Moving on to the top eight and Collingwood along with Geelong were
the two best recruiters in the off-season and it should see the Magpies
return to September action.
While, James Aish has yet to prove himself at AFL level, Jeremy Howe
and Adam Treloar are very good pickups, especially the latter, who will
fit effortlessly into a strong Collingwood midfield.
The Pies have just one player older than 28 (Dane Swan) and a
majority of first-choice players in the 22-27 age bracket. Their best 22
looks capable of finals action if all play to their peak, however, they
will still need things to go right throughout the season.
Let's not forget at June last year, Collingwood were sitting in the
four, having lost just the three games. They are definitely capable of
mixing it with the best, but that drop off following they bye is
something Buckley should be concerned about.
Never the less, if the likes of Darcy Moore, Taylor Adams, Jack
Frost, Jordan De Goey, Jamie Elliot, Aish and Treloar improve at a
faster rate than usual, then expect the Pies to be playing finals.
Key Ins:
James Aish, Jeremy Howe, Adam Treloar, Brayden Sier, Tom Phillips, Rupert Wills Key Outs:
Nathan Freeman, Ben Kennedy, Clinton Young, Patrick Karnezis
Key Player: Scott Pendlebury
No one is as important as this man is in Collingwood's 22, and as one
of the most consistent players in the AFL today, this won't change in
2016 as he re-loads for another huge year.
Pendlebury captured his fourth club best and fairest award, placing
him in elite company along with club legends Bob Rose, Len Thompson and
current-coach Nathan Buckley.
Over his last five seasons, Pendles has averaged between 28 and 29
possessions per game - truly incredible numbers. His silky smooth skills
and innate ability to weave in and out of packs is something football
fans can only watch in awe.
It seems like the midfielder can just pause the game and assess all
his options. He looks like he has so much time to pick his spot and much
of that comes from his basketball background.
The Magpie champion is set for another sensational season in 2016 and it will be a pleasure to watch him at his best.
Rising Star: Darcy Moore
The 19-year old had a breakout game against the Dogs in round 17 last
season, kicking five goals in just his third AFL game. Moore only
kicked nine goals in nine games in 2015, but that performance against
the Bulldogs showed he has the capacity to succeed Travis Cloke as the
club's spearhead.
Originally drafted as a forward, Moore showed his versatility by
playing in the backline at the beginning of the VFL season, and his
aggressiveness in the contests showed he has the skill and ability to
play in multiple areas of the field.
Moore oozes excitement and his true passion for the game, along with
his impressive skill set, means he will be making Pies fans smile for
years to come.
Under the Pump: Jesse White
He can be one of the most frustrating players in the league to watch,
and that's just down to the fact that he has not taken his chance by
the scruff on the neck.
White is a formidable figure who is blessed with pace, but he has yet
to secure a key post in the Collingwood forward line and looks like
Moore is already ahead of him in the pecking order.
Traded from Sydney at the end of 2013, the big forward kicked a
respectable 27 goals at the club in 2015, but it simply isn't good
enough for someone who should be one of the game's most feared forwards.
He needs to stand up when it matters if he is to keep Moore, Jeremy Howe and even rookie Corey Gault on the fringes.
Strength: Defence (not conceding)
Collingwood's defence ranked eighth in points conceded in 2015, and
ranked in the top six in least inside 50s and rebounds 50s conceded.
This performance was largely om the back of Frost and Brown, who held
the backline down as two of the more unknown but effective key position
defenders.
The way they performed in 2015 will allow Ben Reid to go forward, but
both will want to continue their good form from last season if they
want to keep Matt Scharenberg out of the team, who will return from
injury late in the year.
Williams and Langdon were among the best rebounding defenders in the
league in 2015, both developing significantly and providing a complement
for Goldsack and Alan Toovey, who provide tight, tough game styles.
The reason I have their defence as their strength and not their
midfield, is that all these players have more potential to unlock,
excluding Brown and Goldsack, who have pretty much reached their peak.
Its a backline that is well organised and strong in rebounding that
should see the club replicate their defensive form from last year into
2016.
Weakness: Scoring
Howe comes across from Melbourne as someone the Pies hope can be
effective, but there is little evidence to suggest he is anything other
than a high-flying marker.
Moore played with energy and excitement in 2015 and looks set to be
the focal point of this forward line for years, but he'll need to
develop consistency throughout the year and its too much to pin all your
goalkicking hopes on a 19-year old.
Ben Reid is very injury prone and will be hoping for a clean run and
is best when used as a forward, but is he a goalkicking machine? I'm not
so sure.
Cloke is sill their elite forward, but he needs to prove he can
adjust to today's game - he needs to be more than just a lead-up
forward. Anything like what he has delivered in the most part of the
last two years, then Collingwood will struggle to find goals, its as
simple as that.
Jamie Elliot is a small-forward option, but fell away badly in 2015,
kicking just 11 goals in the last ten games of the season. He still
finished however, with a respectable 35 goals.
The problem is Collingwood lack the player who they can definitely
say 'yep, he'll get us the goals we need this season', and it will
become a huge problem if they don't have two to three players, kicking
over 50 goals each this season.
What the fixture looks like: Good
They open with tough clashes against Richmond and Sydney and have
their first back-to-back road games in 21 years in rounds 16 and 17.
They double-up however against Carlton and Melbourne, and their last
six games are in Melbourne, so there should be little to fear in this
draw for the Pies.
Best 22 B: Marley Williams, Jack Frost, Alan Toovey HB: Tom Langdon, Nathan Brown, Adam Oxley C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendelbury, Jack Crisp HF: Jeremy Howe, Ben Reid, Dane Swan F: Darcy Moore, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliot R: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Adam Treloar I: Levi Greenwood, James Aish, Jesse White, Alex Fasolo
Collingwood has a middle-of-the-road list in terms of both
average player age and games played, a fact that will likely show in
the results.
The list profile indicates the Pies have the players they want, with
just one player older than 28, and a majority of first-choice players in
the 22-27 age bracket.
