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The Magpies have conceded the fourth most points (532) of any team in the AFL this season, at an average of 106.4 per game. Figures also reveal the Pies have allowed more points from opposition clearances (124) in their back half than any other side. Speaking at the Westpac Centre on Tuesday afternoon, Buckley said the club's defensive lapses were something the Magpies were aware of several weeks ago. "The public are probably two weeks behind us on this one," Buckley said. "We highlighted it after the Hawthorn game (round three). We were pretty disappointed with our ability to prevent large scores. "It's been an issue we have been trying to address, but clearly we need to do more about it." A frustrated Scott Pendlebury raised the subject publicly after the Pies' 46-point loss to Essendon on ANZAC Day, putting the acid on his team's ability to lock down defensively. "They (Essendon) burnt us pretty badly by playing honest football. We started cheating," Pendlebury said. Buckley said the defensive side of Collingwood's game was still a work in progress and he hoped there would be a significant improvement against St Kilda on Friday night. "I think it's holistic. We're not defending as well as we would like to as a team. We're giving up too high a score," he said. With injuries impacting on player personnel, Buckley said it was a challenge the club needed to find a way around. "We've been taken to the cleaners by Hawthorn and Essendon, two very good sides, that have been able to maintain their composure and complete at a high rate," he said. "Our structures are sound ... it ends up becoming how committed you are to defending at the contest and then winning your one-on-ones behind the ball." Buckley also said it was up to the players to adjust their defensive tactics, after umpires boss Jeff Gieschen gave his tick of approval to a contentious free-kick paid against Ben Reid against the Bombers. "There's going to be a hell of a lot more frees than we've known in the past. And a hell of a lot more than are paid at the moment, if we interpret it that way," Buckley said. Pendlebury accused the Magpies of "cheating" after they sprung leaks late in the 46-point Anzac Day loss to unbeaten Essendon. It was the second time in three games the Pies had been burned defensively by good sides - Hawthorn also exploding in the second half of their match for a huge win. Giving up an average of more than 106 points a match this season and with their back-half turnovers proving among the most costly in the competition, Buckley admitted a fix was needed. But the coach had no problem with Pendlebury going public on the issue, saying the statistics spoke for themselves and far harsher words were spoken behind closed doors at Collingwood to address the matter. "The public are about two weeks behind us on this one," Buckley said on Tuesday. "We highlighted it after the Hawthorn game. We were pretty disappointed with our ability to prevent large scores. "It's been an issue we've been trying to address, but clearly we need to do more about it. "The stats are there for all to see ... we've been taken to the cleaners by two sides in particular in Hawthorn and Essendon that have been able to maintain their composure and complete (passages of play) at an exceptional rate. "Whether that's our (lack of) pressure, whether that's their skill, whether it's a bit of both, we need to look after our end of the bargain." Buckley is refusing to panic, believing the Magpies remain a good side - just one with work to do. That is evidenced by a 3-2 win-loss record - the wins coming against solid outfits in North Melbourne, Carlton and Richmond. "We haven't played some of the sides that have been belted. Having said that, we've won three games ... all against very good football sides," Buckley said. "What it shows is we've got some work to do. "I'm not anticipating us playing our best football in round five. We've still got some players to come back in. We know we'll be a better side in 10 weeks than we are now." Ruckman Darren Jolly looks a likely inclusion for Friday night's Etihad Stadium showdown with St Kilda. The veteran pleased Buckley with a strong showing in the Magpies' reserves last weekend after an early season marred by kidney problems and a rib injury. Experienced Ben Johnson may also be in line for a recall after overcoming a calf injury. The Magpies need to fill the void left by the season-ending knee injury to reliable defender Alan Toovey. |
Buckley said the Magpies were attempting to address the issue and the proof would be against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Friday night. "We've been taken to the cleaners by two sides in particular, Hawthorn and Essendon, two very good sides who have been able to maintain their composure and complete at an exceptional rate. Now whether that's our pressure or their skill or a bit of both, we need to look after our end of the bargain,'' Buckley said after training today. "We highlighted it after the Hawthorn game. We were pretty disappointed with our ability to prevent large scores. "Last year Hawthorn kicked an average of 137 points against. I think they went 145 (against the Magpies) two weeks ago, so it has been an issue we've been trying to address, but clearly we need to do more about it. "I think it's holistic. We're not defending as well as we'd like to as a team. We're giving up too big a scores. The stats this morning were there for all to see. They highlighted our scores against from turnovers in our back half and from clearances in our back half. "Our structures are sound. If you look across the competition, the way we set up defensively is no different. It has sutle differences, but it's very similar how most sides set up defensively. It ends up how committed you are to defending at the contests, first and foremost, and then being able to win your one-on-ones behind the ball. "If you put a loose number behind, can he impact? And if you're going to get support, how hard do the runners come to support you, your back six. "There's no doubt personnel changes are going to challenge us, our skipper (Nick Maxwell) is out, our best defender in Toovs (Alan Toovey) is now out, we've had changes to our key defenders in the first five weeks and we're introducing new defenders into that role, so we rely on team defence. "We rely on our forwards to be able to put pressure on, our mids to be two-way runners and our defenders to be able to win those one-on-ones. And we haven't been able to do it for long enough to this point of the season.'' Buckley said he had no problem with midfield ace Scott Pendlebury accusing teammates of being "cheats" on the defensive aspects of the Anzac Day loss to the Bombers. "We're prepared to speak openly about the challenges we have in front of us. There's stronger words spoken being closed doors on where we're are and where we want to be. How much we're talking about what we want and how much we're actually doing it,'' he said. Buckley emphasised the massive blow from defender Alan Toovey's season-ending knee injury, particularly with skipper Nick Maxwell still several weeks away from returning from his broken wrist. "Obviously Brent Macaffer has played the last couple of games there and he has an opportunity to re-establish himself as a defender and we'll give him that chance,'' he said. "Heath Shaw is established back there now, Paul Seedsman, Marty Clarke, Harry O'Brien, have all played down back and they'll all be given their chances there. But, as I've said, it's not going to be one bloke that replaces Alan Toovey. "We're not going to be able to replace a player who has played that period of time with that sort of assurity in his own role. We need to spread that responsibility across the back six.'' And on the free kick against Ben Reid to Essendon forward Tom Bellchambers, the Pies coach said: "I haven't got to Giesch (AFL umpires boss Jeff Gieschen) yet this week, But there's clearly two movements, so under the letter of the law, he's right. "There's going to be a hell of a lot more frees than we've known in the past and a hell of a lot more than are being paid at the moment if we interpret that way, so our players are going to have to adjust.'' Ruckman Darren Jolly is ready to return after testing his ribs in a VFL game. And Buckley declared Andrew Krakouer as "not far away.''  |
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Collingwood Shutting Door
Collingwood Plays Open House
SUPERFOOTY
THEY are the words we never thought we'd hear - Collingwood is easy to score against.
But the reality is the Pies, the former defensive kings of the competition, are being cut open like a ripe watermelon.
Five rounds into the season, these are the numbers that should concern everyone associated with the black and white cause.
Nathan Buckley's men have conceded 186 points from turnovers in their back half. Only Melbourne and Greater Western have conceded more points from this source.
At stoppages in its defensive half, Collingwood has given up 124 points from opposition clearances -- 24 more than any other side.
On average the Pies are conceding a staggering 62 points a game from either turnovers or clearance losses in their back half, better than only the lowly Demons and Giants.
Stoppages all over the ground have become a problem. The Magpies are languishing with a minus 23 clearance differential after five games -- ranked 16th. Dayne Beams and Luke Ball can't return quickly enough.
On Anzac Day, Essendon kicked 13 of its 18 goals from turnover and clearance chains originating in the Pies' defensive half of the MCG.
Downstairs in the rooms after the final siren, stand-in captain Scott Pendlebury couldn't hide his frustration.
"We started running forward of the footy . . . they (Essendon) burned us pretty badly by playing honest football and we started cheating," Pendlebury said.
"We started getting ahead of the ball."
Next door in the coaches' press conference, Buckley alluded to his some of his players' desire to run only one way.
"It looked like workrate to me. Just around the ball, not working hard enough to get to the ball. If you isolated that last quarter and had a look at numbers around the contest . . . when the ball went Essendon's way we just didn't have enough numbers there," he said.
In raw terms, Collingwood is conceding an average of 106.4 points a game, fourth most in the competition.
The past 11 premiers have ranked in the top five for points against.
At this rate the Pies won't get near the flag come September.
Collingwood great Peter Daicos said the Pies players, familiar with playing in a successful team, were conditioned to running forward off the ball.
"And I just think that they're not using the ball as well. They are getting caught out of position and being hurt by opposition teams," Daicos said.
"It is cause for concern, but we're only five rounds in.
"They've got players to come back and if we revisit this in five weeks, there might be an about-face here."
Five Weeks In A Leaky Boat
Collingwood is conceding an average 106.4 points a game this year, the fourth most in the competition. History says that won't get the Pies anywhere near the flag.
In its back half, Collingwood has leaked 124 points from opposition clearances, 24 more points than any other side.
On average, the Pies are leaking 62 points a game from turnovers or clearance losses in their back half. Only Melbourne and GWS are conceding more.
Stoppages all over the ground are a major concern. Collingwood is minus 23 in clearance differential, ranked 16th in the league.
| Collingwood v St Kilda Friday, May 3 7.50pm Etihad 7mate / Fox Footy Weather: Min 7 Max 20 Chance of rain 50%: 5-10mm Wind 22k NNW Betting: Collingwood $1.17 St Kilda $5.00 |
But the reality is the Pies, the former defensive kings of the competition, are being cut open like a ripe watermelon.
Five rounds into the season, these are the numbers that should concern everyone associated with the black and white cause.
Nathan Buckley's men have conceded 186 points from turnovers in their back half. Only Melbourne and Greater Western have conceded more points from this source.
At stoppages in its defensive half, Collingwood has given up 124 points from opposition clearances -- 24 more than any other side.
On average the Pies are conceding a staggering 62 points a game from either turnovers or clearance losses in their back half, better than only the lowly Demons and Giants.
Stoppages all over the ground have become a problem. The Magpies are languishing with a minus 23 clearance differential after five games -- ranked 16th. Dayne Beams and Luke Ball can't return quickly enough.
