2013 Analysis: Part Two

SportsMatt

For the Collingwood football club season 2013 has to go down as a failure. At the beginning of the season the Magpies were seen as a genuine premiership contender after finishing fourth last season. Yet after only a few home and away rounds it became quite obvious that this team was clearly missing one thing, consistency in its performance. At their best the Pies could still defeat anyone, as they showed with stunning wins over Geelong and Sydney, yet on their bad days they could lose to anyone, demonstrated in full with the loss to the Gold Coast Suns in round 17. It was a season that was effected by injuries, form slumps and off field issues, but all sides had to deal with something similar, although obviously Collingwood always deals with its issues more publicly. The list of the injured was quite significant at the Pies in 2013 though, with Beams, Thomas (Dale), Fasolo, Jolly, Krakouer, Didak, Johnson and Toovey all missing decent chunks of the season due to injury. The loss of Toovey, Thomas, Johnson and Fasolo for the season hit the club the hardest and by the time the finals came around the Pies weren’t a premiership threat.
Collingwood finished 6th after the home and away season with 14 wins and 8 losses and matched up against Port Adelaide in the Second Elimination Final last Saturday night. Just like the Pies season, from the start it was clear things were not going to plan as Port looked the classier, faster and more desperate side. The Magpies came from behind to take the lead early in the final quarter but it all fell apart from there as the Power had the last 10 scoring shots to run out 24 point victors and end Collingwood’s 2013 campaign in emphatic style. Nothing can be taken away from Port as on the night there were no excuses for a performance like the one that Collingwood put up but it was definitely a shock to see the Power run away with such an easy win in the end.
Since the season ended on Saturday for Collingwood the circus that is the media has really taken it to another level with wall to wall coverage of the first lot of de-listings, a group that includes premiership players Jolly, Didak and Krakouer. There will be harsh calls made at Collingwood over this off season and some of them have already been made.

PLAYER REVIEWS
Below is a small summary of each Collingwood listed players’ season. (In guernsey number order).
Alex Fasolo: 3 games – averages: 11 disposals, 2 tackles, 4 marks. Total goals = 1.
It was a season cut short by injury for Alex as the third year forward broke down early in the season with a footy injury and wasn’t see from again. He was a massive loss to a Pies forward line that seemed dysfunctional for most of the year and will be welcomed back with open arms in 2014.
Jordan Russell: 9 games – averages: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles. Zero goals.
Russell was a cheap recruit from the Magpies and he lived up to his price, only managing the nine games and subsequently being delisted in the last few days. The tall half back came in as a replacement for Alan Toovey but was never really up to the task at senior level.
Brent Macaffer: 22 games – averages: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles. 7 goals in total.
Macaffer was one of the success stories of 2013 for coach Nathan Buckley as he filled defensive gaps in the Collingwood side on a weekly basis. Most weeks he was used in a tagging role, whether that be on an opposition midfielder or running defender. For Brent to play 22 games a year after a knee reconstruction was nothing short of sensational.
Alan Didak: 5 games – averages: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles. 3 goals in total.
Didak, an obvious fan favourite at Collingwood had a frustrating year as he struggled with hamstring injuries for a lot of the season. He returned to the side for the final two games and the final but his impact was limited due to being the substitute on two of those occasions. Unfortunately Alan Didak’s time at the club has come to end but he was a great servant indeed.
Nick Maxwell: 19 games – averages: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles. 1 goal.
The Collingwood captain once again did his best to hold together a defense that went through many changes throughout the season. Maxwell copped a lot of criticism for his play this season but he was still one of the most consistent, and reliable defenders in the team. He may hand the captaincy over soon, but there’s no guarantee of that yet either.
Tyson Goldsack: 13 games – averages: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles. 6 goals.
Goldsack had a delayed start to the year due to injury but once Toovey and Fasolo went down he was always going to play when fit. He played down back and up forward and basically plugged any gaps that needed filling. His versatility is the reason he will continue to get games.
Andrew Krakouer: 8 games – averages: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles. 10 goals.