Their best 22 looks capable of finals action if all play to their peak, but they will need plenty to go right.
B: Marley Williams, Jack Frost, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Tom Langdon, Nathan Brown, Adam Oxley
C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Jack Crisp
HF: Jeremy Howe, Ben Reid, Dane Swan
F: Darcy Moore, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliott
R: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Adam Treloar
I/C: Levi Greenwood, James Aish, Jordan De Goey, Travis Varcoe
Forward line
Howe comes across from Melbourne as someone the Pies hope can be
effective, but there is little evidence he is anything but a
high-marker.
He sneaks into the best 22 ahead of the likes of Jarryd Blair and
Alex Fasolo but would want to perform early and often or risk the wrath
of the Magpie faithful; if he displays the consistent inconsistently
that dogged him at Melbourne, he will find himself in the VFL sooner
rather than later.
Moore played with energy and excitement in 2015 and looks set to be
the focal point of this forward line for years; Reid will be hoping for a
decent run with injury and is best as a forward, while Cloke and Swan
provide experience and (in Swan’s case) a keen goal sense.
Cloke’s best is still elite, but he needs to prove he can adjust to
today’s game – he needs to be more than just a lead-up forward. Anything
like what he has delivered in the most part over the last two seasons,
and Moore may well take the reins earlier than expected.
Elliott started 2015 in fine style but fell away, kicking just 11
goals in the last ten games. With a push into the midfield likely to be
stymied by the Pies’ depth in that area, Elliott will look to be more
consistent and improve on the 35 goals kicked last season.
Forward line – 6/10
Backline
The defence ranked eighth in points conceded in 2015, and ranked in the
top six in least inside 50s and rebounds 50s conceded. This performance
was largely on the back of Frost and Brown, who held the backline down
as two of the more unknown but effective key position defenders.
The way they performed in 2015 will allow Ben Reid to go forward, but
both will want to replicate their efforts from last season as Matt
Scharenberg will be knocking at the door if he returns from injury late
in the year.
Williams and Langdon were among the best rebounding defenders in the
league in 2015, both developing significantly and providing a complement
for Goldsack and Alan Toovey, who provide tight, tough game styles.
Oxley thrived at times when playing as the loose man in defence,
tallying 20 or more disposals in eight games and taking more than ten
marks three times. The next step in his development will be coping with
attention from the opposition, and at 193 centimetres, he seems set to
become a key part of the Collingwood backline in an attacking role.
Backline rating – 6/10
Midfield
Pendlebury has been a marvel, one of the few players in the league who
seems to make time stop, and has the poise, skill and decision making to
make this game seem so simple. Among the leaders in kicks, handballs
and effective disposals, his ability to get the ball and use it to
Coillingwood’s advantage are sure to keep him among the league’s elite.
Treloar came to Collingwood amid great fanfare and will go from being
the #1 target at the Giants to being second or third on the list of
players that opponents will focus on. This should allow him to thrive
even more, and at 22 years of age, and having finished in the top 20 in
handballs, disposals and effective disposals per game, he is set to
become an A grader.
Figuring to be close behind Treloar and Pendlebury in the pecking
order are Sidebottom, Adams and Greenwood; this trio provide the perfect
mix of inside grunt and outside class, and will be ably supported by
Frost, who was outstanding in his first season at the Pies in 2015.
Aish went from one of the league’s more promising youngsters in 2014
to a player who seemed to lack the commitment, passion and want to play
the game at Brisbane in 2015. While he clearly wanted out of the Lions,
he has plenty to prove to both Collingwood and the larger football
community; the talent is there but the attitude needs a makeover, and
the move may well provide that boost.
Midfield rating – 6/10
Fixture
Plenty moan about the fact the Pies play so many games at the MCG, but
they earn this right by being the league’s biggest drawcard. In 2015 it
didn’t help them, and while their success in 2016 will not be solely
dependent on the draw, they get some assistance in this area.
They open with tough clashes against Richmond and Sydney and have
their first back-to-back road games in 21 years in Rounds 16 and 17, but
with double-ups against Carlton and Melbourne, and their last six games
in Melbourne, there is very little to fear in this draw.
Fixture rating – 6/10
Coaching
Nathan Buckley was a champion footballer but is far from that as a
coach. Given an armchair ride into the top job, he enters his fifth year
of coaching with a 56 per cent winning record and the pressure of two
seasons without finals, following an inglorious home elimination final
loss to Port Adelade in 2013.
Critics point to a negative game style and inability to adjust in
game, and in many ways his record is worse than the likes of Damian
Hardwick and Brad Scott, who constantly come under criticism for their
coaching performances.
Being the coach of the country’s biggest club comes with
responsibility, and anything less than a finals berth in 2016 would
surely place Buckley’s future at the helm in serious jeopardy.
Coaching rating – 5/10
Summary
Collingwood are likely to be a middle-of-the-road team who will keep
most games close and be solid at either end of the ground without being
brilliant. The midfield has as much top-end talent as most in the
league, but the depth will be severely tested should any of their best
options get injured.
If the likes of Treloar, Moore, Adams, Frost, Aish, De Goey and
Elliott improve at a quicker rate than expected, this club should push
into finals action, but the smart money is on them finishing with 11 or
so wins, finishing just outside the top eight.
Only a few months out from the start of
another arduous AFL season, many are expecting Collingwood to be the
Western Bulldogs of 2015 and deliver the Magpie army with a long
awaited finals appearance.
There is only one word to describe the Magpies 2015
campaign and that is: disappointment. After a promising start to the
season including wins over North Melbourne, Essendon and the high-flying
GWS the Pies fell away spectacularly after the bye.
Collingwood's post bye period was a shocker, with
three 'honourable' losses to Fremantle, Hawthorn and Port Adelaide the
Pies went on to win only two games during the second half of the season
which included a thrashing at the hands of Richmond.
Narrow losses again alluded the young magpies with
close results not going their way against Fremantle, Hawthorn, Port
Adelaide, Richmond, Essendon, Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans.