On Anzac Day, Essendon kicked 13 of its 18 goals from turnover and clearance chains originating in the Pies' defensive half of the MCG.
Downstairs in the rooms after the final siren, stand-in captain Scott Pendlebury couldn't hide his frustration.
"We started running forward of the footy . . . they (Essendon) burned us pretty badly by playing honest football and we started cheating," Pendlebury said.
"We started getting ahead of the ball."
Next door in the coaches' press conference, Buckley alluded to his some of his players' desire to run only one way.
"It looked like workrate to me. Just around the ball, not working hard enough to get to the ball. If you isolated that last quarter and had a look at numbers around the contest . . . when the ball went Essendon's way we just didn't have enough numbers there," he said.
In raw terms, Collingwood is conceding an average of 106.4 points a game, fourth most in the competition.
The past 11 premiers have ranked in the top five for points against.
At this rate the Pies won't get near the flag come September.
Collingwood great Peter Daicos said the Pies players, familiar with playing in a successful team, were conditioned to running forward off the ball.
"And I just think that they're not using the ball as well. They are getting caught out of position and being hurt by opposition teams," Daicos said.
"It is cause for concern, but we're only five rounds in.
"They've got players to come back and if we revisit this in five weeks, there might be an about-face here."
Five Weeks In A Leaky Boat
Collingwood is conceding an average 106.4 points a game this year, the fourth most in the competition. History says that won't get the Pies anywhere near the flag.
| Year | Premier | Ave. Score Against | Rank |
| 2012 | Sydney | 74.0 | 1st |
| 2011 | Geelong | 73.6 | 2nd |
| 2010 | Collingwood | 75.4 | 2nd |
| 2009 | Geelong | 82.5 | 4th |
| 2008 | Hawthorn | 83.9 | 3rd |
| 2007 | Geelong | 75.6 | 1st |
| 2006 | West Coast | 85.2 | 4th |
| 2005 | Sydney | 77.1 | 2nd |
| 2004 | Port Adelaide | 82.0 | 4th |
| 2003 | Brisbane Lions | 85.5 | 5th |
| 2002 | Brisbane Lions | 83.8 | 2nd |
In its back half, Collingwood has leaked 124 points from opposition clearances, 24 more points than any other side.
On average, the Pies are leaking 62 points a game from turnovers or clearance losses in their back half. Only Melbourne and GWS are conceding more.
Stoppages all over the ground are a major concern. Collingwood is minus 23 in clearance differential, ranked 16th in the league.
Monday, April 29, 2013
ANZAC Day Crowd Third Highest
Collingwood News
The 93,373 strong crowd that filled the MCG for Thursday's ANZAC Day blockbuster was the third highest home and away attendance in VFL/AFL history.
It was the 10th time in the league's 116 year history that more than 90,000 had attended a game.
Only the Queen's Birthday clash between eventual Grand Finalists Melbourne and Collingwood in round 10, 1958 (99,346) and the inaugural ANZAC Day match between Collingwood and Essendon in round four, 1995 (94,825) attracted more fans.
Of the 10 games that have attracted a crowd of more than 90,000, eight have involved Collingwood, four of which were ANZAC Day games between 2007 and 2013.
Nine of the 10 games were played at the MCG. The one exception was the Hawthorn v Collingwood match on the Queen's Birthday in round 11, 1981, when 92,935 fans crammed into Waverley Park.
As noted in Stats Central, Thursday's crowd means that 34-year-old recruit Ben Hudson has played in front of a total of 247,577 fans (an average of 82,525 per game) in his first three games for Collingwood.
To put that into perspective, in his 161 games at Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane, the biggest crowd he had played in front of was 78,245 for the Bulldogs against St Kilda in the 2009 Preliminary Final.
That he has not played in front of a crowd of less than 72,254 in the past three weeks speaks volumes for the strength of the Magpie Army.
The 93,373 strong crowd that filled the MCG for Thursday's ANZAC Day blockbuster was the third highest home and away attendance in VFL/AFL history.
It was the 10th time in the league's 116 year history that more than 90,000 had attended a game.
| Collingwood v St Kilda Friday, May 3 7.50pm Etihad 7mate / Fox Footy Weather: Min 7 Max 20 Chance of rain 50%: 5-10mm Wind 22k NNW Betting: Collingwood $1.17 St Kilda $5.00 |
Of the 10 games that have attracted a crowd of more than 90,000, eight have involved Collingwood, four of which were ANZAC Day games between 2007 and 2013.
Nine of the 10 games were played at the MCG. The one exception was the Hawthorn v Collingwood match on the Queen's Birthday in round 11, 1981, when 92,935 fans crammed into Waverley Park.
As noted in Stats Central, Thursday's crowd means that 34-year-old recruit Ben Hudson has played in front of a total of 247,577 fans (an average of 82,525 per game) in his first three games for Collingwood.
To put that into perspective, in his 161 games at Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane, the biggest crowd he had played in front of was 78,245 for the Bulldogs against St Kilda in the 2009 Preliminary Final.
That he has not played in front of a crowd of less than 72,254 in the past three weeks speaks volumes for the strength of the Magpie Army.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Toovey: Season Over
NEWS.com.au
Alan Toovey will miss the rest of the season after scans on Friday confirmed the Collingwood defender has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The 26-year-old is expected to have a traditional knee reconstruction next week.
The injury was the result of an innocuous fall during the fourth quarter of the Anzac Day loss to Essendon at the MCG.
Running alongside Bomber Stewart Crameri towards the defensive 50m arc Toovey's knee simply buckled before he fell to the turf.
Coach Nathan Buckley said after the game that Toovey's loss would be keenly felt by the Pies.
"'Toovs' is a fantastic competitor, he would rate just about No.1 among his peers in terms of who's most dependable," Buckley said.
"Any way you cut it, he's going to be a loss for us. We hope for the best, but it's likely a rupture, so it provides an opportunity for those remaining to pick up the slack that he's going to leave."
Acting captain Scott Pendlebury echoed his coach's thoughts.
"He's a heart and soul player of our team," he said.
"When you talk about the first picked in the team, it's usually Alan Toovey every week."
Alan Toovey will miss the rest of the season after scans on Friday confirmed the Collingwood defender has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The 26-year-old is expected to have a traditional knee reconstruction next week.
The injury was the result of an innocuous fall during the fourth quarter of the Anzac Day loss to Essendon at the MCG.
Running alongside Bomber Stewart Crameri towards the defensive 50m arc Toovey's knee simply buckled before he fell to the turf.
Coach Nathan Buckley said after the game that Toovey's loss would be keenly felt by the Pies.
"'Toovs' is a fantastic competitor, he would rate just about No.1 among his peers in terms of who's most dependable," Buckley said.
"Any way you cut it, he's going to be a loss for us. We hope for the best, but it's likely a rupture, so it provides an opportunity for those remaining to pick up the slack that he's going to leave."
Acting captain Scott Pendlebury echoed his coach's thoughts.
"He's a heart and soul player of our team," he said.
"When you talk about the first picked in the team, it's usually Alan Toovey every week."
Friday, April 26, 2013
Mr Buckley & Mr Hird: Ainslie under-13s best-and-fairests
Canberra Times
James Hird and Nathan Buckley are fighting for supremacy from the Essendon and Collingwood coach's boxes respectively, but 28 years ago they sat side-by-side in an under-13 team photo for Ainslie.
Hird played 253 games for the Bombers, winning two premierships, one Brownlow Medal and one Norm Smith Medal.
Buckley amassed 280 AFL games, a Norm Smith and a Brownlow as well, but that grand final victory eluded him.
Both also boast the illustrious Ainslie under-13 best-and-fairest awards on their resumes.
It was Hird who took the honours in Thursday's Anzac clash between Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG - and it was the memory of Hird that lived strongest for former Ainslie junior president Clare Palmer.
Hird grew up playing footy for the Tricolours and his final game for the club was the 1990 senior grand final, which Ainslie won, while Buckley spent only 1½ seasons wearing the red, white and black.
For Palmer, three things stood out about ''Jimmy'' Hird, as he was then known: his determination, his courage and his ''spindly'' young body.
''[Hird] was very determined, his whole goal was to go to Melbourne and play football [for Essendon],'' Palmer told The Canberra Times.
''He was quite a spindly [kid], he wasn't a well-built fella when he left, [but] he built up and of course became a very good footballer.
''Nathan Buckley was only in juniors and he was only here about a season and a half.
''He was promising, but with kids you never know.''
She said former Melbourne and North Melbourne player Shaun Smith was another Ainslie junior who stood out.
Palmer also coached, and remembers one of Hird's sisters playing in her under-sevens team.
