Herald Sun - Mark Robinson
NATHAN Buckley is a lucky coach.
He knows that.
Very few coaches, if any, get a contract extension after four consecutive seasons without finals and it’s why Monday he was humble, nervous and excited.
He probably knows the club looked elsewhere for possible candidates, not that it worried him.
It was the only slip up in a 40-minute spiel about the changes about to be made at the club, be it personnel, philosophical, attitude, recruiting, welfare, role change and relationship building.
Only when president Eddie McGuire was asked if he had spoken other potential candidates, did the vibe of total togetherness take a small hit.
“We all live in the real world ... you look at what’s the best result for the football club,” McGuire said.
“Do you look around and see what’s around? Of course you do. But you do that constantly. This is an industry that is always looking over at the opposition to see what’s going on, whether it’s players, coaches, psychologists, sports welfare, you name it — everybody’s looking at everybody.’’
Asked if he had spoken to others, McGuire said: “Not spoken to or made offers to, or anything like that.’’
There must have been someone - maybe an Alastair Clarkson or Paul Roos early on - but in the cold hard light of day, what does it mean?
Buckley has the job for the next two years.
You could argue if it was a good decision, a political decision or a bad decision, but only time will tell on that front.
Still, it was a contentious decision because Collingwood fans are divided on Buckley and you have to wonder if the Collingwood board were similarly divided or, at the end, did McGuire simply get his way.
However you look at it, McGuire’s is unquestionably tied to this decision. “I think everyone’s position hinges on everything working,” McGuire said.
The fact he is up for re-election at the same time Buckley’s two-year deal expires makes it more dramatic — they are a package deal going forward and a package deal if it goes belly up.
It’s going to be fascinating next 24 months.
Clearly, the review into football operations, which included Buckley’s position, identified Collingwood’s meandering win-loss equation should be proportioned more to a dysfunctional football department and its failings than to Buckley’s failings as coach.
That McGuire believes intrinsically in a mentor-type person for Buckley was paramount.
There won’t be a director of coaching role per se, but don’t be surprised if the new bloke’s position will be closer to what a traditional chairman of selectors role was.
Not to bother with the contracts or paperwork, but to work closely with the coach.
Maybe that could be a role for Roos, or Gubby Allan if he returns.
Changes have and will be made to the assistant coaching ranks because while there will be philosophical change at the club overall, Buckley’s strategy and tactical intelligence needs attention.
On Monday, Buckley was thankful and supportive of the club’s direction, as he should’ve been, and what couldn’t be ignored was Buckley’s admission. he has changed as a person from when he started coaching.
Maybe it’s more about smelling the roses than being preoccupied about the process of how they grow, when they grow and how healthy they grow. Sort of like progress over process.
“I know that I am in a better place now to lead this football club and the football team better than I ever have before and I am looking forward to that challenge,” he said.
“I know that in my experiences as a senior coach in the last six years I have learnt a hell of a lot about myself and a hell of a lot more about a club that I love and about the people that we have.”
He didn’t want to get philosophical, but clearly Buckley’s broadcasts to the public this season have been more warm, if not spiritual, that other seasons.
“As you get older, you get to know yourself a bit better, when that happens, I think you understand the decisions that need to be made, the space that needs to be created for people in the environment,” he said.
“There is a lot of work to do on relationship building, on support and care mechanisms, the right time to challenge and to poke and to prod, that is part of the responsibility of the senior coach.
“I am far more open than I have ever been before and that has happened progressively over my life in footy, and I have learnt a lot more over the last six years in my time as senior coach.’
The 45-year-old spoke eloquently and honestly as he always does, and McGuire looked like the cat who got the cream, as he always does.
The upshot is Buckley has two years, McGuire the same and there’s no more room for excuses, for favourites, for failures and even a lack of Feng Shui, which Walsh indicated.
Pressure is everywhere, but when is it any different at Collingwood.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
2017 Collingwood Season Review (Nick's Bulletin Board)
Nick's Bulletin Board - Mighty Magpie
Rd 1: WBD 15.10 (100) def COL 12.14 (86) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom, Adams, Fasolo, Reid. Goals: Fasolo 3, Sidebottom 2, Pendlebury 2, White, Mayne, Treloar, Goldsack, Hoskin-Elliott. Injuries: Aish (virus) replaced in the selected side by Mayne.
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Howe, Hoskin-Elliott, Adams.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/1/coll-v-wb
0-1 (11th)
Rd 2: RIC 14.15 (99) def COL 11.14 (80) @ MCG. Best: Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Pendlebury, Treloar, Adams. Goals: Hoskin-Elliott 3, White 2, Treloar 2, Moore, Broomhead, Mayne, Grundy. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Treloar, Phillips, Pendlebury.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/2/rich-v-coll
0-2 (11th)
Rd 3: COL 11.14 (80) def SYD 11.13 (79) @ SCG. Best: Adams, Grundy, Sidebottom, Fasolo, Treloar, Crisp. Goals: Fasolo 4, Varcoe 2, Crisp, White, Greenwood, Treloar, Hoskin-Elliott. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Fasolo, Maynard, Pendlebury, Adams, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/3/syd-v-coll
1-2 (12th)
Rd 4: STK 9.15 (69) def COL 7.13 (55) @ Etihad Stadium. Best: Howe, Grundy, Sidebottom, Adams, Reid, Treloar. Goals: Hoskin-Elliott 2, Fasolo, Crisp, White, Blair, Schade. Injuries: Phillips (illness) replaced in selected side by Blair, Hoskin-Elliott (left wrist).
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Howe, Grundy, Schade, Adams.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/4/coll-v-stk
1-3 (13th)
Rd 5: ESS 15.10 (100) def COL 11.16 (82) @ MCG. Best: Howe, Wells, Treloar, Sidebottom, Elliott. Goals: Elliott 3, Moore 2, Wells 2, Sidebottom, Fasolo, Treloar, Crisp. Injuries: Broomhead (jaw), Grundy (corked calf).
AFLPR Top 5: Treloar, Howe, Crisp, Maynard, Wells.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/5/ess-v-coll
1-4 (13th)
Rd 6: COL 15.17 (107) def GEE 11.12 (78 ) @ MCG. Best: Adams, Pendlebury, Greenwood, Crisp, Sidebottom, Grundy, Dunn. Goals: Moore 2, Fasolo 2, Hoskin-Elliott, Pendlebury, Phillips, Cox, Crisp, Broomhead, Sidebottom, Maynard, Elliott, Treloar, Wells.
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Crisp, Wells.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/6/geel-v-coll
2-4 (12th)
Rd 7: CAR 12.7 (79) def COL 8.8 (56) @ MCG. Best: Reid, Elliott, Adams, Pendlebury. Goals: Elliott 3, De Goey 2, Fasolo, Cox, Moore. Injuries: Wells (soreness) replaced in selected side by Broomhead, Cox (ankle).
AFLPR Top 5: Greenwood, De Goey, Elliott, Adams, Ramsay.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/7/coll-v-carl
2-5 (15th)
Rd 8: GWS 15.12 (102) def COL 15.9 (99) @ Spotless. Best: Adams, Grundy, Sidebottom, Howe, Pendlebury, Wells. Goals: Elliott 3, Sidebottom 3, Maynard 2, Blair 2, Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Crisp, De Goey, Reid. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Sidebottom, Adams, Howe, Pendlebury, Maynard.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/8/gws-v-coll
2-6 (17th)
Rd 9: COL 13.12 (90) def HAW 11.6 (72) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Howe, Adams, Treloar, Moore, Smith. Goals: Elliott 3, Moore 2, Maynard, Greenwood, Treloar, Howe, Crisp, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Smith. Injuries: Aish (fractured cheekbone).
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Treloar, Moore, Adams, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/9/coll-v-haw
3-6 (13th)
Rd 10: COL 18.21 (129) def BRI 13.6 (84) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom, Adams, Elliott, Grundy. Goals: Elliott 4, Moore 3, Fasolo 2, Wells 2, Treloar, Sidebottom, Smith, Maynard, Dunn, Broomhead, Adams. Injuries: Moore (right shin).
AFLPR Top 5: Treloar, Goldsack, Grundy, Pendlebury, Maynard.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/10/coll-v-bl
4-6 (12th)
Rd 11: COL 15.15 (105) def FRE 12.13 (85) @ Domain Stadium. Best: Treloar, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Adams, Smith, Howe. Goals: Elliott 3, De Goey 2, Moore 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Phillips, Pendlebury, Greenwood, Treloar, Crocker, Howe. Injuries: Wells (calf), Elliott (ankle), Goldsack (shoulder), Greenwood (quad).
AFLPR Top 5: Treloar, Phillips, Howe, Pendlebury, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/11/fre-v-coll
5-6 (10th)
Rd 12: MEL 15.14 (104) def COL 15.10 (100) @ MCG. Best: Sidebottom, Grundy, Treloar, Howe, Maynard, Broomhead. Goals: Greenwood 2, Sidebottom 2, Moore 2, Phillips 2, De Goey 2, Fasolo 2, Aish, Crocker, Treloar. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Howe, Phillips, Treloar, Dunn, Grundy.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/12/melb-v-coll
5-7 (11th)
Rd 13: BYE
5-7 (13th)
Rd 14: PA 13.15 (93) def COL 9.8 (62) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Treloar, Fasolo, Sidebottom, Goldsack, Reid. Goals: Moore 3, Fasolo 2, Brown, De Goey, Crocker, Reid. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Sidebottom, Pendlebury, De Goey, Grundy, Howe.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/14/coll-v-port
5-8 (13th)
Rd 15: HAW 18.10 (118) def COL 14.10 (94) @ MCG. Best: De Goey, Treloar, Phillips, Grundy, Sidebottom, Cox. Goals: Cox 3, Fasolo 3, Elliott, Moore, Greenwood, Thomas, Sidebottom, Phillips, Broomhead, Treloar. Injuries: Moore (hamstring), Goldsack (concussion, nose).
AFLPR Top 5: De Goey, Grundy, Treloar, Thomas, Fasolo.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/15/haw-v-coll
5-9 (15th)
Rd 16: ESS 18.9 (117) def COL 12.8 (80) @ MCG. Best: Sidebottom, Elliott, Goldsack, Pendlebury. Goals: Fasolo 4, Elliott 3, Broomhead, Reid, Cox, De Goey, Adams. Injuries: Howe (calf) replaced in selected side by Scharenberg.
AFLPR Top 5: Adams, Langdon, Goldsack, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/16/coll-v-ess
5-10 (15th)
Rd 17: COL 15.13 (103) def GCS 13.10 (88 ) @ Metricon Stadium. Best: Sidebottom, Treloar, Reid, Fasolo, Pendlebury, Thomas. Goals: Reid 3, Fasolo 2, Wells 2, Thomas 2, Moore 2, Blair, Elliott, Maynard, Sidebottom. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Sidebottom, Adams, Treloar, Reid, Wells.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/17/gcfc-v-coll
6-10 (14th)
Rd 18: COL 13.15 (93) def WCE 13.7 (85) @ Etihad Stadium. Best: De Goey, Treloar, Howe, Crisp, Grundy, Adams, Greenwood. Goals: De Goey 4, Elliott 3, Reid 2, Fasolo, Greenwood, Hoskin-Elliott, Adams. Injuries: Moore (neck), Varcoe (concussion, elbow).
AFLPR Top 5: De Goey, Crisp, Hoskin-Elliott, Grundy, Greenwood.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/18/coll-v-wce
7-10 (13th)
Rd 19: COL 15.13 (103) drew ADE 16.7 (103) @ MCG. Best: Wells, Sidebottom, Adams, Howe, Moore. Goals: Adams 3, Wells 3, Reid 2, Blair 2, Hoskin-Elliott, Thomas, Elliott, Moore, Treloar. Injuries: Blair (nose).
AFLPR Top 5: Adams, Sidebottom, Wells, Blair, Howe.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/19/coll-v-adel
7.5-10.5 (13th)
Rd 20: COL 16.15 (111) def NM 7.15 (57) @ Etihad Stadium. Best: Treloar, Adams, Blair, Langdon, De Goey, Grundy. Goals: Blair 3, Thomas 2, Adams 2, Fasolo, De Goey, Moore, Phillips, Treloar, Howe, Wells, Grundy, Elliott. Injuries: Greenwood (left knee), Goldsack (head), Wells (left thigh). MRP: Gundy 2 weeks.
