Round 19: The Team - Preliminary

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Port Adelaide Sunday August 3, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 5 Max 14 Chance of rain 20%: < 1mm Wind: NNW 21kph Betting: Collingwood $2.20 Port Adelaide $1.68

B: Marley Williams, Jack Frost, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Paul Seedsman, Lachlan Keeffe, Heritier Lumumba
C: Steele Sidebottom, Brent Macaffer, Alex Fasolo
HF: Taylor Adams, Jesse White, Tim Broomhead
F: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Ben Reid
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
Int (from): Sam Dwyer, Brodie Grundy, Ben Kennedy, Jarryd Blair, Clinton Young, Tony Armstrong, Kyle Martin

IN: Tony Armstrong, Sam Dwyer, Alex Fasolo, Brodie Grundy
OUT: Tom Langdon (omitted)
NEW: Tony Armstrong (24, Sydney)

Collingwood News Collingwood has named four inclusions to an extended 25-man squad for the side’s cut throat clash against Port Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday afternoon. With first year defender Tom Langdon the sole omission for the side which suffered a 17-point loss to Adelaide last weekend, the Magpies have called upon a host of fresh faces, including one yet to feature for Collingwood at AFL level this season in Tony Armstrong. Utility Alex Fasolo, creative forward Sam Dwyer and emerging ruck Brodie Grundy comprise the further additions to a Collingwood outfit seeking to rectify its recent form slump, reclaim its place in the top eight and atone for an Elimination Final defeat to Port Adelaide in the side’s last meeting. Recruited as a free agent over the off-season, former Sydney Swan Armstrong is in line to become the 1116th player in Collingwood’s history after a pair of impressive performances in the VFL placed him on the cusp of senior selection. Despite the VFL Magpies enduring a 17-point defeat against the Frankston Dolphins on Sunday, Armstrong again shone, with his crisp use of possession proving particularly noteworthy as he collected 32 disposals, eight marks, four inside 50s and four rebound 50s. His display at Frankston Park followed a 28-possession effort against Werribee a week earlier, the 24-year old producing seven inside 50s to accompany three score assists. Season 2014 has represented a year of widely oscillating fortunes for second-year player Dwyer, who has struggled to consolidate his place within Collingwood’s match day 22 for much of the campaign. Though he has played nine matches, a combination of injury and form has conspired to force the former Geelong Falcon to the outer on several occasions, ensuring the 27-year old has been unable to build upon an impressive debut campaign last year. Dwyer’s fluctuating campaign may be headed for a final upswing however if the 2012 rookie draftee lines up against the Power, and produces a performance of nuance and deftness for which he has come to be renown. Enduring an injury interrupted campaign for the second successive season; Fasolo will be hoping to distance himself from his recent fitness woes should the West Australian be named to the final 22-man squad and make his return from a near two month AFL absence on Sunday. While he initially came to the fore as a silky skilled small forward, Fasolo has been recast as one of the Magpies most versatile assets in 2014, including a heralded move to defence which sought to capitalise on his pace and slick ball movement. Both those traits will undoubtedly prove valuable if Fasolo is ultimately called upon by senior coach Nathan Buckley, no matter which positional line he is ultimately fielded. A strong outing at VFL level against Frankston has paved the way for Grundy to return to the AFL fold, entering selection contention after a 22 disposal, 31 hit out display. After a breakout debut season, which earned Grundy a rising star nomination and status as one of the competition’s players to watch, the South Australian entered the current campaign as Collingwood’s number one ruck option. However, a struggle for consistency, combined with the rise of Jarrod Witts has meant Grundy has been largely confined to the VFL over the last six weeks, aside from an appearance against Gold Coast, as he seeks to build momentum heading into the closing stages of the season.

Injury List

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Port Adelaide Sunday August 3, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 5 Max 14 Chance of rain 20%: < 1mm Wind: WNW 18kph Betting: Collingwood $2.15 Port Adelaide $1.70

Experienced duo Luke Ball and Alan Toovey are in the frame for senior selection against Port Adelaide this Sunday.
The pair missed Sunday’s loss to Adelaide due to back injuries, but Director of Football Rodney Eade is confident they will return this weekend.
“They’re progressing well and we’re hopeful that they will be available this week,” Eade told CollingwoodTV’s Blackmores Injury Update.
“They’re a ‘test’ at this stage.”
Fortunately, the weekend was an injury-free zone for those wearing the Black and White - a rarity in season 2014 so far.
“That’s really pleasant news across the whole club given our injury profile this year,” Eade said.
“The pleasing news was Matt Scharenberg played his first game in the second half and certainly showed great signs that he’s going to be a very good player for us.
“Ben Sinclair was a return but he only played a half as well, and Quinten Lynch was back from a broken leg and he played three quarters.
“Alex Fasolo, in his second game back from a six-week lay off, was one of our better players, so hopefully he’s not far from a recall.
“We’ve certainly missed his kicking skill and ability.”
Jonathon Marsh sat out Sunday’s VFL loss to Frankston owing to hamstring tightness but is expected to return this week.
The news is not as positive for Adam Oxley, who will sit out the remainder of 2014 after succumbing to the ankle injury that he originally sustained during an intra-club match on 1 February.
Oxley, 21, has been moved onto the club’s long-term injury list. He played three games mid-season but none since the loss to Sandringham on 14 June.
“He came back and played a couple of games but it just hasn’t freed up at all,” Eade said.
“It’s tight and a fair bit of pain so he’s having an operation this week.
“He’ll be a long-term injury with the view that he’ll be available for the pre-season.”

Injury List as of Tuesday 29 July 2014

Name	Injury	Status
Jonathon Marsh	Hamstring	Available
Luke Ball	Back	Test
Alan Toovey	Back	Test
Nathan Freeman	Hamstring	2-3 weeks
Dane Swan	Foot	3-4 weeks
Nathan Brown	Shoulder	Season
Ben Hudson	Shoulder	Season
Adam Oxley	Ankle	Season

Long-term injury list: Nathan Brown and Ben Hudson have been added to Collingwood's long-term injury list. Jack Frost and Kyle Martin have been elevated from the rookie list as their replacements. Adam Oxley has also been added to Collingwood's long-term injury list, but no replacement has been nominated at this stage.

The Run Home: UPDATE

Round 19 Collingwood v Port Adelaide MCG 4:40pm Sunday August 3 Fox Footy 4.30pm	Round 20 West Coast v Collingwood Patersons 4:40pm (EST) Sunday August 10 Fox Footy 4.30pm
Round 21 Collingwood v Brisbane MCG 7:40pm Saturday August 16 Fox Sports 7.30pm	Round 22 GWS v Collingwood GIANTS Stadium 4:40pm Saturday August 23 7mate / Fox Footy 4.30pm
Round 23 Collingwood v Hawthorn MCG 7:50pm Friday August 29 7mate / Fox Footy 7.30pm

Collingwood v Port Adelaide Sunday August 3, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 5 Max 14 Chance of rain 20%: < 1mm Wind: WNW 18kph Betting: Collingwood $2.15 Port Adelaide $1.70

Collingwood: An Analysis

REAL FOOTY - Rohan Connolly

Collingwood v Port Adelaide Sunday August 3, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 5 Max 14 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: WNW 18kph Betting: Collingwood $2.15 Port Adelaide $1.70