The mystery of what happened to Krakouer in 2013 may never be answered. He didn’t seem to be injured too often yet only managed 8 senior games as off field problems raised their head once again. His best was outstanding, as he greatly assisted the side in the win over Geelong but a one kick performance in the defeat to the Suns meant it was hard to see him playing for the Pies again, and he was subsequently delisted at seasons’ end.
Harry O’Brien: 19 games – averages: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles. 7 goals.
A strange year for Harry, yet on field a successful one. A mid season spat with the coach meant he had a few weeks off for personal reasons but when he played his new more attacking role saw him become a very dangerous player. Harry’s defensive abilities have always been in question but this year we saw a new Harry, and most liked what they saw.
Marty Clarke: 9 games – averages: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles. 3 goals.
Marty started the season well and was considered part of the senior team, but the emergence of the likes of Seedsman, Williams and Sinclair down back meant Clarke was resigned to the VFL for most of the second half of the year. He still has one year to run on his contract but it’s hard to see him being part of the best 22 next season.
Scott Pendlebury: 23 games – averages: 30 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles. 18 goals.
Pendlebury had a great season really, as shown by being voted as the AFLCA (coaches association) player of the year. Along with Dane Swan he led the team from the middle of the ground as the two once again racked up the disposals and some weeks carried the team on their own shoulders. Could well be the next captain of Collingwood, and would deserve the honour.
Jarryd Blair: 22 games – averages: 17 disposal, 3 marks, 6 tackles. 14 goals.
Blair had a solid year once again, spending most of his time as a forward who would also relief the top tier of midfielders in the midfield rotation at times. His defensive pressure up forward was a team best and that kept him in the side most weeks. Every year the media say Jarryd will struggle to hold his place in the team but yet again he proved them all wrong.
Luke Ball: 13 games – averages: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 7 tackles. 2 goals.
Coming off a knee reconstruction it was always going to be a tough year for Ball but he battled manfully once he returned and made life easier for the likes of Swan, Pendlebury and Ball in the middle. With a full pre season I’d expect him to be back to his best next season.
Dale Thomas: 5 games – averages: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles. 0 goals.
The most frustrating year of Dale’s career, that’s the best way to sum up 2013. Thomas just never got going with that ankle injury causing him major troubles whenever he tried to make a return. He was greatly missed by the Pies as his pace ans foot skills were areas that Collingwood really struggled in. He is a restricted free agent now and it will come down to loyalty versus massive pay offers for Daisy. Hopefully he chooses loyalty, but you couldn’t blame him for taking a massive offer considering his injury concerns.
Clinton Young: 2 games – averages: 15 possessions, 4 marks, 2 tackles. 0 goals.
Hamstring injuries ruined Clinton Youngs’ first season at Collingwood. The ex Hawk has the pace and accuracy with his kicking that the Pies desperately need but he simply wasn’t able to put games together at any level in 2013. Hopefully he can get fit over the off season and he should be a big part of the Magpies plans in 2014.
Jarrod Witts: 7 games – averages: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 11 hitouts, 2 tackles. 5 goals.
Jarrod made his senior debut in 2013 and at times didn’t look out of place. He looked tired towards the end of the season though so a big pre season has to be in the plans for the 208cm monster. Along with phenom ruckman Brodie Grundy Witts has a massive future, with the club recently signing him to a 3 year deal.
Nathan Brown: 22 games – averages: 9 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles. 1 goal.
Nathan had a very good year as the club’s full back. Apart from two games where he was beaten easily by Cameron and Tippett he did exactly what the coaching staff asked of him week in, week out. Still relatively young in football terms Brown is the long term full back of the club, there’s little doubt about that.
Dayne Beams: 8 games – averages: 29 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles. 6 goals.
Beams was struck down with a quad injury on the eve of the season opening game and didn’t return until the second half of the season. He has developed into an elite midfielder now and was sorely missed by the senior team. He’s a goal kicking midfielder who can win his own ball and use it well, those are a rare combination of skills in modern day football. Hopefully he plays more games next season.
Darren Jolly: 9 games – averages: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 23 hitouts, 4 tackles. 4 goals.
The Pies premiership ruckman struggled for fitness throughout the season and when he did return to near full fitness late in the season he found himself in the VFL as Brodie Grundy had taken the number one ruck role over. Jolly had a great first 3 years at the club but his fourth clearly didn’t go to plan. Darren was delisted at the end of the season but will always be remembered for helping the pies in that 2010-11 period.