AFLPR Top 5: Grundy, Howe, Adams, Maynard, Treloar.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/20/nmfc-v-coll
8.5-10.5 (12th)
Rd 21: PA 14.14 (98 ) def COL 10.11 (71) @ Adelaide Oval. Best: Sidebottom, Reid, Adams, Treloar, Crisp, Howe. Goals: Reid 4, Moore, Elliott, Phillips, Sidebottom, Hoskin-Elliott, Blair. Injuries: De Goey (groin), Hoskin-Elliott (hip).
AFLPR Top 5: Adams, Reid, Treloar, Sidebottom, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/21/port-v-coll
8.5-11.5 (13th)
Rd 22: GEE 10.10 (70) def COL 9.5 (59) @ MCG. Best: Adams, Howe, Cox, Moore, Scharenberg, Hoskin-Elliott. Goals: Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Broomhead 2, Moore, Sidebottom, Blair. Injuries: Adams (head).
AFLPR Top 5: Cox, Hoskin-Elliott, Langdon, Dunn, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/22/coll-v-geel
8.5-12.5 (13th)
Rd 23: COL 14.15 (99) def MEL 12.11 (83) @ MCG. Best: Elliott, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar, Dunn. Goals: Elliott 3, Phillips 2, Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Daicos, Grundy, Sidebottom, Broomhead, Adams. Injuries: Sidebottom (hamstring).
AFLPR Top 5: Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Adams, Elliott, Phillips.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/23/coll-v-melb
9.5-12.5 (13th)
Player-By-Player Review
Rd 1: WBD 15.10 (100) def COL 12.14 (86) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom, Adams, Fasolo, Reid. Goals: Fasolo 3, Sidebottom 2, Pendlebury 2, White, Mayne, Treloar, Goldsack, Hoskin-Elliott. Injuries: Aish (virus) replaced in the selected side by Mayne.
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Howe, Hoskin-Elliott, Adams.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/1/coll-v-wb
0-1 (11th)
Rd 2: RIC 14.15 (99) def COL 11.14 (80) @ MCG. Best: Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Pendlebury, Treloar, Adams. Goals: Hoskin-Elliott 3, White 2, Treloar 2, Moore, Broomhead, Mayne, Grundy. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Treloar, Phillips, Pendlebury.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/2/rich-v-coll
0-2 (11th)
Rd 3: COL 11.14 (80) def SYD 11.13 (79) @ SCG. Best: Adams, Grundy, Sidebottom, Fasolo, Treloar, Crisp. Goals: Fasolo 4, Varcoe 2, Crisp, White, Greenwood, Treloar, Hoskin-Elliott. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Fasolo, Maynard, Pendlebury, Adams, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/3/syd-v-coll
1-2 (12th)
Rd 4: STK 9.15 (69) def COL 7.13 (55) @ Etihad Stadium. Best: Howe, Grundy, Sidebottom, Adams, Reid, Treloar. Goals: Hoskin-Elliott 2, Fasolo, Crisp, White, Blair, Schade. Injuries: Phillips (illness) replaced in selected side by Blair, Hoskin-Elliott (left wrist).
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Howe, Grundy, Schade, Adams.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/4/coll-v-stk
1-3 (13th)
Rd 5: ESS 15.10 (100) def COL 11.16 (82) @ MCG. Best: Howe, Wells, Treloar, Sidebottom, Elliott. Goals: Elliott 3, Moore 2, Wells 2, Sidebottom, Fasolo, Treloar, Crisp. Injuries: Broomhead (jaw), Grundy (corked calf).
AFLPR Top 5: Treloar, Howe, Crisp, Maynard, Wells.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/5/ess-v-coll
1-4 (13th)
Rd 6: COL 15.17 (107) def GEE 11.12 (78 ) @ MCG. Best: Adams, Pendlebury, Greenwood, Crisp, Sidebottom, Grundy, Dunn. Goals: Moore 2, Fasolo 2, Hoskin-Elliott, Pendlebury, Phillips, Cox, Crisp, Broomhead, Sidebottom, Maynard, Elliott, Treloar, Wells.
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Crisp, Wells.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/6/geel-v-coll
2-4 (12th)
Rd 7: CAR 12.7 (79) def COL 8.8 (56) @ MCG. Best: Reid, Elliott, Adams, Pendlebury. Goals: Elliott 3, De Goey 2, Fasolo, Cox, Moore. Injuries: Wells (soreness) replaced in selected side by Broomhead, Cox (ankle).
AFLPR Top 5: Greenwood, De Goey, Elliott, Adams, Ramsay.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/7/coll-v-carl
2-5 (15th)
Rd 8: GWS 15.12 (102) def COL 15.9 (99) @ Spotless. Best: Adams, Grundy, Sidebottom, Howe, Pendlebury, Wells. Goals: Elliott 3, Sidebottom 3, Maynard 2, Blair 2, Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Crisp, De Goey, Reid. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Sidebottom, Adams, Howe, Pendlebury, Maynard.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/8/gws-v-coll
2-6 (17th)
Rd 9: COL 13.12 (90) def HAW 11.6 (72) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Howe, Adams, Treloar, Moore, Smith. Goals: Elliott 3, Moore 2, Maynard, Greenwood, Treloar, Howe, Crisp, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Smith. Injuries: Aish (fractured cheekbone).
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Treloar, Moore, Adams, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/9/coll-v-haw
3-6 (13th)
Rd 10: COL 18.21 (129) def BRI 13.6 (84) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom, Adams, Elliott, Grundy. Goals: Elliott 4, Moore 3, Fasolo 2, Wells 2, Treloar, Sidebottom, Smith, Maynard, Dunn, Broomhead, Adams. Injuries: Moore (right shin).
AFLPR Top 5: Treloar, Goldsack, Grundy, Pendlebury, Maynard.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/10/coll-v-bl
4-6 (12th)
Rd 11: COL 15.15 (105) def FRE 12.13 (85) @ Domain Stadium. Best: Treloar, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Adams, Smith, Howe. Goals: Elliott 3, De Goey 2, Moore 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Phillips, Pendlebury, Greenwood, Treloar, Crocker, Howe. Injuries: Wells (calf), Elliott (ankle), Goldsack (shoulder), Greenwood (quad).
AFLPR Top 5: Treloar, Phillips, Howe, Pendlebury, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/11/fre-v-coll
5-6 (10th)
Rd 12: MEL 15.14 (104) def COL 15.10 (100) @ MCG. Best: Sidebottom, Grundy, Treloar, Howe, Maynard, Broomhead. Goals: Greenwood 2, Sidebottom 2, Moore 2, Phillips 2, De Goey 2, Fasolo 2, Aish, Crocker, Treloar. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Howe, Phillips, Treloar, Dunn, Grundy.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/12/melb-v-coll
5-7 (11th)
Rd 13: BYE
5-7 (13th)
Rd 14: PA 13.15 (93) def COL 9.8 (62) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Treloar, Fasolo, Sidebottom, Goldsack, Reid. Goals: Moore 3, Fasolo 2, Brown, De Goey, Crocker, Reid. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Sidebottom, Pendlebury, De Goey, Grundy, Howe.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/14/coll-v-port
5-8 (13th)
Rd 15: HAW 18.10 (118) def COL 14.10 (94) @ MCG. Best: De Goey, Treloar, Phillips, Grundy, Sidebottom, Cox. Goals: Cox 3, Fasolo 3, Elliott, Moore, Greenwood, Thomas, Sidebottom, Phillips, Broomhead, Treloar. Injuries: Moore (hamstring), Goldsack (concussion, nose).
AFLPR Top 5: De Goey, Grundy, Treloar, Thomas, Fasolo.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/15/haw-v-coll
5-9 (15th)
Rd 16: ESS 18.9 (117) def COL 12.8 (80) @ MCG. Best: Sidebottom, Elliott, Goldsack, Pendlebury. Goals: Fasolo 4, Elliott 3, Broomhead, Reid, Cox, De Goey, Adams. Injuries: Howe (calf) replaced in selected side by Scharenberg.
AFLPR Top 5: Adams, Langdon, Goldsack, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/16/coll-v-ess
5-10 (15th)
Rd 17: COL 15.13 (103) def GCS 13.10 (88 ) @ Metricon Stadium. Best: Sidebottom, Treloar, Reid, Fasolo, Pendlebury, Thomas. Goals: Reid 3, Fasolo 2, Wells 2, Thomas 2, Moore 2, Blair, Elliott, Maynard, Sidebottom. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Sidebottom, Adams, Treloar, Reid, Wells.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/17/gcfc-v-coll
6-10 (14th)
Rd 18: COL 13.15 (93) def WCE 13.7 (85) @ Etihad Stadium. Best: De Goey, Treloar, Howe, Crisp, Grundy, Adams, Greenwood. Goals: De Goey 4, Elliott 3, Reid 2, Fasolo, Greenwood, Hoskin-Elliott, Adams. Injuries: Moore (neck), Varcoe (concussion, elbow).
AFLPR Top 5: De Goey, Crisp, Hoskin-Elliott, Grundy, Greenwood.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/18/coll-v-wce
7-10 (13th)
Rd 19: COL 15.13 (103) drew ADE 16.7 (103) @ MCG. Best: Wells, Sidebottom, Adams, Howe, Moore. Goals: Adams 3, Wells 3, Reid 2, Blair 2, Hoskin-Elliott, Thomas, Elliott, Moore, Treloar. Injuries: Blair (nose).
AFLPR Top 5: Adams, Sidebottom, Wells, Blair, Howe.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/19/coll-v-adel
7.5-10.5 (13th)
Rd 20: COL 16.15 (111) def NM 7.15 (57) @ Etihad Stadium. Best: Treloar, Adams, Blair, Langdon, De Goey, Grundy. Goals: Blair 3, Thomas 2, Adams 2, Fasolo, De Goey, Moore, Phillips, Treloar, Howe, Wells, Grundy, Elliott. Injuries: Greenwood (left knee), Goldsack (head), Wells (left thigh). MRP: Gundy 2 weeks.
AFLPR Top 5: Grundy, Howe, Adams, Maynard, Treloar.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/20/nmfc-v-coll
8.5-10.5 (12th)
Rd 21: PA 14.14 (98 ) def COL 10.11 (71) @ Adelaide Oval. Best: Sidebottom, Reid, Adams, Treloar, Crisp, Howe. Goals: Reid 4, Moore, Elliott, Phillips, Sidebottom, Hoskin-Elliott, Blair. Injuries: De Goey (groin), Hoskin-Elliott (hip).
AFLPR Top 5: Adams, Reid, Treloar, Sidebottom, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/21/port-v-coll
8.5-11.5 (13th)
Rd 22: GEE 10.10 (70) def COL 9.5 (59) @ MCG. Best: Adams, Howe, Cox, Moore, Scharenberg, Hoskin-Elliott. Goals: Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Broomhead 2, Moore, Sidebottom, Blair. Injuries: Adams (head).
AFLPR Top 5: Cox, Hoskin-Elliott, Langdon, Dunn, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/22/coll-v-geel
8.5-12.5 (13th)
Rd 23: COL 14.15 (99) def MEL 12.11 (83) @ MCG. Best: Elliott, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar, Dunn. Goals: Elliott 3, Phillips 2, Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Daicos, Grundy, Sidebottom, Broomhead, Adams. Injuries: Sidebottom (hamstring).
AFLPR Top 5: Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Adams, Elliott, Phillips.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/23/coll-v-melb
9.5-12.5 (13th)
Leading Goalkickers
|
AFLPR
(votes using 5,4,3,2,1)
Total (Rounds Polled)
|
AFLCA Votes
[Up to Round 21]
Total (Rounds Polled) |
|
|
|
Player-By-Player Review
- Taylor Adams – Clearly a mainstay of our inside midfield group, now and for many years to come. Ranked #27 in the AFLPR (over 2 years) and approaching 100 games. Can butcher the ball at times coming out of the backline, but his disposal and decision making has improved over the last couple of seasons. Played a bit off half back and even forward at times, but I like him in the guts.
- James Aish - Started to show he believed in himself at AFL level in 2016, but from what I could tell that disappeared this season despite ticking over the 50 game mark. Managed only 8 games in the seniors. Featured in the bests 6 times in 9 games at VFL level. Contracted for 2018 and it will be a crunch year for him. SA connections and maybe on the trade table?
