| Round 10 COLLINGWOOD v FOOTSCRAY Time, Place, TV: Sunday May 29, 3:20pm MCG 7mate/Fox Footy 3:00pm Weather: Min 8 Max 15 Chance of rain 50%: <1mm Wind: WSW 18kph Betting: Collingwood $2.70 Footscray $1.46 |
It is a crucial match for both teams as there is a logjam in the middle of the ladder, with only eight points separating fifth from twelfth. If the Bulldogs lose, they will fall back into the middle group of the ladder with teams all vying for a top eight position. But if the Bulldogs win, they secure their position on the ladder and remain within top four contention.
Collingwood is still attempting to claw its way back into the season. Currently sitting on four wins and five losses, the Magpies have an opportunity to even the ledger. Despite the poor start to the season, Collingwood is only one win (and percentage) outside the top eight, so a win this week will seriously keep the Magpies in finals contention. It would be a fair result given the extensive injury list and form issues which the side has faced so far.
Collingwood was absolutely brilliant last week, keeping premiership favourites Geelong goalless in the first quarter while booting seven majors of their own. It was definitely the best the Magpies have played all year, and the speed of ball movement was top shelf. You could feel the confidence grow with each goal, and it could be a real turning point in the year.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were far from humiliated against the in form GWS, but they were never really in the game. The Giants were too strong across the board, and the Bulldogs had no answers. But the Dogs have been impressive all season, especially considering the large injury list that it has gradually accrued. They will undoubtedly go into this game as favourites, and should be bolstered by a number of big name inclusions this week.
Recent History
The Bulldogs have really troubled the Magpies in recent history, winning their previous two encounters. Although Collingwood was able to win the most recent NAB Challenge encounter, the quick ball movement of the Bulldogs, coupled with their speed off half back, have really exposed the Magpies.
The last home and away battle between these two sides was in round 17 last season where the Bulldogs proved far too strong, ultimately winning by 18 points. Matthew Boyd was deemed best afield, polling three Brownlow votes with his 38 disposals and 12 marks. Steele Sidebottom flew the flag for the Magpies, polling two votes with 33 disposals and a goal, while Marcus Bontempelli polled one vote with 28 disposals.
Tory Dickson was particularly damaging with four goals, but it was Darcy Moore who announced himself to the competition, booting five goals and taking some terrific marks.
At the Selection Table
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| It's tackling like this that will go a long way to securing a win over the Western Bulldogs on Sunday. |
For the first time this season, the Magpies don't have any injury concerns arising out of last week's match and will likely select a similar line-up this week. Travis Cloke returned to form in the VFL last week, booting four goals, while James Aish and Matthew Goodyear continued to impress through the midfield. Marley Williams also returned from injury, but will likely require more match practice before he returns to the senior side.
Nathan Brown is also in line for selection as he recovers from his hamstring complaint, but it's not known whether he will return via the VFL or AFL. The nimble forward line of the Western Bulldogs may mean that he returns via the VFL. Jonathon Marsh, Tyson Goldsack and Jarrod Witts have also been really good in the state league.
The Bulldogs on the other hand could welcome back four important players this round. Matthew Boyd and Jack Redpath will definitely return from suspension, while Matt Suckling and Marcus Adams are also pushing for selection. The Bulldogs backline has been extremely weakened in the last month, but the return of Boyd, Suckling and Adams will really bolster the side. Jason Johannisen is edging closer to a return as well. Apart from Robert Murphy, who will miss the remainder of the season, the Bulldogs backline should return to full strength sooner rather than later. Lin Jong will be the only forced omission for the Bulldogs after he accepted a two-week suspension.
Focus on Collingwood
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what has changed at Collingwood over the past fortnight, but all of a sudden the team is playing some great football. From a coaching perspective, the moves of Jeremy Howe and Taylor Adams to defence have been extremely successful, while it also seems that Levi Greenwood is playing a tighter tagging role. The forward line is also looking far more cohesive, with Mason Cox providing a real target and Jesse White able to play a variety of roles.
Much of the focus throughout the week has been on Collingwood's incredible first quarter against Geelong. Despite this, I was more pleased with the way Collingwood continued to answer Geelong's challenges, particular in the last quarter when the Cats reduced the margin to eight points. Whenever the Cats threatened, the Magpies were able to resist and then answer with important goals. Considering how young the team is, it was a real credit to the side that it was able to stand up when it counted and secure an important win.
Buckley has really had to be inventive with the make-up of his defence given how many injuries the Magpies have sustained in this area. Collingwood has been able to hold its opposition goalless in the opening quarter for two weeks running. The midfield has also clearly listened to the calls to 'harden up', as it has won contested possessions comfortably for the last two weeks as well.
