
Player focus
Zach Merrett - Merrett has played most of his early career as a high half forward that often pushes into the midfield. In the absence of so many star players, Merrett has been unleashed as a permanent midfield this year and the results have been outstanding. He is averaging 30 disposals a game and an impressive seven tackles. At only 20 years of age, Merrett has a bright future and will be the beneficiary of the added responsibility he has received this year.
David Zaharakis – After a few years struggling with injury and form, Zaharakis has exploded this year with the best month of football he has played in his career. Averaging 32 disposals, Zaharakis has been an inspiration to his teammates and is one of the main reasons why the Bombers have been so competitive this year. If Collingwood opts to tag anyone this week, I have no doubt that Zaharakis will be the main man identified to shut down. We all know he loves ANZAC Day as well.
Joe Daniher – After a real breakthrough game against Melbourne in round two where Daniher took 15 marks, the young forward has returned more modest statistics in the past fortnight. He is largely playing a lone hand in the forward line, and Geelong was able to totally blanket him last week. Daniher will need some help going forward, but in any event he has shown really promising signs this season. When he attacks the ball, his long reach is almost impossible to defend and he is a nightmare for anyone to match up on. He may still need to clean up his set shot kicking, but that should come with time. With Darcy Moore up one end, and Daniher up the other, it's an opportunity to see two of the best young forwards in the competition going head to head.
The Wrap-Up
It doesn't matter what form these two sides are in, ANZAC Day is always unpredictable. Although the ladder does not suggest that this match is going to reach any great heights, the fact is that both sides have so much to play for. Collingwood needs to get its season back on track quickly, or it could be over before it started. The pressure is on, as a loss to an under-strength Essendon side will be difficult to explain. On the other hand, this is a real opportunity for Essendon to take it up to a Collingwood side that is very vulnerable right now, and there is no doubt that the Bombers will smell blood.
Collingwood should start this week better than it has in recent weeks, but I am still expecting a very scrappy affair. While Collingwood's forward line has failed to fire this season, there is still enough firepower up there to concern the Essendon defence. Up the other end, the Bombers will need to find different avenues to goal if it is going to pinch a victory.
Based purely on recent form, Essendon has a real chance as it has probably played the better football. However, this is one game the Magpies simply cannot afford to lose, and I expect them to get over the line in a real scrap. It should be a really intriguing battle.
The Real Problem With Nathan Buckley’s Coaching
The Roar - Samuel Gates
Nathan Buckley’s coaching career has come under more fire this week after his side produced another mediocre performance against an improving Melbourne Demons outfit.
From the midway point of last season, the Magpies have won only three of their last 15 games. Buckley has inherited a squad from Mick Malthouse that was brimming with top four potential, coming off the back of a 2010 premiership and a minor premiership in 2011.
He may as well start booking his 2016 September holiday now.
It’s easy to point out the lack of results and lead the ‘sack Buckley’ war cry, but where is it actually going wrong for him?
If you look at the statistical breakdown of the 2010 side under Mick Malthouse, compared to today’s team under Buckley, there’s a significant worrying trend. Collingwood don’t run with the ball anymore.
In 2010, Collingwood’s regular half back flankers were Heath Shaw and Heritier Lumumba, who have both moved on to other clubs in the Buckley reign.
In 2010 they averaged 3.7 and 2.9 bounces per game. In 2009, Shaw recorded an incredible 167 bounces in a season at average of eight a game.
After four rounds in the 2016 season, Adam Treloar leads this stat category for the Magpies with a measly three bounces at 0.8 per game.
So why is this even relevant?
The current offensive trend in the AFL is to generate a significant portion of your attacking drive from the half back line. This was made particularly popular in 2014 from Port Adelaide’s strong running game under Ken Hinkley.
Other sides have also adapted to this trend very well.
A feature of the GWS Giants’ demolition of the Power on Sunday was the strong ball carry from midfielders such as Dylan Shiel and Stephen Coniglio, and the movement from the backline from Nathan Wilson and Heath Shaw.