- Jarryd Blair - 10th in the Copeland in 2016, but clearly a depth player in 2017 with only 12 senior games. Whilst much-maligned, he was serviceable as a depth small defensive forward. Featured in the bests 4 times in 8 games at VFL level. Won’t be front of mind for the list manager and may have to wait late into the offseason to know if he will be recontracted for 2018.
- Tim Broomhead – 14 senior games. Featured in the bests 4 times in 6 games at VFL level. I have mixed feelings about where he is at given the early expectations, albeit that he has been interrupted by injuries. Contracted for 2018, but like Aish it will be a crunch year. SA connections and maybe on the trade table?
- Callum Brown - Managed 5 games in his debut season. Featured in the bests 3 times in 10 games at VFL level. Showed a bit, but still a relatively light-framed body. Will be interesting to see if he can have a big pre-season and push for senior selection in 2018. Ranked 3rd amongst rising stars for stoppage clearances per game and contested possessions per game. Despite the body shape, he is looking like a future contested ball inside mid.
- Mason Cox (Cat B rookie - nominated) – Limited senior opportunities (9 games), but played well enough in the last 3 games of the season to still suggest that he can be a Ruck/Forward. Featured in the bests 5 times in 9 games at VFL level. Will presumably play VFL finals (he tweeted that he was keen), but has a contract decision to make at season’s end (27/8/17): "I can't really answer (whether I'm staying at Collingwood) and I don't want to talk about it," Cox said. "It's up in the air. I've got no idea. I'll talk to my agent and see where it goes. I've got some decisions for myself in the next few weeks.". Today (29/8/17) Brian Waldron says that he is off to Brisbane.
- Jack Crisp - Played every game for the third consecutive season. Let me repeat that ... Played every game for the third consecutive season. This kid is durable and not bad for the steak knives in the Beams deal. Filled a hole at half back in 2017. Versatile midfielder and at 190cm has the potential to also play a third tall role forward or back if needed.
- Ben Crocker – I had high hopes for Crocker after he slipped through to the last pick in the 2015 draft. I thought he would have a point to prove and he seemed to have been much more highly rated pre-draft than where he was taken (rd5, Pick 65). After 10 senior games in 2016, he managed only 3 in 2017. In 7 VFL games he failed to appear in the bests with 10 goals. No guarantee to be re-signed.
- Josh Daicos - 14 games at VFL level and made his debut in round 22 with 10 tackles against the Cats. The next week he was quieter (2 tackles), but hit the scoreboard with 1.1. Like Brown he is relatively light-framed. Will be interesting to see if he can have a big pre-season and push for senior selection in 2018. Someone mentioned elsewhere that his Dad had a massive growth spurt after joining the Club, so that is something to watch out for as well. In the 2 senior games, my (unexpert) eyes told me that he is very mentally quick to make decisions and has the ability to dispose of the ball quickly. Just something I saw that stood out to me.
- Jordan De Goey – had a dog of a season! The less said about the beginning of the season the better. Once he had served his penance he came in and played 14 senior games. Looked his best going through the midfield and had his best career game against Hawthorn in round 15. Will no doubt spend more time in the midfield in 2018 and move forward at times. It may be De Goey that frees Pendlebury up to play forward.
- Lynden Dunn - Schade was preferred early, but once he came in Dunn was a settling fixture in the backline. Not a star, but solid and provided leadership down back along with Goldsack and Howe.
- Jamie Elliott - Still didn't look 100% (and has said as much), but kicked 34.16 in 17 games averaging 2.00 goals (ranked 20 in AFL) at 67% accuracy. This guy is a star and will only benefit from the time on ground this year after failing to hit the track in 2016.
- Alex Fasolo - Had some personal issues which were publicised, but managed 19 games and kicked 29.29 averaging 1.53 goals at 50% accuracy. This was well down on 2016 when he kicked 25.6 in 12 games. Has his knockers and can be inconsistent, but I really rate him.
- Tyson Goldsack - Mr Evergreen. Played 20 games for the first time since 2014. No star, but he is the heart and soul of the team and does the little things. Played back all season except round 23 when he again showed the flexibility to go forward. I've been harping on for years that Reid and Goldsack are the ying and yang swingmen who can be swapped back and forth to unsettle opposition match ups. I hope to see this in 201.
- Levi Greenwood - Proved that the tagger isn't dead. He is definitely our #1 go to tagger, but he faces competition for the inside mid roles that are available. Has the capacity to hit the scoreboard. I might be being harsh, but I feel that some of the young guns should be forcing Greenwood out of the side as we develop so Greenwood may be restricted to pure tagging roles in 2018.
- Brodie Grundy - Unlucky to miss the All Australian 40 man squad. Probably moved into the elite few ruckman in the competition. He is different to the usual ruckman and his strength is his follow up on the ground and around the ground. Still needs to improve his overhead marking and become a real threat when resting forward.
- Will Hoskin-Elliott – We traded this year's seconder rounder for him. Bargain! Played every game and while he drifted in and out of games at times he has something we really need which is outside speed, strong overhead marking and he is also an accurate shot on goal kicking 18.6. very happy to have the former #4 pick on the list.
- Jeremy Howe – Backed up his 20 games in 2016 with 21 games this season and was promoted to the leadership group. Ranks top 2 in marks, marks per game, intercepts and 5th in contested marks and 8th in contested marks per game. We definitely appear to have got the better of the complicated four-club trade that saw us lose Seedsman and Kennedy and pick up Howe.
- Lachlan Keeffe (R) - No senior games. Featured in the bests 3 times in 18 games at VFL level.
- Kayle Kirby - Featured in the bests 4 times in 16 games at VFL level and was tied for the Frosty on 42 goals before being promoted for his debut at senior level. Toiled hard, but frankly struggled in that senior game. A big pre-season could see him in contention.
- Tom Langdon – Again struggled with injury early and managed only 11 games after returning. Ranked 5th in intercepts per game in 2017. Hopefully gets a clear run at it in 2018 and gets back to his 2014/2015 form.
- Max Lynch (R) – No senior games. Featured in the bests once in 17 games at VFL level. Watched the last regular season game and I've seen worse.
- Liam Mackie (R) - No senior games. Did not feature in the bests in 12 VFL games. Likely to be delisted.
- Brayden Maynard – Played every game and improves with each game. He has a long penetrating kick albeit that he is prone to clangers and turnovers. His disposal efficiency has improved over each of the three seasons and he has 51 games and is yet to turn 21. Seeing him in midfield in round 23 gave a glimpse of his future I think - an inside mid bull.
- Chris Mayne – I HAVE NO WORDS.
- Mitch McCarthy (R) – No senior games. Did not feature in the bests in 5 VFL games.
- Sam McLarty - No senior games. Featured in the bests once in 13 games at VFL level.
- Darcy Moore - 21 senior games. Ranked 10th in contested marks and 15th in contested marks per game. Kicked 25.19 averaging 1.19 goals per game at 57% accuracy. Looks his natural best in the ruck or behind the ball and it will be interesting to see where he ends up playing.
- Adam Oxley – Injury killed his 2017 season.
- Scott Pendlebury - 16 games was his lowest tally since his debut season in 2006. He will be 30 in the 2018 season and we need to be prepared for a drop off. I believe his height (191cm) and skills provide an opportunity to lengthen his career by playing him forward, possibly even as the third tall if we are struggling for height.
- Tom Phillips - Breakout season for Flipper and he deserves to be in the Rising Star discussion. Will be an absolute jet and was a bargain pick at 58 in the 2015 draft.
- Jackson Ramsay - Has struggled at senior level a bit after returning from his ACL injury and played only 8 senior games and featured in the best 9 times in 10 games at VFL level.
- Ben Reid – Played 15 senior games and was actually dropped to the VFL for a game (let's not go there). Forced forward through team needs and it will be interesting to see if he stays there. Needs some goal kicking practice if he is to stay forward.
- Henry Schade (R) - Played JLT and 8 games early before falling out of favour. Also played 8 VFL games.
- Matt Scharenberg - Featured in the bests 5 times in 8 games at VFL level before earning promotion to the seniors and playing 10 games. After a wretched run with injuries I just hope that this season gives him the confidence and base to attack the pre-season and show in 2018 what the experts saw in him as a school boy footballer.
- Steele Sidebottom - Played every game. Alongside Pendlebury, Treloar and Adams he was one of our key four midfielders. Stood up when Pendlebury missed late in the season and can take some pride from how the team played in those late rounds.
- Brayden Sier - Pick 32 (our first pick) in the 2015 draft. Still no senior games and rarely sighted at VFL level the last 2 seasons. Did not feature in the bests in 10 games at VFL level. If he is still rated internally then surely he moves to the rookie list.
- Ben Sinclair - Broke the world record for the largest hamstring tear during the pre-season and did not feature at all after that. Between his hamstring and concussion issues, one fears his AFL career may be over.
- Josh Smith - Coach's pet in 2016, but seemed to be on the fringe in 2017. Played 13 senior games. Featured in the bests 3 times in 5 games at VFL level.
- Josh Thomas (R) – Surprised me (positively) when he got his chance at senior level and has apparently been rewarded with a contract extension to 2019. 9 senior games and featured in the best 4 times in 7 games at VFL level.
- Adam Treloar - Was he hampered by injury (OP)? He was good, but seemed a little bit off. Was selected in the All Australian 40 man squad. Would love to see his run and carry breaking the lines more often in 2018.
- Travis Varcoe - Managed only the 8 games due to injury.
- Daniel Wells - We are a much better team with a fit Daniel Wells. This has been much talked about and it is CRITICAL that we have him up and running in 2018 and play as many games as possible. He is a level above in his disposal, something we sorely lack.
- Jesse White - Four games early then fell out of favour at senior level. Retired and well get a swan song in the VFL finals.
- Rupert Wills - Only the 6 senior games and featured in the bests 5 times in 7 games at VFL level. Has the potential to be an inside mid bull and the height (192cm) to be versatile.
Has Nathan Buckley Taught Collingwood To Accept Mediocrity?
ROAR - Patrick McGeoch
The Magpies have officially backed Nathan Buckley in for another two seasons, and it doesn’t seem like this will be too unpopular a decision when viewed by media and the Collingwood faithful alike, following only two losses in Collingwood’s last seven starts.
Talkback radio in recent weeks has been flooded with common themes: “the boys are playing for Buckley”, “the players are buying in”, or “the effort is there”.
There seemed a perception he had done enough to secure an extension weeks before the decision was officially made.
It would be interesting to see whether these same people would have defined a 9-1-12 scoreline for Collingwood as success at the beginning of the year.
Buckley may yet prove he can coach, but would anyone else have enjoyed so many chances? After four years of missing finals, have Pies supporters just learnt to be satisfied with mediocrity?
Extracting effort from a playing group is a minimum requirement for a coach. All year the Pies have fought through games, losing only one by over 30 points.
Eddie McGuire recently said, “The only time that you sack a coach is if you’ve lost the players completely or there is something untoward that needs to be addressed.”
After a rocky start, it’s clear that he has the buy in of this current list. Tick for Buckley.
But at what point does it become reasonable to expect effort to translate to wins? Many fallen coaches can boast an ability to extract effort from their group. That doesn’t mean you are getting the best out of them.
It’s also the job of a coach to nurture talent to enhance the natural growth of a group. Collingwood has been to five drafts since Buckley took over, including seven first round picks (four in the top 10). Yet from last year’s best and fairest top ten, only Brodie Grundy and Josh Smith were drafted by Buckley – and Smith was a mature-age rookie.
Of the rest, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jarryd Blair were all established by the time Buckley arrived, while Adam Treloar, Levi Greenwood, Taylor Adams, Jeremy Howe and Jack Crisp were traded in.
The impact of trading to build a list is that you always pay a premium on the trade table and in the salary cap, a model best suited for teams that already have a core group of homegrown stars they can complement. Bringing in so many mature players suggests issues with recruitment, development and relationship building.
In attack this year, Collingwood found themselves in too many situations where they led contested possessions, clearances, and inside 50s, yet lost the game.
This was attributed to poor kicking for goal, poor kicking inside 50, slow ball movement by ‘crabbing sideways’, and a lack of cohesion within the team generally. It’s reasonable to expect that once these issues are identified, a coach must be able to address them. Yet there was no evidence of improvement until the burden of expectation was removed in the final rounds.