Buckley believes that poor ball handing skills and
inexperience cost the magpies in the many close contests throughout the
season and has pointed towards a brighter future for his young list.
2015 Trade Period and National Draft Review Ins: Adam Treloar, James Aish, Jeremy Howe, Brayden Sier, Tom Phillips, Rupert Wills, Ben Crocker, Tim Golds and Darrean Wyatt.
Outs: Brendon
Abbott (delisted), Sam Dwyer (delisted), Tony Armstrong (delisted),
Michael Manteit (delisted), Josh Thomas (delisted; later picked up in
rookie draft), Lachlan Keefe (delisted; later picked up in rookie
draft), Paul Seedsman (traded), Ben Kennedy (traded), Nathan Freeman
(traded), Clinton Young (retired) and Patrick Karnezis (retired).
Collingwood were very active during the 2015 trade
period landing three highly sought after targets. The additions of
Treloar and Aish adds extra depth to the Magpies engine room while
Buckley has revealed plans to play Howe across wing and half forward
similarly to Jack Gunston's role at Hawthorn.
Paul Seedsman left for Adelaide after going down the
pecking order for a half back position while Ben Kennedy was part of the
mega trade which landed Jeremy Howe. Top 10 draft pick Nathan Freeman
endured an injury plagued season at Collingwood and will seek a new
beginning down at Seaford.
Best 22
B: Marley Williams, Nathan Brown, Jack Frost
HB: Tom Langdon, Ben Reid, Brayden Maynard
C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Jack Crisp
HF: Jeremy Howe, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliot
F: Dane Swan, Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Adam Treloar
Int: Travis Varcoe, Levi Greenwood, Alan Toovey, James Aish
Emergencies: Tim Broomhead, Jesse White, Alex Fasolo
Unlucky to miss out: Tyson Goldsack, Brent Macaffer, Jarryd Blair
The pies have a young, exciting list heading into 2016
and many expect Buckley's men to challenge for top four positions. With
fantastic midfield depth, a revitalised backline and dangerous forwards
Buckley certainly has the squad, now he just needs the execution.
Experienced players such as Macaffer, Blair, Goldsack
and Toovey will most likely be pushed down the pecking order for a
younger outfit. Macaffer missed the whole 2015 season through injury and
is now the clubs second choice tagger behind Levi Greenwood who showed
his tagging ability against Trent Cotchin and Joel Selwood last season.
Under the Pump Jesse White
With the inclusion of Jeremy Howe and the emergence of
Darcy Moore this could well be White's last season in black and white.
There will be times during the season where his services will be
required and hopefully he will be able to step up to the plate.
James Aish
The new environment at the Holden Centre could be a
blessing for Aish who has successfully moved away from Brisbane where he
has promised so much yet not delivered. If he can replicate some of the
form he showed during his first season at the lions the Pies could have
unearthed a hidden gem.
Nathan Buckley
Another man under the pump this season will be the
Pies coach Nathan Buckley.He is approaching the last season on his
contract and would love nothing better than to impress Eddie and the
Collingwood hierarchy with a successful season at the helm.
Should Collingwood assert themselves and make a
comprehensive finals bid, Buckley will find himself with a new contract,
anything else, and Eddie might personally show him the door.
Collingwood Supercoach Preview Supercoach Stud: Scott Pendlebury ($627,200)
This man should be a top priority on everyone's
SuperCoach watchlist. Known as Mr. Dependlebury by his loyal owners and
fans, Pendlebury has shown amazing consistency for a number of years
averaging over 110 for the last five seasons!
There was speculation over whether Pendlebury would
spend more time behind the ball in 2016 due to the increasing depth of
the Pie's midfield and an inexperienced defence.
However, with a fit Ben Reid returning to centre half
back owners shouldn't worry. Even if he does play behind the ball, he
can consistently rack up the points as shown against Geelong late last
season.
With question marks surrounding Nat Fyfe's fitness and
uncertainty over how Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane
will be affected by trade action, Pendlebury is definitely your main
man.
Supercoach Club Newbie: Adam Treloar ($576,400)
The Magpies priced new recruit Adam Treloar will be
eager put the doubters to bed and impress at the Holden Centre after
four stunning seasons for the Giants. After averaging 83 points in his
first season, Treloar has improved out of sight averaging well over 100
for the past two seasons.
Also, trying to tag
the Pies midfield will become a nightmare for opposition clubs with
Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Adam Treloar hard to
tag at the best of times but together, the Pies midfield could become
the best in the competition in 2016.
Supercoach Mid Pricer: Travis Cloke($373,900)
With a fit Jamie Elliot, new addition Jeremy Howe and
the emergence of Darcy Moore, the pressure should be off Travis Cloke's
shoulders in 2016.
With more targets up forward Cloke could flourish and
average a healthy 75-80 points including the odd 100. With a juicy price
tag of $373,900 he could make or break your season.
Even if Cloke endures a bad day infront of goal,
he tends to venture down the wing and takes plenty of contested marks
which will be rewarded handsomely as far as Supercoach points are
concerned.
Supercoach Rookie: Mason Cox ($117,300)
The big American played regularly in the VFL last
season including a 5-goal haul. He is priced at the basement price of
$117,300 and is a cheap option for your ruck bench.
Even if he doesn't play he could be used for the vice
captain loophole, however, if you are looking to select a bench ruckman
purely for loophole purposes then there are better options out there as
the pies usually play earlier in the round.
Predicted Ladder Position: 6th
With three of last seasons top 4 losing key players
to retirement including reigning premiers Hawthorn, 2016 will provide
the likes of Collingwood, Adelaide, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs
with a chance to climb well into the top 8. Expect to see a highly
competitive season with up to 13 clubs contesting for the top 8 spots.
Final Word
Collingwood's problem over the past two seasons has
been execution; they certainly posses the talent and depth to stake a
finals claim but need to go that extra step.
