2018 AFLW Draw & Player Profiles

2018 AFLW DRAW
Round One Carlton v Collingwood Friday 2 February Princes Park 7.40pm EDT 7mate Foxtel	Round Five Collingwood v Western Bulldogs Sunday 4 March Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe 2.35pm EDT Foxtel
Round Two Fremantle v Collingwood Saturday 10 February Perth Stadium 4.10pm WST 7mate Foxtel	Round Six Brisbane v Collingwood Saturday 10 March Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex 3.35pm EST Foxtel
Round Three Collingwood v GWS Sunday 18 February Olympic Park 4.35pm EDT Foxtel	Round Seven Collingwood v Adelaide Sunday 18 March Olympic Park 2.35pm EDT Foxtel
Round Four Melbourne v Collingwood Saturday 24 February Traeger Park, Alice Springs 5.40pm CST 7mate Foxtel	GRAND FINAL Saturday 24 March
Collingwood AFLW Player Profiles
1. Caitlyn Edwards Position: Defender Height: 167cm D.O.B: 27/6/96  Recruited From: East Fremantle (WA) Last Drafted: Pick No. 43 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: Young defender from Western Australia and one of only a few to cross the country. Edwards is quick and is precise with her disposal from half back. She has shown her versatility with stints in the midfield and as a small forward.	4. Sarah D'Arcy  Position: Forward Height: 171cm D.O.B: 22/8/91 Recruited From: Eastern Devils (VIC) Last Drafted: Pick No. 22 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: Fierce competitor with a strong appetite for the contest. Plays at half forward where her good endurance sees her lead up the ground. D'Arcy kicked 30 goals in 2016 and will form a formidable combination with Moana Hope.
5. Emma Grant Position: Forward/ midfielder Height: 166cm D.O.B: 22/07/89 Recruited From: Bendigo Thunder (Vic) Last Drafted: Pick 91 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: Captained Bendigo in a season when it lost only one match. Grant has footy smarts, reads the play well and is a true utility who has been earmarked to fill gaps anywhere. Could line up in the midfield or rotate down back.	6. Christina Bernardi Position: Forward/ midfielder Height: 167cm D.O.B: 7/6/1990 Recruited From: Diamond Creek (Vic) Last Drafted: Pick No. 132 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: Bernardi kicked 33 goals in the VFLW in 2016 as a small forward. She works hard off the field and away from the club, and is developing her endurance to run through the midfield and makes good decisions.
7. Lauren Tesoriero Position: Forward/ midfielder Height: 170cm D.O.B: 10/9/86 Recruited From: Eastern Devils (Vic) Last Drafted: Pick No. 107 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: A strong-bodied former VNL netballer who played predominantly forward for VFLW club Eastern Devils, where she averaged a goal per game. Tesoriero has a good work ethic and is training had to push her way into the midfield.	8. Brittany Bonnici Position: Midfielder Height: 163cm D.O.B: 3/8/97 Recruited From: St Kilda Sharks (VIC) Last Drafted: Pick No. 27 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: Bonnici is a midfielder with a strong work ethic. She wons her own footy and breaks well away from contests, running hard forward to make an impact on the scoreboard. She only played at the end of the 2016 season after taking a break from the game.
9. Melissa Kuys Position: Midfielder Height: 166cm D.O.B: 9/12/87 Recruited From: Knox (VIC) Last Drafted: Pick 118 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: A hard-working and resilient midfielder, Kuys captained and was a stand out for VFLW club Knox in a poor 2016 season for the club. She is an excellent kick and her run-and-carry game will benefit from a strong program around her.	12. Stacey Livingstone Position: Defender/ forward Height: 176cm D.O.B: 23/1/88 Recruited From: Port Melbourne Colts (VIC) Last Drafted: Pick No. 70 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: A versatile tall who has played as a ruck/ forward for VFLW club Port Melbourne, but will line up as a key defender for the Magpies after developing her skills in the state academy. Is rarely beaten one-on-one and is a long kick.
17. Stephanie Chiocci Position: Defender/ midfielder Height: 170cm D.O.B: 12/6/88 Recruited From: Diamond Creek (VIC) Last Drafted: Pick No. 11 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: Captained the Western Bulldogs in 2016 and is an outstanding leader. Chiocci is highly skilled and provides plenty of drive off half back and in the midfield. Surprisingly, she slipped to the second round of the draft.	18. Ruby Schleicher Position: Ruck/ forward Height: 175cm D.O.B: 16/3/98 Recruited From: Western Australia (VIC) Last Drafted: Pick No. 137 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: The youngest player on the Collingwood list, the utility from WA has a basketball background. She played more in the ruck as the 2016 season progressed, showing rapid improvement and will develop further as a Magpie.
23. Moana Hope Position: Forward Height: 170cm D.O.B: 14/2/88 Recruited From: St Kilda Sharks (VIC) Last Drafted: 2016 marquee selection The story so far: The full forward kicked 106 goals for VFLW club St Kilda in 2016, surpassing her previous season-best return of 87. She is a fierce competitor, can kick goals from anywhere inside 50 and loves a celebration.	20. Cecilia McIntosh Position: Defender Height: 161cm D.O.B: 21/6/79 Recruited From: Melbourne University (Vic) Last Drafted: Pick No. 123 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: A physical small defender and fierce one-on-one competitor with plenty of experience. She won a silver medal in javelin at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and represented Australia in bobsled in the 2010 Winter Olympics.
25. Meg Hutchins Position: Defender Height: 174cm D.O.B: 3/2/82 Recruited From: Eastern Devils (Vic) Last Drafted: 2016 priority selection The story so far: One of the most experienced players on the list with a 14-year career behind her. Hutchins is an excellent defender and a genuine team leader. Coming off a torn meniscus in 2016, she is also the Women's Football Operations Manager.	22. Sophie Casey Position: Forward/ midfielder Height: 165cm D.O.B: 22/10/91 Recruited From: Eastern Devils (VIC) Last Drafted: 2016 free agent selection The story so far: A courageous small forward who takes solid marks and isn't afraid of the physical side of the game. Casey is clean below her knees and can float into the midfield as well. Is one of six Eastern Devils lining up for the Pies.
27. Jessica Cameron Position: Forward Height: 162cm D.O.B: 27/6/89 Recruited From: Diamond Creek (VIC) Last Drafted: Pick No. 75 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: A strong forward who regularly kicked bags of goals for Diamond Creek in the VFLW. Cameron is equally adept in the air and on the ground. She will be juggling her time between Collingwood and the Melbourne Stars in cricket's Big Bash League.	26. Tara Morgan Position: Defender Height: 168cm D.O.B: 16/5/89 Recruited From: Western Australia (WA) Last Drafted: Pick No. 144 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: A key defender and captain of WAWFL club South Fremantle, Morgan is rarely beaten one-on-one and is a good spoiler. She has a reputation as a lock-down defender and has plenty of experience behind her.
33. Bree White Position: Midfielder Height: 158cm D.O.B: 18/12/81 Recruited From: Western Spurs (VIC) Last Drafted: Pick No. 38 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: An experienced midfielder who has regularly represented Melbourne in exhibition matches since 2013. Runs all day, has elite kicking skills and strong leadership. Captain of the Western Spurs in the VFLW, White is extremely versatile.	38. Amelia Barden Position: Midfielder Height: 167cm D.O.B: 17/4/93 Recruited From: Diamond Creek (VIC) Last Drafted: Pick No. 59 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: A strong-bodied inside midfielder who is not afraid to put her body on the line to win clearances. A tough team player who led VFLW club Diamond Creek in defensive acts in 2016. Barden is also noted as a goal kicker.
43. Jasmine Garner Position: Forward Height: 175cm D.O.B: 1/1/98 Recruited From: St Kilda Sharks (Vic) Last Drafted: Pick No. 86 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: A centre half forward who is regarded as one of the best marks in the game. Garner played with Moana Hope at St Kilda in 2016, kicking 41 goals as a second forward. Looms as an exciting prospect for 2017.	60. Emma King Position: Ruck Height: 186cm D.O.B: 28/6/94 Recruited From: Coastal Titans (WA) Last Drafted: 2016 marquee selection The story so far: Athletic and influential ruck who has played for top WAWFL club Coastal Titans. One of the tallest players in the competition and can also be a threat up forward. King was the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft for exhibition matches.
Eliza Hynes Position: Ruck/Forward Height: 183cm D.O.B: 29/1/92 Recruited From: Australian Volleyball Team Last Drafted: Rookie listed 2017 The story so far: The 25-year-old joins Collingwood as a second-ruck option after a successful volleyball career. Hynes has spent time playing professionally in Europe, and also representing Australia before turning her attention to football.	Jamiee Lambert Position: Midfielder/forward Height: 160cm D.O.B: 6/11/92  Recruited From: Western Bulldogs Last Drafted: Pick No. 5 (2016 AFLW Draft) The story so far: A former Susan Alberti Medallist, Lambert played six games for the Western Bulldogs in 2016. She joins Collingwood as an experienced midfielder who will work in tandem with star ruck Emma King.
Georgina Parker Position: Utility Height: 162cm D.O.B: 26/4/89 Recruited From: Australian Hockey Team Last Drafted: Rookie listed 2016 The story so far: As a Hockeyroo, Parker has represented Australia at both the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. After retiring from sport, she picks up football after first playing with the boys during kids clincs in her childhood.