The Power looked their best in the game when Jasper Pittard ran with the ball from defence.
A strong running game involves risk, but it’s one of the best ways to take the game on in modern football. It puts the opposition on the back foot through the centre of the ground and possibly explains why midfielders tend to kick more goals in the modern game.
Arguably the most exciting aspect of Collingwood’s play in the Malthouse era was when players like Shaw and Lumumba would run the ball hard through the middle of the ground, then link up well with good ball users such as Dane Swan, Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury, Ben Johnson or Alan Didak.
What we see now is a Collingwood side that is void of that creativity.
Buckley’s go to strategy on the weekend when his men were rebounding out of defensive 50 seemed to be to simply bomb it long down the line. Melbourne were then far better when the ball hit the ground, then a number of quick handballs allowed them to move the ball quickly through the centre to produce quality entries inside their forward 50.
A default strategy to kick long down the line will probably cut it in local football, but your coaching panel needs to have more imagination at the top level.
Collingwood have flirted with the idea of placing Pendlebury at half back this season, but then confusingly had Jesse White start the game on the half back flank in the clash against the Demons.
Collingwood needs to ask themselves, do we have a legitimate offensive strategy from half back? Who are our running defenders? Who are we moulding into this role?
Shaw and Lumumba have left large holes in this area.
Until we start seeing a Collingwood outfit that’s prepared to play a creative and hard running brand of football that takes the game the game on, we can expect to see many more lacklustre performances from the Magpies this season.
From the midway point of last season, the Magpies have won only three of their last 15 games. Buckley has inherited a squad from Mick Malthouse that was brimming with top four potential, coming off the back of a 2010 premiership and a minor premiership in 2011.
He may as well start booking his 2016 September holiday now.
It’s easy to point out the lack of results and lead the ‘sack Buckley’ war cry, but where is it actually going wrong for him?
If you look at the statistical breakdown of the 2010 side under Mick Malthouse, compared to today’s team under Buckley, there’s a significant worrying trend. Collingwood don’t run with the ball anymore.
In 2010, Collingwood’s regular half back flankers were Heath Shaw and Heritier Lumumba, who have both moved on to other clubs in the Buckley reign.
In 2010 they averaged 3.7 and 2.9 bounces per game. In 2009, Shaw recorded an incredible 167 bounces in a season at average of eight a game.
After four rounds in the 2016 season, Adam Treloar leads this stat category for the Magpies with a measly three bounces at 0.8 per game.
So why is this even relevant?
The current offensive trend in the AFL is to generate a significant portion of your attacking drive from the half back line. This was made particularly popular in 2014 from Port Adelaide’s strong running game under Ken Hinkley.
Other sides have also adapted to this trend very well.
A feature of the GWS Giants’ demolition of the Power on Sunday was the strong ball carry from midfielders such as Dylan Shiel and Stephen Coniglio, and the movement from the backline from Nathan Wilson and Heath Shaw.
The Power looked their best in the game when Jasper Pittard ran with the ball from defence.
A strong running game involves risk, but it’s one of the best ways to take the game on in modern football. It puts the opposition on the back foot through the centre of the ground and possibly explains why midfielders tend to kick more goals in the modern game.
Arguably the most exciting aspect of Collingwood’s play in the Malthouse era was when players like Shaw and Lumumba would run the ball hard through the middle of the ground, then link up well with good ball users such as Dane Swan, Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury, Ben Johnson or Alan Didak.
What we see now is a Collingwood side that is void of that creativity.
Buckley’s go to strategy on the weekend when his men were rebounding out of defensive 50 seemed to be to simply bomb it long down the line. Melbourne were then far better when the ball hit the ground, then a number of quick handballs allowed them to move the ball quickly through the centre to produce quality entries inside their forward 50.
A default strategy to kick long down the line will probably cut it in local football, but your coaching panel needs to have more imagination at the top level.