Implementing a defensive game style that suits the list at your disposal and is also competitive should be key to a coach’s survival. In Round 3, 2016, Pies fans watched in horror as St Kilda broke through a frail defensive press to walk in goal after goal. In Round 19 this year, Pies fans watched in horror as Adelaide broke through the same frail defensive press to reel in a 50-point deficit.
Collingwood cannot stop teams moving the ball, and they get beaten easily by sides that can play keepings off (they have lost ten of their past 11 against Hawthorn) or move the ball quickly (two of their poorer losses this year came to faced paced Bombers).
Buckley has failed to correct it, and opposition sides continue to exploit it.
The club will point to off-field instability and other mistakes within the football department that have so far cost Buckley a clean run at proving himself. Injuries to key and developing players must also be taken into consideration. And as an ambassador and media presenter, he is second to none.
But unfortunately for Buckley, the primary ambition of football clubs is chasing premierships. Collingwood has drifted further away from that ambition every year since he arrived.
Supporters of his reappointment would struggle to cite another example of so many people being so content with this level of long-term performance.
The Magpies have officially backed Nathan Buckley in for another two seasons, and it doesn’t seem like this will be too unpopular a decision when viewed by media and the Collingwood faithful alike, following only two losses in Collingwood’s last seven starts.
Talkback radio in recent weeks has been flooded with common themes: “the boys are playing for Buckley”, “the players are buying in”, or “the effort is there”.
There seemed a perception he had done enough to secure an extension weeks before the decision was officially made.
It would be interesting to see whether these same people would have defined a 9-1-12 scoreline for Collingwood as success at the beginning of the year.
Buckley may yet prove he can coach, but would anyone else have enjoyed so many chances? After four years of missing finals, have Pies supporters just learnt to be satisfied with mediocrity?
Extracting effort from a playing group is a minimum requirement for a coach. All year the Pies have fought through games, losing only one by over 30 points.
Eddie McGuire recently said, “The only time that you sack a coach is if you’ve lost the players completely or there is something untoward that needs to be addressed.”
After a rocky start, it’s clear that he has the buy in of this current list. Tick for Buckley.
But at what point does it become reasonable to expect effort to translate to wins? Many fallen coaches can boast an ability to extract effort from their group. That doesn’t mean you are getting the best out of them.
It’s also the job of a coach to nurture talent to enhance the natural growth of a group. Collingwood has been to five drafts since Buckley took over, including seven first round picks (four in the top 10). Yet from last year’s best and fairest top ten, only Brodie Grundy and Josh Smith were drafted by Buckley – and Smith was a mature-age rookie.
Of the rest, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jarryd Blair were all established by the time Buckley arrived, while Adam Treloar, Levi Greenwood, Taylor Adams, Jeremy Howe and Jack Crisp were traded in.
The impact of trading to build a list is that you always pay a premium on the trade table and in the salary cap, a model best suited for teams that already have a core group of homegrown stars they can complement. Bringing in so many mature players suggests issues with recruitment, development and relationship building.
In attack this year, Collingwood found themselves in too many situations where they led contested possessions, clearances, and inside 50s, yet lost the game.
This was attributed to poor kicking for goal, poor kicking inside 50, slow ball movement by ‘crabbing sideways’, and a lack of cohesion within the team generally. It’s reasonable to expect that once these issues are identified, a coach must be able to address them. Yet there was no evidence of improvement until the burden of expectation was removed in the final rounds.
Implementing a defensive game style that suits the list at your disposal and is also competitive should be key to a coach’s survival. In Round 3, 2016, Pies fans watched in horror as St Kilda broke through a frail defensive press to walk in goal after goal. In Round 19 this year, Pies fans watched in horror as Adelaide broke through the same frail defensive press to reel in a 50-point deficit.
Collingwood cannot stop teams moving the ball, and they get beaten easily by sides that can play keepings off (they have lost ten of their past 11 against Hawthorn) or move the ball quickly (two of their poorer losses this year came to faced paced Bombers).
Buckley has failed to correct it, and opposition sides continue to exploit it.
The club will point to off-field instability and other mistakes within the football department that have so far cost Buckley a clean run at proving himself. Injuries to key and developing players must also be taken into consideration. And as an ambassador and media presenter, he is second to none.
But unfortunately for Buckley, the primary ambition of football clubs is chasing premierships. Collingwood has drifted further away from that ambition every year since he arrived.
Supporters of his reappointment would struggle to cite another example of so many people being so content with this level of long-term performance.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
2017 Collingwood Season Review (Fox Sports)
Fox Sports
COLLINGWOOD (9-12-1)
Three-word analysis
Time for change.
What went right
The last two months were a step in the right direction for the Magpies. Despite winning just five of their first 15 matches, Collingwood lost just two of its last seven. In this run of games Nathan Buckley’s men generally moved the ball with greater precision, attacked more boldly and kept their defensive structures. Of course, it wasn’t perfect, but a relatively strong end to the season meant the club won half-a-game more than last year. Brodie Grundy had an impressive year in the ruck, while the emergence of Tom Phillips bodes well for the future. Scott Pendlebury found plenty of the ball, as did Adam Treloar but without the polish of his captain. Jeremy Howe was a highlights reel at halfback but also added substance to his game.
What went wrong
It became clear very early in the season that Collingwood would not play finals in 2017. It was not necessarily through lack of effort, but rather a combination of skill and by extension personnel. Whether it was tactics or the players that were trying to implement them is up for debate, but the Magpies often appeared slow and clumsy offensively. Ever increasing pressure on Buckley did not help things and nor did injuries to Jamie Elliott and a worrying over-reliance on Darcy Moore in the front half. Chris Mayne’s continued presence in the VFL heaped more pressure on the coach and recruiting staff, while Daniel Wells was always going to be fighting an uphill battle after arriving at the club from North Melbourne worryingly out of shape.
What they need
Some Collingwood fans would say a new coach. Others would say a new president and recruiting staff. But from an on-field perspective the Pies desperately need to find a halfback who can break the lines and a forward to ease the burden on Moore. What Collingwood truly lacks is some run and polish. A fit Wells somewhat addresses these needs, but another one or two additions would not hurt.
What time is it on the premiership clock
4pm — Nobody really knows where Collingwood is at. Perhaps they over-estimated their list? Or maybe things just didn’t go their way. Regardless, the Pies are still a fair distance from challenging for a flag despite a highly rated midfield.
COLLINGWOOD (9-12-1)
Three-word analysis
Time for change.
What went right
The last two months were a step in the right direction for the Magpies. Despite winning just five of their first 15 matches, Collingwood lost just two of its last seven. In this run of games Nathan Buckley’s men generally moved the ball with greater precision, attacked more boldly and kept their defensive structures. Of course, it wasn’t perfect, but a relatively strong end to the season meant the club won half-a-game more than last year. Brodie Grundy had an impressive year in the ruck, while the emergence of Tom Phillips bodes well for the future. Scott Pendlebury found plenty of the ball, as did Adam Treloar but without the polish of his captain. Jeremy Howe was a highlights reel at halfback but also added substance to his game.
What went wrong
It became clear very early in the season that Collingwood would not play finals in 2017. It was not necessarily through lack of effort, but rather a combination of skill and by extension personnel. Whether it was tactics or the players that were trying to implement them is up for debate, but the Magpies often appeared slow and clumsy offensively. Ever increasing pressure on Buckley did not help things and nor did injuries to Jamie Elliott and a worrying over-reliance on Darcy Moore in the front half. Chris Mayne’s continued presence in the VFL heaped more pressure on the coach and recruiting staff, while Daniel Wells was always going to be fighting an uphill battle after arriving at the club from North Melbourne worryingly out of shape.
What they need
Some Collingwood fans would say a new coach. Others would say a new president and recruiting staff. But from an on-field perspective the Pies desperately need to find a halfback who can break the lines and a forward to ease the burden on Moore. What Collingwood truly lacks is some run and polish. A fit Wells somewhat addresses these needs, but another one or two additions would not hurt.
What time is it on the premiership clock
4pm — Nobody really knows where Collingwood is at. Perhaps they over-estimated their list? Or maybe things just didn’t go their way. Regardless, the Pies are still a fair distance from challenging for a flag despite a highly rated midfield.
2017 Collingwood Season Review (AFL)
AFL
In a nutshell
A disappointing start meant the Magpies were out of finals contention by round 16. It was competitive but frustrating as it could not translate inside 50s into scores, with its skill execution appalling at times. Adding to the woes was the occasional exhilarating patches of play.
What we said in the pre-season
Tipped the Magpies to miss the eight, less optimistic than they were of their chances of making finals but I was more optimistic in predicting Adam Treloar could win the Brownlow, something that looks less likely than it might have this time last season.
What worked
Jeremy Howe was outstanding across half-back earning an All Australian nomination while youngsters Brayden Maynard and Tom Phillips showed they could play. Brodie Grundy is now an elite ruckman while Matt Scharenberg and Jamie Elliott successfully returned from injury.
What failed
The decision to recruit Chris Mayne was questioned at the time and he played just three games for the season before being demoted to the VFL. It was not Mayne's fault that the Magpies did not see him in their best 22 so soon after bringing him to the club. In broader terms, they were middle ranking for defence and attack, wasting opportunities and rarely playing four-quarter football.
Overall rating: D
It was competitive and nearly defeated Greater Western Sydney and Adelaide but it was disappointing overall.
The coach
Nathan Buckley held himself together well in public forums and retained his job under enormous pressure. Needs to be prepared to make more moves and be decisive in his decision-making rather than stubborn.
The leaders
Scott Pendlebury is a champion player but the team has not flourished under his leadership with vice-captain, Steele Sidebottom, an outstanding leader who looks the heir apparent. Taylor Adams gives his all but lacks polish while Jeremy Howe was a surprise mid-season elevation.
MVP
Steele Sidebottom
His class and leadership combined made him the Magpies' most consistent and best player this season, racking up 600 disposals (16th most in the AFL) and kicking 16 goals.
Surprise packet
Will Hoskin-Elliott
At one stage, he appeared the only Magpie who could kick set shot goals. He kicked match-winners against Sydney and Fremantle as he ran up and down the wing all season. A strong mark, he is a find.
Get excited
Callum Brown
Nothing spectacular from Brown in his five games but he appears a natural footballer who gets in the right spots and makes good decisions. He will get better with confidence.
Disappointment
Jordan De Goey
It might seem harsh given his outstanding form in the middle of the season but the fact is he got the Magpies off to a poor start with his undisciplined start to the season. He needs to put every foot right in the off-season.
Best win
Round 11: Collingwood 15.15 (105) defeated Fremantle 12.13 (85) at Domain Stadium
Reduced to one fit man on the bench the Magpies resisted several fightbacks from the Dockers to hang on for what appeared, at the time at least, meritorious as the Magpies tried to claw their way back into contention.
Low point
The loss to Carlton by 23 points in round seven was a harsh reality check for the Magpies, with their game breaking down against the Blues' stingy defence. They scored just 56 points and slumped to 15th on the ladder.
The big questions
Should the Magpies appoint a co-captain alongside Scott Pendlebury?The skipper is a great player but co-captaincy might improve the mix between old and new.
What do the Magpies do to fix its poor ball use?
It's not only the decision-making but the execution that failed in 2017. The Magpies had more kicks than every team bar Carlton but was too safe at times.
Can Collingwood find a tall forward to take the aerial pressure off Darcy Moore?
Moore did well when he had a run in the ruck and he should play up the ground more often to get into the game rather than remaining stationary as a deep forward.
Season in a song
Forgotten Years – Midnight Oil
Premiership window
Just ajar: One false move and the Pies will fall off the tightrope.
Who's done?
Retirements: Jesse White
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Tyson Goldsack, Lachlan Keeffe, Ben Sinclair, Josh Thomas
How should they approach trade and draft period?
With a targeted approach that puts parameters on the type and age of player they draft. They need resilient individuals who have shown an ability to put together 20-game seasons.
Early call for 2018
Collingwood won't make finals unless it begins to put process ahead of prediction. Depending on the off-season it appears to be a seventh to 10th-placed team.