Player Focus – Collingwood
Levi Greenwood – Greenwood has had a difficult start to the year, and his form has been questionable at times. But in recent weeks, he has been asked to play key tagging roles on Daniel Rich and Joel Selwood. He has claimed the points comfortably in both these games, while still winning a lot of the ball himself. His disposal efficiency is still an issue (he went at 57 per cent last week with six clangers), but this can be excused considering the contested nature in which he wins the majority of his disposals and the fact he is shutting down important players for the opposition. This week, I expect Greenwood to get the big job on Bontempelli who has been in terrific form.
Jack Crisp – Crisp is another who has slowly worked his way into the season after a sluggish start. His first quarter last week was arguably the difference between the two sides. Along with Steele Sidebottom, Crisp was absolutely dominant, picking up 12 disposals and booting a trademark running goal. He finished the game with 24 disposals, eight tackles and five clearances. He also stepped up late in the game, breaking the lines through the centre square late in the game and booting it long to Brodie Grundy who kicked the sealing goal.
Alan Toovey – It was a challenging start to the year for Toovey, who found himself out of the side and playing in the VFL. Solid form and an influx of injuries in the senior squad meant that he was again called upon to steady the ship. I felt Toovey was crucial in defence last week. With such youth around him, Toovey's experience is so vital. For mine, his spot in the short term is very secure and he looks like he is slowly returning to his best. He will be important this week, and could rotate through a number of dangerous forwards such as Jake Stringer, Luke Dalhaus, Toby McLean and Dickson.
Focus on Western Bulldogs
One of the greatest misconceptions about the Bulldogs is that they are a super offensive, high scoring side. The stats actually tell a much different story. The fact is that the Bulldogs are the best defensive side in the competition, averaging the least points against than any side in the competition. They are also the best contested possession side in the competition. In terms of points scored, they actually sit in the middle rung of the ladder, which indicates that the Bulldogs are a defence oriented side, rather than an offensive juggernaut.
The Bulldogs are terrific to watch when on song. They absorb pressure well, and generate a lot of scores out of the defensive half. This area has been affected over the previous few weeks due to the number of injuries and suspensions in this area of the field, but the return of key players this week should resolve this issue. In general, the Bulldogs have a relatively undersized backline, but are able to get numbers back quickly and then use speed and quick ball movement to launch attacks.
There have been question marks over the Bulldogs ability to play away from Etihad Stadium. This question was answered two weeks ago with an impressive victory over Melbourne. The Demons threw everything at the Bulldogs, but the Bulldogs really stood up to the pressure. The Demons are such a tough contested ball side, but the Bulldogs were even tougher. The midfield of the Bulldogs doesn't get the credit it deserves.
Player Focus – Western Bulldogs
Lachie Hunter – Hunter begun to show positive signs last season, but has really stepped it up this year with extremely consistent football. The 21-year-old is averaging a whopping 31 disposals and takes on average six marks a game. He is simply a ball magnet, and generally uses it effectively as well. He really announced himself as a player last season against the Magpies, where he had 32 disposals. Since this game, his form has been really consistent and he has become a key component of the Bulldogs midfield.
Marcus Bontempelli – Bontempelli had a relatively modest start to the year, but has dominated his previous three matches averaging 32 disposals. He also kicked a match-winning goal against Adelaide. He is the prototype modern day midfielder, standing at 192cm with impressive agility and the ability to win contested footy. At his best, he is nearly unstoppable and can really influence games. Given his impressive recent form, I expect the Magpies to pay him plenty of attention this week.
Tom Campbell – Campbell has perhaps been the quiet achiever for the Bulldogs this season, and has clearly established himself as the number one ruck option at the club, keeping veteran Will Minson out of the side. His best match perhaps came two weeks ago against Melbourne where he out-rucked the in form Max Gawn. He faces a really big challenge this week against Brodie Grundy who did a terrific job against Geelong last week. Campbell was beaten last week by Mumford, so needs to stand up this week against Grundy who has really lifted his rating over the past fortnight.
The Wrap Up
Collingwood will definitely be happier to be playing the Bulldogs at the MCG as opposed to Etihad Stadium. But the Bulldogs showed against Melbourne that they hold no fears of playing at the MCG, and will be just as difficult to beat at this venue.
Both sides possess terrific midfields that have been in good form. I think the ruck will actually be a decisive area of the ground, and the Grundy v Campbell match-up could be telling. Grundy is celebrating his 50th game, and had 20 disposals last week. Campbell has been in good form, but needs to mind Grundy around the ground.
The real area of interest though is the Collingwood forward line. There is no doubt that the tall forwards will trouble the Bulldogs. On the other hand, if the Bulldogs are able to run the ball freely out of defence, then they are going to be very difficult to beat. Collingwood needs to lock the ball inside 50 effectively, or alternatively hit its targets and make the most of the height advantages. It's often a big risk going in too tall against the Bulldogs, as they turn defence into attack very quickly.
Collingwood claimed a big scalp last week, but the mission to resurrect the season has only just begun. The Magpies have a relatively good draw over the next month, but can't afford to drop many more games, so an upset this week is essential.
The Bulldogs simply play a style of game that troubles the Magpies, so it will be interesting to see how Buckley and the coaches tactically prepare the side.
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