Collingwood is always a victim of bloated expectations. A football club with a massive membership, huge following and the game’s most outspoken president guarantees headlines whether it’s performing or not.
Right now, those headlines scream “crisis”. The Magpies’ loss to Adelaide on Sunday was their fifth in the past six games, tipping them out of the eight for the first time since round four and in danger of missing finals for the first time since 2005.
It’s unaccustomed territory for this proud club and predictably, the fingers are being pointed everywhere, most popularly at coach Nathan Buckley and list management and recruiting decisions made over the past couple of years.
You can understand the angst. This, after all, is a team that still less than three years ago was playing off for a 16th premiership, having won 14 games in a row in 2011 and 20 of 21 leading up to the final home-and-away game of the season.
Superficially, that seems a dramatic fall from grace indeed. But the Collingwood of 2014 isn’t a pale imitation of its former self. It’s a completely different product, and a good example of how quickly the AFL wheel now turns.
Run through that 2011 grand final team and you might be surprised just how profoundly. Just 10 of the 22 who played off against Geelong remain on the books. And just six of those were fronting up against Adelaide on Sunday.
Indeed, Collingwood hasn’t fielded many less experienced sides in its modern history than that which took the field against the Crows. No fewer than 10 players for the Pies still have less than 50 senior games to their names.
That’s more than even the Western Bulldogs, a team viewed as a classic example of a side rebuilding upon youth, played in their last game against Essendon.
The difference is all in perception. The Bulldogs are a far lower profile club that can go about such a mission with relative immunity from the various stumbles and pitfalls along the way. When Collingwood cops a whack on-field, the entire football world is watching, scrutinising, and often rejoicing in its demise.
That doesn’t mean Buckley shouldn’t be immune from criticism, mind you. Some good judges on Sunday questioned, for example, his use of tagger Brent Macaffer on Rory Sloane rather than Patrick Dangerfield, a bigger danger to the Pies.
Scott Pendlebury’s use on a wing or forward at stages raised some eyebrows, as did that of Travis Cloke further away from goal, where his disposal efficiency is poor, despite Ben Reid struggling in his comeback game. But Collingwood’s structural issues are greater than some puzzling positional tinkering.
All season, there’s been far too big a reliance upon Cloke and ground-level goal sneak Jamie Elliott for scoring power, Jesse White having failed to deliver the support needed, and trailing off badly in games, kicking just two of his 15 goals for the season after half-time.
Collingwood’s defence, popularly viewed pre-season as its biggest Achilles heel, stood up manfully early thanks to the revelations that were Jack Frost and Tom Langdon, but has clearly buckled under the strain, the mid-season injury to then retirement of Nick Maxwell leaving it without proper organisation.
That in turn has placed greater pressure on the Magpies’ midfielders to lend more weight defensively, and even in Collingwood’s peak years of 2010-11, their much-feted midfield group wasn’t noted for its capacity to work back nearly as hard as it liked to run forward.
What back then seemed like the competition’s best midfield group now doesn’t bat nearly deep enough, and the absence of Dane Swan and Luke Ball through injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.
The recurrent theme when you look through those from Collingwood’s grand final side now gone are that the qualities they brought to the side haven’t been adequately replaced.
Leon Davis and Ben Johnson offered not only experience but tremendous rebound out of defence. Dale Thomas then was rated close to the best midfielder in the game, and Sharrod Wellingham was surrounded by enough talent to consistently get under opponents’ guards.
In the ruck, Darren Jolly was at the top of his game and had important mobile support from Leigh Brown. And up forward, the smarts of Andrew Krakouer and Alan Didak and work rate of Chris Dawes gave Collingwood’s attack the sort of balance it so palpably lacks now.
Most of those names were also cool-headed, efficient users of the football. Their loss and replacement by rawer kids still coming to grips with the pressure of AFL level has ensured that Collingwood’s skill level has declined markedly to the point it’s become a continual bugbear.
You’d expect that to improve over time. Tim Broomhead, for example, looks a very classy player, Paul Seedsman has already shown in patches his link-up ability, Taylor Adams arrived from GWS very highly rated, and for young ruckmen, Jarrod Witts and Brodie Grundy have both showed they have decent futures.
But will they be given the leeway to develop with the odd glitch along the way? That’s always the fundamental issue for Collingwood.
Because while the Magpies, who have won just three of nine games this season against top eight sides, now have the profile of a team sitting about where logic dictates they should be on the ladder, the profile of the club dictates that that position is never enough.

Collingwood: An Analysis

SUPERFOOTY

Collingwood v Port Adelaide Sunday August 3, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 5 Max 14 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: WNW 18kph Betting: Collingwood $2.15 Port Adelaide $1.70

ON JUNE 10, Collingwood sat fourth with an attractive 8-3 record and a percentage of 122.1.
In the seven weeks since, the Magpies have staggered to 1-5 and a miserable percentage of 81.5 — the third-worst in the competition above only Melbourne and St Kilda.
But while the critics round on Nathan Buckley’s side, a spluttering offence is not the main factor in the Pies’ plunge down the ladder.
Collingwood’s weak attack has been an issue all season, but its inability to stop the opposition’s attack has emerged as its most glaring problem.
In fact, the drop off in Collingwood’s defensive pressure in the last seven weeks has been staggering. The Pies have gone from conceding 71.9 points a game after Round 12, ranked third, to giving up 96.3 in the six games since, ranked 14th.
Collingwood’s rivals are now feasting on scoring opportunities that simply weren’t there before. The Pies have relaxed the noose when it comes to defending from clearances, turnovers and kick-ins. Just about everywhere.
Up until Round 12 the Pies were scored on from a clearance only 20.1 per cent of the time — the second-best in the AFL. But between rounds 13 and 18 it has ballooned to 27.9 per cent — ranked 16th.
Turnovers? Up from 18.9 per cent (4th) to 20.8 per cent (9th). Kick-ins? Up from 10.2 per cent (10th) to 12.7 per cent (16th).

Reader's Comment I am a mad Pies supporter, but I would love for someone in the media to actually analyse Collingwood's performances of late instead of looking for statistics to answer easily identified questions. For instance, have a look at their centre clearances, there is no plan, it is simply pick it up and kick it. Their entry into the forward line is similar, very one dimensional, kick long and hope Cloke, Elliott or White compete. Collingwood's problem is there is no precision or plan to their movement which means that turnovers are common and if you play numbers behind the ball you can carve past them on the counter. There is so much talent there and yet they are getting argumentative and beaten by well structured, well planned, co-ordinated movements by lesser oppositions. It is very disappointing to see such a confused, confidence-lacking Magpies outfit. James

When the ball entered Collingwood’s defensive 50m before Round 12, the Pies only conceded a goal 20 per cent of the time — the best in the competition. Yep, No.1.
In the last six matches they’ve coughed up a goal 28.1 per cent of the time — 15th.
It was a first 11 matches that saw Collingwood’s defensive heat cover up its shy offence. But that defensive intensity has fallen away badly and the losses are flowing.
Collingwood’s scoring has dropped from 87.8 points per game between rounds 1-12 to 78.5 between rounds 13-18.
Buckley was peppered with questions about his side’s attack after the Adelaide loss, but admitted it was the defence that concerned him most.
“We’d like to use the ball better. Having said that, in the first seven rounds we were the No. 1 pressure side in the comp and the 18th for disposal efficiency,” Buckley said.
“Our disposal efficiency has improved over the last two months, but our football has gone backwards so we’re under no illusions around what the most important elements of our game is.”
Everywhere you look, the Pies’ defensive frailty leaps off the page.
Their opposition has averaged 380 disposals a game, which is the most in the competition.
Forget the club song. That is a cakewalk.

Round 18: Collingwood 82 Adelaide 98

THE FACTS

COLLINGWOOD   3.0.18    5.4.34    8.8.56    12.10.82
ADELAIDE             5.5.35   7.8.50    9.13.67   14.14.98

SCORERS - Collingwood: Cloke (3.1), White (2.1), Beams (2.0), Blair (1.1), Elliott (1.1), Martin (1.0), Pendlebury (1.0), Witts (1.0), Broomhead (0.1), Kennedy (0.1), Reid (0.1), Sidebottom (0.1)

BEST - Collingwood: Beams, Sidebottom, Lumumba, Pendlebury

INJURIES - Collingwood: Langdon (head)
SUBSTITUTES - Collingwood: Ben Kennedy replaced Kyle Martin in the fourth quarter

REPORTS - Collingwood: Clinton Young reported for rough conduct on Brodie Smith - cleared by the AFL's Match Review Panel

OFFICIAL CROWD: 41,482 at the MCG

TALKING POINTS

1. Outsized and eventually outworked Nick Maxwell's retirement has left a glaring hole in the stability of Collingwood's back six. Youngsters Jack Frost and Lachie Keeffe have battled manfully this season, in the absence of Nathan Brown, but they faced some intense pressure from the tall Adelaide forward line on Sunday night. The task looked like proving too much when Collingwood's 'Mr Fix it' Tyson Goldsack was forced to line up on Josh Jenkins or James Podsiadly at times. The backline's frailties were eventually exposed, as Jenkins, Podsiadly and Taylor Walker managed to get on top in the end. Walker finished with three majors and Podsiadly one, as the Crows forwards took the points against a gallant Magpie defence. 2. Reid's long-awaited return If you told Nathan Buckley in February Ben Reid would be playing his first AFL game of the season in round 18, the Magpies coach would have been thinking you were having a laugh. But that was the scenario facing the Magpies swingman, whose season has been derailed by a calf strain in a pre-season game against Gold Coast on March 2. A nicked quad at training and a car accident only added to the feeling he must have walked under a ladder holding a black cat. It was an unremarkable comeback from Reid, as the key Magpie struggled to impose himself on the game. He finished with nine touches and zero goals. But it was to be expected with the amount of footy Reid has missed. 3. "Awkward timeslot" Collingwood president Eddie McGuire labeled it an "awkward timeslot" and there were plenty of others criticising the AFL's decision to schedule the game at 4.40pm on Sunday evening. As the standalone game on Sunday, even AFL chief Gillon McLachlan admitted during the week he would have done things differently with the fixture if the League had its time again. A crowd of 41,482 showed up at the MCG, down on the Melbourne Cricket Club's estimation of 48,000 prior to the match. The game turned out a cracker, but there is a clear argument more fans would have shown up had the game been held during the day.