Round 5: Collingwood 75 Essendon 121
COLLINGWOOD 1.5.11 4.12.36 7.14.56 10.15.75
ESSENDON 2.3.15 6.4.40 12.8.80 18.13.121
SCORERS
Collingwood: Cloke (2.3), Blair (2.0), Goldsack (2.0), Pendlebury (2.0), Sidebottom (1.2), Elliott (1.0), Lynch (0.2), Dwyer (0.1), Hudson (0.1), Russell (0.1), Seedsman (0.1), Swan (0.1), Thomas (0.1)
BEST
Collingwood: Swan, Pendlebury, Reid, Sidebottom, Shaw
INJURIES
Collingwood: Toovey (left knee)
SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Goldsack (replaced Sinclair in the third quarter)
REPORTS
Collingwood: Nil
OFFICIAL CROWD: 93,373 at the MCG
| THE MEDIA | ||
A disturbing trend has emerged at Collingwood and it was the focus of Nathan Buckley's address to his side following the disappointing 46-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Thursday. When the Pies get beaten, they get beaten handily. They led Hawthorn by 22 points late in the second term at the MCG 12 days ago and ended up losing by 55 points. They trailed for most of the Anzac Day clash against Essendon, but with 10 minutes to go were within striking distance of the lead. "We have to find an elevated minimum level. We can't afford to let games slip away when they're in the balance," Buckley said afterwards. He was referring both to the collective at Collingwood and to the individual. Feted for his career-best seven goal haul last week, Travis Cloke spilled half a dozen reasonably simple marking opportunities and finished with just two goals on a dirty day. Going back to last year, the Pies have been opened up late in games. Hawthorn has made a specialty of it against Collingwood during it's four-match winning streak, Sydney kicked away late in a tight preliminary final and the Bombers did so again on Thursday. "It's not sides coming at us, it's just us dropping away," Buckley added. "It's not what's happening to us, it's what we're doing about it. It's in our control and something we will attend to and review." "There's a positive and a negative," noted star midfielder Scott Pendlebury afterwards. "We're in games and in the second term we dominated the game, but didn't get reward for effort. We were 4.12 at half-time." "But the alarming thing is that we get blown away. It's over once we feel the game is over. "There's nothing wrong with losing by three goals and hanging in there and hanging in there because that carries on to the next week. "But now there will be questions every time we're behind. And it's not just this year." There will be questions internally at Collingwood about a pair of momentum-killing free kicks that the Bombers received late in the third term that blew the margin at the final change back out to four goals. Both were for interference and while the first to Scott Gumbleton was debatable, the second, to Tom Bellchambers, was downright soft. "They could have gone either way," said the diplomatic Buckley. "We lost both of them - so be it." What won't be debated internally is the disappointment at losing Alan Toovey to what almost certainly will be a season-ending ACL injury. "'Toovs' is a fantastic competitor, he would rate just about number one among his peers in terms of who's most dependable," said Buckley. "Any way you cut it, he's going to be a loss for us. We hope for the best, but it's likely a rupture, so it provides an opportunity for those remaining to pick up the slack that he's going to leave." "He's a heart and soul player of our team," added Pendlebury. "When you talk about the first picked in the team, it's usually Alan Toovey every week." Better news for the Pies is that Luke Ball resumes after his knee reconstruction and subsequent complications, playing for Collingwood in a VFL game on Friday night against Bendigo. And Pendlebury, for one, cannot wait to have him back. He said the Pies ran ahead of the ball and were smashed at the contests for too long against the Bombers and that Ball's eventual return will help address that. "What went wrong in the last 15 minutes is what Bally does naturally," he said. "He hunts the footy and we need that." Notable - In his first three games for Collingwood, Ben Hudson has played in front of a total of 247,577 fans (an average of 82,525 per game). To put that into perspective, in his 161 games at Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane, the biggest crowd he had played in front of was 78,245 for the Bulldogs against St Kilda in the 2009 Preliminary Final. That he has not played in front of a crowd of less than 72,254 in the past three weeks speaks volumes for the strength of the Magpie Army and the power of the big drawing clubs when they meet at the MCG. - Travis Cloke's return of 2.3 was his lowest against Essendon since he kicked 1.2 in Collingwood's loss to the Dons on ANZAC Day in 2009. Tellingly, in the Magpies' seven wins over their rival sandwiched between the two losses, Cloke never kicked less than three goals. - Dane Swan's 30 disposals was his smallest tally against the red and black since gathering 24 touches in the corresponding fixture in 2011. In the three games in between, he gathered 45, 42 and 42 possessions. |
As Essendon celebrated finally overcoming Collingwood on Anzac Day and breaking a seven-game winless record against the Magpies, Collingwood acting captain Scott Pendlebury lashed his fellow midfielders for letting down the side by ''cheating'' and running forward of the ball and being lazy in the critical last quarter. Pendlebury said it was a disturbing trend that Collingwood was allowing itself to be overrun by teams once the Magpies realised a game was lost. ''We started running forward of the footy ... we just thought we were going to run over the top of them and they burnt us pretty badly by playing honest football and we started cheating,'' Pendlebury said. ''I think it is the same as the Hawthorn game, where in the fourth quarter they blew us out of the water and 10 or 15 minutes today, then we got blown out of the water. It is a concern for us ... as midfielders we let the side down, we started getting ahead of the ball.'' Pendlebury said the issue meant there were Collingwood players who had to re-earn the trust of the team by not relaxing their efforts when confronted with tough situations. He said there was honour in losing by three goals yet fighting until the end, but Collingwood had appeared unprepared to do that. ''We have to answer questions now and get the trust in everyone who runs out on the field that no matter what stage of the game, we know everyone is going to toe the line,'' he said. ''The alarming thing is how quickly we can get blown out of the water once we feel the game is over. There is nothing wrong with losing by three goals and hanging in out there, hanging tough, because that carries into next week. ''Now we have questions every time we are behind, we are getting blown out of the water. Not just this year, last year [against] Sydney in the finals.'' Pendlebury's comments were supported by Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, who said the ability of teams to score heavily against the Pies was disturbing. ''It is not sides coming at us, it is just us dropping away,'' Buckley said. ''It is not what is happening to us, it is what we are doing about it. So it is something in our control and it is definitely something we will attend to in our review.'' Compounding the loss was the season-ending knee injury to Alan Toovey. Essendon's fortunes were brighter, the Bombers breaking a losing streak against Collingwood to be undefeated for what has been a tumultuous year off the field, and on top of the ladder. Jake Carlisle had only a sprained mid-foot and would be all right to play next week, coach James Hird said. ''It's another step towards where we want to be,'' Hird said. ''Today is a massive day for our football club and the Collingwood Football Club ... But it is early in the year and we saw last year what happened to us halfway through the year when we didn't get our players out there.'' Resilience Resilience wasn't a quality much in evidence as Essendon's season crumbled around it last year. But it's becoming a trademark of the 2013 Bombers, exemplified on a week-to-week basis by wins in Adelaide and Perth, and now against Collingwood on Anzac Day, three times in one game alone. The Bombers held sway in general play and on the scoreboard the entire afternoon, but that didn't necessarily make their eventual 46-point win a comfortable exercise until the final 10 minutes. Until then, Collingwood always threatened to, and indeed did strike. But good sides find a way to weather the storm, and this Essendon line-up is proving it is a seriously good one. The Pies first came knocking just on half-time through two quick goals, Collingwood having enjoyed eight of the last nine inside-50s of the half. Here we go, thought plenty with fresh memories of last week's third-quarter rout of Richmond. Instead, when the second half began, it was Essendon doing the routing, four goals in 10 minutes blowing the margin out to a then game-high 32 points. Cue a second Collingwood charge, three goals in five minutes taking the gap back to two goals, the big names Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Dale Thomas exerting more and more influence on proceedings. Again the Bombers steadied, the final two goals of the term restoring order, and a 24-point lead. Still the Magpies came at the start of the last, goals from Jamie Elliott and substitute Tyson Goldsack, the latter a real lifter from 55 metres, again leaving a margin of just 12 points. Pendlebury was making the centre clearances his own, the momentum was shifting again. Or so it seemed. This time, Essendon didn't just hold back the tide. It created its own tidal wave, which swept Collingwood away once and for all with six of the final seven goals of the game. |
Collingwood vs Essendon: 10 things we learnt 1. Essendon are the real deal Two successful interstate trips against highly-fancied opponents and now a streak-snapping victory against the Pies. Punters were shying away from the Dons in the lead-up to Anzac Day, with the absence of Dustin Fletcher and Paddy Ryder tipped as the difference, with Travis Cloke running riot last week against Richmond. But the Bombers now have the 'D' word - depth - and genuine competition for spots among about a dozen players both in and outside of Thursday's 22. We said this last year (and look what happened), but if the five-from-five Bombers can get past Geelong in a fortnight, they should already be eyeing a top four finish. 2. Two games do not a Cloke autumn make Travis Cloke was being whispered about as a source of Buddy-like dominance after two stellar performances in two weeks. But the Collingwood forward hurtled back to earth in a big way under that weight of expectation and was well held by Jake Carlisle and his mates. Cloke received plenty of attention but dropped the kind of marks he was clunking last week and kicked just a couple of majors. That's two ordinary showings out of five for the big man. He ain't No.1 yet. 3. Stay out of the weights room It's best not to be too strong, apparently. Two confusing umpiring decisions - both in favour of Essendon - were blights on what was otherwise an enthralling battle. First, Ben Reid turned Tom Bellchambers in a contest deep inside 50, pushed the Bomber in the side and chest and was pinged, resulting in a goal (see Nathan Buckley's reaction above). Then Quinten Lynch was later rolled for muscling Bellchambers out of a ruck contest. Whatever the rulings, they were physical duels that should have been let go. Please explain, ump. 4. Pendles is peeved When you collect 29 possessions and kick two goals - including one from 40m out on your opposite foot - you can pretty much say what you want. But stand-in Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury raised more than a few eyebrows when he ripped into his teammates post-game, accusing them of "cheating" by floating downfield in search of cheap kicks. An angry Pendles is a scary Pendles. 5. Carlisle is all he's cracked up to be Could Essendon stop Travis Cloke? Without Fletcher to float across contests with those spindly arms, it was the question on everyone's lips before the bounce. Three hours later, Carlisle had yet another scalp, having spoiled most of Cloke's best chances or spooked him into spilling the rest. Yes, the young defender often had help, but the he could hardly be faulted on another remarkable performance. 6. Goldsack won't be in green for long Can't see Tyson Goldsack being given the sub's vest again. The Pies utility had more influence inside 50 in his quarter-and-a-bit, after coming on for Ben Sinclair, than most of his teammates had in the entire game. Maybe it's the headband, maybe it's the red beard...either way, he showed plenty in his eight-possession, two-goal cameo. 7. The Pies and Dons can have their day No team deserves Anzac Day more than any other team, but after Collingwood and Essendon pulled the third-biggest home and away crowd in AFL history yesterday, surely we can end the argument about those sides having the rights to it. They do it well, they fill the MCG every year and the game is almost universally watched on the box by supporters of other clubs. 8. Toovey loss will hurt... Innocuous as it was, Alan Toovey's knee injury will sting the Pies more than they'll care to admit. Already short on defenders who can lock down small forwards, Toovey was one of Collingwood's best before his leg gave way in the second half. With Ben Johnson still to return and Nick Maxwell watching from the sidelines, things are looking very thin down back. 9. ...but there is some good news Toovey can take plenty out of Jason Winderlich's performance. Winderlich had 19 disposals and kicked three goals in the Bombers' win, after returning from a horror run of injuries that included rupturing his ACL in 2011 and ripping his hamstring last year. Winderlich was back to his explosive best at the MCG and was among the most influential players on the ground. 10. Alwyn Davey is tiny No earth-shattering revelation there, but it'd be great if his Essendon teammates learned it, too. At least 10 times this season a fellow Bomber has seen Davey one-out against a (much taller) opponent inside 50 and promptly launched a mortar on top of his bonce. Fact: Davey has more chance of winning an arm wrestle against Travis Cloke than he does of outmarking someone overhead. Stop kicking it there. |