Collingwood 2017 Draft

Eastern Ranges midfielder/forward Jaidyn Stephenson will bring an x-factor to the Magpies' line-up. Image: AFL Photos.

Selection No. 6 – Jaidyn Stephenson

Position: Midfielder/Forward
Height: 189cm
Weight: 75kg
Born: 15/01/1999
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Profile
A graduate of NAB AFL Academy, Stephenson is a medium midfielder or forward with line-breaking speed, who is strong overhead and a long, accurate kick for goal. His 28 disposals and five-goal performance against South Australia in the NAB AFL U18 Championships was a highlight. He topped off an outstanding year with a best-on-ground performance in the All Star game at the MCG on Grand Final day, as well as showcasing his athletic potential at the Draft Combine. Successfully transitioned from a forward role into the midfield late in the TAC Cup season and enjoyed a strong patch of form for the Ranges.

Did you know? 

• Stephenson and a few of his friends started their own men’s apparel brand – Class Above.
• He played basketball, tennis, cricket and karate before his AFL ambition
• His sister Tegan is a promising netballing talent, who has made the under-17 national squad.

What they say
“Jaidyn is just a natural, instinctive player who is a match winner. He can go forward and kick goals, can play through the midfield or a wing and has been averaging 25 possessions. In one of the national championship games for Vic Metro, he had 25 touches and kicked five goals off a wing. He is ready to go as an AFL player despite still being pretty light. He has some serious x-factor and has things going for him that not a lot of players have. I’d expect he’ll be among the top 10.” – Darren Bewick (Eastern Rangers coach), Inside Football, November 2017.

“I think absolutely, he’s got cult hero written all over him. I definitely think the fans will like him because he’s going to shoot onto the scene pretty quickly and have an impact in terms of his goal scoring prowess and different types of things he bring to the game. He’s not just your meat and potatoes type of footballer, he’s something pretty special, he’s your three-course meal.” – Len Villani (Eastern Rangers talent manager), Knox Leader, 16 November 2017

"On medical advice that we've received there is no risk in picking Jaidyn Stephenson in this year's draft. The information that has been received and handed to the AFL clearly states that the specialists are happy for Jaidyn to enter the AFL and have a long career,” – Robbie D’Orazio (Stephenson’s Manager – Connor Sports Management), afl.com.au, 14 November 2017

“He is quick and sharp and nimble, he has a good leap, and he loves to dash away with the ball. He'll start his career in the forward line and is capable of kicking bags when given some space,” – Callum Twomey (AFL Draft Guru), afl.com.au, 22 November 2017

“The X-factor option in the 2017 draft, Stephenson has developed into a midfielder with Eastern Ranges this season. His 39-disposal performance against Sandringham certainly caught the eye. At 189cm, the youngster has plenty of upside and could be a surprise selection depending on the club,” – Ben Higgins (Journalist), Herald Sun, 19 October 2017

Collingwood has selected Sandringham Dragons forward Nathan Murphy with Pick No. 39 in the 2017 National Draft. Image: AFL Photos.

Selection No. 39 – Nathan Murphy

Position: Forward
Height: 188cm
Weight: 80kg
Born: 15/12/1999
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Profile
Medium forward with excellent natural leap for the ball, Murphy is a strong overhead and is a clean mark out in front. An agile and versatile type with good goal sense, Murphy was a prolific goal scorer at Brighton Grammar before playing for the Dragons. Outstanding cricketer having represented Victoria at underage level. Ran the 2km time trial in 6:21 at the Combine, which placed him among the best performers.

Did you know?
- Murphy was an elite young cricketer, before opting to pursue an AFL career.

What they say

“He’s a bit of a loveable larrikin that comes from cricket. He can play forward and back as a third tall and potentially if he builds up his tank, he can push into midfield with his athleticism. His endurance, agility and recovery are very good and he’s really aware of those around him. I think he’s a natural defender who can go forward and he gets in the right spots,” – Ryan O’Connor (Sandringham Dragons Talent manager), Inside Football, November 2017

Son of Collingwood great Gavin and brother of Collingwood midfielder Callum, father/son draftee Tyler Brown joins the Pies with pick no. 50 in the 2017 draft.