4. Crouch takes the baton When Scott Thompson was ruled out before the game with a hamstring strain, Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson could have been forgiven for being a little worried. The reason being Thompson had not missed a game under his coaching reign at the Crows. But luckily for Sanderson, there was another big-bodied midfielder ready to step into the void. That player was the 20-year-old Brad Crouch who set the ascendancy around the stoppages all game long, working himself to the brink of exhaustion to collect 25 touches and six clearances in a significant match-defining role. 5. The 'mini-final' Both teams knew exactly what was on the line in the lead up to Sunday night's clash at the MCG. A Collingwood win would cement it one game clear of Gold Coast in the eight; a Crows win and the pride of South Australia would leapfrog their adversaries into the top eight. Magpies coach Nathan Buckley made reference to the fact the game was a mini-final in a team meeting, while Crows counterpart Brenton Sanderson acknowledged the 'eight-point game' cliché. With the game on the line in the last quarter, it was the Crows who coped with the pressure best as they ran out 16-point victors and with their necks inside the top eight. Nick Maxwell's retirement has left a glaring hole in the stability of Collingwood's back six. Youngsters Jack Frost and Lachie Keeffe have battled manfully this season, in the absence of Nathan Brown, but they faced some intense pressure from the tall Adelaide forward line on Sunday night.

THE MEDIA

COLLINGWOOD NEWS Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley understands questions are going to be asked after his side's 16-point loss to Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday. The Crows consigned the Magpies to their fifth loss from six starts, while Collingwood also slipped out of the top eight at the expense of Sunday's adversaries. "The industry we're in, you're going to get picked apart and questions are going to be asked. They should be. Questions on why you're going well. Why you're going poorly. Questions on where you go from here," Buckley said post-match. Despite the finals implications associated with the clash against the Crows, Buckley saw some definitive improvements from the team that was humiliated by Essendon at the same venue a fortnight ago. "If we bring that energy and that effort, I think the supporters at the club, the players themselves, the coaches and staff and anyone involved with the club are going to be far more satisfied if we give them that effort (rather) than the one we gave against Essendon," he said. Buckley refused to be drawn on what the loss means for the club's season with a meeting with fifth-placed Port Adelaide at the MCG next on the agenda. "We've played some good footy, we've played some poor footy. Today was closer to the good footy that we've been able to play, but we didn't get the result," Buckley said. "We go in, seven days into Port Adelaide with a much improved effort on what we've seen in the last two or three weeks, in particular, but we just need to sharpen up on our execution." Although industrious, the lack of polish – particularly with their forward 50 entries – was a major sticking point for the Magpies coach.Collingwood pipped Adelaide in inside 50s (48-47), but there was a giant chasm in how both sides were able to convert their chances on the scoreboard. The Magpies scored 46 per cent of the time from their forward 50 entries, while the Crows were far more efficient at 60 per cent. He said key forward Travis Cloke was caught grappling opponent Daniel Talia too much, but added the umpires did not give Cloke much help in his one-on-one battle. "More often than not we were able to bring it to ground and we hunted really well," Buckley said. "But we just couldn't execute, couldn't finish off well enough." With the Magpies seemingly in transition mode, Buckley was as realistic as ever when asked whether ninth place on the ladder was where his side fitted in the AFL spectrum. At the start of the season, Champion Data ranked Collingwood's list at No. 10 in the competition when compared to other clubs' squads. "Internally, we had higher expectations than that and we began the year as we wished to, regardless of age profile or experience profile," he said. "We're definitely not going to use that as an excuse, but we could be playing more consistent football."                                  REAL FOOTY Collingwood has tumbled outside the top eight for the first time since round five with its fifth loss in six weeks, but coach Nathan Buckley is confident that his players’ improved endeavour and effort can see them work their way back into form with five rounds left before the finals. Adelaide moved into the eight for the first time all year with its second win over the Pies for the year, a 16-point win that saw the Crows move level on points with Collingwood and Gold Coast but ahead of both clubs on percentage. All three are placed one game behind Essendon and North Melbourne. Collingwood missed out on the opportunity to move two games clear of the Crows, and face the prospect of missing out on playing in September for the first time since 2005, while the Crows won without midfield star Scott Thompson and fielding what coach Brenton Sanderson guessed was the youngest side his club had sent out all season. Unsatisfied with his side’s effort two weeks ago against Essendon, Buckley was this time displeased with the number of one on one contests lost in defence when Adelaide got on four-goal runs at the end of the first and last quarters, and thought his players could have made more of their forward 50 entries. But he was pleased with his players’ improved effort, and he was sure that they would improve if were able to maintain that effort in their last five games, against Port Adelaide, West Coast, Brisbane, Greater Western Sydney and Hawthorn. “For the most part our attitude and our effort was really strong; chalk and cheese to last time we took the field two weeks ago. We focused on contests and pressure. Statistically, if you win both of those stats you win nine out of 10 games and this is the one that falls into that one out of 10,” Buckley said. “You can only ever deal with it one game at a time. We’ve played some good footy, we’ve played some poor footy. ‘‘Today was closer to the good footy that we’ve been able to play, but we didn’t get the result. “We go in, in seven days, to Port Adelaide with a much improved effort on what we’ve seen in the last two or three weeks in particular. We just need to sharpen up on execution in both offence and defence.’’ ‘‘We’re definitely not going to use that as an excuse but we could be playing more consistent football and we’ll continue to coach around that and we’ll continue to play around that. ‘‘But if we bring the effort that we brought today, more often than not we’ll improve and if we improve we’ll win more games of footy.’’ The Crows play West Coast, Brisbane, Richmond, North Melbourne and St Kilda in their run home, with their games against the Eagles, Tigers and Saints to be played at home. Having lost their first three games of the season, Sanderson said his side had the hunger to want to stay in the eight. The win over Collingwood was just the Crows’ second in 13 games at the MCG. ‘‘We’ve really been chasing the opposition. I know it’s round 18 and the season’s quickly coming to a close, but tonight we’re in the eight. We’ve got to enjoy this win tonight, it’s great to beat Collingwood at the MCG, but it’s a six day break and prepare for West Coast,’’ Sanderson said. Already missing Dane Swan and Luke Ball from its midfield, Collingwood may have to play the Power without Clinton Young, who was reported following a first-half collision with Crow Brodie Smith. Young caught Smith high with his left arm as he raced towards a marking contest in the centre square and arrived late. Smith was able to get up, take the 50-metre penalty and kick a long goal.                                  AFL THERE are absolutely no excuses for Collingwood's fifth loss from six games, captain Scott Pendlebury says. The Magpies led by a goal at the 12-minute mark of the final term in Sunday's clash against Adelaide at the MCG, only to fall to the Crows by 16 points. "We're not making any excuses. We were in position to win that game," Pendlebury said. "We put ourselves in a position to win and we've just got to be better." The loss relegated the club to ninth position and with plenty of ground to make up if it is to force its way back into the top eight. Collingwood has had to deal with a lengthy injury list for much of the season, only managing to get Ben Reid back in action for his first game of the season against the Crows. Star midfielder Dane Swan is expected to miss up to a month with a plantar fascia problem in his foot, while Luke Ball and Alan Toovey were ruled out before the game started. But it was not the lack of seniority that cost the Magpies the game, according to Pendlebury. It was their sluggish opening and the side's inability to cope with pressure that stood out most to the Magpies' skipper. "In the heat of the moment we've got to be better. You've got to stay clear in your mind and know what we want to do as a side," Pendlebury said. "You can't get caught up in the atmosphere, which is what we're trying to teach the whole team. "We've got to stick to the way we want to play all game and [Sunday night] it was the start that really hurt us." Pendlebury said the loss to the Crows was "gut wrenching" as he turns his attention to another season-defining game against Port Adelaide next Sunday. Finals, he says, are not even being thought about at this stage of the season. "Even early in the year, when we were sitting fourth, it wasn't in the conversation," Pendlebury said. "Round 23 is when it will be in the conversation, whether we're playing or not and that's as simple as it is."