In a nutshell
A disappointing start meant the Magpies were out of finals contention by round 16. It was competitive but frustrating as it could not translate inside 50s into scores, with its skill execution appalling at times. Adding to the woes was the occasional exhilarating patches of play.
What we said in the pre-season
Tipped the Magpies to miss the eight, less optimistic than they were of their chances of making finals but I was more optimistic in predicting Adam Treloar could win the Brownlow, something that looks less likely than it might have this time last season.
What worked
Jeremy Howe was outstanding across half-back earning an All Australian nomination while youngsters Brayden Maynard and Tom Phillips showed they could play. Brodie Grundy is now an elite ruckman while Matt Scharenberg and Jamie Elliott successfully returned from injury.
What failed
The decision to recruit Chris Mayne was questioned at the time and he played just three games for the season before being demoted to the VFL. It was not Mayne's fault that the Magpies did not see him in their best 22 so soon after bringing him to the club. In broader terms, they were middle ranking for defence and attack, wasting opportunities and rarely playing four-quarter football.
Overall rating: D
It was competitive and nearly defeated Greater Western Sydney and Adelaide but it was disappointing overall.
The coach
Nathan Buckley held himself together well in public forums and retained his job under enormous pressure. Needs to be prepared to make more moves and be decisive in his decision-making rather than stubborn.
The leaders
Scott Pendlebury is a champion player but the team has not flourished under his leadership with vice-captain, Steele Sidebottom, an outstanding leader who looks the heir apparent. Taylor Adams gives his all but lacks polish while Jeremy Howe was a surprise mid-season elevation.
MVP
Steele Sidebottom
His class and leadership combined made him the Magpies' most consistent and best player this season, racking up 600 disposals (16th most in the AFL) and kicking 16 goals.
Surprise packet
Will Hoskin-Elliott
At one stage, he appeared the only Magpie who could kick set shot goals. He kicked match-winners against Sydney and Fremantle as he ran up and down the wing all season. A strong mark, he is a find.
Get excited
Callum Brown
Nothing spectacular from Brown in his five games but he appears a natural footballer who gets in the right spots and makes good decisions. He will get better with confidence.
Disappointment
Jordan De Goey
It might seem harsh given his outstanding form in the middle of the season but the fact is he got the Magpies off to a poor start with his undisciplined start to the season. He needs to put every foot right in the off-season.
Best win
Round 11: Collingwood 15.15 (105) defeated Fremantle 12.13 (85) at Domain Stadium
Reduced to one fit man on the bench the Magpies resisted several fightbacks from the Dockers to hang on for what appeared, at the time at least, meritorious as the Magpies tried to claw their way back into contention.
Low point
The loss to Carlton by 23 points in round seven was a harsh reality check for the Magpies, with their game breaking down against the Blues' stingy defence. They scored just 56 points and slumped to 15th on the ladder.
The big questions
Should the Magpies appoint a co-captain alongside Scott Pendlebury?The skipper is a great player but co-captaincy might improve the mix between old and new.
What do the Magpies do to fix its poor ball use?
It's not only the decision-making but the execution that failed in 2017. The Magpies had more kicks than every team bar Carlton but was too safe at times.
Can Collingwood find a tall forward to take the aerial pressure off Darcy Moore?
Moore did well when he had a run in the ruck and he should play up the ground more often to get into the game rather than remaining stationary as a deep forward.
Season in a song
Forgotten Years – Midnight Oil
Premiership window
Just ajar: One false move and the Pies will fall off the tightrope.
Who's done?
Retirements: Jesse White
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Tyson Goldsack, Lachlan Keeffe, Ben Sinclair, Josh Thomas
How should they approach trade and draft period?
With a targeted approach that puts parameters on the type and age of player they draft. They need resilient individuals who have shown an ability to put together 20-game seasons.
Early call for 2018
Collingwood won't make finals unless it begins to put process ahead of prediction. Depending on the off-season it appears to be a seventh to 10th-placed team.
Collingwood Re-Sign Nathan Buckley As Coach
The Age - Jon Pierik
Nathan Buckley will stay on as Collingwood coach, having secured a two-year extension.
Buckley, president Eddie McGuire and football manager Geoff Walsh fronted a press conference on Monday morning.
Buckley said he had woken up to the news of his contract extension and was "humbled and a little bit nervous".
McGuire said the club acknowledged its shortcoming and knew what it had to do to return to the top. The Pies have missed the finals for four-straight seasons.
"We have seen the way this list plays for Nathan. He is a man of the
highest integrity, he has compassion for his players on and off the
field, he is uncompromising in his commitment to the role and we believe
he is taking this group in the right direction," McGuire said.
"As a club we instigated a list rebuild following our 2013 campaign and Nathan has been exemplary in his commitment to developing the young talent brought on to our list and creating a team-first ethos that we believe will take us back to where we want to be as a club.
"The club has taken the One Collingwood blueprint process very seriously and the board took time to consider all the information presented at our meeting on Tuesday night. With the benefit of that in-depth report we, as a board, believe Nathan is the right person to lead this club forward."
By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media's terms and conditions and privacy policy .
Speculation around Buckley's future has been rife this season but improved form in recent weeks has eased pressure on the coach.
It's understood Derek Hine will survive as part of a restructured list management and recruiting department.
The Pies held a board meeting last Tuesday where Walsh tabled his preliminary report after his far-reaching review of the football department. Buckley was told on Sunday night that he would be reappointed. The board had earlier ratified Walsh's recommendation.
"I'm rapt to be supported in the role. I woke up this morning to the news and I was suitably humbled and a little bit nervous, to be honest. I've always had a really strong understanding of what's going to happen and how it needs to be," Buckley said.
"The facts are we've got some work to do and I'm rapt at … the recommendations from the review that was run through the club by [head of football] Geoff Walsh and [interim chief executive] Peter Murphy."
McGuire and his board members needed time to digest the report's findings, which meant Buckley went into the final round of the season not knowing if he would keep his job.
A club great, Buckley has been at the helm since 2012 and has been under immense pressure this season. The Pies finished 13th on the ladder, beating the Demons in the final round to effectively end that club's finals hopes.
The report from Walsh is one of three internal reviews at the underperforming club. The remaining two reports, into the club's governance, and a wider look at where the club is heading in terms of its football, netball and community programs, will be tabled soon.
McGuire said he had "never felt more buoyant" about the Magpies than he does now.
Nathan Buckley will stay on as Collingwood coach, having secured a two-year extension.
Buckley, president Eddie McGuire and football manager Geoff Walsh fronted a press conference on Monday morning.
Buckley said he had woken up to the news of his contract extension and was "humbled and a little bit nervous".
McGuire said the club acknowledged its shortcoming and knew what it had to do to return to the top. The Pies have missed the finals for four-straight seasons.
 |
"As a club we instigated a list rebuild following our 2013 campaign and Nathan has been exemplary in his commitment to developing the young talent brought on to our list and creating a team-first ethos that we believe will take us back to where we want to be as a club.
"The club has taken the One Collingwood blueprint process very seriously and the board took time to consider all the information presented at our meeting on Tuesday night. With the benefit of that in-depth report we, as a board, believe Nathan is the right person to lead this club forward."
By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media's terms and conditions and privacy policy .
Speculation around Buckley's future has been rife this season but improved form in recent weeks has eased pressure on the coach.
It's understood Derek Hine will survive as part of a restructured list management and recruiting department.
The Pies held a board meeting last Tuesday where Walsh tabled his preliminary report after his far-reaching review of the football department. Buckley was told on Sunday night that he would be reappointed. The board had earlier ratified Walsh's recommendation.
"I'm rapt to be supported in the role. I woke up this morning to the news and I was suitably humbled and a little bit nervous, to be honest. I've always had a really strong understanding of what's going to happen and how it needs to be," Buckley said.
"The facts are we've got some work to do and I'm rapt at … the recommendations from the review that was run through the club by [head of football] Geoff Walsh and [interim chief executive] Peter Murphy."
McGuire and his board members needed time to digest the report's findings, which meant Buckley went into the final round of the season not knowing if he would keep his job.
A club great, Buckley has been at the helm since 2012 and has been under immense pressure this season. The Pies finished 13th on the ladder, beating the Demons in the final round to effectively end that club's finals hopes.
The report from Walsh is one of three internal reviews at the underperforming club. The remaining two reports, into the club's governance, and a wider look at where the club is heading in terms of its football, netball and community programs, will be tabled soon.
McGuire said he had "never felt more buoyant" about the Magpies than he does now.
Monday, August 28, 2017
2017 Finals Week 1
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 7:50pm EST
First Qualifying Final
Adelaide v GWS at Adelaide Oval
|
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 4:20pm EST
Second Elimination Final
Sydney v Essendon at the SCG
|
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 7:50pm EST
Second Qualifying Final
Geelong v Richmond at the MCG
|
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 7:50pm EST
First Elimination Final
Port Adelaide v West Coast at Adelaide Oval
|
2017: LADDER ROUND 23
 |
| Pos Position C Change from last round P Played W Won L Lost D Drawn F Points for A Points against % Percentage Form Past five results Next Next opponent Pts Points |
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Round 23: Collingwood 99 Melbourne 83
COLLINGWOOD 6.5.41 9.6.60 12.10.82 14.15.99
MELBOURNE 1.3.9 4.8.32 9.10.64 12.11.83
GOALS - Collingwood: Elliott 3, Phillips 2, Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Daicos, Grundy, Sidebottom, Broomhead, Adams
BEST - Collingwood: Elliott, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar, Dunn
INJURIES - Collingwood: Sidebottom (hamstring)
REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil
OFFICIAL CROWD - 51,223 at the MCG
MELBOURNE 1.3.9 4.8.32 9.10.64 12.11.83
GOALS - Collingwood: Elliott 3, Phillips 2, Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Daicos, Grundy, Sidebottom, Broomhead, Adams
BEST - Collingwood: Elliott, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar, Dunn
INJURIES - Collingwood: Sidebottom (hamstring)
REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil
OFFICIAL CROWD - 51,223 at the MCG
| 1. Demons look to the heavens in finals prayer Melbourne fans will be barracking hard for Adelaide on Sunday afternoon, after the Demons failed to shore up their spot in September. The equation was simple heading into the final round of the home and away season - a Dees win, and they would secure a place in the finals for the first time since 2006. The Magpies, of course, with their season already over, were out to spoil the party, and they did just that. The Demons were putrid in the opening term, laying a miserly eight tackles for the quarter and butchering the ball at every turn. The 16-point loss to Collingwood means Demons fans will need Adelaide to beat West Coast on Sunday afternoon, or at least only suffer a narrow loss. As of Saturday night, Melbourne was still in the top eight, but if the Eagles win by four goals or more and Essendon beats Fremantle, the Demons will once again find themselves out of action in September. 2. Hamstrung Hogan Melbourne's day went from bad to worse in the second term with star forward Jesse Hogan injuring his left hamstring at the 12-minute mark. In just his second game back following a broken collarbone, Hogan limped off the ground and went straight down into the Demons' rooms. After being assessed by medical staff, a shattered Hogan emerged several minutes later and took his place on the bench where he remained for the rest of the game. The unlucky Demon will require scans to determine the extent of the injury, but faces an uphill battle to be fit for finals, should Melbourne hold onto their place in the top eight. Has Nathan Buckley coached his last game for Collingwood? It's the question on everyone's lips, but not one that can be answered right now. According to the Magpies, a decision has not yet been made, but Buckley made it clear publicly last week that he wants nothing more than to coach the black and white in 2018. |
3. Last hurrah for Bucks? Has Nathan Buckley coached his last game for Collingwood? It's the question on everyone's lips, but not one that can be answered right now. According to the Magpies, a decision has not yet been made, but Buckley made it clear publicly last week that he wants nothing more than to coach the black and white in 2018. The Pies finished the season with nine wins and a draw for the year, the same win-loss ratio as 2016, but certainly have shown some positive signs in the last two months. It was a jubilant Buckley that ran into the rooms after the victory and if his post-match reaction was anything to go by, the Collingwood coach looks like he will survive to face another year. 4. Jack gets back to business After two weeks working away in the VFL, Jack Watts found himself back in Melbourne's senior side on Saturday. In an opening term which provided few highlights for the Demons, Watts took the game on, crashed a pack, brought the ball to ground and kicked a centering ball in the middle of the MCG. His classy kick hit a teammate who hit drove the ball forward, with Christian Petracca finishing with the Demons' first goal of the game. Then in the final term, with the game on the line, Watts kicked a risky ball out of defence straight down the guts and it paid off, the Demons streaming through the centre of the ground with Cam Pedersen finishing off Watt's hard work at the end with a goal to put the Demons within eight points of the Pies with 10 minutes remaining. It wasn't an outstanding return by the much-maligned Demon but it was a solid showing with 18 touches, nine marks and a goal. 5. High-flying Howe strikes again Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe has finished the season on a high, after taking yet another contender for mark of the year. The former Demon leapt onto Melbourne star Christian Petracca's shoulders in front of the MCC members early in the first term, plucking another remarkable grab. It's the second time this year Howe has taken a screamer against the Demons. Back in round 12, the 26-year-old flew high above Tom McDonald, taking a grab for the ages. |
| THE MEDIA | |
NATHAN Buckley remains fatalistic over his future, conceding change at Collingwood is inevitable.