Selection No. 50 - Tyler Brown

Position: Midfielder
Height: 189cm
Weight: 81kg
Born: 09/12/1999
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges

Profile
Developing medium midfielder with elite agility. Brown shows poise with the football in hand and has massive upside physicality. Mixed football between Marcellin College and Eastern Ranges. Brother to Callum Brown and son of former Collingwood star Gavin Brown. Much like his dad, the 17-year-old is a skilful wingman who isn’t a big talker. The Magpies nominated Brown under the father-son rule.

What they say
"He's very much like Gavin, in that he's a shy boy, very introverted in the way he goes about his business, but like his old man, he has a lot of ability. I think he'll end up playing on the wing like Gavin because he's got some attributes that really stand out. He's got good pace, he's a good size, a beautiful step and (has good) awareness,” - Darren Bewick (Eastern Rangers coach), afl.com.au, 16 October 2017

“In the past six to 12 months, he has really started to grow into his body. His talent is untapped, he has a massive ceiling in terms of where he could potentially get to. He just does AFL things, there are things he does in games, I call it having the ‘Brown brain’…His movement and ability in and out of traffic is similar to Cal,” – Len Villani (Eastern Rangers talent manager), Manningham Leader, 15 June 2017

“Tyler is a developing midfielder with a good turn in traffic. At 186cm, he is taller than both his older brother and father. He’s shown at times throughout this season that he certainly looks like he’s AFL capable. He’s very sure with ball in hand and makes really good decisions,” – Derek Hine (Collingwood’s National Recruiting Manager), afl.com.au, 25 October 2017

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Comments by National Recruiting Manager Derek Hine

Nathan Murphy (pick 39) and Jaidyn Stephenson (pick 6) pose after being drafted to Collingwood at the 2017 National Draft. Image: AFL Photos.

It was a draft like no other.
At least that’s how Collingwood’s National Recruiting Manager Derek Hine defined it.
Heading into the 2017 AFL National Draft with four picks to choose from – including the club's first top-ten pick since 2014, as well as a father/son prospect on the draft board - Collingwood’s recruiting team had some big decisions to make.
Ultimately, when the night concluded, three new names were penciled into the club's history books.
“It was a draft like no other,” Hine told Collingwood Media following the draft proceedings.
“I think the amount of picks and the evenness of the draft, was really unique.
“You could see that with the amount of players jumping forward and jumping back (on the draft board).

PICK 6 – JAIDYN STEPHENSON
With Collingwood’s first selection in the 2017 draft, the club selected Eastern Ranges midfielder/forward, Jaidyn Stephenson.
Known for his line-breaking speed and long, accurate kick at goal, Stephenson was a standout amongst the 2017 draft candidates.
Described by his colleagues and coaches as an ‘x-factor’ and ‘match-winner’, Stephenson will waste little time winning over the Magpie faithful, and his new Collingwood teammates.
“We backed that in. It’s not a decision we took lightly,” Hine said of his first selection.
“We’re really confident he’ll be a good player for us. We couldn’t be happier for Jaidyn, his family and the club.”

Nathan Buckley and  pick 6 Jaidyn Stephenson.

PICK 39 – NATHAN MURPHY
With the club’s second selection in the 2017 draft, the Pies picked versatile forward Nathan Murphy.
A strong overhead mark with clean hands, the former Sandringham Dragons prospect impressed recruiters with his agility, endurance and goal sense for a player of his size.
Having previously represented Victoria in cricket, this elite sportsman was among the best performers at the draft combine. Has the ability to swing into defence, as well as playing as a third tall in attack.
“We clearly rated Nathan really highly, so for him to be sitting there at pick 39, that was a real bonus for us,” Hine said of his new forward post-draft.
“I think (Nathan’s pick) was really systematic of how the draft went. Some players went forward where other clubs may not have had them, and visa versa.
“In the end, it was really fortunate for us that he was still available.”

PICK 50 – TYLER BROWN
With Tyler Brown’s name still on the draft board in round three, things seemed as if they were going to plan for the Magpies’ recruiters.
But when Port Adelaide placed a bid with pick 50 for Collingwood’s father/son hopeful, the Pies were pressed to make a move on the 17-year-old son of Magpie great, Gavin Brown.
The brother of current Collingwood midfielder Callum Brown could moments later breathe a sigh of relief, with Collingwood matching Port Adelaide’s bid to continue the Brown tradition at the Pies.
A raw midfielder full of potential, Tyler possess elite agility and poise in the contest.
“Tyler is a very different player to Callum, who is a very inside player with his hands. Tyler is taller – above 185cm – he plays on a wing, he’s very well balanced and slides through traffic,” Hine said of the newest Brown joining the Pies.
“Tyler has a long way to go, in terms of maturity in his body. He clearly has the talent, but we’re just going to have to be patient.
“He’s quiet, but he’ll be fine. He’s got his brother there and he’s his own man. He knows his way around the place, that’s for sure.”
Collingwood will now turn its attention to the National Rookie Draft, set to be held on Monday 27 November.

2018 Draw

2018 DRAW
Round One Hawthorn v Collingwood Saturday 24 March MCG, 7.25pm	Round 13 BYE
Round Two Collingwood v Greater Western Sydney Saturday 31 March MCG, 4.35pm	Round 14 Collingwood v Carlton Sunday 24 June MCG, 3.20pm
Round Three Carlton v Collingwood Friday 6 April MCG, 7.50pm	Round 15 Gold Coast v Collingwood Saturday 30 June Metricon Stadium, 7.25pm
Round Four Adelaide v Collingwood Friday 13 April Adelaide Oval, 7.20pm	Round 16 Essendon v Collingwood Sunday 8 July MCG, 3.20pm
Round Five Collingwood v Essendon Wednesday 25 April MCG, 3.20pm	Round 17 Collingwood v West Coast Sunday 15 July MCG, 1.10pm
Round Six Collingwood v Richmond Sunday 29 April MCG, 3.20pm	Round 18 Collingwood v North Melbourne Saturday 21 July MCG, 1.45pm
Round Seven Brisbane v Collingwood Sunday 6 May Gabba, 4.40pm	Round 19 Richmond v Collingwood Saturday 28 July MCG, 1.45pm
Round Eight Collingwood v Geelong Sunday 13 May MCG, 3.20pm	Round 20 Sydney v Collingwood Saturday 4 August SCG, 7.25pm
Round Nine St Kilda v Collingwood Saturday 19 May Etihad Stadium, 7.25pm	Round 21 Collingwood v Brisbane Saturday 11 August Etihad Stadium, 7.25pm
Round 10 Collingwood v Western Bulldogs Friday 25 May Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm	Round 22 Collingwood v Port Adelaide Saturday 18 August MCG, 1.45pm
Round 11 Collingwood v Fremantle Sunday 3 June MCG, 3.20pm	Round 23 Fremantle v Collingwood Perth Stadium Date and time to be confirmed
Round 12 Melbourne v Collingwood Monday 11 June MCG, 3.20pm