SUPERFOOTY COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley knows the pressure is building after loss to Adelaide dumped the Pies out of the top eight. The 16-point defeat was Collingwood’s fifth loss in six games, leaving Buckley to explain a season that lurches from bad to worse. The Crows defeat capped the worst six-week stretch for the Magpies since 2005 - the last time they failed to reach the finals. “The industry we’re in you’re going to get picked apart and questions are going to be asked and so they should be,” Buckley said. “Questions on why you’re going well? Questions on why you’re going poorly? Questions on where do you go from here?” Star midfielder Steele Sidebottom admitted the players had treated the Adelaide game “like a final”, with the Crows’ win ensuring they replaced Collingwood in the last finals spot. Buckley acknowledged the heat was set to be turned up on the Magpies, but insisted his side was back to playing good footy despite the criticism. “I can say to you that I don’t think it’s fair, I don’t think it’s balanced, but that’s irrelevant,” he said. “All we can ever put our focus into is the things we can impact on and I thought, for the most part, the players did that today. If we bring that energy and effort I think the supporters of the club, the players, the coaches and staff and anybody involved with the club are going to be far more satisfied than if we give them the effort that we gave them against Essendon. “For two games this year we’ve been really poor, but for the most part this group is prepared to put the work in and they’re prepared to improve and give their best and we’ll continue to go forward from that. “We’ve played some good footy, we’ve played some poor footy. Today was closer to the good footy we’ve been able to play, but we didn’t get the result.” Collingwood edged Adelaide in the contested ball count and won clearances and inside 50s, but was again undone by sloppy execution inside 50m that saw them waste a glut of opportunities. “We focused on contests and pressure. Statistically if you win both of those you win nine out of 10 games and this was one that fell into that one out of 10,” Buckley said. “More often than not when the ball went forward we were able to bring it to ground and we hunted well, but just couldn’t execute and couldn’t finish off well enough. To win the inside 50s and then not be able to take our chances is what hurt us.” Buckley said Travis Cloke (16 disposals, seven marks and 3.1) was given a raw deal from the umpires. “He didn’t get any help from the umps at all, but he’s a big unit and he’s got to keep going to attack the ball in the air and it will be more obvious when the defenders have got a handful of his jumper,” he said. Dayne Beams was excellent in Collingwood’s loss. Picture: Michael Klein Sidebottom said the loss had put the Pies in a straight-forward situation. “Every game now we can’t afford to drop. To go down like that at the end, it’s very disappointing,” Sidebottom said. “It’s been a big thing for us all year, our delivery inside 50m, and it wasn’t good enough tonight.” Collingwood faces Port Adelaide, West Coast, Brisbane Lions, GWS and Hawthorn in the last five weeks of the season.                                  COLLINGWOOD NEWS Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has stressed the importance of attacking the team’s bye week with a positive mindset after Sunday’s 64-point loss to Essendon. The result leaves the Magpies clinging onto the top eight on percentage with several tricky games remaining in the run to September. But Pendlebury, and coach Nathan Buckley, noted the team’s approach to the bye will be fashioned on the way it responded to the 70-point loss to Fremantle in round one. On that occasion, the Magpies used their week off to reload before flying to Sydney where they silenced the flag favourites with a 20-point win. “The season’s not finished for us,” Pendlebury told CollingwoodTV after emerging from Buckley’s post-game meeting. “A lot of people will write us off now but we’re eighth. If the finals start tomorrow, we’re in the finals. “We’ve got a lot of work to do though. “Two weeks (off) is a good thing. We can really attack these two weeks, train really well and come out all guns blazing against the Crows.” Essendon gave Collingwood one of its most comprehensive beatings in many years, winning the tackle count with 67 to Collingwood’s 50 despite having 87 more disposals. “We definitely didn’t sense that coming in,” Pendlebury lamented. “The boys were ready. In the first quarter we missed some opportunities and they kicked straight all day. We got flogged around the ball and it starts and stops there. “I think we’ve just got to get back to the basics. If we do the basics well, we play good football, and today there were just too many times where we left each other by ourselves. “It starts around the footy. We’ve got to get better around the pill and we’ll address that.”                                  COLLINGWOOD NEWS Adelaide is in the top eight after beating Collingwood by 16 points at the MCG on Sunday, a result that relegated the Magpies to ninth position on the ladder. The Crows looked set to be overrun by the Magpies, who took a six-point lead early in the final term, before Adelaide booted three goals in five minutes to restore its advantage midway through the last quarter. Two late goals to Crows spearhead Taylor Walker sealed the club's 14.14 (98) to 12.10 (82) victory, one that was hard earned but deserved given their dominance throughout the match. Coach Brenton Sanderson acknowledged the Crows had taken the long route to the top eight after losing the first three games of the season. "We've really been chasing the competition. I know it's round 18, the season's quickly coming to a close, (and) tonight we're in the eight," he said after the win. "We've got to enjoy this win tonight, but then get home and prepare for West Coast. That's the reality of this competition, it's ruthless. "We've been working our backsides off to get in the eight. Now that we're there, we need to make sure we stay in there." While Adelaide jumped into the box seat for the finals, the Magpies' September hopes are fading by the week. The loss was Collingwood's fifth of its past six games, and it is a far less imposing team than the one which was on the verge of top-four honours just six weeks ago. Magpies coach Nathan Buckley pointed to the latter stages of the first quarter and the final 10 minutes of the game as the main parts of the game that let his side down. "For the most part, our attitude and our effort was really strong," Buckley said. "(It was) chalk and cheese to the last time we took the field (against Essendon in round 17)." But the credit should go to Adelaide. Just as Travis Cloke (three goals) and Dayne Beams (two goals, 29 disposals) looked set to lead Collingwood to a come-from-behind victory, a number of Crows stood up. Walker (three goals) and James Podsiadly (one goal) formed a dangerous combination throughout the day, while Patrick Dangerfield (26 disposals, 14 contested) won important clearances at the right times. Dangerfield will have scans on his knee this week after receiving a knock in the dying moments, but the club is confident he escaped damage. Brodie Smith also showed why he is considered one of the leading young talents in the competition with 24 disposals at 100 per cent efficiency, including two goals. Brad Crouch (25 disposals), Ricky Henderson (22) and Matthew Jaensch (22) were others to play considerable roles in the victory. Adelaide could have sewn up the result earlier, if not for some wastefulness. The Crows opened a 17-point margin at the first change, but did not make the most of their chances, and Collingwood controlled most of the play in the second term. When Beams' second goal – a snap from the forward pocket six minutes into the final term – slid through to give the Pies the lead, it appeared the Crows' inaccuracy would come back to haunt them.It didn't, which will be a relief for coach Brenton Sanderson as he tries to lead his club back to September action. The win also opens up a solid run home for the Crows, who play just one current top-eight side (North Melbourne in round 19) in their final five contests.

2014 Ladder: Round 18

Pos Position    C Change from last round    P Played    W Won    L Lost    D Drawn    F Points for    A Points against
% Percentage    Form Past five results    Next Next opponent    Pts Points

Collingwood: An Analysis

REAL FOOTY - Matthew Lloyd

Collingwood v Adelaide Sunday July 27, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 8 Max 16 Chance of rain 20%: < 1mm Wind: NNW 27kph Betting: Collingwood $1.91 Adelaide $1.91

Collingwood has been in freefall ever since its round 13 defeat to the Western Bulldogs on June 15. What’s even more intriguing about the dramatic fall is that the Magpies were flying at the completion of round 12, with most scribes content with the fact that they had the capabilities and credentials of being a top-four contender.
Nathan Buckley has had two weeks to pick up the pieces of what was a train wreck of a performance against the Bombers, and a loss to the Adelaide Crows today will more than likely destroy the Magpies' aspirations to make an impact in the finals.
Just where has it all gone wrong for Collingwood? Unfortunately, for those who love the Black and White, it’s a case of where do you start.
When you’re in a rut like the Magpies are, the first non-negotiable that must be addressed is your attitude and your effort.
Collingwood lacks cohesion and confidence in its game and you don’t get that back without a total commitment to the cause and maximum effort. These two aspects were non-existent from the first bounce in the disaster against Essendon. Insipid is a strong word to use about any football team, but that’s exactly what that effort was.
You can’t hide from some of the statistics in that game. Buckley's Pies had 20 less contested possessions, betraying a lack of competitiveness, while 63 fewer uncontested possessions and 58 fewer uncontested marks than Essendon showed not only a lack of work rate but also a lack of care for one another.
The AFL is is a brutal industry, every player who has been around long enough will have experienced games where everything you do or try just doesn’t work, but for over a month Collingwood has been performing like a bottom-four club in all the key areas that win you games of football.
As much as I like to think that forwards win you games of football, the first ingredient to success is a strong defence all over the ground and then a midfield that bats far deeper than the opposition. Collingwood won a premiership in 2010 with that formula and it is what has Sydney on top of the ladder now. It certainly helps to have Buddy Franklin up forward, but the key to the Swans is the best defensive unit in the competition.
Defenders Lachlan Keeffe, Jack Frost, Tom Langdon, Paul Seedsman and Marley Williams are young and they did great work for Collingwood in the first 12 rounds, so it is understandable that there would be a drop-off in their output as the season ground on towards finals. The injuries and now retirement of Nick Maxwell has hurt Collingwood because he was their backbone earlier in the season, but the young defenders have been let down by its experienced midfield.
Aside from the skipper Scott Pendlebury who has been a consistent performer, Dane Swan, Dayne Beams, Jarryd Blair, Brent Macaffer and Steele Sidebottom have all been disappointing during this lean period. Sidebottom’s undisciplined act where he got suspended for three weeks hurt Collingwood, as has playing Dane Swan injured, but as a group, they are getting badly beaten at the coalface. The Pies dropped from fourth in the AFL over the first 12 rounds for contested possession to 15th through rounds 13 to 17. As a result, scoring from clearances has also dried up with only St Kilda and Melbourne scoring less in the last five rounds.
Ben Reid and Jamie Elliott could not have come back at a better time. The loss of Elliott to a hamstring injury over the last few weeks has been a big blow because he provides an exuberance and diversity to the Collingwood forward line that they just don’t have without him. Ben Reid may not be as match fit going into today’s game as he would like but Travis Cloke plays much better with a secondary option in the forward line. After a solid start to the season, Jesse White has contributed just four goals in his last eight games and none in the last month so the opposition can now put all their energies into double-teaming Cloke, which is what they are doing.
I’d love to see Travis Cloke go back to centre half-forward where he can use his endurance to become less predictable to the opposition as he gets caught wrestling too much at full forward. This would allow for Ben Reid and Jamie Elliott to play deeper and it suddenly becomes a much livelier forward line which Nathan Buckley hasn’t had at his disposal.
Jamie Elliott spoke during the week of how the Magpies are preparing for this match like it’s a final and that’s how they are intending to attack the early stages of today’s first quarter. The Adelaide Crows who have been in better form of late would be thinking exactly the same thing as a loss for them will probably draw curtains on their season as they would find themselves two games out of the eight. If Adelaide wins, its draw looks pretty comfortable in the run home and the Crows would most likely take Collingwood and the Gold Coast's position in eighth spot come the end of the year.
There would have been plenty of soul-searching going on at Collingwood over the last few weeks, yet for all that, the actions of the 22 who represent the famous old club today will give us the clearest picture as to whether there is any life left in the 2014 Magpies.