Tipping Results Round 5
| Round 4 April 20 Collingwood v Richmond |
Result: Collingwood by 34 Collingwood 16.17.113 Richmond 11.13.79 |
|||
| Name | Winner | Margin | Points | Cumulative |
| Mark | Collingwood | 1 | 33 | 71 |
| Russell | Collingwood | 25 | 9 | 68 |
| Bill | Collingwood | 17 | 17 | 122 |
| Round 3 April 14 Collingwood v Hawthorn | Result: Hawthorn by 55 Collingwood 13.12.90 Hawthorn 22.13.145 | |||
| Name | Winner | Margin | Points | Cumulative |
| Mark | Hawthorn | 24 | 31 | 38 |
| Russell | Collingwood | 1 | 56 | 59 |
| Bill | Collingwood | 15 | 70 | 105 |
| Round 2 April 7 Collingwood v Carlton | Result: Collingwood by 17 Collingwood 17.15.117 Carlton 15.10.100 | |||
| Name | Winner | Margin | Points | Cumulative |
| Mark | Collingwood | 18 | 1 | 7 |
| Russell | Collingwood | 15 | 2 | 3 |
| Bill | Collingwood | 34 | 17 | 35 |
| Round 1 March 31 Collingwood v North Melbourne | Result: Collingwood by 16 Collingwood 15.13.103 North Melbourne 13.9.87 | |||
| Name | Winner | Margin | Points | Cumulative |
| Mark | Collingwood | 22 | 6 | 6 |
| Russell | Collingwood | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| Bill | Collingwood | 34 | 18 | 18 |
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Tipping Round 5
TIPPING
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Round 4 April 20 Collingwood v Richmond |
Result: Collingwood by 34 Collingwood 16.17.113 Richmond 11.13.79 |
|||
| Name | Winner | Margin | Points | Cumulative |
| Mark | Collingwood | 1 | 33 | 71 |
| Russell | Collingwood | 25 | 9 | 68 |
| Bill | Collingwood | 17 | 17 | 122 |
| Round 3 April 14 Collingwood v Hawthorn | Result: Hawthorn by 55 Collingwood 13.12.90 Hawthorn 22.13.145 | |||
| Name | Winner | Margin | Points | Cumulative |
| Mark | Hawthorn | 24 | 31 | 38 |
| Russell | Collingwood | 1 | 56 | 59 |
| Bill | Collingwood | 15 | 70 | 105 |
| Round 2 April 7 Collingwood v Carlton | Result: Collingwood by 17 Collingwood 17.15.117 Carlton 15.10.100 | |||
| Name | Winner | Margin | Points | Cumulative |
| Mark | Collingwood | 18 | 1 | 7 |
| Russell | Collingwood | 15 | 2 | 3 |
| Bill | Collingwood | 34 | 17 | 35 |
| Round 1 March 31 Collingwood v North Melbourne | Result: Collingwood by 16 Collingwood 15.13.103 North Melbourne 13.9.87 | |||
| Name | Winner | Margin | Points | Cumulative |
| Mark | Collingwood | 22 | 6 | 6 |
| Russell | Collingwood | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| Bill | Collingwood | 34 | 18 | 18 |
Round 5: The Team
| Collingwood v Essendon Thursday, April 25 2.40pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy Weather: Min 11 Max 21 Chance of rain 5%: <1mm Wind 28k WNW Betting: Collingwood $1.65 Essendon $2.25 |
HB: Marty Clarke, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Sinclair, Tyson Goldsack, Sam Dwyer
Foll: Ben Hudson, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
Int: Alex Fasolo, Jordan Russell, Brent Macaffer, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas, Ben Kennedy
IN: Tyson Goldsack
OUT: Josh Thomas (omitted)
| Collingwood News |
| Collingwood has received a boost on the eve of its Anzac Day clash against Essendon at the MCG, with Nathan Brown and Tyson Goldsack overcoming injury concerns to be named in the squad for match day. Brown's availability for the blockbuster match-up was placed under a cloud after he complained of groin soreness following Collingwood's 34-point triumph over Richmond last weekend. But despite the abbreviated five-day turnaround, Brown has received the all-clear from club medical staff to resume his place in the squad for the sell-out match, and will likely pair off with fellow key defender Ben Reid against Bomber talls Stewart Crameri and Scott Gumbleton. The sole inclusion to Nathan Buckley's best 22, Goldsack was a late withdrawal from the Collingwood side on Saturday, omitted after coaching staff opted to err on the side of caution and rest the sometimes forward due to reported leg soreness. Although hardly a prolific provider of goals, Goldsack remains the unsung hero of Collingwood's attacking set-up, his defensive pressure and strength overhead making him an unorthodox match-up for opposition sides. Goldsack's inclusion comes at the expense of youngster Josh Thomas, who was substituted for namesake Dale after collecting 10 touches in just under three quarters of football against Richmond. Thomas though has been named an emergency, joining emerging ruckman Jarrod Witts and 2012 first round draftee Ben Kennedy as potential late inclusions. Should the trio not be required, they are likely to feature in a star-studded VFL side on Friday night, joining champion midfielder Luke Ball and veteran ruckman Darren Jolly, who returns from a rib injury. With fellow big man Ben Hudson making a significant impression in his two outings in Black and White to date, Jolly will be eased back into action, enabling the 2010 Premiership star to rebuild match fitness. To further reinforce the embarrassment of riches at Buckley's disposal, experienced forwards Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer will again appear in the VFL, while Nick Maxwell, Dayne Beams, Clinton Young and Lachlan Keefe remain unavailable through injury. |
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Round 5 Preview: Collingwood v Essendon
Collingwood News
Round five commences with the traditional ANZAC Day clash at the MCG between Collingwood and Essendon. ANZAC Day is always the biggest home and away match of the year regardless of ladder position and form, but this year's clash will also be a battle between two red hot teams with plenty to play for.
The Magpies are fresh from a dominant performance against the Tigers and are looking to entrench themselves in the top eight. After a month of playing in front of massive crowds, the Magpies need to refocus for yet another blockbuster match. Collingwood had an amazing third quarter last week which saw the side return to its trademark forward pressure and intense tackling pressure. A twenty minute burst at the beginning of the third quarter totally blew the game apart and would've sent a warning to all sides in the competition that this is a side capable of putting a game away very quickly.
The Bombers on the other hand are undefeated after four rounds. With off-field controversy dominating the headlines early in the season, many football experts put Essendon's early season form down to emotion and the galvanisation of a team under siege. However, the win against St Kilda last round was clinical and workmanlike. The Bombers were simply better skilled, more structured and more efficient. This is a side capable of worrying any side in the competition and could be a real threat this year.
The challenge this week for both sides will be fronting up after a five day break. It could be a survival of the fittest considering both sides have experienced injury concerns.
Recent History
Collingwood and Essendon met twice last season, with the Magpies prevailing on both occasions.
The most recent clash was in round 23 when Collingwood won by 32 points. Dane Swan polled the three votes with 42 possessions, Travis Cloke polled two votes kicking five goals and Scott Pendlebury polled the one vote with 31 disposals.
However it was last year's ANZAC day match which was more memorable. The Magpies led most of the day, only to surrender the lead in the dying minutes of the match. A last minute Jarryd Blair goal gave the Magpies a one point victory. It was truly a memorable match.
Coincidently it was Dane Swan who was the dominant figure on the ground, again polling three votes and again having 42 disposals. He also kicked three goals. Pendlebury was also prominent with 34 disposals and polled two votes, while Dyson Heppell made his mark on the big stage polling the one vote.
If this year's clash is as thrilling as last year's, then we could be in for an absolute epic encounter.
At the Selection Table
Both coaches have some real dilemmas ahead of selection this week.
Starting with the Magpies, and coach Nathan Buckley has at least three senior players who will be pushing hard for selection his round. Tyson Goldsack, Ben Johnson and Darren Jolly all missed round four through injury but will face a fitness test ahead of ANZAC Day. Nonetheless, even if they pass their fitness tests, their replacements in Brent Macaffer, Josh Thomas and Ben Hudson all performed valiantly last round and will be tough to displace from the side.
Also in line for selection is Andrew Krakouer after a 36 disposal game in the VFL. Krakouer has put together a solid month of football at VFL level and must be inching ever closer to returning to the senior side. Alan Didak has also performed strongly at VFL level and is coming off a three goal game. Others impressing at VFL level include Jackson Paine and Kyle Martin.
On the injury front, Nathan Brown should be clear to play after appearing to hurt his groin last round. If he was to be unavailable, Tyson Goldsack or rookie Jack Frost could be potential replacements. Dayne Beams is 2-3 weeks away and Nick Maxwell five. Luke Ball will return via the VFL against Bendigo this Friday.
Turning the focus onto Essendon and coach James Hird faces some similar questions on the injury front. Both Michael Hurley and Dustin Fletcher have been ruled out through injury. Stewart Crameri faces a fitness test prior to the match and seems the logical replacement for Hurley.
However, if Crameri is unable to pass his fitness test, then Joe Daniher may make his highly anticipated debut after kicking four goals in the VFL last week. Also in contention for the Bombers include Travis Colyer and Nathan Lovett-Murray who have impressed at VFL level.
Paddy Ryder and Nick Kommer will miss the match through suspension.
Key Match-Up
Travis Cloke v Jake Carlisle - Big Travis kicked a career high seven goals last week and leads the Coleman Medal after four rounds. This round he faces a tough opponent in Jake Carlisle who has already claimed some big scalps this year. Cloke has a terrific record against Essendon, but typically plays on Cale Hooker. Carlisle stands at 200cm (four centimetres taller than Cloke) and has terrific agility. He also has great hands and sits third in the AFL for marks. Cloke on the other hand leads the competition for marks and goals and also weighs more. This will be Carlisle's biggest test, but it will also be a real challenge for Cloke as he may not have it all his own way in the air.
Focus on Collingwood
After a disappointing loss to Hawthorn last round, the Magpies well and truly bounced back against the Tigers last week. It was the best the defensive structures have looked all season. Collingwood was totally able to stifle Richmond's run and managed the star studded Tiger midfielders effectively. The forward line looked as dangerous as it has all season, largely thanks to the efforts of Travis Cloke.