Collingwood News
2018 is a year for traditional rivalries at the home of football, with Collingwood taking on old foes Richmond, Essendon and Carlton twice in the 2018 home and away season.
In addition, Collingwood is proud to again be part of its traditional matches of significance on ANZAC Day against Essendon (Round 5) and Queen’s Birthday against Melbourne (Round 12).
The favourable draw will see the club play at the MCG on 14 occasions, including five of its first six matches. The team will travel just five times, the equal least of any club, with no back-to-back interstate matches and only two of these clashes against 2017 finalists.
With home matches scheduled against Victorian clubs Carlton, Essendon, Geelong, North Melbourne, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs, Collingwood members will enjoy big matches in Melbourne.
Collingwood Interim CEO Peter Murphy welcomed the fixture.
“As a total package it is a favourable draw: on-field, broadcast and most importantly for our fans,” Murphy said.
“The fixture presents great opportunities from a team performance perspective. We think the balance is right, we play ten of our first 12 games in Melbourne and our travel is well spaced across the year.”
“It’s a draw that delivers plenty of marquee games for our supporters in timeslots that will enable them to enjoy the footy with family and friends.”
“You can’t understate the magic of a Collingwood-Carlton or a Collingwood-Essendon clash at the heartland of footy, the MCG. In 2018 there will be a number of these big footy occasions that the club will share with the Collingwood Army.”
“We are pleased to play in all five of the main football states, enabling our interstate fans to connect with the club and players.”
“With the fixtures for all three of our elite teams now released we have well and truly turned our focus to 2018 and can’t wait to get back out on the field and court in front of the Collingwood Army.”
The team will play eight games in the prime time night slots, with three Friday night and five Saturday night matches. The club also has 11 day and two twilight matches across the season
The Round 5 ANZAC Day clash falls on a Wednesday, resulting in both Collingwood and Essendon going into their Round 6 matches off a four-day break.

Fox Sports

NATHAN Buckley and Collingwood have been handed a dream fixture that could prove to be the turning point in the coach’s rocky tenure.
The Magpies will only play Essendon and Richmond twice from the sides that played finals this year, while they have snared double-up encounters against Brisbane, Carlton and Fremantle.
The AFL released the full fixture for the 2018 season on Tuesday and the league has stuck with a floating Round 23 fixture with a bye round before the finals series gets underway.
The Magpies’ fixture shapes as the easiest of all clubs following a horror opening few weeks in 2017 which saw them face reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs and runners-up Sydney in two of the first three rounds.
Collingwood finished 13th in 2017, meaning it was placed as the ‘first seed’ in the bottom third rung of clubs, just as Richmond was after its disappointing 2016 season.
The parallels between the Tigers of 2016 and the Magpies of 2017 are evident, although it would take a brave punter to suggest Buckley’s team can follow in the footsteps of Damien Hardwick’s side.
But as we know a “good fixture” does not guarantee success and the Magpies draw is not without its quirks.
Due to an awkwardly placed Anzac Day clash that falls on a Wednesday in Round 5, Collingwood will have a 12-day break leading into the match but just a four-day rest after it.
The condensed Wednesday to Sunday break will test the club’s depth and recovery ahead of a match against Richmond, who themselves will only have five days between games.
They have three Friday night matches, up from two last season. Although the Pies have been shafted from Thursday night blockbusters and will not feature in this timeslot in 2018.

2017 Grand Final

2017 Finals Week 4

2017 Finals Week 3

2017 Finals Week 2

2017 Collingwood Season Review (Herald Sun)

Herald Sun - Jay Clark

IT was a rollercoaster 2017 season for Collingwood with massive highs and lows both on and off the field.
But with Nathan Buckley now confirmed as the coach for at least the next two years, the Magpies can start moving forwards.
And who should be part of that move?
Herald Sun footy reporter Jay Clark explains how he would fix the Magpies.

THE SEASON ROUND UP
The damage was done in the first eight rounds as Collingwood lurched to a 2-6 record without Daniel Wells and Jamie Elliott. When the pressure was on, the Pies failed to deliver upon their potential and this was ultimately a disappointing year, aside from a late-season revival which helped save Nathan Buckley’s job. What we know is that Collingwood can challenge the top-weights. The Pies beat Geelong, Sydney and drew with Adelaide. But a three-week poor patch after the bye killed off their finals hopes and the forward line looked much more potent with Ben Reid up there in the last two months.

THE PROBLEMS
There are a few. Collingwood desperately needs another quality big man, such as Tom Lynch, to play key forward, or a top-line defender, Jake Lever, to shore-up the defence. But the Pies also have a small man issue in the forward half. The Pies were often ranked bottom-four for ground ball gets inside 50m throughout the year. Alex Fasolo and Jamie Elliott are more marking forwards than traditional small forwards who crumb. The midfield mix also needs a set of fresh eyes to try and extract the best out of a superstar combination.

THE SOLUTION
We said the same thing last year, but improving the connection between the midfield and the forward line must be the top priority over summer. Ball use was a big headache and the Pies regularly found themselves in winning positions only to cough the ball up and get whacked on the scoreboard in the second half of games. The draw with Adelaide and the narrow loss to Melbourne were prime examples. That may be a maturity thing and general player and skill development. But they look better when they attack with pace rather than go slow and wide across half back. Daniel Wells makes a huge difference to their flow of ball movement.

THE TARGET
It’s clear the Pies want to inject fresh talent into the coaches box to build their tactical and player development acumen. One criticism of the Pies this year was the club took a long time to swing Ben Reid into attack, and even try Darcy Moore in defence. Brayden Maynard showed some encouraging signs in an onball role in the last game of the season. It seems the Pies want another one or two top-line assistant coaches to support Nathan Buckley over summer and indeed on game day. Clearly, the players have strong belief in the senior coach and showed that in the last two months of the season.

THE DREAM/BLUE SKY IDEA
Tom Lynch might be wondering whether he is going to waste his career at Gold Coast. He is a free agent at the end of next year but a club like Collingwood would already be testing the temperature now. A trade in this year’s exchange period is not out of the question. Collingwood have monitored Lynch closely for years and a forward line featuring Moore, Elliott, Fasolo and Lynch would be top-four material. Get Eddie and Bucks on a plane to the Goldie, stat.

THE COACH
Nathan Buckley has shown remarkable class and resilience this year. He was under enormous pressure and scrutiny and somehow maintained his nerve and composure all season. It is a huge credit to him and the players’ helped save his skin with some much-improved performances in the last two months. Now he has two more years to correct the year on year downturn Collingwood has endured under his control. Clearly, there are many mitigating factors such as the list rebuild, the lack of consistency in the football manager’s position, over-inflated on-field expectations and injuries. It all conspired against him at times and Buckley himself has said he has worked on and improved his player relationships. He deserved another crack at it.