Collingwood have flirted with the idea of placing Pendlebury at half back this season, but then confusingly had Jesse White start the game on the half back flank in the clash against the Demons.
Collingwood needs to ask themselves, do we have a legitimate offensive strategy from half back? Who are our running defenders? Who are we moulding into this role?
Shaw and Lumumba have left large holes in this area.
Until we start seeing a Collingwood outfit that’s prepared to play a creative and hard running brand of football that takes the game the game on, we can expect to see many more lacklustre performances from the Magpies this season.
Preview Round 5: Collingwood v Essendon
SportsMatt
ANZAC Day, it’s the most revered and respected day on the Australian
calendar, and every year since 1995 the Collingwood and Essendon
football clubs have come together on this date. That initial game in
1995 was met with skepticism by most, but a sell out crowd and a
stunning game of football (which ended in a draw) sealed the fate of the
matchup for the foreseeable future. Now when the two get together on
ANZAC day, it’s more of an event than just a football game, with a
guaranteed sellout crowd at the M.C.G and a spine tingling pre match
ceremony that honours those who fought for this nation. Then there’s the
game itself, some of the most epic moments in recent AFL history have
come on this day. The drawn game in 1995, the upset win in the wet by
the Pies in 2002 and the now immortal David Zaharakis match winner with
only seconds left in the 2009 fixture. Many thought this year’s game
would be a fizzer, with Essendon fielding a weakened line up due to
suspensions being served over the drugs saga, but now it looks like
being a really competitive game.
If anything Essendon come into this game in better form, having defeated Melbourne and pushed Geelong right to the limit in their last two games. The Bombers were expected to be non competitive this season, with many saying they wouldn’t win a game, yet it only took them two rounds to prove those doubters wrong. Collingwood on the other hand look the more non competitive of the two, having put up three measly performances around a somewhat lucky win over Richmond. The Pies were no match for Melbourne on Sunday in another uninspiring outing. It leaves us with a matchup between two teams who won’t play finals this year, but should make for an interesting game on Monday at the M.C.G.
Where to start with Collingwood? Their first four performances have
been well below the level expected of a team that was aiming to play,
and win finals this year. They started with a big loss in round one to
Sydney, got lucky when Richmond capitulated late in round 2, and then
have gone to sleep for large patches of their most recent games, losses
to St Kilda and Melbourne. That has to be the most concerning part for
senior coach Nathan Buckley and the Magpie team. They simply haven’t
even given a four quarter effort so far in season 2016. Last week
against Melbourne it was the first quarter where that effort just wasn’t
there. The Pies started well enough kicking the first goal of the game,
but then conceded the next 7 goals to blow any chance they had of
winning. The Magpies fought back a little, getting within 20 points in
the third term before another set of costly turnovers finished them off.
As for those turnovers, they’ve been killing the Pies chances in games.
They rank 15th for giveaways and 12th for points
allowed from turnovers, which is a real problem. Worse still their
defense when they don’t have the ball is just as bad, with the Magpies
being the worst team in the AFL for opposition scores from centre
clearances. There’s so many other areas of concern at the moment, but
needless to say an improved effort can improve some of them at least.
Coming into this game versus the Bombers the Magpies are under intense media scrutiny. The media, as always, are baying for blood and it starts with the big names at the club, Nathan Buckley, Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke. Cloke is in doubt for this game anyway with an elbow injury, but captain Scott Pendlebury’s influence has been below his normal elite level also over the 4 games. If Cloke and Pendlebury can lift, maybe those around them will too. Cloke isn’t the only injury concern with Ben Reid hurting a knee and Ben Sinclair suffering concussion in the loss to the Demons. All 3 are a chance to play though so for the first time this season there probably won’t be any forced outs due to injury or suspension. In the VFL on Sunday, just before the seniors capitulated, the reserves went down by a big margin also. There were several who impressed though, with Rupert Wills gathering 34 disposals, Tim Broomhead with 30 touches and Mason Cox amassing 51 hitouts in a dominant ruck display. All 3 will almost definitely be in the squad of 25 named on Thursday night.