Steele Sidebottom - Steele has played a variety of roles so far this year, but has looked most dangerous when he plays predominantly as a forward. He had one of his best games last round kicking four goals. He typically likes the big stage and will yet again prove a handful if he spends a lot of time up forward.
Heath Shaw - After an interrupted start to the season, I feel as if Heath bounced back to his best form last week against Richmond. In the absence of Maxwell, Shaw went back into defence and was often asked to play on a taller opponent. He responded to the challenge and played a typical Heath Shaw game, peeling off his opponent to assist teammates and also competing strongly when forced to play tightly on his man. He is another who typically rises to the challenge on the big stage and now looks as if he has regained his match fitness.
Marty Clarke - Marty is slowly cementing his place in the top 22 which is a huge effort considering the depth in the side. It is clear that he has put a lot of work into his kicking and has an increased hunger for tackling this season. Importantly, Marty can be used in a run-with role which is something Collingwood has clearly lacked. In last year's ANZAC Day match, Marty did a huge job on Brent Stanton and may be asked to do the same job again this year considering Stanton's terrific early season form.
Quinten Lynch - Lynch gets another mention this week after yet another impressive game last round. Although he is not kicking as many goals as we would have thought, Lynch continues to add valuable support in the ruck and is playing a role all over the field. He was everywhere last round, taking 14 marks. He is clearly assisting Cloke and is playing a terrific support role. I am interested however to see how Lynch responds when Cloke is having a quiet match. If Carlisle gets the better of Cloke this round, then it would be good to see Lynch play deeper forward and present as a real target. This would allow Cloke to press higher up the field to get into the game. When Cloke is on song however, Lynch is smart enough to vacate the forward 50 and help out around the field, which opens up the forward 50 for Travis.
Dale Thomas - It has been an inconspicuous start to the year for Daisy after an interrupted pre-season. He was the sub last round which may have been a ploy from Buckley to keep him fresh for this round. He didn't necessarily set the world on fire when he came on during the third quarter, but he still managed 10 disposals and also made an incredible smother in the forward 50 which set up a goal. It is now time for Thomas to start reminding the football world how good a player he can be. Making this statement on ANZAC Day would be the perfect way to do this.
Focus on Essendon
Despite the injuries and suspensions to key talls, I have been so impressed by the depth Essendon has in its key position stocks. Despite the loss of Hurley, Ryder and Fletcher, the Bombers have been able to bring in Scott Gumbleton and David Hille, while Carlisle has made the absence of Fletcher less noticeable with Tayte Pears and Hooker providing support.
The Bombers have a tough onball unit and will enjoy the game if it becomes a scrap. I get the feeling that a lot of attention will go towards shutting down Pendlebury and Swan this week who polled votes in both matches last season.
Brendon Goddard - He was the high profile signing of the pre-season, and has been very serviceable for the Bombers already in 2013. Although he is yet to really dominate a match, he has added class and finishing skills to a very workmanlike midfield. Goddard always plays well against Collingwood and you get the feeling he will lift for the big occasion this Thursday. Buckley may elect to use a player like Macaffer to try and shut down Goddard. However, it could be BJ's opportunity to really cement himself as an Essendon player on the biggest match of the home and away season.
Brent Stanton - Similar to last season, Stanton has started the year in remarkable fashion. He is clearly benefitting from the presence of Goddard and the strong form of Jobe Watson. It has meant less attention for Stanton.
Scott Gumbleton - With Crameri and Ryder out, Gumbleton finally got his chance to return to the side. He clearly took his chance, kicking four goals and taking 12 marks. He is fit and may finally be ready to really live up to the early hype. With Hurley out of the side this week, Gumbleton will be a key for the Bombers but will face tougher opposition this week.
Dyson Heppell - This youngster has already established himself as a fine player but he is taking the next step so far this season. He has played predominantly as a midfielder and is racking up the possessions. He has a good tank and is typically a good user of the ball. He adds to a developing Essendon midfield and plays a vital link up role. He is a player Collingwood needs to focus on because the Bombers like the ball in his hands.
Jobe Watson - I couldn't possibly write a preview involving Essendon without talking about the inspirational Bomber captain and reigning Brownlow Medallist. In fact, in next year's preview I may be referring to him as a dual Brownlow Medallist as I have already marked him down for 9-11 votes after only four rounds. With Hurley injured and no Crameri, Watson spent a lot of time up forward and was really dangerous kicking two goals. Despite the time up forward, Watson was still able to pick up 37 disposals and was simply unstoppable. Considering Collingwood is already without Ball and Dayne Beams, Watson looms as the match winner for the Bombers as there is no clear match-up for him. Expect Jarryd Blair to spend some time on the Bombers champ.
The Wrap Up
It is going to be an absolutely cracking game between two in form sides. Collingwood is clearly missing two of its best onballers but is getting more than adequate service from its fringe players. Essendon on the other hand is missing a number of its key talls, but has now developed a really even and balanced side.
Both teams need to get a few goals from its midfield. I think the tall forwards of Collingwood are far more accomplished than Essendon's forwards, however Essendon has a very strong ruck division with Bellchambers and Hille. If these two can get on top in the ruck and provide Jobe Watson with first use, then the Magpies may be on the back foot all day. Further, if Heath Hocking can shut down Swan or Pendblebury, then it will go a long way to stopping Collingwood's run.
This is a huge test for both sides, but I still think Collingwood has the experience to get across the line.
Pies by 8 points.
Round five commences with the traditional ANZAC Day clash at the MCG between Collingwood and Essendon. ANZAC Day is always the biggest home and away match of the year regardless of ladder position and form, but this year's clash will also be a battle between two red hot teams with plenty to play for.
| Collingwood v Essendon Thursday, April 25 2.40pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy Weather: Min 11 Max 21 Chance of rain 10%: <1mm Wind 28k WNW Betting: Collingwood $1.63 Essendon $2.30 |
The Bombers on the other hand are undefeated after four rounds. With off-field controversy dominating the headlines early in the season, many football experts put Essendon's early season form down to emotion and the galvanisation of a team under siege. However, the win against St Kilda last round was clinical and workmanlike. The Bombers were simply better skilled, more structured and more efficient. This is a side capable of worrying any side in the competition and could be a real threat this year.
The challenge this week for both sides will be fronting up after a five day break. It could be a survival of the fittest considering both sides have experienced injury concerns.
Recent History
Collingwood and Essendon met twice last season, with the Magpies prevailing on both occasions.
The most recent clash was in round 23 when Collingwood won by 32 points. Dane Swan polled the three votes with 42 possessions, Travis Cloke polled two votes kicking five goals and Scott Pendlebury polled the one vote with 31 disposals.
However it was last year's ANZAC day match which was more memorable. The Magpies led most of the day, only to surrender the lead in the dying minutes of the match. A last minute Jarryd Blair goal gave the Magpies a one point victory. It was truly a memorable match.
Coincidently it was Dane Swan who was the dominant figure on the ground, again polling three votes and again having 42 disposals. He also kicked three goals. Pendlebury was also prominent with 34 disposals and polled two votes, while Dyson Heppell made his mark on the big stage polling the one vote.
If this year's clash is as thrilling as last year's, then we could be in for an absolute epic encounter.
At the Selection Table
Both coaches have some real dilemmas ahead of selection this week.
Starting with the Magpies, and coach Nathan Buckley has at least three senior players who will be pushing hard for selection his round. Tyson Goldsack, Ben Johnson and Darren Jolly all missed round four through injury but will face a fitness test ahead of ANZAC Day. Nonetheless, even if they pass their fitness tests, their replacements in Brent Macaffer, Josh Thomas and Ben Hudson all performed valiantly last round and will be tough to displace from the side.
Also in line for selection is Andrew Krakouer after a 36 disposal game in the VFL. Krakouer has put together a solid month of football at VFL level and must be inching ever closer to returning to the senior side. Alan Didak has also performed strongly at VFL level and is coming off a three goal game. Others impressing at VFL level include Jackson Paine and Kyle Martin.
On the injury front, Nathan Brown should be clear to play after appearing to hurt his groin last round. If he was to be unavailable, Tyson Goldsack or rookie Jack Frost could be potential replacements. Dayne Beams is 2-3 weeks away and Nick Maxwell five. Luke Ball will return via the VFL against Bendigo this Friday.
Turning the focus onto Essendon and coach James Hird faces some similar questions on the injury front. Both Michael Hurley and Dustin Fletcher have been ruled out through injury. Stewart Crameri faces a fitness test prior to the match and seems the logical replacement for Hurley.
However, if Crameri is unable to pass his fitness test, then Joe Daniher may make his highly anticipated debut after kicking four goals in the VFL last week. Also in contention for the Bombers include Travis Colyer and Nathan Lovett-Murray who have impressed at VFL level.
Paddy Ryder and Nick Kommer will miss the match through suspension.
Key Match-Up
Travis Cloke v Jake Carlisle - Big Travis kicked a career high seven goals last week and leads the Coleman Medal after four rounds. This round he faces a tough opponent in Jake Carlisle who has already claimed some big scalps this year. Cloke has a terrific record against Essendon, but typically plays on Cale Hooker. Carlisle stands at 200cm (four centimetres taller than Cloke) and has terrific agility. He also has great hands and sits third in the AFL for marks. Cloke on the other hand leads the competition for marks and goals and also weighs more. This will be Carlisle's biggest test, but it will also be a real challenge for Cloke as he may not have it all his own way in the air.
Focus on Collingwood
After a disappointing loss to Hawthorn last round, the Magpies well and truly bounced back against the Tigers last week. It was the best the defensive structures have looked all season. Collingwood was totally able to stifle Richmond's run and managed the star studded Tiger midfielders effectively. The forward line looked as dangerous as it has all season, largely thanks to the efforts of Travis Cloke.
Steele Sidebottom - Steele has played a variety of roles so far this year, but has looked most dangerous when he plays predominantly as a forward. He had one of his best games last round kicking four goals. He typically likes the big stage and will yet again prove a handful if he spends a lot of time up forward.
Heath Shaw - After an interrupted start to the season, I feel as if Heath bounced back to his best form last week against Richmond. In the absence of Maxwell, Shaw went back into defence and was often asked to play on a taller opponent. He responded to the challenge and played a typical Heath Shaw game, peeling off his opponent to assist teammates and also competing strongly when forced to play tightly on his man. He is another who typically rises to the challenge on the big stage and now looks as if he has regained his match fitness.