Asked if he might have coached the club for the 136th and last time, Buckley said: “Whether that’s the case or not, we’re only ever in the chair for a period of time. “In 20 years time it will be very unlikely that any of us will be sitting in the same chairs and the players will have been turned over and will go. “What the club stands for and what it is, is a representation of the people that are in it at the time. “You get what you deserve and we’ll get better when we deserve better and we put the work in.” Speaking after Collingwood’s gritty 16-point victory over finals aspirant Melbourne, Buckley said he had confidence in the club’s review — regardless of personal consequence. Asked if he had a feeling if the blueprint would contain a recommendation for him to continue, he said: “I have a hope. I have a hope. “But as I’ve said consistently the right decisions will be made because I think the right information has been gathered and I think it’s far more in depth than the outside commentary would suggest. “We’ll clearly all be more aware of what the key decisions are in the near future. “There’s gonna be change around the place. “Inevitably even good people will come and go but the challenge of an organisation is to continue to build and develop the individuals within it. “And that’s our challenge if we want to get to where we want to. “There will be change because it’s inevitable and the club has gone and done a review and put a blueprint together. “There’ll be decisions over the next four to six weeks that impact on that but the majority of the people in that room (changeroom) will still be there and have a role to play.” Buckley privately addressed the playing and administrative group before emerging to savour his 70th victory as coach since succeeding Mick Malthouse in 2012. He said the focus over the past week had not been on his future — nor that of any particular player — but on the need to finish the season appropriately. “We said at the end of last week after going down to the Geelong that we wanted to sing the song one more time,” he said. “To show in that seven-day period the growth and maturity to be able to handle a side coming back at us was really encouraging and you’ve got to enjoy that.” He said the effort to hold off Melbourne a week after blowing a five-goal lead to Geelong was a sign of maturity. “Probably just learning the lessons. We were out on our feet after halftime,” he said. “We had six or seven blokes who were on one leg but I just thought the ticker of the group was enormous. “The ground was looking really big there for a while when they had the ball and were looking to work through us. “I thought we controlled and showed greater composure with our ball use for longer. “That’s clearly an important part of the result.” Buckley praised the effort of Brayden Maynard in the midfield and is confident Tyson Goldsack and Mason Cox will remain at the club..
While Nathan Buckley hopes to be coach next year, the Demons were also left hoping on Saturday night – that they can yet break an 11-year finals drought.
The seventh-placed Demons had the chance to do that against Collingwood on Saturday but a 16-point defeat means they must almost certainly rely on West Coast losing, or not winning by about four goals, to Adelaide at Domain Stadium on Sunday. The Eagles are four points behind the Demons on the ladder. Adding to a dirty afternoon for the Demons, key forward Jesse Hogan hurt his hamstring in the second term and will have scans on Monday. Coach Simon Goodwin was shattered with his team's opening term, when the Magpies booted six goals to one to take charge. The Pies would stretch their lead to 40 points in the third term and, while the Demons fought back, they are now in an "agonising" position. "That's the reality of the situation – you sit back and now have to wait. Unfortunately, we couldn't take our opportunity. We had our destiny in our own hands and with the result comes an agonising wait for our players, our supporters, everyone. We will wait and see," Goodwin said. "At the same time, we need to play better. We have some habits that we need to continue to improve. It just showed again today that we haven't quite got there yet in terms of consistency and the things that we really value. That's our challenge – and today just highlighted that we haven't quite got it right. We will keep working and striving hard. They are well on their way. They have been well on their way for a long time now but we still have some work to do." Goodwin lamented that his team was beaten around the ball and had been out-tackled 70-51, particularly in the first term, "and defensively we were pretty poor early on". Clayton Oliver (30 disposals), Nathan Jones (29), Bernie Vince (29) and Jordan Lewis (27) worked hard through the midfield but the terrible start would haunt the Demons. For the Magpies, Buckley was delighted with the "maturity" his team had developed in a week, having also enjoyed a strong start against Geelong a week earlier but lost. The players once again showed they were united behind Buckley, days after president Eddie McGuire said had that not been the case, then the coach would have to be sacked. Brayden Maynard, given a chance in the midfield, provided drive, Jamie Elliott was superb up forward, while Steele Sidebottom showed courage in returning to the field with a sore hamstring. The Pies have missed the finals for a fourth-straight season and had only nine wins, 12 losses and a draw this season. However, amid three internal reviews, Buckley spoke in a manner which suggested he will be given a contract extension within weeks. He had the players behind closed doors for an extended period, where departing assistant coach and Buckley's long-time friend and teammate Scott Burns was thanked for his efforts. Burns will join Hawthorn. "There is going to be change around the place. Burnsy is a great mate of mine, we have shared a lot of our footy journey together but, inevitably, even good people will come and go but the challenge of a good organisation is to continue to build and develop the individuals within it and that's our challenge if we want to get where we want to," Buckley said. "But there is going to be change and it's inevitable and the club have gone and done a review and are going to put a blueprint together and there will be decision over the next four to six weeks that will impact on that but the majority of the people in that [dressing] room will still be there and still have a role to play." On his own future, Buckley said: "I have a hope. I have a hope but as I have said consistently, I am really confident that the right decisions will be made because I think the right information has been gathered. It's far more in-depth than the external commentary would suggest and, clearly, we will be more aware of what the key decisions are in the near future." The Pies were hurt by injuries this year but their game plan was also criticised, with players regularly going wide or backwards with the ball. Buckley said the list overall was "more balanced" than last year with youth and experience. He said the development of Josh Daicos and Callum Brown, Brodie Grundy's elevation into being an elite ruckman, Jeremy Howe in defence and the growth of Taylor Adams and Sidebottom had been among the positives. Buckley said the Pies were confident of retaining American import Mason Cox, while veteran Tyson Goldsack was likely to be awarded a contract extension. |
COLLINGWOOD star Jamie Elliott says the Magpies were playing for under-fire coach Nathan Buckley in their dramatic win over Melbourne on Saturday.
The Magpies came out firing against the Demons and overcame a few nervous moments to enjoy a 16-point win. Elliott said while the players couldn’t help but notice the speculation around Buckley’s future, ultimately they played for their coach. “It’s there if you want to take notice of it,” Elliott told foxfooty.com.au. “Obviously it’s going to be in the back of people’s heads, you see it in newspapers, the talk around the club. “But at the end of the day, we play for him — like you’ve seen today with performances like that. “At the end it comes down to the playing group but we’ve shown when we play how he wants us to play, we’re a really good side and teams can’t beat us. “So it’s a lot of outside noise, we’re just not worrying about it.” The Demons were fancied to seal their place in their first finals series in 11 years ahead of the clash. Instead, the Pies came out firing, with a dominant first quarter paving the way for victory. “There was a little bit of conversation about whether they were going to come out first five minutes really hot and we just wanted to worry about ourselves, worry about the contest, Elliott said. “We knew that they get numbers to the contest so we had to look after that — and once we looked after that and got it out to the players on the outside, we’d break them open. “That showed in that first quarter when we were able to do that — they got a couple of numbers back and settled in that second quarter and came back and then it was a bit of an arm wrestle for the rest of the game but that first quarter really set it up for us.” Elliott was one of Collingwood’s best players — particularly in the first half, when he had 14 disposals, 10 score involvements and booted three goals. The star Magpie finished his day with 20 disposals, 10 marks and three goals, playing a crucial role in the win — and said it was important to finish the season on a high, even if it was a “hollow” victory. “It’s better than coming in here with a loss and then feeling miserable for ourselves,” Elliott said. “It’s a little bit of a hollow feeling but at the same time I’m proud of the boys for the efforts today. “I mean every game we can’t question the effort — it’s more the little things and the basics that we kind of stuff up and let teams in and then they run away with it. “So I’m super proud to get that win.” The Pies finish the home and away season with nine wins and one draw to their name and once again miss out on a finals campaign. That said, Buckley was able to test out several youngsters — including Kayle Kirby, Callum Brown and Josh Daicos — while the likes of Brodie Grundy and Jeremy Howe took their games to new levels. Elliott said while the year was ultimately disappointing, there were plenty of learnings to come from 2017. “It’s a tough one, there’s going to be a few changes but at the same time, there’s a lot to take out of this year,” Elliott said. “There’s those little things that we’ve got to fix up to be a really good team — we know we can be when we’ve pushed sides like Adelaide and GWS to the line. “So we’ll look at that next year, we’ll refresh, have a good break, come back and have a solid pre-season then get back into it.” WHILE Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is unsure of his position in charge of the Magpies, he says he has hope after leading his side to a 16-point victory over Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday. "Do I have a feeling? I have a hope," Buckley said post-match. Buckley is one of the focal points of a review at the club, after a disappointing year yielded a fourth-straight season out of the finals. The under-pressure coach could not shed light on his future at Collingwood, but said he expected many changes to occur over the next four to six weeks. "Inevitably, even good people come and go, but the challenge of an organisation is to continue to build and develop the individuals within it," he said. "That's our challenge if we want to get where we want to get to, but there's going to be change, it's inevitable." Unsure whether or not he had coached the Magpies for the last time, Buckley highlighted that he would not be in charge forever. "Whether that's the case or not, we're only ever in the chair for a period of time," he said. "In 20 years' time it would be very unlikely that any of us will be sitting in the same chairs and the players will have been turned over and will go." Buckley said that while his side showed more consistency this year, it didn't deserve a finals berth. "You get what you deserve and we'll get better when we deserve better and put the work in," Buckley said. "It's bittersweet on a night like tonight where you've had a good result in the short term, but that's it, the music's stopped for this year." Despite the disappointing season, Buckley was pleased that the Magpies withstood a late charge from the Demons after falling short in similar circumstances to Geelong last week. "We said at the end of last week after going down to Geelong that we wanted to sing the song one more time," he said. "To be able to show in that seven-day period the growth and the maturity to be able to handle a side coming back at us was really encouraging and you've got to enjoy that." Buckley said his team was out on their feet after half-time, but showed good courage to fight out the narrow win. "We had six or seven blokes that were on one leg, but I just thought that the ticker of the group was enormous," Buckley said. Looking to the future, whether he is present or not, Buckley sang the praises of his younger players, particularly father-son selections Callum Brown and Josh Daicos. "The great thing about those two is they just love footy, and that might sound simplistic, but the more people you have that love footy, the better you're going to be." "There is going to be change around the place. Burnsy is a great mate of mine, we have shared a lot of our footy journey together but, inevitably, even good people will come and go but the challenge of a good organisation is to continue to build and develop the individuals within it and that's our challenge if we want to get where we want to. But there is going to be change and it's inevitable and the club have gone and done a review and are going to put a blueprint together and there will be decision over the next four to six weeks that will impact on that but the majority of the people in that [dressing] room will still be there and still have a role to play .... I am really confident that the right decisions will be made because I think the right information has been gathered. It's far more in-depth than the external commentary would suggest and, clearly, we will be more aware of what the key decisions are in the near future." |
Thursday, August 24, 2017
2017 Round 23: The Team
| 2017 AFL Round 23 COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE Time & Place: Saturday August 26, 1:45pm EST MCG TV: Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 8 Max 15 Chance of rain 60%: < 1mm Wind: W 10kph Betting: Collingwood $2.40 Melbourne $1.57 |
HB: Jeremy Howe, Tom Langdon, Jack Crisp
C: Steele Sidebottom, Taylor Adams, Tom Phillips
HF: Josh Daicos, Darcy Moore, Callum Brown
F: Jamie Elliott, Ben Reid, Will Hoskin-Elliott
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Josh Thomas, Adam Treloar
Int: Matthew Scharenberg, James Aish, Tim Broomhead, Mason Cox
Emg: Jarryd Blair, Kayle Kirby, Josh Smith
IN: Tyson Goldsack, Brodie Grundy
OUT: Jarryd Blair, Josh Smith (omitted)
|
Collingwood’s 22-man team for its final game of the 2017 season is locked in. Senior duo Tyson Goldsack and Brodie Grundy will return to round out the year with a clash against Melbourne on Saturday at the MCG. They replace omitted pair Jarryd Blair and Josh Smith, who each remain in contention for a last minute call up as emergencies. Uncapped youngster Kayle Kirby is the third emergency. Signing on for three Grundy’s return arrives as he confirms the signing of a new contract to remain a Magpie until the end of 2020. The ruckman, who sat out the past two matches due to suspension, told Collingwood Media he now calls Melbourne home after leaving South Australia five years ago. “I love the football club. I love playing here,” Grundy told Collingwood Media upon announcing his new deal. “I really enjoy playing on the MCG and running out with my teammates. I enjoy the camaraderie I have with them.” The 81-gamer will team with Mason Cox as they ruck against Melbourne star Max Gawn. Ending on the right note Collingwood will be out to end a four-game losing streak against Melbourne this Saturday. The Magpies last beat the Dees on the Queen’s Birthday in 2015, when Travis Cloke kicked seven goals in a 25-point victory. That match was Collingwood’s eleventh straight without loss against Melbourne, dating back to round 20, 2007. |
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Preview Round 23: Collingwood v Melbourne
AFL
SUMMARY
There will be no easing up for the seventh-placed Demons in this final-round clash given a loss could put paid to their hopes of ending their 11-year finals drought. This looms as a danger game against the nothing-to-lose Magpies. Last week, the Demons just managed to hold off the bottom side, the Brisbane Lions, and the pesky Pies at the MCG might well prove a tougher proposition, considering they pushed flag contender Geelong to the limit last week despite missing eight players from their preferred 22. The Pies will welcome back star ruckman Brodie Grundy from suspension and his duel with Max Gawn shapes as a beauty. The Demons should stretch the Pies' depleted midfield and expose their lack of height in defence, particularly following Jesse Hogan's six-goal haul in his first game back from injury.