The draw looks remarkably similar to that of last
season with the Pies playing against Carlton, Essendon, Brisbane, St
Kilda and Melbourne (twice) before the bye. But herewith lies the
problem, the Pies face seven of last years finalists after the bye
including trips to Adelaide and Sydney.
If the Pies can have a solid start and keep up
consistent performances while avoiding injury, Buckley's men should have
a successful season and deliver the Black and White army their first
finals appearance since 2013.
Collingwood slammed on 11 goals in a match-winning third quarter to defeat Geelong by just eight points in a high scoring first round of the NAB Challenge at Simonds Stadium.
Cats' recruit Patrick Dangerfield had the first kick of the game and asserted himself at times to be among Geelong's best.
He kicked three goals, including one on the three quarter-time siren, and also created a goal for Tom Hawkins with an intercept.
Zac Smith also showed his huge leap at centre bounces, which should bring a grin to the faces of Geelong's fleet of midfielders.
But the exciting performances from the new Cats weren't enough to grab a win.
After being 21 points down at half-time, the Magpies went on a rampage kicking nine straight goals to take the lead from the Cats.
Just when Collingwood looked home, Geelong kicked five of the last six goals of the game to drag the margin back to eight points.
A desperate final two minutes entertained the large crowd but the Magpies hung on.
In the defining third quarter the Magpies won the ball from the centre and kicked to the hot spot in front of goal or beat the Cats on the fast break, with four goals coming from centre breaks.
Corey Gault, who was one of four Magpies introduced to the game in the second half, kicked three goals in the third quarter, as did Dane Swan as he went inside 50.
Gault took over from where American rookie Mason Cox had left off, dominating in the air inside 50.
Cox was the talk of the game at half-time, taking four marks and kicking two goals.
The tall duo had great support at ground level from Swan and Alex Fasolo who played with great intent throughout and showed his class around goal when given half a chance with five goals.
The Cats attacked solidly but struggled to find synergy in defence and did not apply as much pressure as would be expected in the premiership season.
Both teams introduced players at half-time, with Geelong bringing on Nathan Vardy and Jordan Murdoch while the Magpies brought on Gault, Alan Toovey, Jarryd Blair and Brent Macaffer.
What we learned Mason Cox has a great pair of hands and showed he will be hard to beat as a deep forward if the Magpies move the ball quickly. He took four strong grabs and kicked two goals. The Magpies might be tempted to let Travis Cloke (who didn't play) roam far and wide while Cox plays deep. With several stars missing it was hard to get a read on Collingwood from one outing but Jordan De Goey shapes as a talented regular.
New faces
James Aish has class but it was the tackle he laid on Corey Enright early in the third quarter, leading to a Brent Macaffer goal, that would have impressed most. He played on the wing, was prepared to work both ways and looks a good pick-up. Mature aged rookie Josh Smith played well in the first quarter before being forced from the ground with a leg injury in the second term.
Next up
The Magpies head to Wagga to play North Melbourne. Expect some of their big names to return, including skipper Scott Pendlebury and key forward Travis Cloke. Geelong heads to Shepparton to play Essendon. It might be the game it decides to give some of its youngsters a taste of senior football, although given the number of new faces the Cats will want their best team playing together.
When Patrick Dangerfield last kicked a football at Simonds Stadium the locals stood and cheered. That he was wearing an Adelaide jumper at the time made for a surreal scene.
The Geelong faithful pride themselves on reading the play, and by round 23 last season were convinced they'd soon see him in hoops of a different hue. Their Danger dream came true on Friday night, and it took all of two seconds for them to be cheering again.
Dangerfield's sharking of the opening bounce at the feet of the leaping Zac Smith was the first of 28 possessions for the most anticipated recruit of the year, who capped his night with three goals. Hours before his blue and white debut Dangerfield had tweeted a photo of the tiger snake he encountered on a morning beach walk, disappearing into the scrub. Come game time he was the threat.
On balmy February nights the result is secondary to the promise of things to come, which was just as well for Geelong. The Cats led by 27 points early in the third quarter, then were virtual spectators as Collingwood kicked nine unanswered goals and 11 for the term.
In the end the Pies won by eight points as the goals kept coming. Dangerfield lifted again, ending the barrage of black and white goals with a bomb from outside 50 after the three-quarter-time siren. The atmosphere as the home team kicked five of the game's last six was redolent of August, glossing over the reality that their boys conceded 92 points in a half.
If there was an obvious headline act, there were plenty of supports on both teams vying for their share of the spotlight. The fruits of Jordan De Goey's second pre-season were at times breathtakingly evident for the Pies, and former Lion James Aish picked up where he'd left off in a striking intra-club outing last week.
Up forward Mason Cox showcased what a threat a 211-centimetre athlete poses when he starts to grow as a footballer, at times simply too tall and clean of hands and sound enough by foot to kick two. Lachie Henderson found himself swatting at thin air when left to contend with the giant American, a fair summation of a trying night for the former Blue.
Corey Gault joined Cox in the attacking arc after half-time and booted three in a third term that – the calendar's page notwithstanding – was something to behold. Dane Swan did likewise, showing what a threat he'll be playing forward and demanding the attention of Cam Guthrie after sauntering around the goalmouth doing as he pleased.
Brent Macaffer came on at half-time and kicked a goal within 25 seconds of his return from a knee reconstruction, Alex Fasolo threatened from go to whoa and booted a handful of goals, and Jarrod Witts and Brodie Grundy worked in tandem in a manner to support the theory that ruckmen will be the big winners in the death of the sub.
For the Cats, Nakia Cockatoo's work with Dangerfield brought instant results, the rucking of former Gold Coast Sun Smith was eye-catching, and the appearance of a fit, strong and bubbly Dan Menzel across half-forward in his first pre-season outing for five years warmed hearts. The flipside of so much February optimism was evident in the hobbling forms of two other newbies, Cat Sam Menegola suffering what was feared to be a serious knee injury and mature-aged Magpie Josh Smith suffering a leg injury. Both had hitherto been impressive.