THE DELISTINGS
Jesse White has retired, defender Jackson Ramsay has maybe run out of chances and the Pies will undoubtedly see if there is any trade interest in Chris Mayne. He is contracted for another three seasons at Collingwood on $500,000 a year and will likely struggle to get many more senior opportunities there. We wouldn’t be surprised if the Pies considered paying him out to create another spot on the list. Tim Broomhead, Adam Oxley and Lachlan Keeffe may also look elsewhere. Mason Cox is out of contract and is considering a move for more opportunity. It would be a considerable blow if he left the Pies due its shortfall in the big man department.

Mark Robinson On Nathan Buckley's Contract Extension

Herald Sun - Mark Robinson

NATHAN Buckley is a lucky coach.
He knows that.
Very few coaches, if any, get a contract extension after four consecutive seasons without finals and it’s why Monday he was humble, nervous and excited.
He probably knows the club looked elsewhere for possible candidates, not that it worried him.
It was the only slip up in a 40-minute spiel about the changes about to be made at the club, be it personnel, philosophical, attitude, recruiting, welfare, role change and relationship building.
Only when president Eddie McGuire was asked if he had spoken other potential candidates, did the vibe of total togetherness take a small hit.
“We all live in the real world ... you look at what’s the best result for the football club,” McGuire said.
“Do you look around and see what’s around? Of course you do. But you do that constantly. This is an industry that is always looking over at the opposition to see what’s going on, whether it’s players, coaches, psychologists, sports welfare, you name it — everybody’s looking at everybody.’’
Asked if he had spoken to others, McGuire said: “Not spoken to or made offers to, or anything like that.’’
There must have been someone - maybe an Alastair Clarkson or Paul Roos early on - but in the cold hard light of day, what does it mean?
Buckley has the job for the next two years.
You could argue if it was a good decision, a political decision or a bad decision, but only time will tell on that front.
Still, it was a contentious decision because Collingwood fans are divided on Buckley and you have to wonder if the Collingwood board were similarly divided or, at the end, did McGuire simply get his way.
However you look at it, McGuire’s is unquestionably tied to this decision. “I think everyone’s position hinges on everything working,” McGuire said.
The fact he is up for re-election at the same time Buckley’s two-year deal expires makes it more dramatic — they are a package deal going forward and a package deal if it goes belly up.
It’s going to be fascinating next 24 months.
Clearly, the review into football operations, which included Buckley’s position, identified Collingwood’s meandering win-loss equation should be proportioned more to a dysfunctional football department and its failings than to Buckley’s failings as coach.
That McGuire believes intrinsically in a mentor-type person for Buckley was paramount.
There won’t be a director of coaching role per se, but don’t be surprised if the new bloke’s position will be closer to what a traditional chairman of selectors role was.
Not to bother with the contracts or paperwork, but to work closely with the coach.
Maybe that could be a role for Roos, or Gubby Allan if he returns.
Changes have and will be made to the assistant coaching ranks because while there will be philosophical change at the club overall, Buckley’s strategy and tactical intelligence needs attention.
On Monday, Buckley was thankful and supportive of the club’s direction, as he should’ve been, and what couldn’t be ignored was Buckley’s admission. he has changed as a person from when he started coaching.
Maybe it’s more about smelling the roses than being preoccupied about the process of how they grow, when they grow and how healthy they grow. Sort of like progress over process.
“I know that I am in a better place now to lead this football club and the football team better than I ever have before and I am looking forward to that challenge,” he said.
“I know that in my experiences as a senior coach in the last six years I have learnt a hell of a lot about myself and a hell of a lot more about a club that I love and about the people that we have.”
He didn’t want to get philosophical, but clearly Buckley’s broadcasts to the public this season have been more warm, if not spiritual, that other seasons.
“As you get older, you get to know yourself a bit better, when that happens, I think you understand the decisions that need to be made, the space that needs to be created for people in the environment,” he said.
“There is a lot of work to do on relationship building, on support and care mechanisms, the right time to challenge and to poke and to prod, that is part of the responsibility of the senior coach.
“I am far more open than I have ever been before and that has happened progressively over my life in footy, and I have learnt a lot more over the last six years in my time as senior coach.’
The 45-year-old spoke eloquently and honestly as he always does, and McGuire looked like the cat who got the cream, as he always does.
The upshot is Buckley has two years, McGuire the same and there’s no more room for excuses, for favourites, for failures and even a lack of Feng Shui, which Walsh indicated.
Pressure is everywhere, but when is it any different at Collingwood.

2017 Collingwood Season Review (Nick's Bulletin Board)

Nick's Bulletin Board - Mighty Magpie

Rd 1: WBD 15.10 (100) def COL 12.14 (86) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom, Adams, Fasolo, Reid. Goals: Fasolo 3, Sidebottom 2, Pendlebury 2, White, Mayne, Treloar, Goldsack, Hoskin-Elliott. Injuries: Aish (virus) replaced in the selected side by Mayne.
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Howe, Hoskin-Elliott, Adams.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/1/coll-v-wb
0-1 (11th)

Rd 2: RIC 14.15 (99) def COL 11.14 (80) @ MCG. Best: Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Pendlebury, Treloar, Adams. Goals: Hoskin-Elliott 3, White 2, Treloar 2, Moore, Broomhead, Mayne, Grundy. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Treloar, Phillips, Pendlebury.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/2/rich-v-coll
0-2 (11th)

Rd 3: COL 11.14 (80) def SYD 11.13 (79) @ SCG. Best: Adams, Grundy, Sidebottom, Fasolo, Treloar, Crisp. Goals: Fasolo 4, Varcoe 2, Crisp, White, Greenwood, Treloar, Hoskin-Elliott. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Fasolo, Maynard, Pendlebury, Adams, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/3/syd-v-coll
1-2 (12th)

Rd 4: STK 9.15 (69) def COL 7.13 (55) @ Etihad Stadium. Best: Howe, Grundy, Sidebottom, Adams, Reid, Treloar. Goals: Hoskin-Elliott 2, Fasolo, Crisp, White, Blair, Schade. Injuries: Phillips (illness) replaced in selected side by Blair, Hoskin-Elliott (left wrist).
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Howe, Grundy, Schade, Adams.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/4/coll-v-stk
1-3 (13th)

Rd 5: ESS 15.10 (100) def COL 11.16 (82) @ MCG. Best: Howe, Wells, Treloar, Sidebottom, Elliott. Goals: Elliott 3, Moore 2, Wells 2, Sidebottom, Fasolo, Treloar, Crisp. Injuries: Broomhead (jaw), Grundy (corked calf).
AFLPR Top 5: Treloar, Howe, Crisp, Maynard, Wells.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/5/ess-v-coll
1-4 (13th)

Rd 6: COL 15.17 (107) def GEE 11.12 (78 ) @ MCG. Best: Adams, Pendlebury, Greenwood, Crisp, Sidebottom, Grundy, Dunn. Goals: Moore 2, Fasolo 2, Hoskin-Elliott, Pendlebury, Phillips, Cox, Crisp, Broomhead, Sidebottom, Maynard, Elliott, Treloar, Wells.
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Crisp, Wells.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/6/geel-v-coll
2-4 (12th)