Marty Clarke - Marty is slowly cementing his place in the top 22 which is a huge effort considering the depth in the side. It is clear that he has put a lot of work into his kicking and has an increased hunger for tackling this season. Importantly, Marty can be used in a run-with role which is something Collingwood has clearly lacked. In last year's ANZAC Day match, Marty did a huge job on Brent Stanton and may be asked to do the same job again this year considering Stanton's terrific early season form.
Quinten Lynch - Lynch gets another mention this week after yet another impressive game last round. Although he is not kicking as many goals as we would have thought, Lynch continues to add valuable support in the ruck and is playing a role all over the field. He was everywhere last round, taking 14 marks. He is clearly assisting Cloke and is playing a terrific support role. I am interested however to see how Lynch responds when Cloke is having a quiet match. If Carlisle gets the better of Cloke this round, then it would be good to see Lynch play deeper forward and present as a real target. This would allow Cloke to press higher up the field to get into the game. When Cloke is on song however, Lynch is smart enough to vacate the forward 50 and help out around the field, which opens up the forward 50 for Travis.
Dale Thomas - It has been an inconspicuous start to the year for Daisy after an interrupted pre-season. He was the sub last round which may have been a ploy from Buckley to keep him fresh for this round. He didn't necessarily set the world on fire when he came on during the third quarter, but he still managed 10 disposals and also made an incredible smother in the forward 50 which set up a goal. It is now time for Thomas to start reminding the football world how good a player he can be. Making this statement on ANZAC Day would be the perfect way to do this.
Focus on Essendon
Despite the injuries and suspensions to key talls, I have been so impressed by the depth Essendon has in its key position stocks. Despite the loss of Hurley, Ryder and Fletcher, the Bombers have been able to bring in Scott Gumbleton and David Hille, while Carlisle has made the absence of Fletcher less noticeable with Tayte Pears and Hooker providing support.
The Bombers have a tough onball unit and will enjoy the game if it becomes a scrap. I get the feeling that a lot of attention will go towards shutting down Pendlebury and Swan this week who polled votes in both matches last season.
Brendon Goddard - He was the high profile signing of the pre-season, and has been very serviceable for the Bombers already in 2013. Although he is yet to really dominate a match, he has added class and finishing skills to a very workmanlike midfield. Goddard always plays well against Collingwood and you get the feeling he will lift for the big occasion this Thursday. Buckley may elect to use a player like Macaffer to try and shut down Goddard. However, it could be BJ's opportunity to really cement himself as an Essendon player on the biggest match of the home and away season.
Brent Stanton - Similar to last season, Stanton has started the year in remarkable fashion. He is clearly benefitting from the presence of Goddard and the strong form of Jobe Watson. It has meant less attention for Stanton.
Scott Gumbleton - With Crameri and Ryder out, Gumbleton finally got his chance to return to the side. He clearly took his chance, kicking four goals and taking 12 marks. He is fit and may finally be ready to really live up to the early hype. With Hurley out of the side this week, Gumbleton will be a key for the Bombers but will face tougher opposition this week.
Dyson Heppell - This youngster has already established himself as a fine player but he is taking the next step so far this season. He has played predominantly as a midfielder and is racking up the possessions. He has a good tank and is typically a good user of the ball. He adds to a developing Essendon midfield and plays a vital link up role. He is a player Collingwood needs to focus on because the Bombers like the ball in his hands.
Jobe Watson - I couldn't possibly write a preview involving Essendon without talking about the inspirational Bomber captain and reigning Brownlow Medallist. In fact, in next year's preview I may be referring to him as a dual Brownlow Medallist as I have already marked him down for 9-11 votes after only four rounds. With Hurley injured and no Crameri, Watson spent a lot of time up forward and was really dangerous kicking two goals. Despite the time up forward, Watson was still able to pick up 37 disposals and was simply unstoppable. Considering Collingwood is already without Ball and Dayne Beams, Watson looms as the match winner for the Bombers as there is no clear match-up for him. Expect Jarryd Blair to spend some time on the Bombers champ.
The Wrap Up
It is going to be an absolutely cracking game between two in form sides. Collingwood is clearly missing two of its best onballers but is getting more than adequate service from its fringe players. Essendon on the other hand is missing a number of its key talls, but has now developed a really even and balanced side.
Both teams need to get a few goals from its midfield. I think the tall forwards of Collingwood are far more accomplished than Essendon's forwards, however Essendon has a very strong ruck division with Bellchambers and Hille. If these two can get on top in the ruck and provide Jobe Watson with first use, then the Magpies may be on the back foot all day. Further, if Heath Hocking can shut down Swan or Pendblebury, then it will go a long way to stopping Collingwood's run.
This is a huge test for both sides, but I still think Collingwood has the experience to get across the line.
Pies by 8 points.
Round 5 Preview: Collingwood v Essendon
ABC
The crowd is locked in, the intensity is guaranteed and there is plenty at stake for Essendon and Collingwood on Anzac Day - not least of which is the Bombers' chance to show that they have, for the moment at least, eclipsed their rivals in this most tumultuous of seasons.
Despite off-field concerns at Essendon with ongoing investigations into the Bombers' supplements program, James Hird's men have so far managed to focus on football with great results.
The emotional peak came at Subiaco a fortnight ago when the team came back from a 36-point half-time deficit to seal a dramatic win over Fremantle.
The playing group - including star recruit Brendon Goddard - are clearly playing for the coach and after four rounds Essendon is unbeaten on top of the ladder.
This is the same scenario as 2012 when the Bombers came to Anzac Day 4-0 only to lose by a point to the Pies thanks to a controversial goal to Jarryd Blair in the last 90 seconds.
Collingwood has beaten Essendon in six of the last seven editions of this early-season classic - the last time the Bombers won on April 25 was in 2009, when it took a snap in the pouring rain from David Zaharakis with 30 seconds left to get over the line.
Motivation is never lacking for either side on this day, but a win would be doubly sweet for the Bombers, giving three-times Anzac medallist Hird his first victory as a coach and sending a message that his side is a genuine top-four and flag contender.
The outs for Essendon this week are damaging. Key position player Michael Hurley was in great form before he damaged his ankle in last week's win over St Kilda, while veteran defender Dustin Fletcher is likely to miss his second straight game with groin problems.
At the Magpies, some early season concerns were wiped away with the team's imperious performance in beating Richmond at the MCG, led by a seven-goal haul from Travis Cloke.
Collingwood is missing captain Nick Maxwell, Luke Ball, Dayne Beams and ruckman Darren Jolly but the team is 3-1 and starting to fire under coach Nathan Buckley. The combination of as rejuvenated Cloke and former West Coast Eagle big man Quinten Lynch is proving extremely potent in attack.
One of the keys will be whether the likes of Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson and Ben Howlett can turn the Bombers' likely dominance in the ruck into a strong win at the clearances. For Collingwood the same applies, with Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury and others' ability to provide quick, direct ball to Cloke, Lynch and the crumbers a recipe for success.
The crowd is locked in, the intensity is guaranteed and there is plenty at stake for Essendon and Collingwood on Anzac Day - not least of which is the Bombers' chance to show that they have, for the moment at least, eclipsed their rivals in this most tumultuous of seasons.
| Collingwood v Essendon Thursday, April 25 2.40pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy Weather: Min 11 Max 21 Chance of rain 10%: <1mm Wind 28k WNW Betting: Collingwood $1.63 Essendon $2.30 |
The emotional peak came at Subiaco a fortnight ago when the team came back from a 36-point half-time deficit to seal a dramatic win over Fremantle.
The playing group - including star recruit Brendon Goddard - are clearly playing for the coach and after four rounds Essendon is unbeaten on top of the ladder.
This is the same scenario as 2012 when the Bombers came to Anzac Day 4-0 only to lose by a point to the Pies thanks to a controversial goal to Jarryd Blair in the last 90 seconds.
Collingwood has beaten Essendon in six of the last seven editions of this early-season classic - the last time the Bombers won on April 25 was in 2009, when it took a snap in the pouring rain from David Zaharakis with 30 seconds left to get over the line.
Motivation is never lacking for either side on this day, but a win would be doubly sweet for the Bombers, giving three-times Anzac medallist Hird his first victory as a coach and sending a message that his side is a genuine top-four and flag contender.
The outs for Essendon this week are damaging. Key position player Michael Hurley was in great form before he damaged his ankle in last week's win over St Kilda, while veteran defender Dustin Fletcher is likely to miss his second straight game with groin problems.
At the Magpies, some early season concerns were wiped away with the team's imperious performance in beating Richmond at the MCG, led by a seven-goal haul from Travis Cloke.
Collingwood is missing captain Nick Maxwell, Luke Ball, Dayne Beams and ruckman Darren Jolly but the team is 3-1 and starting to fire under coach Nathan Buckley. The combination of as rejuvenated Cloke and former West Coast Eagle big man Quinten Lynch is proving extremely potent in attack.
One of the keys will be whether the likes of Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson and Ben Howlett can turn the Bombers' likely dominance in the ruck into a strong win at the clearances. For Collingwood the same applies, with Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury and others' ability to provide quick, direct ball to Cloke, Lynch and the crumbers a recipe for success.
ANZAC Day Round 5: Jolly Out
Collingwood News
Magpie ruckman Darren Jolly has been ruled out of Thursday's ANZAC Day clash and will resume via the VFL on Friday night as he returns from a rib cartilage injury suffered in round two against Carlton.
Collingwood is yet to make a decision on whether veteran Ben Hudson will retain his spot after two solid performances or whether the club will introduce Jarrod Witts to make his debut on ANZAC Day.
"It's all about balancing up whether Huddo (Ben Hudson) has recovered well enough - we feel that he is thereabouts - or whether we go with the youth," coach Nathan Buckley said.
Buckley said Jolly needed time to work his way back to fitness and the Magpies trusted the incumbents to do the job.
The coach confirmed that defender Nathan Brown, who had a slight injury concern after Saturday's game against Richmond was available for selection, as are Ben Johnson and Tyson Goldsack who missed last week's game through injury.
After 36 possessions in the VFL last week, Buckley said Andrew Krakouer would be considered and he praised the performances of Alan Didak too.
"One of the great headaches that we have is that we have players that are now physically able and their form is up and about," Buckley said.
"The pressure is on the incumbents to perform."
Another exciting development for Collingwood is the return of Luke Ball who will be under Jolly's feet in the VFL on Friday night.