Round 18: The Team - Final

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Adelaide Sunday July 27, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 8 Max 16 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: NNW 27kph Betting: Collingwood $1.91 Adelaide $1.91

B: Marley Williams, Jack Frost, Taylor Adams
HB: Paul Seedsman, Lachlan Keeffe, Heritier Lumumba
C: Steele Sidebottom, Brent Macaffer, Tim Broomhead
HF: Kyle Martin, Jesse White, Ben Kennedy
F: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Ben Reid
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
Int: Tyson Goldsack, Jarryd Blair, Tom Langdon, Clinton Young
Emg: Josh Thomas, Sam Dwyer, Tony Armstrong

IN: Tim Broomhead, Jamie Elliott, Lachlan Keeffe, Kyle Martin, Ben Reid
OUT: Nick Maxwell (retired), Luke Ball (back), Dane Swan (foot), Alan Toovey (back), Josh Thomas (omitted)

Collingwood News Alan Toovey has been withdrawn from Collingwood’s starting line-up ahead of Sunday’s crunch match against Adelaide. The reliable backman, who has missed just one game this season, aggravated his back during Friday’s training session at Olympic Park. Toovey’s place in the squad has been filled by Tony Armstrong, who is averaging 17.2 disposals, 2.2 inside 50s and 2.2 rebound 50s in the VFL this season. Armstrong arrived at the Westpac Centre as a delisted free agent last November after stints with Sydney and Adelaide. Star forwards Ben Reid and Jamie Elliott slot back into Sunday’s side, as do key backman Lachlan Keeffe and young onballers Tim Broomhead and Kyle Martin. Josh Thomas has been omitted from the extended 25-man squad that was named on Thursday night. He will join the retired Nick Maxwell and injured trio Dane Swan (foot), Luke Ball (back) and Toovey on the sidelines. Thomas, Armstrong and Sam Dwyer are the team’s three emergencies. As a result of the five changes to the side, the Magpies will field six players with less than 25 matches of senior experience, 11 without 50 games and 11 under the age of 23. It ensures the team will take on a fresh look, particularly given the return of Ben Reid, who will play his first home and away match of 2014.

Preview Round 18: Collingwood v Adelaide

SPORTAL

Collingwood v Adelaide Sunday July 27, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 8 Max 16 Chance of rain 30%: < 1mm Wind: NNW 28kph Betting: Collingwood $1.83 Adelaide $2.00

Why watch
Although Hawthorn v Sydney will offer the quality, this match is shaping as the round’s must-see encounter. For both teams this is a mini-final. Lose here and your chances of playing in September will take a major hit. For Collingwood, this is especially so as the Magpies have a tough run home and a loss may mean they have to beat Hawthorn in Round 23 to make the eight. Good luck! Adelaide have a softer finish but cannot afford to drop to far behind the eight as Gold Coast will be pressing their claims as well.

Match Notes

• All the stats over the last five weeks point to the Crows. The Magpies have lost four of those games, their only win seeing them scrape home over Carlton. In this period, the Pies have an average score of 77.8 points, the Crows 106.4. Making things worse for Collingwood is the fact Adelaide have achieved this, despite playing four opponents in the top eight. That being said, they’ve only managed wins against two of those teams and the total score has been pushed up by a big victory over the Giants.
• Collingwood have lost two big players, with former skipper Nick Maxwell retiring after suffering a serious ankle injury. Dane Swan will miss also a month with what may be a chronic foot problem. The Pies do have some replacements, though. Ben Reid could come into the team for his first match this season. Reid could play for Maxwell, although Lachlan Keefe may be given another chance. Jamie Elliott should return from a hamstring issue to take Swan’s place, while Alex Fasolo has recovered from a foot injury and could come into the team, along with Kyle Martin. Jesse White, Taylor Adams, Ben Kennedy and Paul Seedsman may be in the gun while Tom Langdon could be rested.
• Scott Thompson has been in exceptional form - again – this season, but was battling a hamstring issue that forced him off in last round’s loss to Hawthorn. If Thompson doesn’t play, the Crows may just make a straight swap with David Mackay, who’s recovered from a hamstring injury. Sam Kerridge (foot), Charlie Cameron (groin) and Jared Petrenko (leg) may all be fit given the fortnight off.

Quote of the week
“Whatever happens to us in season 2014 will be dictated by our next six weeks. We can’t do anything about what’s brought us to this point. But, ultimately, we’ll get what we deserve and what we earn,” said Nathan Buckley as he contemplates Collingwood’s first year without finals footy since 2005. 

Key injuries
COLLINGWOOD
Nathan Brown (Shoulder) Season
Nathan Freeman (Hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Ben Hudson (Shoulder) 6 weeks
Patrick Karnezis (Hamstring) Test
Quinten Lynch (Broken Leg) Test
Adam Oxley (Ankle) TBC
Matthew Scharenberg (Feet) Test
Dane Swan (Foot) 3-4 weeks 

Last five games
Collingwood

• L 8 Western Bulldogs
• L 29 Hawthorn
• W 15 Carlton
• L 5 Gold Coast
• L 64 Essendon

Adelaide

• W 36 North Melbourne
• L 9 Essendon
• W 23 Port Adelaide
• W 68 GWS
• L 22 Hawthorn

Cold hard fact
The last time both Nick Maxwell and Dane Swan missed a match was Round 12 2006 when Nathan Buckley – as captain – helped his side to a win over Sydney. 

Final word
The odds are stacked against the Magpies in this one. Adelaide are in form, have most of their players on the park and are gunning for Collingwood’s place in the eight. Collingwood on the other hand, have been shoddy, were dismantled by Essendon last start, have lost two big-name players to injury and have a tendency to turn the ball over way too many times! That being said, the Magpies often find something when their backs are to the walls. It’s why the club has made the finals eight years straight. Last year after a poor loss to Port Adelaide they responded with a series of wins that took them through to the finals comfortably. In Round 1 they were destroyed by Fremantle, but the Maggies hit back through a brave come-from-behind win over Sydney. This has all the hallmarks of one of those moments, even if Josh Jenkins and Adelaide’s tall forward line won’t make things easy. If Collingwood deliver their A-Game, the one seen early this season, they can beat the Crows. Anything else and Adelaide will punish them. This will be tight and tough, it’s a mini final after all. But it’s Adelaide by 6 points.