Collingwood crashed Patrick Dangerfield's 'Welcome Home' party at Simonds Stadium on Friday night, overcoming Geelong in a thrilling NAB Challenge clash.
Having trailed by 27 points at half-time, and minus last year's best-and-fairest (Scott Pendlebury) and the club's top two goalkickers from last year (Travis Cloke and Jamie Elliott), the Magpies appeared in trouble after coughing up a string of goals during the second term.
Dangerfield and the young Cats were running hot at that time, but somehow against the flow, and the pro-Geelong crowd, Nathan Buckley's Magpies were able to conjure up an extraordinary third-term turnaround.
Collingwood kicked 11 goals during a lop-sided third quarter, including nine unanswered majors, that changed the context of this match.
With five goals to rejuvenated forward Alex Fasolo, and a host of cameos in attack from unlikely sources in Mason Cox and Corey Gault, the Magpies managed 21 goals for the game to secure a hard-fought eight-point win.
The Cats, with Dangerfield dominant as expected with 28 touches, never gave up chasing the visitors and looked like stealing the game back in the dying moments, but just ran out of time.
Geelong kicked the only two super goals of the game - to former Suns big man Zac Smith and Daniel Menzel - but just gave up too many regulation goals in the third term.
This match was much about renewals as anything else, not the least of which was the Cats' home ground which is currently under serious redevelopment.
There were hard hats (though not for the coaches as tipped), work boots, high-visibility vests and two once-powerful clubs desperate to construct new futures for themselves after the disappointment of 2015.
Yes, this was a practice match dressed up as a NAB Challenge, but both sides would have taken plenty of their first appearances in 2016.
For a team that struggling to kick goals last year, and struggled with their speed and flow of ball use at times, last night showed the Magpies had worked considerably on both of those aspects.
US import Cox and Gault continued on their good form from last week's intra-club match, and loom as genuine wildcards in attack this year. They kicked five goals between them - Cox with two and Gault three - but they provided a contest that was missing for large patches of last season.
Fasolo provided a real spark, Dane Swan chimed in with three goals, and Brodie Grundy kicked two goals and performed well both in the ruck and down forward.
Acting captain Steele Sidebottom was outstanding, James Aish was more than serviceable in his first game for the Pies, while Jordan De Goey, Jack Crisp and Travis Varcoe were important players on the night.
The good news for the night was the return of Brent Macaffer in his first serious game since 2014 after missing last year with a knee injury. He kicked a goal 30 seconds in his return - after being brought on at half-time - but unfortunately young Magpies Tim Broomhead (shoulder) and Josh Smith (ankle) were injured, as were Cats Jed Bews (shoulder) and Sam Menegola (leg).
Dangerfield was every bit as good as the Cats fans had hoped, and played a big part in getting Geelong back into the match.
Smith was solid in the ruck, while Nakia Cockatoo gave a few action-packed moments to the highlights' reel. Mitch Duncan was a key player for the Cats, George Horlin-Smith made a solid contribution and Menzel delighted the crowd whenever he went near the ball.
Three things we learnt 1. Don't bother trying to put a lid on Dangermania
Cameron Ling said pre-game that it was time to temper the expectations surrounding Geelong's boom recruit Patrick Dangerfield. Good luck with that one. The midfielder from Moggs Creek got the first kick of his first game in Geelong colours and was cheered all night. Can this bloke play. 2. Black and white stars and stripes
When you are 211cm, can mark overhead and can slot through a goal smoothly, you are going to get to noticed. That's what happened to Collingwood's US import Mason Cox last night. He kicked two second quarter goals and competed well in the air and on the ground. And Corey Gault was just as impressive. 3. Fas looks the goods
With Jamie Elliott's back injury causing some concern for the Pies, it's good timing that Alex Fasolo seems ready for a big season. 'Fas' showed a real spark last night, kicking five goals and kicking several other off in an exciting performance for the Magpies.
Patrick Dangerfield could hardly have done more in an impressive debut for Geelong but he still ended up on the losing side as Collingwood won a NAB Challenge match by eight points.
Dangerfield amassed 28 possessions and booted three goals, including a clutch effort after the three-quarter time siren which brought the near-capacity crowd to its feet.
Another of Geelong's big-name off-season recruits, former Gold Coast ruckman Zac Smith, was also among the Cats' best last night but the home team still came up just short as Collingwood booted 11 goals in the third term and held on in the dying minutes to win 0.21.5 (131) to 2.16.9 (123).
Unheralded Collingwood rookie tall forwards Corey Gault and Mason Cox combined for five goals at Simonds Stadium.
Cox, a 211cm, 110kg product of Oklahoma State University playing only his second season of Australian Rules football, was particularly impressive in the first half. He took several marks, including a couple of contested efforts against established defenders Harry Taylor and Lachie Henderson.
The hard-running Magpies also had excellent returns from Steele Sidebottom, young gun Jordan De Goey and five-goal forward Alex Fasolo.
Geelong led by 27 points early in the third quarter following a goal to Shane Kersten. But that proved to be the signal for the Magpies to go on a goalscoring rampage.
They kicked 13 of the next 15 goals, with Dangerfield one of the few Cats to look capable of stemming the tide. Collingwood blew the lead out to 37 points midway through the last term only for the Cats to boot five of the last six majors.
Cox,
a 211cm, 110kg product of Oklahoma State University playing only his
second season of Australian Rules football, was particularly impressive
in the first half. He took several marks, including a couple of
contested efforts against established defenders Harry Taylor and Lachie
Henderson.
Friday Feb. 26, 7.10pm
Simonds Stadium Geelong
Fox Footy 7.00pm
Weather:
Min 14 Max 23
Chance of rain 20%: < 1mm
Wind: WSW 24kph
Betting:
Collingwood $3.20
Geelong $1.34
Fresh faces will mix with a host of experienced veterans when Collingwood travels to Geelong to open its NAB Challenge campaign on Friday night.