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
On his return from a broken collarbone, Demons spearhead Hogan slotted six goals and looked sharp against the Brisbane Lions. His hopes of following up that effort with another pre-finals bag will depend on how well he handles former teammate Dunn, who has been a solid contributor with Collingwood and last week blanketed Harry Taylor.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 19 points
SUMMARY
| 2017 AFL Round 23 COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE Time & Place: Saturday August 26, 1:45pm EST MCG TV: Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 9 Max 14 Chance of rain 40%: 1-5mm Wind: SW 9kph Betting: Collingwood $2.35 Melbourne $1.60 |
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
- R12, 2017, Melbourne 15.14 (104) d Collingwood 15.10 (100) at the MCG
- R12, 2016, Melbourne 16.8 (104) d Collingwood 8.10 (58) at the MCG
- R4, 2016, Melbourne 16.6 (102) d Collingwood 9.13 (67) at the MCG
- R18, 2015, Melbourne 13.13 (91) d Collingwood 7.12 (54) at the MCG
- R12, 2014, Collingwood 8.13 (61) d Melbourne 3.10 (28) at the MCG
- In their Queen's Birthday clash in round 12, the Magpies led by 28 points in the second term before the Demons piled on nine of the next 12 goals to triumph by four points. Jack Watts and Christian Petracca kicked three goals each.
- Melbourne has won the past four clashes between the sides. The Demons haven't won five in a row against the Pies since 1988.
- It will be a contest between the two highest-disposal teams in the competition. Melbourne has been first almost all season in averaging 406 a game, while the Magpies aren't far behind with 403.8.
- The Magpies will finish the season as the No.1 uncontested possession side with an average of 260.6, while Melbourne is ranked fifth on 251.4.
- Melbourne is one of the best contested possession teams, ranked second with an average of 154.1, well ahead of Collingwood, which is seventh with 144.5.
- Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones has reasserted himself in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Since returning from injury in round 20, the midfielder has lifted his ranking from No.49 to a career-best No.31. He is second at Melbourne, behind Max Gawn (No.16).
On his return from a broken collarbone, Demons spearhead Hogan slotted six goals and looked sharp against the Brisbane Lions. His hopes of following up that effort with another pre-finals bag will depend on how well he handles former teammate Dunn, who has been a solid contributor with Collingwood and last week blanketed Harry Taylor.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 19 points
Monday, August 21, 2017
Injury List
Injury Update Monday, August 21, 2017
|
2017 AFL Round 23 COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE Time & Place: Saturday August 26, 1:45pm EST MCG TV: Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 7 Max 14 Chance of rain 30%: < 1mm Wind: WSW 6kph Betting: Collingwood $2.35 Melbourne $1.60 |
||
| Player | Injury | Status | |
| Scott Pendlebury | Broken Finger | Season | |
| Tyson Goldsack | Soreness | TBC | |
| Travis Varcoe | Elbow | Season | |
| Taylor Adams | Concussion | Test | |
| Mitch McCarthy | Foot | Season | |
| Ben Sinclair | Hamstring | Season | |
| Adam Oxley | Ankle | Season | |
| Levi Greenwood | Knee | Season | |
| Daniel Wells | Thigh | Test | |
| Ben Crocker | Ankle | 1 week | |
| Jordan De Goey | Hip | Season | |
| Alex Fasolo | Shoulder | TBC | |
|
ON THE BLOCK: Taylor Adams copped a couple of heavy knocks against the Cats and was momentarily struggling to see, but came back on. He had blurred vision post-game, however, and will need to be monitored. Josh Daicos deserves another game after a nine-tackle debut and some nice moments. ON THE CUSP: Brodie Grundy will return from suspension and Jackson Ramsay will come into consideration. But the injury-plagued season of Daniel Wells appears all but over, with Buckley saying he was unlikely to play the final game of the year. The coach did say plenty of nice things about VFL sharpshooter Kayle Kirby, but was a long way off declaring his AFL debut imminent. SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Blimey, how do you assess this season for Collingwood? Obviously on the whole it’s been another disappointing one given another September in the finals wilderness awaits and another slump down the ladder under Buckley. But there’s been signs of life in recent weeks and despite being outplayed by Geelong for large periods, they hung tough and maybe could have pinched it. Buckley has been coaching for his life. Whether that coaching career flatlines or lives, we’re about to find out. |
2017: LADDER ROUND 22
 |
| Pos Position C Change from last round P Played W Won L Lost D Drawn F Points for A Points against % Percentage Form Past five results Next Next opponent Pts Points |
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Round 22: Geelong 70 Collingwood 59
| 2017 AFL Round 23 COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE Time & Place: Saturday August 26, 1:45pm MCG TV: Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 8 Max 17 Betting: Collingwood $2.12 Melbourne $1.73 |
COLLINGWOOD 6.1.37 7.2.44 9.4.58 9.5.59
GOALS - Collingwood: Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Broomhead 2, Moore, Sidebottom, Blair
BEST - Collingwood: Adams, Howe, Cox, Moore, Scharenberg, Hoskin-Elliott
INJURIES - Collingwood: Adams (head)
REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil
OFFICIAL CROWD - 47,889 at the MCG
| 1. Cats break Magpie hoodoo It was all so familiar, with the Pies making a fast start just like they'd done in their previous three clashes with the Cats, each of which they'd won as underdogs. The Pies rattled on six of the first seven goals and at that point Geelong's top-four spot appeared in grave danger. But in a scrappy affair the Cats found something, adding seven of the next eight goals and finishing with the last two to get out of jail. Now, if they beat the Giants at Simonds Stadium in next week's final round, they will finish second and earn the luxury of a home final. 2. 'The Macedonian Marvel' mark 2 There was plenty of romance in the air when Josh Daicos – the eldest son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos – made his AFL debut. The 18-year-old's chance arose through a combination of his solid VFL form and mounting injuries, and he certainly didn't look out of place in gathering 10 possessions and 10 tackles. Just two minutes in, he dished off a handball at half-back that started a passage that ended with Steele Sidebottom snapping the game's first goal. Twenty minutes later, the diminutive Daicos marked on the southern wing and received a cheer from Pies fans, and his kick to position was marked by Mason Cox for another goal. He was one of five father-son players – the others being teammates Darcy Moore and Callum Brown, along with Cats Jed Bews and Sam Simpson. 3. Last week's Cat heroes go missing in action Geelong's matchwinners against Richmond last week were Harry Taylor and Steve Motlop, but neither produced an adequate encore performance against the Pies. Taylor, who was blanketed by Lynden Dunn, went stat-less in the first term and managed just one goal, and that came from a dubious holding free in the goalsquare in the second term. The hot-and-cold Motlop was decidedly cold, winning just 14 possessions (three contested) and laying just one tackle to fuel further trade speculation. If the Cats are to do any damage in the finals, this pair – and Motlop in particular – will need to find greater consistency. |
4. Cox relishes being the No. 1 man With Brodie Grundy to return from suspension next week, Mason Cox certainly enjoyed his second game as Collingwood’s No. 1 ruckman, enhancing his chances of securing a new contract. The 'American Pie' was hot early, slotting two goals in the opening 21 minutes, the second from an impressive contested mark. Finishing with nine disposals, eight tackles and 43 hit-outs in his 18th AFL game, the 26-year-old is still a raw ruckman but showed his development by winning his share of taps against Cats duo Zac Smith and Wylie Buzza. At one point, the former soccer player even attempted a back-heel kick when wrong-footed in general play. 5. A Cat's family ties to the Pies It was a significant occasion for Geelong youngster James Parsons, who played his first game against Collingwood, the club his grandfather Peter Marshall represented in 23 games from 1961-65. In his 17th AFL game Parsons was dangerous at times in attack, kicking the Cats' first goal against the flow of play with a neat finish on the run from 40 metres. The 2015 rookie selection could have had more impact on the scoreboard but sent another first-term shot from the arc out on the full, and missed a running shot from close range when he went with a banana kick in the second quarter. There was plenty of romance in the air when Josh Daicos – the eldest son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos – made his AFL debut. The 18-year-old's chance arose through a combination of his solid VFL form and mounting injuries, and he certainly didn't look out of place in gathering 10 possessions and 10 tackles. Just two minutes in, he dished off a handball at half-back that started a passage that ended with Steele Sidebottom snapping the game's first goal. |
| THE MEDIA | |
PITY the Collingwood board.
When they meet on Tuesday to no doubt discuss the future of coach Nathan Buckley, how they will form a majority view is anyone’s guess. Here is a side that plays like it has split personality disorder. They are led by a coach who is steering a freewheeling attacking side one quarter and a conservative, mistake-riddled one the next. The Pies led Geelong by 28 points late in the first quarter of this match at the MCG. Careering through the middle of the ground and using the ball on instinct, they slammed on six of the first seven goals. With Taylor Adams winning it, Steele Sidebottom running it and Will Hoskin-Elliott finishing it, Collingwood was taking a top-four side and flag contender to the cleaners. All this without the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Brodie Grundy, Alex Fasolo, Jordan de Goey, Tyson Goldsack, Daniel Wells, Travis Varcoe and Levi Greewood. But then, in what has been symptomatic of their rollercoaster season, it stopped. The Pies could manage only 3.4 in the next three quarters. They went from corridor assassins to wide and slow crabs. The ball movement went from bull blast to impotent. How? Much like the Adelaide game they led by 50 points early in the third quarter before stopping to a halt and settling for a draw, they were like a different side after quarter time. Where did the adventure go? The dare? Collingwood went goalless from the six minute mark of the second quarter until the 22nd minute of the third quarter. In that time the Cats kicked five unanswered goals. Buckley’s Pies have now won three — Gold Coast, West Coast and North Melbourne and drawn one — Crows — of their past six matches. If last impressions last in this caper, maybe that will help Buckley when the suits gather around the mahogany table in two days’ time. Collingwood led for 80 minutes of this game, but at the same time were smashed in the inside 50m count 60-38. They lost by only 11 points. It was a bizarre game. There were more than 50 ball-ups — twice the AFL average — in a mistake-riddled stoppage fest that really did nothing to suggest Buckley’s future is safe or otherwise. Now, Collingwood names like Camplin, Holgate, Leeds and Korda will be just as important to Buckley as the likes of Treloar, Adams and Moore. On one hand, as the injuries have piled up at the Holden Centre, the effort has lifted. But the game style should come under enormous scrutiny at a club that, when it comes to win-loss, has progressively got worse under Buckley’s tenure. Geelong, which had lost to Collingwood the last three times, didn’t hit the front until the first minute of the third quarter and did its best to jeopardise its top-four chances. Forget debating finals venues — on this form it wouldn’t matter where they were playing; they would be found out against better opposition. What is it about the Cats against teams they know they should beat? Steven Motlop, brilliant last week, was poor. Ditto Harry Taylor and Daniel Menzel, which meant that without Tom Hawkins, the Cats looked blunt inside forward 50m. Ten goals from 60 inside 50s tells the tale. In the end it was a moment of quality — a rare sight in this contest — from Patrick Dangerfield that settled it. The Brownlow medallist took a handball on the wing half way through the last quarter and kicked a running goal from 60m to give the Cats the lead they wouldn’t surrender.