ESSENDON PREVIEW
Essendon were supposed to be a worry for the AFL in season 2016. They were supposed to be something similar to what the GWS Giants were in their first season, completely uncompetitive. Apart from their round 1 game though on the Gold Coast, nothing could be further from the truth. They defeated Melbourne in round 2 and subsequently have tested Port Adelaide away and Geelong at the MCG. If anything they’ve been more competitive than Collingwood given the level of opposition they have faced. But it is still a struggle for this Bombers outfit, they have been strangled by the AFL’s punishment over the drugs saga and they won’t win many more games in season 2016. Their fans though would be impressed with the effort so far.
Essendon’s backline was probably the most effected area by the suspensions. Missing the three H’s, Hibberd, Hooker and Hurley meant that the Bombers had to go out and create a defense almost out of nothing. With their top ups they’ve actually done ok with Dea, Hartley, Brown and Kelly adding some stability to this area of the ground. They still have Baguley, Gwilt and Gleeson and will run into a Collingwood forward line that ranks last for marks inside forward 50. The danger for Essendon will be stopping the smaller players, with Fasolo, Blair, Aish and Howe all capable of kicking multiple goals.
The Essendon midfield was also largely effected by the suspensions with the biggest absentees being Watson and Heppell. Without them though David Zaharakis has stepped up and is arguably having the best start to a season in his career. Helping Zaharakis is Bird, the two Merretts, Cooney, Parish Fantasia and the very reliable Brendan Goddard. Goddard’s versatility means he can fill a gap wherever coach John Worsfold feels he needs him, and with Collingwood down in the bottom four for clearances, surely Goddard will spend a lot of time in the middle to try and at least break even. That Magpies midfield is struggling, it looks slow and their skills under pressure have been poor, so if Essendon can win their fair share of the contested ball they may well get a head start out of the centre.
Of course to win games in the AFL you need to be able to score, and Essendon’s forward line may well be their area of strength, if they can get it down there often enough. Led by the uber promising Joe Daniher, who is just coming into his own, it’s an area of the ground that may trouble the Magpies this week. What may be lacking is another tall option to assist Daniher, so Shaun McKernan may come in to help out Joe. Mitch Brown is another one who can help Daniher, and the experienced pair of Stokes and Cooney also add some bite. Darcy Parish has been a revelation in just his first season and kicked a vital goal late in the win over the Demons. Essendon will look to exploit an experienced Magpies backline that also looks slow and unable to cope with a fast transition into attack.
Many thought this game would be a joke come ANZAC day, with Collingwood pushing for a top 4 spot and Essendon unable to win a game. How wrong they were. Essendon will go into this gave believing it has a chance to win, and on form that’s not a silly thought. To win they’ll have to get the ball to the outside and run hard, because everyone has seen the Magpies aren’t the quickest side and can be opened up quite easily. The Essendon injury list is one of the smallest in the league which will also help the Bombers be competitive on Monday.
TIP
While the positive is that this matchup actually seems quite even now, the negative obviously is the way the Magpies are performing. If they were anywhere near their best they would win this game quite easily, of that there is little doubt. But they aren’t, their last two efforts, well make that 3 out of 4, have been downright ordinary and on that form Essendon are a chance.
It has to turn one week though, Collingwood on talent alone are better than what they have been playing, and maybe, just maybe it will take a sellout crowd at the M.C.G. to wake these Pies up. That’s all I’ve got to go on, and on that alone I’ll tip the Pies to win by a small margin.