The Magpies have included four new faces in the 29-man squad for the pre-season clash at Simonds Stadium. James Aish appears likely to make his Collingwood debut after 32 games for the Brisbane Lions, while ex-GWS Giant Tim Golds, and rookies Tom Phillips and Josh Smith have also been named.
All three have arrived at the club from different locations with vastly different stories.
Aish and Golds are junior football sensations who arrived at the Holden Centre in the off-season after mixed levels of success with interstate clubs.
Phillips is an Oakleigh Chargers premiership player who appears ready to take the next step, while Smith was a childcare worker in Queensland before being recruited by the Magpies.
All will be looking to follow in the footsteps of a number of Collingwood teammates who they will share the field with on Friday night.
2010 Premiership players Dane Swan, Steele Sidebottom, Nathan Brown and Jarryd Blair have been named in the extended squad, in addition to the returning Brent Macaffer.
26-year-old Macaffer hasn't played a game at AFL level since rupturing his ACL against Greater Western Sydney in August, 2014.
Despite being one of the Magpies' most consistent trainers throughout the pre-season, coach Nathan Buckley suggested on Tuesday that the forward-turned-tagger could face limited playing time.
"Caff has had a fantastic pre-season," Buckley told the media.
"In this first round, there are guys that have had huge load throughout pre-season that, we see this as an opportunity to potentially play half games.
"Caff may be one of those."
Macaffer will not be the only Magpie returning from injury when Buckley's side travels down the highway for the highly-anticipated practice match.
2015 Rising Star nominee Tim Broomhead is in line to play his first game since round 15, while Jackson Ramsay and Corey Gault will also put stints in recovery behind them with potential returns.
Tall forward Gault was one of the stars of Collingwood's final intra-club match last Thursday at the Holden Centre.
The 22-year-old led all goal kickers with five majors, with Darcy Moore also kicking four goals.
Moore's performance, in addition to that of fellow second-year player Jordan De Goeycaught the attention of those in attendance at the twilight match simulation.
"The standout players on the ground were Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore, who both excelled for the 'Black' team," wrote Ben Guthrie of AFL Media.
Both will once again be closely watched when they take the field on Friday night, as the Magpies look to combine youth with experience in the first official hit out of the year.
Collingwood's Squad
1. Alex Fasolo 2. Jordan De Goey 3. Brent Macaffer 4. Brodie Grundy 9. Jesse White 11. Jarryd Blair 13. Taylor Adams 14. James Aish 15. Jarrod Witts 16. Nathan Brown 17. Jonathon Marsh 18. Travis Varcoe 19. Levi Greenwood 21. Tom Phillips 22. Steele Sidebottom
25. Jack Crisp 28. Ben Sinclair 29. Tim Broomhead 30. Darcy Moore 31. Jackson Ramsay 34. Alan Toovey 36. Dane Swan 37. Brayden Maynard 40. Josh Smith 41. Tim Golds 43. Adam Oxley 44. Corey Gault 45. Jack Frost 46. Mason Cox *To be cut to 26
Friday Feb. 26, 7.10pm
Simonds Stadium Geelong
Fox Footy 7.00pm
Weather:
Min 13 Max 23
Chance of rain 20%: < 1mm
Wind: WSW 24kph
Betting:
Collingwood $2.55
Geelong $1.48
Months of anticipation ends on Friday night when Collingwood open its 2016 campaign in the NAB Challenge against Geelong.
While the game at Simonds Stadium is still only practice, for the
Collingwood community it signals that the real stuff is just around the
corner.
As you patiently wait for Friday's first bounce, here are five things to look forward to from the Magpies in the NAB Challenge.
New faces in new places While Derek Hine
and his recruiting team did all the hard work months ago, the NAB
Challenge is the first time many Magpie fans will get the opportunity to
see the new players at the club.
10 new faces arrived at the Holden Centre in October and November last year. Adam Treloar, James Aish and Jeremy Howe came via trades, while the Magpies added seven others in the National and Pre-season drafts.
Out of the recruits, five donned the Black and White in Collingwood's intra-club match on Thursday night.
Rookies Josh Smith and Tom Phillips staked their claims for NAB Challenge selection with impressive performances, while James Aish was among the best players for Ben Hart's White team.
While teams won't be announced until Wednesday afternoon, keep an eye
out for these three fresh faces when the players take the field on
Friday night.
Second years settle While
the new players may have drawn the most interest during intra-club on
Thursday night, a pair of second-year Magpies arguably stole the
limelight.
Best friends and former top ten draft picks Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore starred as both looked to consolidate on impressive rookie years.
The AFL world caught a glimpse of Moore in 2015 as the versatile tall played nine games in the back half of the season.
While he was tested in the backline, Thursday's form leads to the
belief that the 19-year-old will settle in the forward line in 2016. He
kicked four goals for Collingwood Black, while also marking strongly in
attack.
De Goey on the other hand was dynamic in the midfield.
Surrounded by the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Steele Sidebottom, De Goey looked to have added a level of explosiveness to his game as he roved for the Black team.
It may have only been an intra-club match, but all indications suggest
that there will be no case of second-year blues for Moore and De Goey in
2016.
Brent Macaffer appears in line to make his AFL return when Collingwood travels to Geelong on Friday night.
Macaffer's imminent return
He hasn't been selected yet, but Premiership Magpie Brent Macaffer appears set to continue a strong pre-season with his return to senior football on Friday night.
The 26-year-old hasn't seen AFL action since rupturing his ACL against Greater Western Sydney in Round 22, 2014.
Macaffer spent the majority of 2015 in recovery, before returning via the VFL in round 18 against North Ballarat.
After being the star of the VFL finals, the forward-turned-tagger
continued to impress throughout the pre-season and was consistently one
of the Magpies' best trainers.
Macaffer's standing amongst the playing group was given further recognition in
He failed to miss a beat in Thursday's intra-club match, playing predominantly in the midfield for Collingwood White.