Jamie Elliott: 20 games – averages: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles. 30 goals.
In just his second year Jamie Elliott was Collingwood’s second leading goal kicker, not bad for a small forward. The cheeky little forward stood out at times with his ability to take marks that to put it simply someone his size shouldn’t be able to take. With an improved forward line in 2014 almost a certainty, Jamie may find it even easier to kick goals next season.
Ben Reid: 22 games – averages: 15 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles. 25 goals.
Ben Reid being moved forward late in the year was one of the revelations of 2013 for the Magpies. The fact he booted 25 goals in only a handful of games as a permanent forward shows the talent he has. The big question is what to do with an All Australian centre half back who also can play forward? He’s a good problem to have.
Quinten Lynch: 18 games – averages: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 7 hitouts, 1 tackle. 9 goals.
Lynch is the latest player who has been tried in the “Leigh Brown” role and since the man himself retired after the 2011 season Lynch has been the most successful in that secondary ruck/forward role. This was very evident whenever Lynch was missing and in the elimination final it became clear that Lynch had been playing a vitally important role for the Magpies all year. Will go around for at least one more year and at the moment he’d start in round one in the same role again in 2014.
Steele Sidebottom: 23 games – averages: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles. 19 goals.
Steele had another very good year, maybe his most consistent yet. He moved from playing as a half forward and midfield relief player to almost being a permanent member of the backline by the finals. His use of the ball off half back was the reason he was placed back there and at times he looked lost while trying to figure out the new role. It does add another side to his game moving forward though, and his defensive side to his game improved greatly because of it. He’s an important cog in the Collingwood machine moving forward for sure.
Lachlan Keeffe: 8 games – averages: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles. 1 goal.
Keeffe broke into the team late in the year after some fitness issues in the VFL. Once fit and in form he came into the seniors and enabled Ben Reid to play forward. Keeffe for a 204cm player moves remarkably well and that’s why he’s able to play on various opposition forwards. The move of Keeffe into the Quinten Lynch role of secondary ruck and part time forward in the elimination final was a massive failure, although Lachie showed he does have some ruck ability. Sure to see plenty of senior game time next season.
Josh Thomas: 19 games – averages: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles. 11 goals.
After 3 terrible years with injuries Josh Thomas finally got his opportunity at senior level in 2013 and he took it with both hands. Initially in the absence of Ball and Beams Thomas was crucial to the teams midfield rotations and once those two players returned he continued to play the inside midfielder role as well as anyone. 4th in total clearances in 2013 shows JT’s worth to Collingwood, and he is only going to get better with more senior game time.
Ben Hudson: 7 games – averages: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 21 hitouts, 4 tackles. 1 goal.
Ben Hudson, a sprite 34 year old was bought out of retirement to be Darren Jolly’s backup and to be the ruck coach that would guide the future stars that are Grundy and Witts. But he went beyond expectations when he managed to replicate Jolly’s hitout and possession figures whenever he was called upon as a replacement. At this moment he has been retained as a rookie and ruck coach for 2014 and there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be.
Ben Johnson: 3 games – averages: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles. 0 goals.
A much loved club stalwart Johnson ended his career at Collingwood midway through the year once he knew his body just couldn’t hold up any more. After 235 games the half back/midfielder had become a fan favourite and will go down as one of the last old school “Collingwood loving” footballers to play for the club. It was fitting that he walks away with a premiership medallion also, BJ was loved by all at the club.
Ben Kennedy: 12 games – averages: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles. 9 goals.
Taking with pick 19 in last year’s draft Kennedy wasn’t expected to play a lot of senior football this season as his small body (174cm and 76kgs) would need to be developed for him to compete at the top level. But the South Australian youngster managed a remarkable 12 games in his opening season, a lot of them as the substitute and with a full pre season in the weights room he could well break into the Magpies senior side for even more games in 2013. His pace and foot skills are his greatest asset and he possesses a great crumbing ability, something missing at the Pies.
Ben Sinclair: 15 games – averages: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles. 2 goals.