Rd 7: CAR 12.7 (79) def COL 8.8 (56) @ MCG. Best: Reid, Elliott, Adams, Pendlebury. Goals: Elliott 3, De Goey 2, Fasolo, Cox, Moore. Injuries: Wells (soreness) replaced in selected side by Broomhead, Cox (ankle).
AFLPR Top 5: Greenwood, De Goey, Elliott, Adams, Ramsay.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/7/coll-v-carl
2-5 (15th)

Rd 8: GWS 15.12 (102) def COL 15.9 (99) @ Spotless. Best: Adams, Grundy, Sidebottom, Howe, Pendlebury, Wells. Goals: Elliott 3, Sidebottom 3, Maynard 2, Blair 2, Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Crisp, De Goey, Reid. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Sidebottom, Adams, Howe, Pendlebury, Maynard.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/8/gws-v-coll
2-6 (17th)

Rd 9: COL 13.12 (90) def HAW 11.6 (72) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Howe, Adams, Treloar, Moore, Smith. Goals: Elliott 3, Moore 2, Maynard, Greenwood, Treloar, Howe, Crisp, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Smith. Injuries: Aish (fractured cheekbone).
AFLPR Top 5: Pendlebury, Treloar, Moore, Adams, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/9/coll-v-haw
3-6 (13th)

Rd 10: COL 18.21 (129) def BRI 13.6 (84) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom, Adams, Elliott, Grundy. Goals: Elliott 4, Moore 3, Fasolo 2, Wells 2, Treloar, Sidebottom, Smith, Maynard, Dunn, Broomhead, Adams. Injuries: Moore (right shin).
AFLPR Top 5: Treloar, Goldsack, Grundy, Pendlebury, Maynard.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/10/coll-v-bl
4-6 (12th)

Rd 11: COL 15.15 (105) def FRE 12.13 (85) @ Domain Stadium. Best: Treloar, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Adams, Smith, Howe. Goals: Elliott 3, De Goey 2, Moore 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Phillips, Pendlebury, Greenwood, Treloar, Crocker, Howe. Injuries: Wells (calf), Elliott (ankle), Goldsack (shoulder), Greenwood (quad).
AFLPR Top 5: Treloar, Phillips, Howe, Pendlebury, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/11/fre-v-coll
5-6 (10th)

Rd 12: MEL 15.14 (104) def COL 15.10 (100) @ MCG. Best: Sidebottom, Grundy, Treloar, Howe, Maynard, Broomhead. Goals: Greenwood 2, Sidebottom 2, Moore 2, Phillips 2, De Goey 2, Fasolo 2, Aish, Crocker, Treloar. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Howe, Phillips, Treloar, Dunn, Grundy.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/12/melb-v-coll
5-7 (11th) 

Rd 13: BYE
5-7 (13th)

Rd 14: PA 13.15 (93) def COL 9.8 (62) @ MCG. Best: Pendlebury, Treloar, Fasolo, Sidebottom, Goldsack, Reid. Goals: Moore 3, Fasolo 2, Brown, De Goey, Crocker, Reid. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Sidebottom, Pendlebury, De Goey, Grundy, Howe.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/14/coll-v-port
5-8 (13th)

Rd 15: HAW 18.10 (118) def COL 14.10 (94) @ MCG. Best: De Goey, Treloar, Phillips, Grundy, Sidebottom, Cox. Goals: Cox 3, Fasolo 3, Elliott, Moore, Greenwood, Thomas, Sidebottom, Phillips, Broomhead, Treloar. Injuries: Moore (hamstring), Goldsack (concussion, nose).
AFLPR Top 5: De Goey, Grundy, Treloar, Thomas, Fasolo.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/15/haw-v-coll
5-9 (15th)

Rd 16: ESS 18.9 (117) def COL 12.8 (80) @ MCG. Best: Sidebottom, Elliott, Goldsack, Pendlebury. Goals: Fasolo 4, Elliott 3, Broomhead, Reid, Cox, De Goey, Adams. Injuries: Howe (calf) replaced in selected side by Scharenberg.
AFLPR Top 5: Adams, Langdon, Goldsack, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/16/coll-v-ess
5-10 (15th)

Rd 17: COL 15.13 (103) def GCS 13.10 (88 ) @ Metricon Stadium. Best: Sidebottom, Treloar, Reid, Fasolo, Pendlebury, Thomas. Goals: Reid 3, Fasolo 2, Wells 2, Thomas 2, Moore 2, Blair, Elliott, Maynard, Sidebottom. Injuries: Nil.
AFLPR Top 5: Sidebottom, Adams, Treloar, Reid, Wells.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/17/gcfc-v-coll
6-10 (14th)

Rd 18: COL 13.15 (93) def WCE 13.7 (85) @ Etihad Stadium. Best: De Goey, Treloar, Howe, Crisp, Grundy, Adams, Greenwood. Goals: De Goey 4, Elliott 3, Reid 2, Fasolo, Greenwood, Hoskin-Elliott, Adams. Injuries: Moore (neck), Varcoe (concussion, elbow).
AFLPR Top 5: De Goey, Crisp, Hoskin-Elliott, Grundy, Greenwood.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/18/coll-v-wce
7-10 (13th)

Rd 19: COL 15.13 (103) drew ADE 16.7 (103) @ MCG. Best: Wells, Sidebottom, Adams, Howe, Moore. Goals: Adams 3, Wells 3, Reid 2, Blair 2, Hoskin-Elliott, Thomas, Elliott, Moore, Treloar. Injuries: Blair (nose).
AFLPR Top 5: Adams, Sidebottom, Wells, Blair, Howe.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/19/coll-v-adel
7.5-10.5 (13th)

Rd 20: COL 16.15 (111) def NM 7.15 (57) @ Etihad Stadium. Best: Treloar, Adams, Blair, Langdon, De Goey, Grundy. Goals: Blair 3, Thomas 2, Adams 2, Fasolo, De Goey, Moore, Phillips, Treloar, Howe, Wells, Grundy, Elliott. Injuries: Greenwood (left knee), Goldsack (head), Wells (left thigh). MRP: Gundy 2 weeks.
AFLPR Top 5: Grundy, Howe, Adams, Maynard, Treloar.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/20/nmfc-v-coll
8.5-10.5 (12th)

Rd 21: PA 14.14 (98 ) def COL 10.11 (71) @ Adelaide Oval. Best: Sidebottom, Reid, Adams, Treloar, Crisp, Howe. Goals: Reid 4, Moore, Elliott, Phillips, Sidebottom, Hoskin-Elliott, Blair. Injuries: De Goey (groin), Hoskin-Elliott (hip).
AFLPR Top 5: Adams, Reid, Treloar, Sidebottom, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/21/port-v-coll
8.5-11.5 (13th)