Recent NAB Challenge form
Collingwood enter this year's NAB Challenge after winning one of its three practice games in 2015.
Launceston, Bendigo and Etihad Stadium were the locations for the
pre-season series as the Magpies faced Hawthorn, Carlton and the Western
Bulldogs.
Nathan Buckley's side beat the reigning premiers by 44 points in Travis Varcoe's first game as a Magpie before losing to Carlton by seven points on a Sunday afternoon at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Despite the loss, it was the final practice match against the Bulldogs that was the most concerning.
After an impressive pre-season, Levi Greenwood suffered a fractured leg in the third quarter as the Magpies succumbed to a 61-point defeat.
While no form replicates winning form, Collingwood responded to the
disappointing pre-season results with eight wins in its first 11 games
in the 2015 home and away season.
Revenge at the Cattery
While
it's still only a practice match, the Magpies will have a point to
prove when they head down the highway to play at Simonds Stadium on
Friday night. Nathan Buckley's team last played in Geelong in 2014, on a night which resulted in a two-point loss in front of 12,140 fans. Jesse White led the Magpies in his first game in the Black and White with five goals, while Dayne Beams was Collingwood's best player.
While few teams boast successful records in Geelong, it is a ground where Collingwood has traditionally struggled.
The Magpies last won at Kardinia Park in 1988, with the last home and
away game played between the two teams at the ground taking place in
1999.
Collingwood lost by three points in a high-scoring clash, with the Rocca brothers combining for 10 of the Magpies' 19 goals.
Friday Feb. 26, 7.10pm
Simonds Stadium Geelong
Fox Footy 7.00pm
Weather:
Min 13 Max 23
Chance of rain 20%: < 1mm
Wind: WSW 24kph
Betting:
Collingwood $2.55
Geelong $1.48
COLLINGWOOD will resist the urge to release its much-vaunted midfield
for Friday night's NAB Challenge clash against Geelong at Simonds
Stadium.
Through a concerted recruiting campaign in the
past two years, the Pies have added Taylor Adams, James Aish, Jack
Crisp, Jordan de Goey, Levi Greenwood, Adam Treloar and Travis Varcoe to
ensure they will bat deep this season.
That group will combine
with Tim Broomhead, Brent Macaffer, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom
and Dane Swan, and while all bar Treloar will be available for Wednesday
night's selection meeting, Collingwood will stagger their NAB Challenge
appearances.
Aish and de Goey were particularly impressive in
last week's intra-club practice match, the former suggesting he will
quickly emerge as a better player than he showed in two seasons at the
Brisbane Lions and the latter returning as a strong-bodied individual.
Treloar will be seen later in the pre-season, as will Jamie Elliott, Jeremy Howe and Tyson Goldsack.
Up forward, the Magpies are penning in Travis Cloke and youngster Darcy Moore, 20.
The
players in line to join them include 200cm rookie forward Corey Gault,
who started a make or break season well with five goals in the
intraclub.
Jordan de Goey starred in last week's Collingwood intra-club. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Another
rookie, 211cm US college basketballer Mason Cox, has shown enough as a
ruckman/forward to suggest he has a genuine chance of making an impact
within two years of first handling a football.
Collingwood rounds
out its NAB Challenge campaign against North Melbourne in Wagga and
Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium before travelling to ANZ Stadium to
play Sydney in Round 1 on March 26.
Friday Feb. 26, 7.10pm
Simonds Stadium Geelong
Fox Footy 7.00pm
Weather:
Min 13 Max 23
Chance of rain 20%: < 1mm
Wind: WSW 24kph
Betting:
Collingwood $2.55
Geelong $1.48
The pre-season competition has been in a state of flux ever since its introduction in 1956, when it was known as the night series. It was played as a post-season competition, and originally comprised the eight teams that missed the VFL finals series.
The competition ended in 1971, but returned in 1977 as a midweek knock-out series played under lights at VFL Park during the pre-season and the home and away season. Further differentiating it from the VFL premiership season, the night series included all SANFL and WAFL teams as well as sides from NSW, ACT, Queensland and Tasmania.
In 1988, the night series evolved into the pre-season competition. The complexion of the tournament has changed over time – for example, the 2000-2003 competitions were conducted via a round-robin format of four teams in each pool. The concept was short lived, although it was partially revived in 2011 when pools of three teams played two 20-minute halves against each other on the one day.
Last year, the pre-season competition again underwent a major overhaul, with the abolition of the NAB Cup format which saw the two best performed teams meet in the Grand Final a fortnight prior to the home and away season.
Instead, each team plays three practice matches under the NAB Challenge banner ahead of the home and away season.
Collingwood's record in the competition is not overly successful. It won its first night series flag in 1979 against Hawthorn at VFL Park, the club's first senior silverware since the 1958 premiership.
It featured in three Grand Final losses in the ensuing 30 years. The most controversial was undoubtedly the 'loss' to North Melbourne in 1980.
The VFL Park siren sounded with Collingwood ahead, only for the field umpire not to recognise it. Play went on and North's Kerry Good marked within goal kicking range. The umpire then acknowledged the siren a second time, and with fans streaming onto the ground, Good kicked truly to hand the Kangaroos the night premiership with a three point win.
The Pies reached the 2003 decider after thumping Carlton, Hawthorn and Geelong, but were no match for Adelaide who coasted to a 31-point victory.
Six years later the Magpies again played off for the pre-season flag but were belted by eventual day premier Geelong (76-points).
In the past decade, Collingwood have been a part of several nail biting pre-season contests.
The Magpies prevailed in the first week of the 2005 Wizard Cup when they overcame Richmond by seven points, courtesy of a last-minute nine-point goal from Andrew Williams, deep on the half forward flank.
Twelve months later, the Pies were again involved in a controversial finish. They defeated St Kilda in extra time in round one at Docklands. Both sides were locked on 66 points apiece – 2.7.6 (66) to 1.8.9 (66) – at full time. Two five-minute halves were played to determine the winner. Collingwood was victorious by one point, winning 2.8.8 (74) to 1.9.10 (73).
