2013 AFL Pre-season Preview: Collingwood

SUPERFOOTY

THERE are plenty of sound reasons to be bullish about Collingwood this season, not least the top-end quality and the depth on its list.
The Magpies went close last season, despite having four of arguably their best 22 sidelined with knee reconstructions, and their key forward seemingly distracted by very public contract negotiations.
The absences meant coach Nathan Buckley got games into promising youngsters such as Jamie Elliott, Jackson Paine, Paul Seedsman, Marley Williams and Caolan Mooney.
Now those hungry youngsters will find themselves jostling for spots in a 22 that can expect to have greater access to the likes of Luke Ball, Andrew Krakouer, Brent Macaffer, Ben Johnson and Alan Didak, all of whom missed slabs of 2011 through injury.
Furthermore, the list is bolstered by the addition of seasoned recruits Clinton Young, Jordan Russell, Quinten Lynch and Ben Hudson.
On every line the Pies have pivotal players at the peak of their powers, all with considerable finals experience given this team has played in the past seven Septembers.
Furthermore Buckley will be better for having a season as senior coach under his belt, and his charges will be more polished at adhering to his game plan and demands.

PREDICTED FINISH: 1st-2nd

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Travis Cloke
So was Cloke's patchy form last year down to the distraction of contract talks, was it an anomaly, or was it a sign his powers are diminishing? His form in 2013 will tell us more. He is a crucial player, not least because he would be arguably the most difficult for the Pies to cover.
Dayne Beams
Had a break-out year in 2012, claiming the Copeland Trophy at age 22. Wins plenty of the footy in traffic but is also damaging when he gets into space and is a proven goalkicker. Can expect more opposition attention this season, but coped well when tagged late last year. Will be intriguing to see if her can continue improving.
Jordan Russell
Only played seven games for Carlton last year, but could proved a handy pick-up for the Magpies. Is a versatile and deceptively quick defender, who can shut down an opponent or run to create, and is capable of taking the kick-ins. He gives Collingwood more options in how they use Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien and Alan Toovey.
Dale Thomas
Is coming off the most challenging season of his career, largely due to niggling injuries. Had ankle surgery in October, hampering his preparation for the season, but if that returns to 100 per cent expect Thomas to again be among the Pies most influential players.
Luke Ball
Will be interesting to see how Ball bounces back from his knee reconstruction, particularly after being eased through the pre-season. His in-and-under nature adds a dimension to Collingwood's clearances.

COLLINGWOOD 2012 INSTANT RECALL
2012 SEASON: 4th
BEST & FAIREST: 1. D. Beams 2. S. Pendlebury 3. D. Swan
GOALS LEADER: Travis Cloke (59)
TOP DISPOSALS: Dayne Beams (741)