Ball is returning to the game after a knee reconstruction following an injury suffered in round three, 2012.
Buckley noted it had been 54 weeks since Ball had injured his knee and the Magpie midfielder had gone above and beyond what was required during his rehabilitation to ensure he was ready to go.
"(He is) understandably eager and a little bit nervous about getting out there," Buckley said. "He is the ultimate professional and it is just fantastic for the club for him to be up on his feet and playing a game of footy."
Magpie ruckman Darren Jolly has been ruled out of Thursday's ANZAC Day clash and will resume via the VFL on Friday night as he returns from a rib cartilage injury suffered in round two against Carlton.
| Collingwood v Essendon Thursday, April 25 2.40pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy Weather: Min 11 Max 21 Chance of rain 10%: <1mm Wind 28k WNW Betting: Collingwood $1.63 Essendon $2.30 |
"It's all about balancing up whether Huddo (Ben Hudson) has recovered well enough - we feel that he is thereabouts - or whether we go with the youth," coach Nathan Buckley said.
Buckley said Jolly needed time to work his way back to fitness and the Magpies trusted the incumbents to do the job.
The coach confirmed that defender Nathan Brown, who had a slight injury concern after Saturday's game against Richmond was available for selection, as are Ben Johnson and Tyson Goldsack who missed last week's game through injury.
After 36 possessions in the VFL last week, Buckley said Andrew Krakouer would be considered and he praised the performances of Alan Didak too.
"One of the great headaches that we have is that we have players that are now physically able and their form is up and about," Buckley said.
"The pressure is on the incumbents to perform."
Another exciting development for Collingwood is the return of Luke Ball who will be under Jolly's feet in the VFL on Friday night.
Ball is returning to the game after a knee reconstruction following an injury suffered in round three, 2012.
Buckley noted it had been 54 weeks since Ball had injured his knee and the Magpie midfielder had gone above and beyond what was required during his rehabilitation to ensure he was ready to go.
"(He is) understandably eager and a little bit nervous about getting out there," Buckley said. "He is the ultimate professional and it is just fantastic for the club for him to be up on his feet and playing a game of footy."
Round 5 Preview: Collingwood v Essendon
Sportal
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 226, Essendon 98, Collingwood 124, Draws 4
LAST TIME: Collingwood 14.20 (104) def Essendon 10.12 (72) at the MCG, Round 23 2012
WALKING WOUNDED:
Essendon were hit with a double blow with Michael Hurley (ankle) and Dustin Fletcher (groin) both ruled out. With Paddy Ryder missing through suspension, the door is open for father-son recruit Joe Daniher to make his debut, while Stewart Crameri is also available having recovered from his knee complaint. Collingwood look set to boosted by the return of Darren Jolly, who has missed the past two weeks with a rib injury. But they will be sweating on the fitness of Nathan Brown (groin) and Tyson Goldsack (calf), who are both racing the clock to be fit. Small forwards Andrew Krakouer and Alan Didak have both been playing in the VFL and will be considered, while Dayne Beams (quad) and former Hawk Clinton Young (hamstring) are still a few weeks away. Captain Nick Maxwell is still sidelined for another month with a broken wrist, but in some good news, Luke Ball will play in the VFL this week - his first competitive match since rupturing his ACL in Round 3 last year.
FORM:
Essendon continued their perfect start to the season with a routine 37-point win over St Kilda. After a six-goal opening term, the Bombers were never really troubled as they cruised to the easy win. Essendon have surprised everyone with their start given they were rocked by the drugs scandal of the eve of the season. But they have managed to put that aside to post two impressive wins interstate against Adelaide and Fremantle, as well as accounting for easybeats Melbourne and St Kilda.
Collingwood bounced back from their heavy loss to Hawthorn with a dominant victory over the previously undefeated Richmond. After a tight first half, the Pies blew the game open with an eight-goal third term that powered them to a 34-point victory. Travis Cloke was the catalyst with four goals in the quarter as he finished with a career-high seven. Collingwood are sitting pretty with three wins from their opening four games.
WE THINK:
There's no bigger game in the home and away season and this Anzac Day blockbuster is shaping as another beauty. The undefeated Bombers are flying, but the Magpies have already shown they will be contenders once again despite a growing injury list. Both sides are missing a host of first-team players so absentees can't be used as an excuse for either team.
Brownlow Medalist Dane Swan has loved playing Essendon in recent years, averaging a ridiculous 43 disposals in the past three matches. The star midfielder has started the season in fine touch and will need be stopped if the Bombers are to halt their seven-match losing streak against the Pies. Travis Cloke looms as another match-winner after his superb performance last week and if he gets going then Collingwood will be hard to stop.
But Essendon have their own star performers with reigning Brownlow Medalist Jobe Watson beginning the year in fine fashion, while the likes of Brent Stanton, David Zaharakis, Brendon Goddard, Dyson Heppell and Ben Howlett have all made the Bombers midfield are formidable group. But without Michael Hurley and Paddy Ryder, they might struggle to kick a winning score and will need another big game from injury-prone forward Scott Gumbleton to have any chance of securing a victory.
But we can't see that happening and expect the Pies to be too good for their rivals in front of a bumper crowd at the MCG. Collingwood by 22 points.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 226, Essendon 98, Collingwood 124, Draws 4
LAST TIME: Collingwood 14.20 (104) def Essendon 10.12 (72) at the MCG, Round 23 2012
| Collingwood v Essendon Thursday, April 25 2.40pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy Weather: Min 11 Max 22 Chance of rain 10%: <1mm Wind 18k NW Betting: Collingwood $1.63 Essendon $2.30 |
WALKING WOUNDED:
Essendon were hit with a double blow with Michael Hurley (ankle) and Dustin Fletcher (groin) both ruled out. With Paddy Ryder missing through suspension, the door is open for father-son recruit Joe Daniher to make his debut, while Stewart Crameri is also available having recovered from his knee complaint. Collingwood look set to boosted by the return of Darren Jolly, who has missed the past two weeks with a rib injury. But they will be sweating on the fitness of Nathan Brown (groin) and Tyson Goldsack (calf), who are both racing the clock to be fit. Small forwards Andrew Krakouer and Alan Didak have both been playing in the VFL and will be considered, while Dayne Beams (quad) and former Hawk Clinton Young (hamstring) are still a few weeks away. Captain Nick Maxwell is still sidelined for another month with a broken wrist, but in some good news, Luke Ball will play in the VFL this week - his first competitive match since rupturing his ACL in Round 3 last year.
FORM:
Essendon continued their perfect start to the season with a routine 37-point win over St Kilda. After a six-goal opening term, the Bombers were never really troubled as they cruised to the easy win. Essendon have surprised everyone with their start given they were rocked by the drugs scandal of the eve of the season. But they have managed to put that aside to post two impressive wins interstate against Adelaide and Fremantle, as well as accounting for easybeats Melbourne and St Kilda.
Collingwood bounced back from their heavy loss to Hawthorn with a dominant victory over the previously undefeated Richmond. After a tight first half, the Pies blew the game open with an eight-goal third term that powered them to a 34-point victory. Travis Cloke was the catalyst with four goals in the quarter as he finished with a career-high seven. Collingwood are sitting pretty with three wins from their opening four games.
WE THINK:
There's no bigger game in the home and away season and this Anzac Day blockbuster is shaping as another beauty. The undefeated Bombers are flying, but the Magpies have already shown they will be contenders once again despite a growing injury list. Both sides are missing a host of first-team players so absentees can't be used as an excuse for either team.
Brownlow Medalist Dane Swan has loved playing Essendon in recent years, averaging a ridiculous 43 disposals in the past three matches. The star midfielder has started the season in fine touch and will need be stopped if the Bombers are to halt their seven-match losing streak against the Pies. Travis Cloke looms as another match-winner after his superb performance last week and if he gets going then Collingwood will be hard to stop.
But Essendon have their own star performers with reigning Brownlow Medalist Jobe Watson beginning the year in fine fashion, while the likes of Brent Stanton, David Zaharakis, Brendon Goddard, Dyson Heppell and Ben Howlett have all made the Bombers midfield are formidable group. But without Michael Hurley and Paddy Ryder, they might struggle to kick a winning score and will need another big game from injury-prone forward Scott Gumbleton to have any chance of securing a victory.
But we can't see that happening and expect the Pies to be too good for their rivals in front of a bumper crowd at the MCG. Collingwood by 22 points.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Injuries Update
|
Collingwood are set to regain No.1 ruckman Darren Jolly for the AFL Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon after a Monday morning fitness test. Magpies coaching director Rodney Eade told FOX FOOTY's AFL360 that Jolly was on track for the Thursday clash at the MCG. Jolly has been out of action since the round-two win over Carlton with rib damage. The test involved Jolly practising ruckwork against an opponent. "He ran last week, so it was obviously a bit more of a physical test this morning to see whether he can stretch,'' Eade said. "There are no signs (of soreness), so he'll be available ... he's up for selection.''Essendon will definitely be without forward Michael Hurley (ankle) and veteran defender Dustin Fletcher (groin), although Bombers senior assistant coach Mark Thompson told AFL 360 that Hurley wouldn't be sidelined for long. "We're pretty lucky - he hasn't got any really significant injury," Thompson said. "He had the x-ray and it's not broken - he'll probably platy the week after."
Essendon's vaunted key-position depth will face another major test this week, with Michael Hurley and Dustin Fletcher to miss the annual ANZAC Day blockbuster against Collingwood.