Round 18: The Team - Preliminary

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Adelaide Sunday July 27, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 8 Max 16 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: NNW 28kph Betting: Collingwood $1.82 Adelaide $2.00

B: Marley Williams, Jack Frost, Alan Toovey
HB: Paul Seedsman, Lachlan Keeffe, Heritier Lumumba
C: Steele Sidebottom, Brent Macaffer, Tim Broomhead
HF: Kyle Martin, Jesse White, Ben Kennedy
F: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Ben Reid
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
Int (from): Sam Dwyer, Tyson Goldsack, Jarryd Blair, Taylor Adams, Clinton Young, Josh Thomas, Tom Langdon

IN: Tim Broomhead, Sam Dwyer, Jamie Elliott, Lachlan Keeffe, Kyle Martin, Ben Reid
OUT: Nick Maxwell (retired), Luke Ball (back), Dane Swan (foot)

Collingwood News Collingwood has announced six inclusions to an extended 25-man squad ahead of the side’s crunch round 18 clash with Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday. With both sides seated firmly in finals contention, the match looms as a proverbial eight-point affair, pivotal in determining the top eight prospects of either outfit. The Magpies enter the clash following a downturn in form which has seen the side win just one of its last five matches, as injury and circumstance have conspired to thrust Nathan Buckley’s team into a finals dogfight. Though Nick Maxwell (retired), Luke Ball (back) and Dane Swan (foot) are all forced omissions, the return of a host of established names however will undoubtedly prove a boon for Collingwood, which will seek to avenge an earlier 21-point defeat to Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in round nine. That result proved the catalyst for the Magpies mid-season lull, placing a dampener on an early season surge which saw the fledgling team emerge as top-four contenders. While Travis Cloke has found himself isolated in recent weeks, forced to bear the bulk of Collingwood’s scoring responsibilities, the two-time All-Australian will enjoy a welcome reprieve against the Crows as Jamie Elliott, who is line to play his 50th match, and Ben Reid return to the fold. Having missed Collingwood’s last two fixtures through a hamstring injury, Elliott will resume his role as an attacking foil to Cloke, with his lead-up ability and acute goal sense ensuring he’ll be in a position to add to his scoring tally for the season, which currently stands at 30 majors. Reid meanwhile makes his comeback following a frustrating campaign largely spent on the sidelines, poised to play his first match of the season after demonstrating his fitness through the VFL. Suffering a series of soft-tissue injuries, Reid has been unsighted with the AFL side since Collingwood’s pre-season encounter with the Gold Coast before round one, an absence which has proven increasingly telling as the campaign has unfolded due to his supreme versatility. Though given his performances last year as a key forward, it is perhaps in attack where Reid would have, and perhaps will make his greatest contribution, particularly in light of his recent appearances at VFL level, where he has largely occupied a role inside the Magpies forward 50. Nevertheless, whether offering support to Jack Frost and Lachlan Keeffe as a third tall in defence, or providing an additional scoring option to complement Cloke and Elliott in attack, Reid’s selection will be welcome boost as Collingwood approaches a six-match sprint towards the finals series. The aforementioned Keeffe has been selected after the briefest of stints in the VFL, where he will no doubt attempt to nullify the scoring threat offered by one of Adelaide’s tall forward triumvirate of Josh Jenkins, James Podsiadly and Taylor Walker. South Australian youngster Tim Broomhead and second year player Sam Dwyer will again bring their efficient ball use and poise to the AFL after he received a recall, while Kyle Martin’s interminable wait for an elevation to the senior list has finally ended after the man described as the VFL’s Dane Swan-equivalent was named for the first time in 2014. Martin’s rapacious appetite for goals and uncanny ball-winning ability will offer a unique dimension to the Magpies side, after the reigning Joseph Wren Memorial Trophy winner for Collingwood’s VFL Best and Fairest continued to thrive in the second tier despite being subject to increased attention from opponents. The 23-year old has amassed 38 and 39 possessions respectively over his last two VFL matches, while his season goal tally of 23 has him sitting fourth in the race for the Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal. With Maxwell retired, and two players – Nathan Brown and Ben Hudson – on the long term injury list, a vacancy for Martin opened.

Preview Round 18: Collingwood v Adelaide

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Adelaide Sunday July 27, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 8 Max 16 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: NNW 28kph Betting: Collingwood $1.82 Adelaide $2.00

The second half of round 18 concludes this Sunday at the MCG in what could be a season-defining match between Collingwood and Adelaide.
With five teams vying for the final two positions in the top eight, every match from this point onwards will be a mini-final for both Collingwood and Adelaide. The Magpies currently sit in eighth, while the Crows are only one game behind in 10th position.
If Collingwood loses, then it will drop out of the top eight, and Adelaide will move above on the ladder.
A win, on the other hand, will ensure the Magpies are two games clear of the Crows.
Given Collingwood’s tricky run home, this result is clearly a mini-final, a point that coach Nathan Buckley has made clear to his players this week.
Both sides lost in round 17, though the Crows were gallant in defeat against Hawthorn.
Collingwood, on the other hand, slumped to one of its worst losses of the year, getting thumped by Essendon by 64 points. The Magpies only managed five goals for the entire match, highlighting major deficiencies in the forward line. It marked a horror month for Collingwood, for it has lost four of its last five games.
In many regards, last week’s bye came at a crucial time for the club as it allowed the players the opportunity to regather their thoughts and focus on the run home.
After a dreadful start to the year, the Crows have really clicked into gear and have stormed back into finals contention. Adelaide has won three of its previous five games, with its only losses in this period to Hawthorn and Essendon by narrow margins.
Although the game is at the MCG, the Crows must be feeling confident based on recent form.
It has been a big fortnight for the Pies following the loss to the Bombers, with premiership captain Nick Maxwell announcing his retirement and Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan announcing he will be out for a month with a heel injury.
If Jamie Elliott returns, he will play his 50th game, while Adelaide’s Richard Douglas and James Podsiadly will notch their 150th and 100th games respectively.

Recent History
These sides last met in round nine this year. At that stage of the year, the form line of these two teams was much different. The Magpies were flying high with five wins and two losses leading into the round eight bye, while Adelaide was going through a difficult start to the year, having only won three games and heading into the bye on the back of a loss to Melbourne.
In many regards, the bye stunted Collingwood’s momentum, whilst it allowed Adelaide to refocus.
Ironically, these two sides again meet after a bye, and Adelaide will be hoping a similar effect is not prevalent this time around.
With two weeks to re-energise, the Magpies will hope to bounce back in a similar vein to Adelaide in round nine.
Last time around, a record crowd at the Adelaide Oval helped bring home an inspired Adelaide outfit by 21 points.
Patrick Dangerfield and Scott Thompson were fantastic for the Crows with 32 and 30 disposals respectively, while Josh Jenkins broke the low-scoring game wide open with four goals. For the Magpies, Scott Pendlebury and Dayne Beams each had over 30 disposals and kicked a goal, whilst Tom Langdon stood up down back with 23 disposals.

At the Selection Table
It is a big week at the selection table for Collingwood with at least two forced changes required due to the retirement of Nick Maxwell and a heel injury to Dane Swan, which will keep him out for three weeks.
Thankfully, two important players are ready to fill the void with Jamie Elliott and Ben Reid pressing hard for selection. Reid, in particular, will be a massive inclusion if he can pass his fitness test at training, as he has not played any senior football since 2 March.
In other selection news, Lachlan Keeffe performed strongly following his demotion to the VFL last round and should be in line for selection given the tall Adelaide forward line.
Others who are putting their hands up include Tim Broomhead and Kyle Martin who have dominated the VFL in recent weeks.
Turning the focus onto Adelaide, and it is hard to see too many changes to the side despite the fact that numerous players are on the periphery and demanding selection.
Scott Thompson was perhaps the only injury concern leading into the bye with an ongoing hamstring complaint, but is expected to be fit to face the Magpies.
David Mackay will also push for selection following a hamstring injury.
Players such as Matt Crouch, Charlie Cameron, Jared Petrenko and Sam Kerridge are among a host of Adelaide players that will press their claim for selection if required.

Focus on Collingwood
As highlighted in my last preview, Collingwood’s greatest deficiency over the last month has been the forward line, with not enough players contributing to the scoreboard. This is reflected by the fact that the Magpies have only been averaging 77 points over the last few rounds. This issue may be somewhat resolved by the inclusions of Ben Reid and Jamie Elliott.
Elliott is Collingwood’s second highest goal scorer this season and the only small forward who has looked dangerous all season long.
Ben Reid on the other hand will finally allow Jesse White to play as the third tall forward and part-time ruckman, which is the role White was recruited to the club to play. Travis Cloke will also benefit greatly by his presence as Reid will demand a good defender and help deflect attention away from Cloke. Alternatively, Buckley may opt to use Reid in defence to help cover the Adelaide tall forwards.
I would also not be surprised to see Buckley tweak his midfield combination this week. The Magpies have a lot of young midfielders in the side, but were alarmingly beaten through the middle by an Essendon side lacking Jobe Watson or Brendon Goddard.
Collingwood is currently ranked 16th in the competition for clearances, so this area needs to be addressed quickly.
The absence of Swan will be a big loss, but he has barely played midfield in the last few weeks due to his heel complaint and the fact he has been needed in the forward line.
The disposal efficiency of the midfield has also been a major concern. This could see classy players like Martin or Broomhead come into the side to help alleviate this problem.
Player Focus
Scott Pendlebury – Although still producing respectable numbers, I feel as if Pendles has been a shade below his lofty standards. It is his toughest test to date, considering the pressure will be on him as the captain of the football club to lift his side out of its slump and press on towards finals. Without his partner in crime Dane Swan, Pendlebury will be heavily targeted, and therefore the likes of Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom need to offer support.
Jarrod Witts – Witts has been one player in the past few weeks to really lift his game. He has clearly improved this year and has now secured the number one ruck position. But he faces a tough opponent this week in Sam Jacobs, who in my opinion, will be close to being named in the All-Australian team as its ruckman this year. The Crows have a very good midfield, so quelling the influence of Jacobs is going to be a huge task for the young Collingwood ruckman. The bye came at an important time for the young project ruckman, as he would surely be feeling the affects of his first full season at AFL level.
Jack Frost – Rated by many as the club’s most improved player in 2014, Frost has a huge challenge ahead of him this Sunday. Buckley could use him on any of Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins or James Podsiadly, all of whom are in good form and pose a huge threat. He was one Magpie who can hold his head high after last week’s loss, but still needs to work on his offensive side to his game, as he has been prone to the odd blunder with ball in hand.