Sinclair has been a much maligned player at Collingwood but he finally found his place in the team off half back. After struggling as a defensive forward Sinclair was taught to play off half back in the VFL before returning to the senior side and claiming his place down back. A shoulder injury ended his season prematurely and he was another player badly missed in the finals loss to Port. Sinclair is tough, quick and has a defensive mindset which is why he is a coaches favourite now.
Tim Broomhead: 0 games.
Taken with pick 20 in the national draft Broomhead, like Kennedy wasn’t expected to have a big impact in his first season due to his slight frame. A bout of glandular fever really set him back as he didn’t debut in the VFL until well into the season but on a consistent basis he was in the best players in the reserves. His stand out game was a performance out at Preston where he stood out mainly because he was covered in mud from head to toe, but he was also best on ground in a good win for the VFL team. Expectations around Broomhead are high and you’d expect he will play senior football next year.
Jackson Ramsay: 0 games.
Taken with pick 38 in the national draft Ramsay was a chance to play senior football this year but injuries set him back and he only managed a handful of games in the VFL. What he did show towards the end of the year was his ability as a half back to win the ball and move it with skill and precision. Hopefully he’s ready to go round 1 next season and we can see the potential that Derek Hine obviously saw in him before the draft.
Travis Cloke: 22 games – averages: 15 disposals, 9 marks, 2 tackles. 68 goals, 51 behinds.
Cloke led the way again up forward finishing just 2 goals short of a tie for the Coleman medal. He had more shots at goal than anyone in the competition and took more contested marks. He led Collingwood in marks, contested marks, goals and behinds and is the rock around which a new forward line is being built. He was worth every dollar Collingwood had to throw his way to secure a new deal pre season and is the most physically dominant forward in the AFL.
Jackson Paine: 0 games.
It was a disappointing second season for the developing forward with Paine not being able to break into the senior side at any point. He kicked the most goals for the Pies VFL team but that was more due to playing every week rather than being outstanding on a consistent basis. Jackson seemed to play a similar game every weekend where he would score 2-3 goals but really struggle to break into the next level of performance. He is still young though so there is time but 2014 will be a big year for Paine.
Alan Toovey: 5 games – averages: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles. 0 goals.
The loss of Alan Toovey to a season ending knee injury early in the season impacted Collingwood hard. The Pies came into the season with two reliable one on one defenders in Toovey and Brown and when Toovey went down it really did cause chaos down back. Toovey in his five games started to show a more attacking side to his game too which made his loss an even greater one. The only positive is the injury was sustained so early in the season that he should be right to go by round 1 next season.
Brodie Grundy: 7 games – averages: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 22 hitouts, 3 tackles. 1 goal.
The hype around Brodie Grundy when he slipped to pick 18 in the draft was huge. A back injury pre season set him back a little but when he made his debut in the VFL it was a sight for sore eyes as straight away he showed he was simply something different from the average first year AFL ruckman. After he and Dayne Beams single handedly won a VFL game out at Box Hill it was apparent the Pies had something special on their hands and when he made his debut against GWS he staggered everyone who watched. The amazing thing was he just kept getting better and by the time the finals came around he was keeping Darren Jolly and Ben Hudson out of the senior side, in his first season. He is remarkably well built for a 19 year old and contested against some of the great AFL ruckman in his first 7 games in ways that defied belief. He is now the current and future number 1 ruckman of the football club and is a budding superstar of the competition.
Dane Swan: 23 games – averages: 32 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles. 21 goals.
Dane Swan continued on being Dane Swan in 2013 with yet another remarkable season. In the absence of Ball and Beams for long periods of the season Dane and Scott Pendlebury carried the side for a long time and made them competitive when they probably shouldn’t have been. His performance in the losing final when he kicked 3 goals and was simply the reason why the Pies were still in the game late on showed just how important he is to this club. It also showed what his future may hold as Swan could well play on for many years to come as a permanent forward.
Kyle Martin: 4 games – averages: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles. 6 goals.
Kyle Martin is almost certain to win the Pies VFL best and fairest and he led the VFL side into the finals for the first time in 3 seasons. His 4 appearances at senior level also showed that he has what it takes to be a player at the highest level and he will get plenty of chances next season to show that.
Heath Shaw: 20 games – averages: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles. 1 goal.