In 2010, they played an unusually highly charged first round match against St Kilda. The added intensity was born from St Kilda hero Luke Ball's controversial crossing to Collingwood only months earlier. Ball managed a goal and was named in the side's best, but a late goal to an unmarked Adam Schneider gifted the Saints a one-point win.
This time last year Game One
Collingwood 0.17.14 (116) def Hawthorn 2.8.6 (72) at Aurora Stadium, Launceston. Game Two
Collingwood 1.7.13 (64) def. by Carlton 1.9.8 (71) at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo. Game Three
Collingwood 0.8.6 (54) def. Western Bulldogs 0.18.7 (115) at Etihad Stadium. Collingwood in the night series/pre-season competition
The jumper
Collingwood has worn several different designs during the night series and pre-season competitions. The images below are courtesy of footyjumpers.com.
In 1982, the club wore white jumpers with a black yoke and hooped socks against Swan Districts, who also wear black and white stripes. It is the only occasion a Collingwood jumper has not included black and white stripes. Swan Districts defeated Collingwood by 10 points at VFL Park. Image courtesy of footyjumpers.com.au.
In 1996 and 1997, the Magpies wore what looked more like a barcode than a Collingwood jumper. It included the black and white stripes and a cartoon Magpie on the front, as well as the outline of a Magpie's wing on the side panel. Image courtesy of footyjumpers.com.au.
The Ansett Cups of 1999 and 2000 saw Collingwood adopt their 1998-2000 away guernsey as their pre-season strip. Image courtesy of footyjumpers.com.au.
In the Ansett and Wizard Cups of 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, the Magpies wore their clash guernsey of the era as their pre-season top. Image courtesy of footyjumpers.com.au.
Most Pre-Season games (players listed between 2000-2016)
25 – Ben Johnson
24 – Nathan Buckley
22 – Simon Prestigiacomo
23 – Dane Swan, Travis Cloke
21 – Tarkyn Lockyer
20 – Shane O'Bree, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom
19 – Alan Didak, Nick Maxwell
18 – Scott Burns, Anthony Rocca, Heath Shaw, Alan Toovey
17 – Gavin Crosisca, Heritier Lumumba, Dale Thomas, Travis Varcoe
16 – Josh Fraser, Mark Richardson, Ben Reid, Chris Tarrant
15 – Jesse White
14 – Gavin Brown, Shane Wakelin Most Pre-Season goals (players listed between 2000-2016)
34 – Travis Cloke
26 – Chris Tarrant
21 – Nathan Buckley
17 – Alan Didak
15 – Tarkyn Lockyer, Saverio Rocca, Dane Swan
13 – Anthony Rocca, Jesse White
12 – Gavin Brown, Chris Dawes
11 – Dale Thomas Most Pre-Season games (current players)
23 – Travis Cloke, Dane Swan
20 – Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom
18 – Alan Toovey
17 – Travis Varcoe (Geel/Coll)
16 – Ben Reid
15 – Jesse White (Syd/Coll), Ben Sinclair
13 – Jamie Elliott
12 – Lachlan Keeffe, Brent Macaffer, Nathan Brown, Alex Fasolo, Levi Greenwood Most Pre-Season goals (current players)
34 – Travis Cloke
15 – Jesse White (Syd/Coll), Dane Swan
11 – Travis Varcoe (Geel/Coll) *The record for the most goals kicked by a Collingwood player in a pre-season/night series competition is held by Peter McKenna (10 goals v Fitzroy in round 1, 1968). Most Nine-Point Super Goals (current players)
2 – Travis Cloke, Dane Swan, Jesse White
1 – Ben Sinclair, Travis Varcoe, Adam Oxley *The record for the most nine-point super goals kicked by a Collingwood player is held by Ryan Lonie (5). Alan Didak kicked three in his 19 pre-season matches.
Collingwood Pre-Season/Night Series Premierships 1979 Escort Cup Premiership
Collingwood 12.8 (80) def. Hawthorn 7.10 (52) by 28 points at VFL Park. Captain: Ray Shaw Coach: Tom Hafey
2011 NAB Cup Premiership Team B: Harry O'Brien, Chris Tarrant, Alan Toovey HB: Brent Macaffer, Ben Reid, Heath Shaw C: John McCarthy, Dane Swan, Sharrod Wellingham HF: Andrew Krakouer, Chris Dawes, Luke Ball F: Alan Didak, Travis Cloke, Leigh Brown FOLL: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas I/C: Leon Davis, Lachlan Keeffe, Cameron Wood, Jarryd Blair, Simon Buckley, Steele Sidebottom, Dayne Beams, Ben Johnson Em: Ben Sinclair, Tyson Goldsack, Tom Young Captain: Scott Pendlebury Coach: Mick Malthouse Michael Tuck Medal (Best on Ground): Heath Shaw
Pre-season/night series record (1956-1971; 1977-2014) Premierships: 1979, 2011. Runners Up: 1980, 2003, 2009. Played: 87 Won: 42 Lost: 45 Drawn: 0* Past 10 years Played: 25 Won: 14 Lost: 11 Drawn: 0* *Collingwood defeated St Kilda in extra time in Round 1 of the NAB Cup in 2006 at Docklands. Both sides were locked on 66 points apiece – 2.7.6 (66) to 1.8.9 (66) – at full time. Two five-minute halves were played to determine the winner. Collingwood was victorious by one point, winning 2.8.8 (74) to 1.9.10 (73).
Competition Sponsors
Golden Fleece (1965-1969), Radiant (1970), Heinz (1971), Amco/Herald (1977-1978), Escort (1979-1982), Sterling (1983-1984), CUB (1985-1986), National Panasonic (1987-1989), Foster's (1990-1994), Ansett Australia (1995-2001), Wizard Home Loans (2002-2005), NAB (2006-2016).
The
players in line to join them include 200cm rookie forward Corey Gault,
who started a make or break season well with five goals in the
intraclub.