Focus on Adelaide
The Crows are strong right across the field, with a very talented midfield, developing backline and powerful forward line. Nonetheless, they have struggled for consistency all year and need to improve their foot skills at times. The backline can also be exposed on occasion given the fact that Ben Rutten has struggled for form and will be retiring at the end of the year.
Player Focus
Patrick Dangerfield – There would have been no other player in the AFL as grateful for the bye round as Dangerfield whose body was quite banged up and in need of a rest. Dangerfield knows no other way, and was probably best on ground when these two sides last met despite the fact he had the Brent Macaffer tag for large parts of the match. His last game was also dominant, picking up 41 disposals and 6 tackles against Hawthorn. It will be interesting to see whether Macaffer takes the match-up again, or whether he moves onto the equally dangerous Rory Sloane.
Rory Sloane – Sloane had a slow start to the season but has been terrific in recent weeks, which has undoubtedly seen the Crows improve as well. He had 33 disposals against the Hawks, highlighting his huge work rate and ability to influence the game. Sloane is a good user of the football and makes great decisions, as well as tackling hard and setting an aggressive standard for his teammates to follow.
Brad Crouch – After three months on the sidelines, Crouch has returned as if he never left and has really rounded out the strong Adelaide midfield. His game against Hawthorn was one of his best matches in his short career, acquiring 40 disposals. Crouch has a unique blend of inside and outside ability and is another really smart user of the football. He is one to keep an eye on this weekend, especially if the likes of Sloane and Dangerfield also get on top and start dominating through the middle.

The Wrap Up
Both sides have so much to play for, with the loser facing an uphill battle to make the top eight. This is a classic mini-final and I expect a really hot contest. Both sides possess A-grade midfields, and the battle may well and truly be won in this department considering both teams also have the firepower up forward to kick a winning score. The potential inclusions of Reid and Elliott will be important for the Magpies in this regard.
These two sides have always matched up really well against each other, and it is rare that there is a blow out. The Crows have the better form, but the bye should freshen up the Magpies and see them bounce back from their form slump.

The Final Word – Nick Maxwell
A quick final word on Nick Maxwell who announced his retirement this week. Although not the most talented player to ever play for or captain the side, Maxwell forged a terrific career and will always be known as a premiership captain. He has been an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike, proving that the mental element of this game is just as important as any other aspect.
He was a true leader of the club, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours. He will be sorely missed, but I feel great comfort knowing that the young defence has had the opportunity to learn directly from him this year.

Pies by 15 points.

Facts and Stats: Collingwood v Adelaide

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Adelaide Sunday July 27, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 8 Max 16 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: NNW 28kph Betting: Collingwood $1.82 Adelaide $2.00

Collingwoodfc.com.au breaks down the facts and figures that help make up the story of Collingwood's 37 meetings with Adelaide since 1991.

1,523,973 – The total number of people to have attended a match between Collingwood and Adelaide since 1991.
 88,960 – People crammed into the MCG for the 2002 Preliminary Final between the two clubs to witness a 28-point Collingwood win.
41,118 – The average crowd for a match between the two clubs since 1991.
24,663 – The lowest crowd for a Collingwood v Adelaide match (round six, 1997).
1997 – The last time the two sides met at Victoria Park.
1991 – The year Adelaide became a part of the AFL. By consequence, it was the year Collingwood and Adelaide first met (in round 15).
1,854 – Total scoring shots between the two teams.
160 – Collingwood’s highest score against Adelaide (23.22 160) in round 15, 1991 at Victoria Park.
123 – Collingwood’s greatest winning margin against the Crows, in round 15, 1991.
110 – Adelaide’s greatest winning margin against Collingwood (round 21, 2005).
65m – The distance Anthony Rocca covered with a drop punt against the Crows in the third quarter of the 2002 Preliminary Final.
45 – The most scoring shots in a game between Collingwood-Adelaide.
42 – Disposals won by Scott Pendlebury against Adelaide in round 16, 2013 – a career high.
40 – Disposals won by South Australian pair Scott Russell and Tony Francis in Collingwood’s 123 point win over Adelaide in round 15, 1991.
37 – Disposals recorded by Nathan Buckley in Collingwood’s narrow two-point win over Adelaide at Football Park in round 13, 2001. Buckley also kicked two goals, laid seven tackles, cleared a stoppage 11 times and sent the ball inside 50 on eight occasions. The complete performance.
37 – Goals kicked by Tony Modra in nine games for Adelaide against Collingwood.
37 – Times the two clubs have met.
25 – Collingwood wins against Adelaide since 1991.
25 – Disposals won by Steele Sidebottom in the 2009 Semi-Final (in just his tenth senior game). He also laid 10 tackles.
24 – Disposals won by Cameron Wood (to go with 19 hitouts and two goals) in round 19, 2009. It remains his career high.
24 – The margin in Collingwood’s first ever loss to the Crows, in round 22, 1993, at Football Park.
22 – Marks taken by Adelaide full back Nathan Bassett in round 18, 2006.
18 – Behinds kicked by Collingwood in its three-point win over the Crows in round 21, 2010.
17 – The round in which Sav Rocca played his final game for Collingwood (against Adelaide in 2000). Sav kicked two goals from six touches and left the club for North Melbourne later that year.
16 – Disposals registered by Sam Iles on debut for the Magpies against the Crows in round 18, 2006.
15 - Times the two sides met at Football Park (AAMI Stadium).
13 – Hitouts, 15 disposals and a goal were enough to earn ruckman Guy Richards a Rising Star nomination against the Crows in round nine, 2004.
12 – Adelaide wins against Collingwood since 1991.
11 – Goals kicked by Collingwood in the final quarter to sink Adelaide in round nine, 2011, at Etihad Stadium. The highlight was Dale Thomas’ 55m torpedo from the boundary line, while Andrew Krakouer opened the quarter by taking the Mark of the Year.
11 – Players under the age of 22 in Collingwood’s boilover 31-point win over Adelaide in the 2008 Elimination Final. By contrast, the Crows had just five.
10 – Goals kicked by Sav Rocca in Collingwood’s 96-point win over Adelaide on a Friday night at the MCG in round 13, 1995.
10 – Tackles laid by Nathan Buckley in his first match in five weeks against Adelaide in the 2002 Preliminary Final.
9 – The number of times these two teams have met at the MCG.
8 – Disposals won by debutant Nick Maxwell in a three-point win over Adelaide in round nine, 2004.
7 – Times the Magpies have triumphed by a kick or less in 36 games against the Crows.
6 – Goals kicked by Mark Richardson against Adelaide in round 15, 1991 (in just his sixth game).
6 – Goals kicked by Adelaide backman Scott Stevens in the 2008 Elimination Final.
6 – Highest number of goals by a single player (Scott Stevens) in a final between the two teams (Elimination Final 2008).
6 – Third quarter goals kicked by the Magpies in the 2002 Preliminary Final.
5 – Goals kicked by both Sav Rocca and Paul Williams in round two, 2000.
4 – Behinds kicked by an untypically inaccurate Nathan Buckley in round six, 1996.
4 – Goals kicked by Chris Tarrant against the Crows in round seven, 2003, one of which was kicked after the siren to win the match.
4 – Number of kicks John Anthony had in the 2009 semi-final against Adelaide. Luckily one of those kicks was the one that won the game.
3 – Brownlow votes awarded to Shane Woewodin for his 32 disposals, 10 marks, five tackles and two goals against Adelaide in round seven, 2003.
3 – Disposals won by Damien Adkins in his only game for season 2001. It came against Adelaide in round 13, and punctuated a year in which his career was derailed by groin injuries.
3 – Goals kicked by Jason McCartney in each of his two games for Collingwood against Adelaide. He went on to spend two years at West Lakes before making his name at North Melbourne.
3 – Goal kickers recorded by Collingwood in its nine-point loss to Adelaide in round 21, 1997 (Sav Rocca kicked three, Chad Liddell and Paul Sharkey one).
3 – Number of finals played between the two teams.
2 – Goals kicked by James Clement – yes, James Clement – at Football Park in round 13, 2001. He later switched to the other end of the ground where he subdued the dangerous Darren Jarman.
2 – Goals kicked by second gamer Rhyce Shaw in round 17, 2000. He would not kick more than one goal in a match again until round 15, 2010.
2 – Players selected to make their debuts for Collingwood against Adelaide in round 14, 1998 (Stuart Mangin and James Wasley).
2 – Premierships won by ex-Magpie Brett James after crossing to Adelaide ahead of the 1997 season.
2 – Times Collingwood have won against Adelaide after being behind at half time.
2 – Weeks on the sidelines for Jason Cloke after he was found guilty of striking Adelaide onballer Tyson Edwards during the second quarter of the 2002 Preliminary Final. Cloke would miss the Grand Final loss to Brisbane seven days later.
1 – Set of stitches required by captain Gavin Brown after debutant James Wasley flew into the back of his head during a marking contest in round 14, 1998.
1 – Dislocated shoulder carried by Simon Prestigiacomo during the 2008 Elimination Final victory. Prestigiacomo hurt his shoulder early in the match but soldiered on to keep Kurt Tippett goalless.
1 – Football that went flat mid-match during round two, 2000. The match itself was anything but flat, with the Magpies holding off the Crows by 11 points on a cold Sunday afternoon in March.
1 – TV won by Adelaide’s Will Young, the second gamer who restricted Heritier Lumumba to just five disposals in round 21, 2010. Channel 10’s Matthew Lloyd awarded him the television as best afield.
1 – Week Nathan Buckley was suspended for after tripping Adelaide’s Ben Hart in round 21, 1996. The two now work closely together on Collingwood’s coaching panel.
0 – Disposals won by club debutant Brad Cassidy against the Crows in round 21, 1997.
0 – Games played by Collingwood recruit Jonathon Ross, who joined the Magpies in a swap for Brett James at the end of 1996. Ross was sacked by Collingwood after an off-field indiscretion in December.