Heath Shaw may have been impacted the hardest by the move of Harry O’Brien up the ground and the loss of Alan Toovey to the backline. Most weeks opposition teams dragged Heath back to the defensive goal square and while Shaw stood up well defensively it meant the side lost his defensive rebounding ability that helped Collingwood so much in previous years. A few misdemeanour in the losing final have since been highlighted but Shaw is still a top level footballer who hopefully is part of the clubs’ future.
Paul Seedsman: 17 games – averages: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles. 9 goals.
Seedsman is the type of player Collingwood needs, he’s quick, skilful and can break the lines open off half back. Paul had a good year without having an outstanding one, a bit like the team really. A Collingwood supporter from birth Seedsman will take over the mantle from Ben Johnson as the Pies fan’s representative within the playing group. He has a big future.
Sam Dwyer: 21 games – averages: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles. 15 goals.
The surprise packet and good news story of 2013, the ex Port Melbourne VFL player burst onto the scene in round 1 after being promoted off the rookie list to replace Dayne Beams at the last minute. He went on to play in 21 senior games including the final and at no time did he look like losing his place in the team. He led the team for the season in goal assists and just had a knack for both finding and setting up goals all season. A real find.
Adam Oxley: 2 games – averages: 5 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle. 0 goals.
Oxley looks like a modern day footballer, and the rookie got his reward for consistent performances off half back in the VFL when he was promoted to debut in the seniors. Although he only got two chances at senior level it was an impressive first year for Oxley indeed. He can, and will play as a tall half back or half forward and has shown a propensity to take a contested mark. The club would have high hopes for Adam.
Corey Gault: 0 games.
Corey was always going to be a long term option but with Lachlan Keeffe being promoted to the seniors Gault was forced to play in an unfamiliar position down back in the VFL. He showed more promising signs as a forward and that may be the reason why he has been retained (at this point) for a second season.
Jack Frost: 2 games – averages: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles. 0 goals.
Frost was another one of the very impressive rookies in 2013. With Toovey and Keeffe missing at the time Jack got a chance early on in the season and he didn’t look over awed or out of place at senior level. He was clearly the best defender of the year in the Pies VFL side and as the youngest of the 3 ex VFL players his future as a back man is bright.
Marley Williams: 16 games – averages: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles. 2 goals.
It was a breakthrough season for Marley Williams as he cemented a spot in the Collingwood defense for a long time to come. His pace, toughness and defensive ability makes him a great small defender and he was rarely beaten one on one throughout the season. Unlike most smaller players he isn’t built like a rake with his heritage ensuring he has a strong core to carry him in senior football. The club was so impressed by him that they didn’t waste any time in signing up the Western Australian until the end of the 2016 season.
Caolon Mooney: 2 games – averages: 6 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles. 1 goal.
The Irishman speedster had another good development year at VFL level and made 2 appearances at senior level although he didn’t really shine in either game. He had a few stand out games in the VFL and is developing along well for someone who had never played the game just 2 years ago.

ROOKIES
Ben Richmond: 0 games.
Richmond came to the club as pure project player and was used in all sorts of positions in the VFL. At times he showed some promising signs and probably played his best football late in the season in the backline. Richmond was delisted at season’s end.
Peter Yagmoor: 0 games.
Peter Yagmoor is an interesting case, he made his debut in round 1 of 2012 yet this year for a long time it looked his AFL career was going to be over at seasons’ end. Yet as the year endured in the VFL he got better and was one of the best Pies players in the last few games, including the elimination final loss to Port Melbourne. He has been retained as a rookie at this stage.
Michael Hartley: 0 games.
Hartley was one of Collingwood’s NSW scholarship players but he was never able to fully show what he was capable of at his time at the club due to persistent shoulder injuries. He was delisted at years’ end.

Overall it was a disappointing year for Collingwood but with some smart off season moves and a little bit of luck in the injury department they could push for a top four position in 2014. With the 6 delistings so far and possibly more to come the Pies may also have the opportunity to add both some elite young talent through high draft picks and some experienced players through trades or free agency. How the Magpies approach the off season is one of the most interesting stories of 2013 leading into 2014, as shown by the media’s rabid interest in recent days.