MAGPIES BY 17 POINTS.
| Round 5 COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON Time Place TV: Monday April 25, 3:20pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 3:00pm Weather: Min 12 Max 24 Chance of rain 5%: < 1mm Wind: N 26kph Betting: Collingwood $1.41 Essendon $2.90 |
If anything Essendon come into this game in better form, having defeated Melbourne and pushed Geelong right to the limit in their last two games. The Bombers were expected to be non competitive this season, with many saying they wouldn’t win a game, yet it only took them two rounds to prove those doubters wrong. Collingwood on the other hand look the more non competitive of the two, having put up three measly performances around a somewhat lucky win over Richmond. The Pies were no match for Melbourne on Sunday in another uninspiring outing. It leaves us with a matchup between two teams who won’t play finals this year, but should make for an interesting game on Monday at the M.C.G.
COLLINGWOOD PREVIEW
Coming into this game versus the Bombers the Magpies are under intense media scrutiny. The media, as always, are baying for blood and it starts with the big names at the club, Nathan Buckley, Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke. Cloke is in doubt for this game anyway with an elbow injury, but captain Scott Pendlebury’s influence has been below his normal elite level also over the 4 games. If Cloke and Pendlebury can lift, maybe those around them will too. Cloke isn’t the only injury concern with Ben Reid hurting a knee and Ben Sinclair suffering concussion in the loss to the Demons. All 3 are a chance to play though so for the first time this season there probably won’t be any forced outs due to injury or suspension. In the VFL on Sunday, just before the seniors capitulated, the reserves went down by a big margin also. There were several who impressed though, with Rupert Wills gathering 34 disposals, Tim Broomhead with 30 touches and Mason Cox amassing 51 hitouts in a dominant ruck display. All 3 will almost definitely be in the squad of 25 named on Thursday night.
ESSENDON PREVIEW
Essendon were supposed to be a worry for the AFL in season 2016. They were supposed to be something similar to what the GWS Giants were in their first season, completely uncompetitive. Apart from their round 1 game though on the Gold Coast, nothing could be further from the truth. They defeated Melbourne in round 2 and subsequently have tested Port Adelaide away and Geelong at the MCG. If anything they’ve been more competitive than Collingwood given the level of opposition they have faced. But it is still a struggle for this Bombers outfit, they have been strangled by the AFL’s punishment over the drugs saga and they won’t win many more games in season 2016. Their fans though would be impressed with the effort so far.
Essendon’s backline was probably the most effected area by the suspensions. Missing the three H’s, Hibberd, Hooker and Hurley meant that the Bombers had to go out and create a defense almost out of nothing. With their top ups they’ve actually done ok with Dea, Hartley, Brown and Kelly adding some stability to this area of the ground. They still have Baguley, Gwilt and Gleeson and will run into a Collingwood forward line that ranks last for marks inside forward 50. The danger for Essendon will be stopping the smaller players, with Fasolo, Blair, Aish and Howe all capable of kicking multiple goals.
The Essendon midfield was also largely effected by the suspensions with the biggest absentees being Watson and Heppell. Without them though David Zaharakis has stepped up and is arguably having the best start to a season in his career. Helping Zaharakis is Bird, the two Merretts, Cooney, Parish Fantasia and the very reliable Brendan Goddard. Goddard’s versatility means he can fill a gap wherever coach John Worsfold feels he needs him, and with Collingwood down in the bottom four for clearances, surely Goddard will spend a lot of time in the middle to try and at least break even. That Magpies midfield is struggling, it looks slow and their skills under pressure have been poor, so if Essendon can win their fair share of the contested ball they may well get a head start out of the centre.
Of course to win games in the AFL you need to be able to score, and Essendon’s forward line may well be their area of strength, if they can get it down there often enough. Led by the uber promising Joe Daniher, who is just coming into his own, it’s an area of the ground that may trouble the Magpies this week. What may be lacking is another tall option to assist Daniher, so Shaun McKernan may come in to help out Joe. Mitch Brown is another one who can help Daniher, and the experienced pair of Stokes and Cooney also add some bite. Darcy Parish has been a revelation in just his first season and kicked a vital goal late in the win over the Demons. Essendon will look to exploit an experienced Magpies backline that also looks slow and unable to cope with a fast transition into attack.