Rd 22: GEE 10.10 (70) def COL 9.5 (59) @ MCG. Best: Adams, Howe, Cox, Moore, Scharenberg, Hoskin-Elliott. Goals: Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Broomhead 2, Moore, Sidebottom, Blair. Injuries: Adams (head).
AFLPR Top 5: Cox, Hoskin-Elliott, Langdon, Dunn, Crisp.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/22/coll-v-geel
8.5-12.5 (13th)

Rd 23: COL 14.15 (99) def MEL 12.11 (83) @ MCG. Best: Elliott, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar, Dunn. Goals: Elliott 3, Phillips 2, Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Daicos, Grundy, Sidebottom, Broomhead, Adams. Injuries: Sidebottom (hamstring).
AFLPR Top 5: Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Adams, Elliott, Phillips.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2017/23/coll-v-melb
9.5-12.5 (13th)

Leading Goalkickers	AFLPR (votes using 5,4,3,2,1) Total (Rounds Polled)	AFLCA Votes [Up to Round 21] Total (Rounds Polled)
Elliott 34.16 (17 games) 2.00 @ 67%  Fasolo 29.29 (19 games) 1.53 @ 50 (25.6 / 12 games / 2016) Moore 25.19 (21 games) 1.19 @ 57%  Hoskin-Elliott 18.6 (22 games)  Sidebottom 16.9 (22 games)  Reid 14.13 (15 games)  De Goey 14.8 (14 games) 1.00 @ 64%  Treloar 13.11 (21 games)  Wells 11.5 (10 games) 1.10 @ 69%  Blair 11.7 (12 games)  Cox 10.5 (9 games) 1.11 @ 67%	Adams 41 (13)  Pendlebury 35 (10)  Treloar 35 (10)  Sidebottom 30 (8 )  Howe 28 (9)  Grundy 25 (8 )  Hoskin-Elliott 20 (6)  De Goey 17 (4)  Crisp 14 (8 )  Phillips 11 (4)  Langdon 10 (3)  Maynard 10 (5)  Goldsack 7 (2)  Wells 6 (4)  Greenwood 6 (2)  Reid 6 (2)  Fasolo 6 (2)  Elliott 5 (2)  Cox 5 (1)  Dunn 4 (2)  Moore 3 (1)  Schade 2 (1)  Thomas 2 (1)  Blair 2 (1)  Ramsay 1 (1)	Pendlebury 48 (7)  Treloar 47 (10)  Adams 47 (10)  Sidebottom 46 (11)  Grundy 18 (5)  Howe 16 (5)  Wells 15 (3)  De Goey 15 (3)  Goldsack 14 (4)  Crisp 9 (3)  Greenwood 8 (2)  Reid 7 (3)  Elliott 6 (2)  Fasolo 5 (1)  Hoskin-Elliott 4 (2)  Langdon 3 (1)  Schade 2 (1)  Maynard 1 (1)  Moore 1 (1)

