Collingwood v Fremantle
Friday March 14, 7.50pmEtihad Fox Footy / 7mate 7.30pm Weather: Min 15 Max 27 Chance of rain 50%: < 1mm Wind: SE 10kph Betting: Collingwood $2.30 Fremantle $1.63 |
It is a massive test for the Magpies who have publicly stated that last year’s eighth place finish was unacceptable. There will be no easing into the season, as they face last year’s Grand Finalists in the first round.
Last year’s early exit started a rejuvenation of the list over the off-season. This has left many football experts pondering whether the Magpies are in a rebuilding phase or are a genuine contender in 2014.
Having secured seven first round draft picks in two years while also moving on a number of premiership heroes, the club is definitely positioning itself for a real assault at a flag in the years to come.
But that said, Collingwood has made the last eight finals campaigns in a row. The amazing thing about this side is that it has been able to regenerate while still remaining competitive and a team with high aspirations for the year ahead.
With so many A-grade players all over the park, there is no doubt that Collingwood can remain a big threat whilst also introducing young talent into the side.
The clash against Fremantle on Friday night will be a real measuring stick for this Collingwood team as the Dockers are a disciplined and professional unit. They strangle their opponent into submission and pray on any weaknesses.
The Pre-Season Report
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has publicly admitted the Dockers are slightly behind in their preparation considering the late finish to season 2013. This was reflected during the NAB Challenge series where I felt Fremantle looked a bit flat and fatigued at times. This was largely due to the fact that the Dockers were in a really hard training phase.
Lyon has also signalled his intention to try and improve Fremantle’s attacking power. This was a large reason why the Dockers recruited Scott Gumbleton and Colin Sylvia. Despite this, the Dockers were still unable to kick big scores over the three NAB Challenge matches.
On a positive note for Fremantle, 21 of the 22 players who ran out in last year’s Grand Final are set to make the trip over to Melbourne, indicating that the list is healthy and injuries are not a major concern.
On the other hand, Collingwood is looking fairly fit and ready for round one. Its results over the pre-season weren’t inspiring, but the Magpies were able to demonstrate really solid periods of football that would match it against any club in the competition.
The biggest concern for the Magpies in recent times has been its ability to contain their opponents to low scores. This issue was prevalent again throughout the NAB Challenge series as the Magpies were often scored against heavily. Coach Nathan Buckley will be demanding greater intensity from his midfield to try and slow down the opposition ball movement.
The pre-season has also demonstrated that the Magpies may opt to follow the trend of taking risks with their ball-movement, trying to use the corridor. Collingwood utilised the handball a lot throughout the NAB Challenge and was quick to try to switch the ball when possible. This type of game plan can be effective, but it does come at a high risk.
At the Selection Table
Collingwood was dealt a heavy blow on Wednesday when new recruit Jessie White and swingman Ben Reid were unable to train. Both are suffering calf complaints and will be unavailable for round one.
Thankfully, the depth in the key position department is strong, and Collingwood can call upon veterans such as Quinten Lynch and Ben Hudson to fill the void. It will be particularly interesting to see how Buckley elects to structure his forward and ruck division.
For me, Plan A would have been to use White in conjunction with Brodie Grundy. With White out, I feel the likelihood is that the Magpies will select a second ruckman in either Hudson or Jarrod Witts, with Lynch playing a more permanent forward role.
Also unavailable for selection are Jarryd Blair (toe), Paul Seedsman (hip), Sam Dwyer (who returned from a groin injury in the VFL last week) and Josh Thomas (knee).
In more positive news, Alan Toovey is expected to make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction and new recruits Taylor Adams and Tom Langdon may make their Collingwood debuts after strong pre-seasons.
In general, Collingwood’s core 22 is fit and healthy. The midfield, in particular, looks close to full strength.
However, the late injuries to Reid and White will change the mix so it will be interesting to see how the Magpies restructure the forward line at such short notice.
Turning attention to the Dockers, and Ross Lyon has fewer injury concerns on his plate. Nick Suban is the only Grand Final player not making the trip to Melbourne due to suspension but I feel it is extremely unlikely that ruckman Zac Clarke will play, so to me Jack Hannath appears a certain starter.
Also unavailable is defender Garrick Ibbotson as he recovers from his Achilles problem.
Colin Sylvia will make the trip to Melbourne, while Fremantle’s other recruit, Scott Gumbleton, will miss the first half of the season with a hamstring injury.
Hayden Ballantyne is listed as a test due to a thigh injury, but he is expected to play, as is Nat Fyfe, who hurt his knee in the second round of the NAB Challenge.
When these sides last met
Collingwood has won four of the last five encounters between these two sides, but Fremantle was a convincing winner in the only meeting between the teams in round seven last year (winning by 27 points).
It was an interesting game, with the Dockers jumping out to a 32-point quarter time lead. The next two quarters belonged to Collingwood, as the Magpies scraped to within five points by three quarter time.
Unfortunately, a five-goal to one final quarter saw the Dockers triumph convincingly with Michael Walters the star, kicking four goals.
His four-goal display earned him the three Brownlow votes, while Luke McPharlin was awarded two votes for his job on Travis Cloke, holding him goalless.
Steele Sidebottom was the Magpies’ best with 33 disposals and one Brownlow vote.