Many thought this game would be a joke come ANZAC day, with Collingwood pushing for a top 4 spot and Essendon unable to win a game. How wrong they were. Essendon will go into this gave believing it has a chance to win, and on form that’s not a silly thought. To win they’ll have to get the ball to the outside and run hard, because everyone has seen the Magpies aren’t the quickest side and can be opened up quite easily. The Essendon injury list is one of the smallest in the league which will also help the Bombers be competitive on Monday.
TIP
While the positive is that this matchup actually seems quite even now, the negative obviously is the way the Magpies are performing. If they were anywhere near their best they would win this game quite easily, of that there is little doubt. But they aren’t, their last two efforts, well make that 3 out of 4, have been downright ordinary and on that form Essendon are a chance.
It has to turn one week though, Collingwood on talent alone are better than what they have been playing, and maybe, just maybe it will take a sellout crowd at the M.C.G. to wake these Pies up. That’s all I’ve got to go on, and on that alone I’ll tip the Pies to win by a small margin.
MAGPIES BY 17 POINTS.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Preview Round 5: Collingwood v Essendon
AFL
SUMMARY
Just weeks ago there was concern that this clash, long viewed as the showpiece minor-round event, would deteriorate into a fizzer of the highest order. Such was the crippling nature of the doping penalties dished out to 12 Bombers. So the change in fortunes is almost inconceivable. With Essendon showing admirable steel and system and Collingwood showing little of either, it wouldn't surprise if the slapped-together Dons chalked up their second win and moved a game clear of the Pies. Many Bombers are exceeding expectations, while most Magpies have slipped dreadfully below standards. Whatever transpires, it shouldn't be the walkover we feared.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
PREDICTION: Collingwood by 9 points
SUMMARY
| Round 5 COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON Monday April 25, 3:20pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 3:00pm Weather: Min 12 Max 24 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: N 23kph Betting: Collingwood $1.41 Essendon $2.90 |
LAST FIVE TIMES
- R23, 2015, Essendon 14.11 (95) d Collingwood 14.8 (92) at the MCG
- R4, 2015, Collingwood 9.15 (69) d Essendon 6.13 (49) at the MCG
- R17, 2014, Essendon 16.7 (103) d Collingwood 5.9 (39) at the MCG
- R6, 2014, Collingwood 12.11 (83) d Essendon 8.12 (60) at the MCG
- R19, 2013, Collingwood 20.13 (133) d Essendon 7.12 (54) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
- The Bombers are the lowest scoring side so far in 2016 managing only 58 points per game, kicking 10 or more goals in a game only once.
- Collingwood won the Anzac Day clash last year but Essendon dominated the stats. The Bombers won the disposals 420-338 and marks 116-73, 104 of which were uncontested, but managed only six goals.
- Uncontested possessions have been a big part of the Bombers' game this season, being ranked second in this area with 281.8 a game, while Collingwood is ranked 15th with an average of 217.
- This will be the 22nd Anzac Day contest between the sides, with Collingwood holding sway with 12 wins to eight, while there has been one draw. The Magpies have won eight of the past 10.
- Collingwood and Essendon will meet for the 233rd time, with the Magpies leading with 127 wins to 101. There have been four draws.
- For the first time since round 21, 2013, Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis is back inside the top 100 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. He was as high as No. 44 in mid-2012.
Any number of under-siege Magpies, including coach Nathan Buckley, who is carrying the can for the Pies' unexpected form slump. And Buckley has put the heat on underperforming spearhead Travis Cloke, who is in doubt on two fronts – he has an elbow problem and is no longer guaranteed a spot in the Pies' line-up. If he gets the nod, memories of Anzac Days past might well get a rise out of the Magpie man-mountain, who has tallied 23 goals in 10 of these encounters.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)