The thoughts of Collingwood supporters could well have drifted back to yesteryear when they perused the Magpies' listed half-forward line ahead of Saturday's clash against Geelong.
(Gavin) Brown, (Peter) Moore and (Peter) Daicos are legendary figures, and it's now their sons – Callum, Darcy and debutant Josh – who hope to forge their own successful path. That may still happen in the years ahead but, for now, it's memories the Pies must cling to, for their latest loss was an expected defeat, this time by 11 points on a biting afternoon at the MCG. The Pies have big-picture issues to immediately deal with, namely a board meeting on Tuesday when Nathan Buckley's future is set to be a topic of discussion. For the Cats, their focus is firmly on September. This win ensured they remain in contention for a top-two finish – and a home final in the first week of September – but this did little to inspire. While the Cats were without four of their first-choice players because of injury or suspension, it was only Patrick Dangerfield who had the ability to provide a burst of brilliance. And that came 15 minutes into the final term when, given too much room from a stoppage, he accepted a handball from Cam Guthrie, dashed to about 55 metres from goal and slotted the ball through. It was the moment the Cats had been hoping for. It lifted his teammates, with Jordan Murdoch following up minutes later with a set shot from 20 metres. The Pies were done. Dangerfield would finish with 32 disposals, including 12 clearances, and highlight why he remains the league's premier player. While grinding victories can be worth their weight in gold, that this one came against a bottom-six side on the eve of the finals was a worry. "The way our players rallied was special, especially as we knew what was on the end of this," Dangerfield said. "It wasn't pretty but it gives us confidence." To the Cats' credit, they were able to regroup after an ugly start, when the Pies opened a four-goal lead by quarter-time – with memories of their round-six win between the two clubs flooding back. However, their season-long struggles up forward would return. Whether it was the Cats' pressure or a propensity to too often pass sideways, the Pies would manage only three more goals. This was a grind, and one neither side will be keen to revisit. There has been an average of 25 ball-ups this season; this contest had more than 50. Trailing by three points at half-time, the Cats threatened to take charge in the third term but squandered a 17-7 advantage in inside 50s. They would finish the day with a 60-38 advantage in this area. Harry Taylor and Steven Motlop, so prominent against Richmond a week earlier, were largely non factors. Motlop had a game to forget, highlighted when a handball in the third term was intercepted by James Aish, who found an open Jarryd Blair for a crucial goal. When Tim Broomhead won a free kick minutes later when running back towards goal, and capitalised, the Pies had regained the lead. The Cats lifted early in the final term. Mitch Duncan, Guthrie and Dangerfield were busy. Sam Menegola was influential up forward, while Zach Tuohy and Tom Stewart provided rebound from half-back. Youngster Wylie Buzza claimed a big mark near the boundary. His talent is starting to emerge. For the Pies, it's all about next season. Daicos is slight in frame but ran hard and looked to get busy. He delivered a nice pass to a leading Mason Cox in the first term – but there was no sign of his father's famous dribbling shots for goal. Brown's workrate was also good but it's Moore who shapes as a centrepiece of the Pies' future. His leap and willingness to chase a contested mark is unquestionable – he just needs to get stronger. And a tall marking comrade would help, for Ben Reid offered little. The Pies initially were able to rebound far too easily from half-back, while also denying their opponents any run, forcing the Cats to kick over the mark. And that was the tale of the tape in the first term. Midfielder Taylor Adams, who weathered a heavy hit, was busy. So, too, Jack Crisp and Adam Treloar, who later would concede the Pies' overall ball-use had not been good enough. Moore also had his moments. The Pies' overlap was superb, one chain leading to Cox marking and converting from 30 metres out. Daicos was involved in the next impressive chain, his long kick marked by Cox just inside 50. Cox remains an untapped talent but showed he is learning to aggressively crash packs – and preferably mark. When Hoskin-Elliott followed up, the Pies held a five-goal lead. Was a boil-over on? The Cats, though, know how to work their way back into a contest. Dangerfield lifted late in the first term. He won a free kick and converted early in the second. Duncan, back from suspension, also got busy in the midfield. Where the Cats had been guilty of sagging off their opponents, they were now disciplined. The contest turned into more of an arm-wrestle and but was marred by stoppages. It suited the Cats because it meant the Pies' run had been halted. The Cats also had a loose man in defence, not that he was needed that much – the ball was predominantly stuck inside their attacking 50. Three more goals would eventuate, and they could have even had the lead at half-time had Daniel Menzel's shot not hit the post. |
ALONGSIDE Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield forms half of the most productive matchwinning duo in the league.
‘Dangerwood’ has saturated the market but it does not mean the term is any less relevant. Flying solo, Dangerfield is no less impressive. if anything, his feats are even more remarkable. The Brownlow Medallist, whose MCG performance on Saturday may yield him three ultimately futile votes, was simply outstanding in his side’s 11-point victory over Collingwood. He was quiet in the first half and it was no surprise that the Magpies had the better of the Cats as a result. His output almost always reflects his team’s. Sometimes this is a curse for Chris Scott, but on Saturday it was ultimately a luxury. “He started slowly,” Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson said on Fox Footy. “But then he got his game together and so did Geelong. He loves the contest. You see him on the ground, jumping up and loving the scrap in there.” The Cats trailed by 23 points at quarter-time and three points at halftime. But they needed an exclamation point to drive a wedge into Collingwood. They required a player or two to stand up and change the flow of the match. That player was Dangerfield, with loyal allies Zach Tuohy, Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola in tow. He amassed 13 disposals in the third term before booting the goal that put Geelong in front of Collingwood halfway through the last quarter. For the 12th time in 2017, Dangerfield finished with 30 or more possessions. Of his 32 touches, 24 were contested. By comparison, there were 43 other players on the field and none of them had more than 14 contested disposals. It seems like a weekly ritual, but this was a masterclass worthy of the four points Geelong eventually received to keep its top-two hopes alive. “It was a huge game from Patrick Dangerfield,” Johnson said. “He was the difference once again,. The way he was able to break out of those stoppages and the congestion, we know he has the power in the legs to do that.” The MCG was uncharacteristically muddy on Saturday which played into Dangerfield’s hands. For him, the uglier the conditions the more he relishes the contest. Speaking to Fox Footy post-match, the 27-year-old didn’t shy away from what the win meant for his team. Assuming GWS defeat West Coast, the second spot on the ladder will come down to the Cats clash against the Giants next weekend. That will determine where the qualifying final is played a fortnight later. But for the aforementioned equation to come into play, a win over Collingwood was necessary. “It wasn’t a great start for us and that is something we need to look at, but the way the players rallied after that was special, especially given we knew what was on at the end for us,” Dangerfield said. “It’s not like we went into the game trying to shield our eyes from the carrot that is winning this game. “To achieve it is pleasing. It wasn’t pretty but at the end of the day a win is a win.” The only sour point may be that Dangerfield’s performance increases the likelihood of an awkward Monday night medal ceremony in Grand Final week. GEELONG was not at its best, was missing some of its key players and probably has half an eye on the finals, but none of that stopped the Cats from beating Collingwood on Saturday, and in the process sealing their place in the top-four. A defeat to the Magpies would have put the Cats' hold on a top-four position in real jeopardy with next week's clash with Greater Western Sydney on the horizon. And there were some shaky moments, particularly as the Magpies held a three-point lead over the Cats at the midway point of the final term. But with Patrick Dangerfield piecing together another brilliant best-on-ground display, Geelong flexed its muscles to win by 11 points, running out 10.10 (70) to 9.5 (59) victors. The win confirms the Cats' spot in the top-four regardless of next week's results. It's hard to think Geelong would have survived the scare without Dangerfield producing an MCG masterclass. The Brownlow medalist started the contest a little quietly, but finished with 32 disposals (including 24 contested and 22 after half-time). He also had 12 clearances and two goals, including the match-turning goal in the final term. It was a game of few highlights, with goals at a premium and the class level well down, but when it had to be won, Dangerfield was here, there and everywhere helping the Cats dodge a big bullet. Fellow midfielders Mitch Duncan (32 disposals) and Sam Menegola (28, two goals) were also handy, and Zach Tuohy gave valuable drive with 27 touches. The Pies' better form in the past six weeks continued, but they were unable to win their fourth-straight game over Geelong. Taylor Adams was their best with 26 disposals and 12 tackles, while Tom Phillips (26 disposals) worked into the game, and Matthew Scharenberg was good again across half-back. Father-son debutant Josh Daicos had nine disposals, laid nine tackles and set up an early goal in an encouraging first game. It was all Collingwood in the first term as they took a 23-point lead into quarter-time, Geelong appearing flat on the back of its important win over Richmond last week and the Pies taking their chances to grab the advantage. Mason Cox proved a challenge when pushing forward by converting two set shots while the Cats also found it difficult to contain the spark of Hoskin-Elliott, who also booted two for the term. But Geelong knew the stakes of the contest and lifted in the second quarter to get within three points by half-time. The returning Duncan got more involved, Wylie Buzza created contests in attack, and they wore down the Magpies, who appeared to be running out of options in attack. With Jamie Elliott quelled and Darcy Moore solid without being overly threatening around goal, Collingwood managed just one major for the second term as Geelong kicked four to gain control. The Cats took that momentum into the third quarter as well, with Dangerfield growing into the game and collecting 14 disposals and six clearances for the term. But despite that dominance, and the feel that the dam was about to burst in Geelong's favour (they had 10 of the first 12 inside-50s for the term), Collingwood wouldn't go away. When Jordan Murdoch, thanks to some run and dash from Cam Guthrie, broke the deadlock and extended Geelong's lead to nine points at the 20-minute mark of the quarter, it appeared the Cats were set to bolt away with the game. But the arm wrestle wasn't done yet. Collingwood kicked the next two goals and took a four-point lead into the final change, with a surprise victory in its sights. The tussle continued into the final term, with the first goal of the quarter coming at the 16-minute mark when Dangerfield coolly slotted a long running shot from outside 50. It couldn't have been anyone else. MEDICAL ROOM Collingwood: The Magpies had a concern in the fourth term with Taylor Adams leaving the field with a head issue early in the quarter. But Adams returned later in the term and the club didn't appear to have any other major worries for the day. NEXT UP Collingwood's disappointing season will finish up next Saturday at the MCG when the Pies take on Melbourne. PITY the Collingwood board. When they meet on Tuesday to no doubt discuss the future of coach Nathan Buckley, how they will form a majority view is anyone’s guess. Here is a side that plays like it has split personality disorder. They are led by a coach who is steering a freewheeling attacking side one quarter and a conservative, mistake-riddled one the next. The Pies led Geelong by 28 points late in the first quarter of this match at the MCG. Careering through the middle of the ground and using the ball on instinct, they slammed on six of the first seven goals. With Taylor Adams winning it, Steele Sidebottom running it and Will Hoskin-Elliott finishing it, Collingwood was taking a top-four side and flag contender to the cleaners... But then, in what has been symptomatic of their rollercoaster season, it stopped. The Pies could manage only 3.4 in the next three quarters. |
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)