Key Match-ups
Brodie Grundy v Aaron Sandilands
As if it wasn’t a big enough task for Brodie Grundy to lead the Collingwood ruck division in only his second year, he has to face the competition’s giant in Aaron Sandilands in round one. The 211cm monster ruckman has battled injuries over the last two years, which has meant we have not seen his best football. However, Sandilands was a star of the pre-season and showed he is now over his injury complaints and back to his devastating best. Grundy may receive assistance from a second ruckman, but there is no greater test for a young ruckman than facing Sandilands. On paper, this is the match-up that could separate these two sides. Therefore, if Grundy performs admirably, it will go a long way to ensuring the Pies are competitive.
Brent Macaffer v David Mundy
When these sides last met last year, Mundy was completely dominant in the first quarter and was a key reason why the Dockers got out to such a big lead. Macaffer was sent onto Mundy to do the shut down job, and he held him to only 20 disposals for the match. This was a big reason why the Magpies were able to claw their way back into the game. Fremantle has a star-studded midfield, and Macaffer could be asked to play on any number of opponents. However, Mundy’s inside game coupled with his precision foot skills makes him the most damaging player on the Fremantle list in my opinion. I think Buckley will opt to run a tight tag and try to limit his output.
Scott Pendlebury v Ryan Crowley
Scott Pendlebury will lead his team out for the first time as the official captain. He has also had a stellar pre-season and has been rated by his peers as the favourite for the Brownlow Medal. For this reason, I think Ryan Crowley will be given the tagging job. Crowley has developed himself into the premier tagger of the competition. This will be a huge first up test for Pendlebury as captain if he gets the Crowley match-up. He may be forced to spend more time forward than he would like, but he will also have to be conscious of Crowley’s ability to win his own ball and push forward for a goal.
Focus on Collingwood
In 2013, the Magpies were the number one side for uncontested possession. This trend has continued over the off-season, but I feel Buckley will be keen to tighten up on the team’s stoppage work. This will be particularly important against Fremantle as it is a terrific clearance team and gets beautiful service from Aaron Sandilands.
It has been rare that Collingwood has been able to field a side containing its best four midfielders at full fitness in Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams and Luke Ball. All have had very good pre-seasons. The midfield remains the key for Collingwood. There is no doubt that it is the best midfield on paper in the competition, but working hard offensively and defensively will be a key.
Taylor Adams - For those unfamiliar with Adams, he has spent the last two years at Greater Western Sydney after been recruited with pick No. 13 in the 2011 National Draft. In such a young midfield that has struggled to compete, Adams was one of the few who quickly become accustomed to the rigour of AFL football. He averaged just under 22 disposals in a team that only won one game in 2014. He has been given Dale Thomas’ old No. 13 and was involved in the trade that saw Heath Shaw move to the Giants, so it is clear the club has high hopes for this youngster who looks a certain chance to debut for his new club this Friday. He will add a lot of grunt to the midfield and has a solid build making him readymade to bolster the side. I think Buckley will start Adams up forward, considering the big names in the midfield already.
Alan Toovey - It will be a sight that will be enough to bring a smile to any Collingwood supporter’s face should Alan Toovey return from a knee injury this Friday. It has been a tough recovery for Toovey, but he looks a certain starter after playing two practice matches and completing training on Wednesday. His presence is much-needed as well without Heath Shaw down back and with Marley Williams out for the six matches of the year. I expect Toovey to start on either Chris Mayne or Michael Walters. That means it is not going to be an easy return for Toovey as he will be forced to play on the opposition’s most dangerous small to mid-sized forward.
Travis Cloke - Big things are expected from big Clokey this year considering the rule interpretations have been relaxed in marking contests to allow a greater show of strength. This will suit Cloke’s game to a tee. Collingwood fans were looking forward to seeing the new forward line combination with Jesse White, but now Cloke will be forced to take a greater role, most likely having to contend with McPharlin.
Dayne Beams - After a frustrating 2013 dealing with a quad injury, Beams has had a big pre-season and looks set to get back to his stellar 2012 form. His presence will be vital for the Magpies as they look to boost their stoppage efficiency. He is a big possession winner and makes the midfield so much stronger. Expect a big season from the 2012 best and fairest winner.
Clinton Young - Along with Toovey, the return of Clinton Young from an injury riddled 2013 season looks set to add a totally new dimension to the Collingwood side. He is a terrific outside runner with a lethal left boot. It is an element of the Magpie side that has been missing. If Young can recapture his best form, which included a premiership with Hawthorn in 2008, then Collingwood will be a far more dangerous team. The Collingwood midfield needs to try and get the ball in Young’s hands because he is such a long kick and will help clear defensive zones.
The Wrap Up
It is so good to have footy back – and what a way to start the year! It is only early days, but the Magpies have a really challenging opening month ahead of them, so an early win will be crucial.
I had Collingwood slightly ahead until I heard the news about Reid and White, which means it is going to be hard for me to ignore last year’s Grand Finalists. It could be quite a congested match considering the game is being played at the smaller Etihad Stadium, but it should also be a quick match played in pristine conditions.
I think Collingwood is perhaps further advanced in its preparation for the game. However, the Dockers have their disciplined game plan and the defensive structures to potentially limit the impact of the star-studded Collingwood midfield.
That said, I have to tip with my heart on this one.
Pies by 7 points.
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