Player-By-Player Review

• Taylor Adams – Clearly a mainstay of our inside midfield group, now and for many years to come. Ranked #27 in the AFLPR (over 2 years) and approaching 100 games. Can butcher the ball at times coming out of the backline, but his disposal and decision making has improved over the last couple of seasons. Played a bit off half back and even forward at times, but I like him in the guts. 
• James Aish - Started to show he believed in himself at AFL level in 2016, but from what I could tell that disappeared this season despite ticking over the 50 game mark. Managed only 8 games in the seniors. Featured in the bests 6 times in 9 games at VFL level. Contracted for 2018 and it will be a crunch year for him. SA connections and maybe on the trade table? 
• Jarryd Blair - 10th in the Copeland in 2016, but clearly a depth player in 2017 with only 12 senior games. Whilst much-maligned, he was serviceable as a depth small defensive forward. Featured in the bests 4 times in 8 games at VFL level. Won’t be front of mind for the list manager and may have to wait late into the offseason to know if he will be recontracted for 2018. 
• Tim Broomhead – 14 senior games. Featured in the bests 4 times in 6 games at VFL level. I have mixed feelings about where he is at given the early expectations, albeit that he has been interrupted by injuries. Contracted for 2018, but like Aish it will be a crunch year. SA connections and maybe on the trade table? 
• Callum Brown - Managed 5 games in his debut season. Featured in the bests 3 times in 10 games at VFL level. Showed a bit, but still a relatively light-framed body. Will be interesting to see if he can have a big pre-season and push for senior selection in 2018. Ranked 3rd amongst rising stars for stoppage clearances per game and contested possessions per game. Despite the body shape, he is looking like a future contested ball inside mid. 
• Mason Cox (Cat B rookie - nominated) – Limited senior opportunities (9 games), but played well enough in the last 3 games of the season to still suggest that he can be a Ruck/Forward. Featured in the bests 5 times in 9 games at VFL level. Will presumably play VFL finals (he tweeted that he was keen), but has a contract decision to make at season’s end (27/8/17): "I can't really answer (whether I'm staying at Collingwood) and I don't want to talk about it," Cox said. "It's up in the air. I've got no idea. I'll talk to my agent and see where it goes. I've got some decisions for myself in the next few weeks.". Today (29/8/17) Brian Waldron says that he is off to Brisbane. 
• Jack Crisp - Played every game for the third consecutive season. Let me repeat that ... Played every game for the third consecutive season. This kid is durable and not bad for the steak knives in the Beams deal. Filled a hole at half back in 2017. Versatile midfielder and at 190cm has the potential to also play a third tall role forward or back if needed. 
• Ben Crocker – I had high hopes for Crocker after he slipped through to the last pick in the 2015 draft. I thought he would have a point to prove and he seemed to have been much more highly rated pre-draft than where he was taken (rd5, Pick 65). After 10 senior games in 2016, he managed only 3 in 2017. In 7 VFL games he failed to appear in the bests with 10 goals. No guarantee to be re-signed. 
• Josh Daicos - 14 games at VFL level and made his debut in round 22 with 10 tackles against the Cats. The next week he was quieter (2 tackles), but hit the scoreboard with 1.1. Like Brown he is relatively light-framed. Will be interesting to see if he can have a big pre-season and push for senior selection in 2018. Someone mentioned elsewhere that his Dad had a massive growth spurt after joining the Club, so that is something to watch out for as well. In the 2 senior games, my (unexpert) eyes told me that he is very mentally quick to make decisions and has the ability to dispose of the ball quickly. Just something I saw that stood out to me. 
• Jordan De Goey – had a dog of a season! The less said about the beginning of the season the better. Once he had served his penance he came in and played 14 senior games. Looked his best going through the midfield and had his best career game against Hawthorn in round 15. Will no doubt spend more time in the midfield in 2018 and move forward at times. It may be De Goey that frees Pendlebury up to play forward. 
• Lynden Dunn - Schade was preferred early, but once he came in Dunn was a settling fixture in the backline. Not a star, but solid and provided leadership down back along with Goldsack and Howe. 
• Jamie Elliott - Still didn't look 100% (and has said as much), but kicked 34.16 in 17 games averaging 2.00 goals (ranked 20 in AFL) at 67% accuracy. This guy is a star and will only benefit from the time on ground this year after failing to hit the track in 2016. 
• Alex Fasolo - Had some personal issues which were publicised, but managed 19 games and kicked 29.29 averaging 1.53 goals at 50% accuracy. This was well down on 2016 when he kicked 25.6 in 12 games. Has his knockers and can be inconsistent, but I really rate him. 
• Tyson Goldsack - Mr Evergreen. Played 20 games for the first time since 2014. No star, but he is the heart and soul of the team and does the little things. Played back all season except round 23 when he again showed the flexibility to go forward. I've been harping on for years that Reid and Goldsack are the ying and yang swingmen who can be swapped back and forth to unsettle opposition match ups. I hope to see this in 201. 
• Levi Greenwood - Proved that the tagger isn't dead. He is definitely our #1 go to tagger, but he faces competition for the inside mid roles that are available. Has the capacity to hit the scoreboard. I might be being harsh, but I feel that some of the young guns should be forcing Greenwood out of the side as we develop so Greenwood may be restricted to pure tagging roles in 2018. 
• Brodie Grundy - Unlucky to miss the All Australian 40 man squad. Probably moved into the elite few ruckman in the competition. He is different to the usual ruckman and his strength is his follow up on the ground and around the ground. Still needs to improve his overhead marking and become a real threat when resting forward. 
• Will Hoskin-Elliott – We traded this year's seconder rounder for him. Bargain! Played every game and while he drifted in and out of games at times he has something we really need which is outside speed, strong overhead marking and he is also an accurate shot on goal kicking 18.6. very happy to have the former #4 pick on the list. 
• Jeremy Howe – Backed up his 20 games in 2016 with 21 games this season and was promoted to the leadership group. Ranks top 2 in marks, marks per game, intercepts and 5th in contested marks and 8th in contested marks per game. We definitely appear to have got the better of the complicated four-club trade that saw us lose Seedsman and Kennedy and pick up Howe. 
• Lachlan Keeffe (R) - No senior games. Featured in the bests 3 times in 18 games at VFL level. 
• Kayle Kirby - Featured in the bests 4 times in 16 games at VFL level and was tied for the Frosty on 42 goals before being promoted for his debut at senior level. Toiled hard, but frankly struggled in that senior game. A big pre-season could see him in contention. 
• Tom Langdon – Again struggled with injury early and managed only 11 games after returning. Ranked 5th in intercepts per game in 2017. Hopefully gets a clear run at it in 2018 and gets back to his 2014/2015 form. 
• Max Lynch (R) – No senior games. Featured in the bests once in 17 games at VFL level. Watched the last regular season game and I've seen worse. 
• Liam Mackie (R) - No senior games. Did not feature in the bests in 12 VFL games. Likely to be delisted. 
• Brayden Maynard – Played every game and improves with each game. He has a long penetrating kick albeit that he is prone to clangers and turnovers. His disposal efficiency has improved over each of the three seasons and he has 51 games and is yet to turn 21. Seeing him in midfield in round 23 gave a glimpse of his future I think - an inside mid bull. 
• Chris Mayne – I HAVE NO WORDS. 
• Mitch McCarthy (R) – No senior games. Did not feature in the bests in 5 VFL games. 
• Sam McLarty - No senior games. Featured in the bests once in 13 games at VFL level. 
• Darcy Moore - 21 senior games. Ranked 10th in contested marks and 15th in contested marks per game. Kicked 25.19 averaging 1.19 goals per game at 57% accuracy. Looks his natural best in the ruck or behind the ball and it will be interesting to see where he ends up playing. 
• Adam Oxley – Injury killed his 2017 season. 
• Scott Pendlebury - 16 games was his lowest tally since his debut season in 2006. He will be 30 in the 2018 season and we need to be prepared for a drop off. I believe his height (191cm) and skills provide an opportunity to lengthen his career by playing him forward, possibly even as the third tall if we are struggling for height. 
• Tom Phillips - Breakout season for Flipper and he deserves to be in the Rising Star discussion. Will be an absolute jet and was a bargain pick at 58 in the 2015 draft. 
• Jackson Ramsay - Has struggled at senior level a bit after returning from his ACL injury and played only 8 senior games and featured in the best 9 times in 10 games at VFL level. 
• Ben Reid – Played 15 senior games and was actually dropped to the VFL for a game (let's not go there). Forced forward through team needs and it will be interesting to see if he stays there. Needs some goal kicking practice if he is to stay forward. 
• Henry Schade (R) - Played JLT and 8 games early before falling out of favour. Also played 8 VFL games. 
• Matt Scharenberg - Featured in the bests 5 times in 8 games at VFL level before earning promotion to the seniors and playing 10 games. After a wretched run with injuries I just hope that this season gives him the confidence and base to attack the pre-season and show in 2018 what the experts saw in him as a school boy footballer. 
• Steele Sidebottom - Played every game. Alongside Pendlebury, Treloar and Adams he was one of our key four midfielders. Stood up when Pendlebury missed late in the season and can take some pride from how the team played in those late rounds. 
• Brayden Sier - Pick 32 (our first pick) in the 2015 draft. Still no senior games and rarely sighted at VFL level the last 2 seasons. Did not feature in the bests in 10 games at VFL level. If he is still rated internally then surely he moves to the rookie list. 
• Ben Sinclair - Broke the world record for the largest hamstring tear during the pre-season and did not feature at all after that. Between his hamstring and concussion issues, one fears his AFL career may be over. 
• Josh Smith - Coach's pet in 2016, but seemed to be on the fringe in 2017. Played 13 senior games. Featured in the bests 3 times in 5 games at VFL level. 
• Josh Thomas (R) – Surprised me (positively) when he got his chance at senior level and has apparently been rewarded with a contract extension to 2019. 9 senior games and featured in the best 4 times in 7 games at VFL level. 
• Adam Treloar - Was he hampered by injury (OP)? He was good, but seemed a little bit off. Was selected in the All Australian 40 man squad. Would love to see his run and carry breaking the lines more often in 2018. 
• Travis Varcoe - Managed only the 8 games due to injury. 
• Daniel Wells - We are a much better team with a fit Daniel Wells. This has been much talked about and it is CRITICAL that we have him up and running in 2018 and play as many games as possible. He is a level above in his disposal, something we sorely lack. 
• Jesse White - Four games early then fell out of favour at senior level. Retired and well get a swan song in the VFL finals. 
• Rupert Wills - Only the 6 senior games and featured in the bests 5 times in 7 games at VFL level. Has the potential to be an inside mid bull and the height (192cm) to be versatile.