Preview Round 18: Collingwood v Adelaide

SportsMatt

Collingwood v Adelaide Sunday July 27, 4.40pm MCG Fox Footy 4.30pm Weather: Min 8 Max 16 Chance of rain 10%: < 1mm Wind: NNW 28kph Betting: Collingwood $1.82 Adelaide $2.00

So it’s come down to this, after 16 games of the 2014 AFL premiership season Collingwood and Adelaide will go head to head on Sunday for a chance to effectively keep their finals hopes alive. Yes mathematically the loser of this game still has a chance to finish 7th or 8th but realistically a loss here, against a fellow finals contender, would just about spell the end to the season for either team. You can say that for the Magpies especially, who after a woeful showing against Essendon before the bye sit right on the edge of the top 8, and with a few harder games than this still to come. Collingwood at one stage were a top four contender, but with one win in their last 5 games their season is quickly falling apart. The Crows have never reached that lofty height, in fact they’ve been threatening to fall out of finals contention all year only to get a win each time they’ve desperately needed one. Before the bye which each team had last weekend, the Crows had actually found some decent form too with two wins over Port and GWS followed by a credible loss to the powerful Hawthorn outfit. Going into this game there’s little doubt Adelaide are in better form than Collingwood.

COLLINGWOOD PREVIEW
The Magpies find themselves in this position simply based on their own form. With just one win in the last 5 games, and that win coming against lowly Carlton, the Pies have dug a hole so deep that it ‘s going to be hard to get out of now. The Pies have been struggling in just about every area with their midfield getting beat for contested possessions and clearances, the forward line relying solely on Travis Cloke and the backline relying on a bunch of kids to hold it together. The midfield would have to be of most concern for coach Nathan Buckley with it’s star studded names simply not being able to lift the team in crucial stages recently. In the last game against Essendon the Pies midfield was smashed with a -10 gap in clearances and a -20 differential in contested possessions. It was probably as low as this Magpie team has been under Nathan Buckley.
There is some good news for the Magpies though with star big man Ben Reid likely to play his first senior game of the year after 2 games back in the VFL. Reid, an All Australian centre half back was touted as a key forward this year but hasn’t been seen at senior level due to recurring injuries. Also returning this week is the Pies leading goal kicker, small forward Jamie Elliott. Elliott, who will play his 50th senior game this week has been one of the few positives this season and he was on track for All Australian selection before a hamstring injury cost him 3 games. The Pies will be without two stalwarts though with Nick Maxwell announcing his retirement during the week and Dane Swan finally succumbing to various injuries he’s been suffering all year. Surely the Maxwell announcement will lead to a boost in intensity and effort as the premiership captain led from the front his whole career, and will still expect that from his team mates even if he isn’t out there any more. It’s a huge game for Collingwood this, it may well be their finals chances decider when all is said and done.

OPPOSITION ANALYSIS
The Adelaide Crows have had an underwhelming season so far, they’ve never actually been inside the top 8 but with a win over the Pies here they could well be for the first time in 2014. They started the season poorly with 3 straight losses and ever since have been fighting just to keep their finals hopes alive. Against the odds they’ve done it and as they showed in recent weeks their form at home is very strong. Where the Crows may struggle a bit is away from home, with only 3 wins on the road so far this season. This game will be like a final though for both teams, and usually home ground advantage doesn’t count for too much in finals like games. The bye came at the right time for the Crows too with several key players struggling with injuries during their loss against the Hawks in their last game. The Crows possess talent on every line and will be a formidable team for the Pies to overcome indeed.
The Crows forward line looks a very dangerous one on paper and most weeks it delivers on that promise. The recruitment of Eddie Betts and James Podsiadly over the off season saw the Crows add even more depth to an already talented attacking zone. Taylor Walker has returned from his knee injury in fine style and Josh Jenkins has become a very tough opponent to matchup on, as the Pies found out last time in their loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval. Where the Crows may struggle a little is with midfield support in scoring with only Patrick Dangerfield really impacting the scoreboard out of the middle. They run into a Pies backline that will be without Nathan Brown and Nick Maxwell, which will mean once again the Pies will rely on a young defense to hold it’s own against a very talented forward line.
The Crows midfield is strong especially at the clearances with Adelaide ranked number one for centre clearances this season. There’s no surprise in that statistic either when you look at the names in that central core, with Dangerfield, Thompson, Martin, Sloane, Crouch and Douglas all able to win their own ball. The Crows do lack speed outside the packs though although even that has improved in recent weeks and will obviously be helped by the bye also. They face off against a Pies midfield that is flat out struggling, with only Beams and Pendlebury consistently performing. Witts vs Jacobs in the ruck will be an interesting battle though with the young Magpie beginning to dominate the hitouts against more experienced opponents in recent weeks. Most games are decided in the midfield but even though the Crows may have the edge in this area I can’t see it being the difference this weekend.
The Crows backline is probably their weakness, and with Reid and Elliott returning for the Pies it will be stretched to his limit this week. Ben Rutten in his final few games of an illustrious career is still being relied upon to lead the backline along with developing youngster Daniel Talia. The Magpies forward line hasn’t performed well all year though so the Crows will be confident of being able to restrict it to a decent score that will give it a chance to win. The Crows do rebound the ball off half back quite well though with the likes of Brown, Smith, Laird and Jaensch all improving in their roles this season. This may well be the area of the ground that is of most concern for coach Brenton Sanderson and it may well be where the game is decided.
The Crows come into this game refreshed off the bye and with plenty of confidence after a good month of football before the break. The weekend off would have also refreshed some of their stars with Thompson and Dangerfield both really struggling physically in their last game and Kerridge a chance to return also thanks to the extra week. Like the Magpies the Crows have talked this game up as a finals like fixture and with the relative positions on the ladder you can believe that will be used as the defining line leading into this game. Adelaide’s form away from home hasn’t been great so they’ll have to improve that if they are going to knock over the Pies on their home ground.

TIP
With a finals place up for grab this game will be as intense as any seen in the home and away season so far, and that alone leads you to believe that there won’t be much in it at the end. The Crows have the healthier list but the Pies have the home ground advantage. The Crows have the better recent form but the Magpies get back two dangerous forwards. Adelaide will try to win this game by winning the ball from the centre clearances, a strength area of theirs no doubt. The Pies will try and win this through intensity, tackling and pressure, because when those three things are on the Magpies rarely lose.
With good weather predicted despite the 4.40pm start time both clubs big forwards should be able to get their hands on the ball and provide a handful for the struggling opposition defense.
Ultimately this game will come down to whoever performs the best on the day with very little between them on paper, and I just see the Magpies being able to improve in too many areas to win a tight game and keep their finals hopes alive.
PIES BY 13 POINTS.