Hurley suffered an ankle injury in Saturday's win over St Kilda and will be a definite absentee against the Magpies, with veteran defender Fletcher (groin) almost certain to sit out a second straight game. Both are likely to return for the round-six clash against GWS Giants. Key forward Stewart Crameri is the obvious replacement for Hurley, while boom recruit Joe Daniher is in the mix to make his AFL debut before a packed house at the MCG against the Magpies. And skipper Jobe Watson is confident that injury-plagued Scott Gumbleton will be able to back up from a five-day break after kicking four goals against the Saints in his first senior game of 2013. |
COLLINGWOOD'S Luke Ball will return to football in the VFL on Friday more than 12 months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Carlton in Round 3 last year. Ball had a full reconstruction and was set to return for Round 1, but suffered hamstring soreness after a piece of it was removed and used as a graft in his damaged knee. The Magpies were forced to reduce Ball's training workload so he could overcome tenderness in the hamstring, but he's set to play Bendigo Gold at Queen Elizabeth Oval on Friday night. Tomorrow's training session will be Collingwood's only one for the week as the team prepares for Thursday's Anzac Day clash with Essendon at the MCG. Club footballer manager Geoff Walsh said yesterday the availability of players would become clearer after the light session. He said he expected ruckman Darren Jolly, who has been sidelined for two games with a rib injury, to be available. Veteran midfielder Ben Johnson, who was ruled out of the weekend clash with Richmond because of a calf injury, is a chance to return. Nathan Brown, who suffered a groin injury against the Tigers, and Tyson Goldsack, who withdrew from the game because of a calf complaint, must prove their fitness at tomorrow's session. "They will be tested on the track for their fitness," Walsh said. "We won't know about a lot of the players until we have the one session on the track, but we are thinking that Jolly will play. "We think Goldy will be right because he didn't miss by too much on Saturday with some calf soreness."Small forwards Andrew Krakouer and Alan Didak have been playing the VFL because of interrupted pre-seasons and it will be up to coach Nathan Buckley and his match committee to decide whether they have earned a recall. Walsh said captain Nick Maxwell would probably be out for another two to three weeks with a broken wrist. Dayne Beams (quad) and former Hawthorn player Clinton Young (hamstring) are also about two or three weeks away from resuming. |
Monday, April 22, 2013
Collingwood v Richmond ANZAC Day Game History
Wikipedia
The modern version of the Anzac Day clash was conceived by then Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy while pottering in his garden in the mid-90s. Sheedy, who had done two years service in the army after being drafted to Richmond in 1969, thought back to the success of the Collingwood-Richmond game in 1977, and considered how the football on Anzac Day could pay suitable tribute to those who had served their country. Sheedy organised a meeting with officials from Essendon and Collingwood, and the then Victorian Returned and Services League (RSL) President Bruce Ruxton, who was also a keen Collingwood supporter, and proposed his concept for the match day and game which would honour the Anzac spirit. Despite their previous opposition to football on Anzac Day, Ruxton and the RSL agreed with Sheedy's proposal, as did the AFL.
The first annual Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon was played on Tuesday, 25 April 1995 at the MCG. The round-four match received limited publicity as there had already been AFL matches played on 25 April. Essendon had won its first three games of the season, however, Collingwood were without a victory. Soon after the Anzac Day march in the city, patrons flocked to the ground. Crowds outside the ground were so substantial at 12.30 pm, that Collingwood coach Leigh Matthews thought the gates to the ground must have still been locked. When the gates were closed at 1.30 pm-still 40 minutes before the start of the match-20,000 additional people had to be dispersed by mounted police, while they attempted to gain admission into the stadium. Thousands of these people descended to the nearby Fitzroy Gardens, where they listened to the match on radio.
Played on a sunny autumn day, both teams kicked six goals in the first quarter. Before a three-goal-to-one second quarter helped Essendon lead by 16-points at half-time. However, the momentum swayed in the third-quarter, when Collingwood kicked seven-goals-to-two, giving them a 14-point lead at the break. Essendon started strongly in the final term, and when James Hird snapped a goal late in the quarter, he gave his team a six point advantage. Saverio "Sav" Rocca leapt and took "one of the marks of the year" in the forward-line soon after. At the 28-minute mark he capitalised by kicking the goal and levelling the scores. With just seconds left, Nathan Buckley had an opportunity to score; however, he elected to kick to Rocca, who was cut off. Seconds later, the siren sounded; both team's score on 111. Roars from the 94,825 crowd during the match could easily be heard from a kilometre away; and the crowd remains the second-highest home and away crowd in VFL/AFL history, surpassed only by the 99,346 who attended the Collingwood-Melbourne Queen's Birthday clash in 1958.
Today, this game is often considered the biggest match of the AFL season outside of the finals, sometimes drawing bigger crowds than all but the Grand Final, and often selling out in advance. As a point of comparison, in the National Rugby League, the Sydney Roosters and St. George Illawarra Dragons have played on Anzac Day since 2002, but generally without the increase in crowd numbers compared to other games as seen in the AFL. However, Anzac Day matches have been a regular part of the rugby league season for over 80 years.
In recent years, other clubs and some sections of the media have lobbied for the game to be shared amongst all clubs, not just Collingwood and Essendon. Since 1996, one year after the team's inception, Fremantle has held the Len Hall Tribute Game, named in honour of Western Australia's last Gallipoli veteran. This game is regularly held on Anzac Day as a Western Australian featured game. With Anzac Day falling on a Saturday in 2009, four games were scheduled for the day, yet the largest fixture (the MCG) continued to host Collingwood and Essendon at the exclusion of other clubs. Critics have argued that this fixture should be shared.
The modern version of the Anzac Day clash was conceived by then Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy while pottering in his garden in the mid-90s. Sheedy, who had done two years service in the army after being drafted to Richmond in 1969, thought back to the success of the Collingwood-Richmond game in 1977, and considered how the football on Anzac Day could pay suitable tribute to those who had served their country. Sheedy organised a meeting with officials from Essendon and Collingwood, and the then Victorian Returned and Services League (RSL) President Bruce Ruxton, who was also a keen Collingwood supporter, and proposed his concept for the match day and game which would honour the Anzac spirit. Despite their previous opposition to football on Anzac Day, Ruxton and the RSL agreed with Sheedy's proposal, as did the AFL.
The first annual Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon was played on Tuesday, 25 April 1995 at the MCG. The round-four match received limited publicity as there had already been AFL matches played on 25 April. Essendon had won its first three games of the season, however, Collingwood were without a victory. Soon after the Anzac Day march in the city, patrons flocked to the ground. Crowds outside the ground were so substantial at 12.30 pm, that Collingwood coach Leigh Matthews thought the gates to the ground must have still been locked. When the gates were closed at 1.30 pm-still 40 minutes before the start of the match-20,000 additional people had to be dispersed by mounted police, while they attempted to gain admission into the stadium. Thousands of these people descended to the nearby Fitzroy Gardens, where they listened to the match on radio.
Played on a sunny autumn day, both teams kicked six goals in the first quarter. Before a three-goal-to-one second quarter helped Essendon lead by 16-points at half-time. However, the momentum swayed in the third-quarter, when Collingwood kicked seven-goals-to-two, giving them a 14-point lead at the break. Essendon started strongly in the final term, and when James Hird snapped a goal late in the quarter, he gave his team a six point advantage. Saverio "Sav" Rocca leapt and took "one of the marks of the year" in the forward-line soon after. At the 28-minute mark he capitalised by kicking the goal and levelling the scores. With just seconds left, Nathan Buckley had an opportunity to score; however, he elected to kick to Rocca, who was cut off. Seconds later, the siren sounded; both team's score on 111. Roars from the 94,825 crowd during the match could easily be heard from a kilometre away; and the crowd remains the second-highest home and away crowd in VFL/AFL history, surpassed only by the 99,346 who attended the Collingwood-Melbourne Queen's Birthday clash in 1958.
Today, this game is often considered the biggest match of the AFL season outside of the finals, sometimes drawing bigger crowds than all but the Grand Final, and often selling out in advance. As a point of comparison, in the National Rugby League, the Sydney Roosters and St. George Illawarra Dragons have played on Anzac Day since 2002, but generally without the increase in crowd numbers compared to other games as seen in the AFL. However, Anzac Day matches have been a regular part of the rugby league season for over 80 years.
In recent years, other clubs and some sections of the media have lobbied for the game to be shared amongst all clubs, not just Collingwood and Essendon. Since 1996, one year after the team's inception, Fremantle has held the Len Hall Tribute Game, named in honour of Western Australia's last Gallipoli veteran. This game is regularly held on Anzac Day as a Western Australian featured game. With Anzac Day falling on a Saturday in 2009, four games were scheduled for the day, yet the largest fixture (the MCG) continued to host Collingwood and Essendon at the exclusion of other clubs. Critics have argued that this fixture should be shared.
| Match Results | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year
|
Winner
|
Collingwood
|
Essendon
|
Attendance
|
Anzac Medallist
|
| 1995 | Draw | 17.9 (111) | 16.15 (111) |
94,825
|
Sav Rocca (Collingwood) |
| 1996 | Collingwood | 17.15 (117) | 16.9 (105) |
87,549
|
Scott Russell (Collingwood) |
| 1997 | Collingwood | 14.15 (99) | 10.10 (70) |
83,271
|
Damian Monkhorst (Collingwood) |
| 1998 | Collingwood | 15.18 (108) | 12.16 (88) |
81,542
|
Sav Rocca (Collingwood) |
| 1999 | Essendon | 15.10 (100) | 15.18 (108) |
73,118
|
Mark Mercuri (Essendon) |
| 2000 | Essendon | 15.10 (100) | 21.14 (140) |
88,390
|
James Hird (Essendon) |
| 2001 | Essendon | 14.11 (95) | 15.13 (103) |
83,905
|
Chris Tarrant (Collingwood) |
| 2002 | Collingwood | 9.12 (66) | 4.9 (33) |
84,894
|
Mark McGough (Collingwood) |
| 2003 | Essendon | 12.9 (81) | 23.9 (147) |
62,589
|
James Hird (Essendon) |
| 2004 | Essendon | 11.13 (79) | 17.10 (112) |
57,294
|
James Hird (Essendon) |
| 2005 | Essendon | 10.9 (69) | 11.17 (83) |
70,033
|
Andrew Lovett (Essendon) |
| 2006 | Collingwood | 15.16 (106) | 12.17 (89) |
91,234
|
Ben Johnson (Collingwood) |
| 2007 | Collingwood | 12.23 (95) | 11.13 (79) |
90,508
|
Heath Shaw (Collingwood) |
| 2008 | Collingwood | 23.16 (154) | 12.9 (81) |
88,999
|
Paul Medhurst (Collingwood) |
| 2009 | Essendon | 12.16 (88) | 13.15 (93) |
84,829
|
Paddy Ryder (Essendon) |
| 2010 | Collingwood | 18.12 (120) | 8.7 (55) |
90,070
|
Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) |
| 2011 | Collingwood | 16.11 (107) | 11.11 (77) |
89,626
|
Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) |
| 2012 | Collingwood | 11.14 (80) | 11.13 (79) |
86,932
|
Dane Swan (Collingwood) |
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