2018 Round 2: The Team & Preview

2018 AFL Round 2 COLLINGWOOD v GWS Time & Place: Saturday March 31, 4:35pm EDT MCG TV: 7mate / Fox Footy 4:30pm EDT Weather: Min 12 Max 23 Chance of rain 5%: <1mm Wind: SW 4kph Betting: Collingwood $3.00 GWS $1.39

B: Sam Murray, Lynden Dunn, Brayden Maynard

HB: Tom Langdon, Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe

C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips

HF: Josh Thomas, Ben Reid, Will Hoskin-Elliott

F: Jaidyn Stephenson, Ben Crocker, Callum Brown

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams

Int: Jack Crisp, Travis Varcoe, Matthew Scharenberg, James Aish

Emg: Jarryd Blair, Chris Mayne, Tim Broomhead, Brody Mihocek

IN: Callum Brown, Matthew Scharenberg
OUT: Mason Cox (suspension), Josh Smith (hamstring)

Collingwood News Callum Brown and Matt Scharenberg have been called into Collingwood’s team for the round two clash against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Saturday. Brown and Scharenberg have replaced big man Mason Cox (suspension) and midfielder Josh Smith (hamstring) as the Magpies look to bounce back from their 34-point loss to Hawthorn in round one. Brown, who has been named in a forward pocket, didn’t play at any level last weekend after being the held over emergency for the round one loss to the Hawks. Scharenberg, who has been named on the interchange bench, is back after excelling across half-back in the VFL practice match against Box Hill. The emergencies are Jarryd Blair, Chris Mayne, Tim Broomhead and Brody Mihocek. Among the players still missing from Collingwood’s potential best 22 are Jamie Elliott (ankle), Jordan De Goey (hamstring) and Levi Greenwood (knee). Don’t forget that after Saturday’s clash with the Giants you can walk across to the Holden Centre and watch the VFL side take on North Melbourne. No Stevie spoiler this time Who could forget the last time the Pies played GWS in a home and away game? In round eight last season at Spotless Stadium, Collingwood shot out to 26-point lead at quarter-time, then held sway for much of the contest. The Magpies were three points up with 43 seconds to go, only for Giants veteran Steve Johnson to bob up with a match-winning goal. Stevie J is now an assistant coach at the Sydney Swans, so he won’t be around to spoil the party this time. Matt's back After his early seasons at the Collingwood were cruelled by injuries, Matt Scharenberg was a regular in the team in the second half of last season, playing 10 games after being recalled in round 10. The 22-year-old played mainly in the backline and tallied more than 20 disposals in a number of matches. He was overlooked for the AFL game against Hawthorn last weekend, he now gets another chance to cement his spot in the team in what will be his 15th appearance at the highest level. 180329_scharenberg620.jpg Until this year, Matthew Scharenberg has never played an AFL match earlier than round 10. Cal's call up Callum Brown made his AFL debut in round 12 of last season against Melbourne and ended up playing five games in all. He showed plenty of improvement and finished the season on a high by gathering 19 disposals in the round 23 win over the Demons. With Mason Cox sidelined, Brown looks set to start in the forward line.

Ultimate Preview Round 2 Collingwood v GWS David Natoli Collingwood faces a big challenge this week against a red-hot Greater Western Sydney. After the first round of the season, the Giants sit atop of the AFL ladder following their 82-point thumping of the Western Bulldogs. On the other hand, the Magpies started the season poorly against the Hawks and will go into this Saturday’s clash as underdogs. On paper, this is a big challenge for the undermanned Magpies. But it is also an opportunity to get the season off to the right start and silence any critics. The Giants have only beaten the Pies once in their history, and that win was secured courtesy of a last-minute goal last season by Steve Johnson to pinch the game. The Magpies seem to always match up well against the Giants, and will have the home ground advantage of the MCG, which is a venue the Giants have only won at once before from 12 attempts. But the Giants looked ominous last week, and have so many avenues to goal. Jeremy Cameron (six goals), Toby Greene (four goals) and Jonathon Patton (two goals) headline a potent forward line that is very well serviced by a star-studded midfield. Collingwood will need to turn up the intensity to extreme this weekend, and get a huge output from its own midfield. Focus on Collingwood It was a familiar tale for the Magpies in round one. Despite being competitive in a number of key areas including inside 50s, clearances, tackles and contested football, it was a lack of efficiency going forward which ultimately cost the Magpies. Despite having 58 inside 50s, the Magpies were only able to score nine goals, which won’t cut it against most sides in the competition. For me, the biggest challenge facing Nathan Buckley and his men is organizing the forward line in the absence of key players such as Jamie Elliott, Alex Fasolo, Daniel Wells and Jordan De Goey. Darcy Moore also looks set to play in the backline again, while Mason Cox is out suspended. Finding enough goals to match the offensive juggernaut that is GWS is the problem. The conditions against Hawthorn were slippery, but it provided the backdrop to some basic errors that plagued the Magpies all night. The Giants are one of the best counter-attacking teams in the competition, so the Pies need to be clean with their ball use. Player Focus – Adam Treloar Despite a team-high 33 disposals, his disposal efficiency was down to 42 per cent. Against his former side, Treloar would love to put in a huge game and hit the scoreboard. At his best, Treloar is a damaging goal kicking midfielder who can tear a game apart. We didn’t see enough of his line-breaking skills last week, but, for mine, he looms as the key player for the Magpies this week. Focus on Greater Western Sydney For the Giants to be genuine premiership contenders, they need to win at the MCG. This match is an opportunity for them to get some experience at the home of football. Much has been written about the top-end talent in which the Giants possess. In recent years, the Giants have struggled defensively and have received some attention for their need to apply forward pressure. The focus may be on the star talent, but the most pleasing thing to come out of their win last week was the emergence of valuable players such as Zac Langdon, Harrison Himmelberg and Daniel Lloyd. Along with veterans such as Sam Reid and Matt De Boer, the Giants have a number of players that are willing to do the blue-collar work, which in turn allows the superstars to play their natural game. Last week’s win was the best I have seen the Giants tackle, and the best I have seen them lock the ball inside forward 50. Despite having 90 more disposals than the Bulldogs, the Giants also had more tackles. This is a sign of a team that is working hard at sticking to the task. There seems to be a strong team focus, with everyone having clearly defined roles. Player Focus – Lachie Whitfield The big question mark over the off-season was how the Giants were going to replace Nathan Wilson (traded to Fremantle) and Zac Williams (out indefinitely with an Achilles injury), both of whom were stars for the Giants off half back last year. That question has been quickly answered by moving Lachie Whitfield into defence. Whitfield was brilliant last week with a team-high 34 disposals. He is a classy ball-user, great decision maker and also an elite endurance athlete. His run off half back was vital in the round one victory. At the Selection Table The Magpies will need to make two forced changes with Mason Cox suspended and Josh Smith injured. In line to recalled are the likes of Callum Brown or Brody Mihocek, both of whom were regular features during the JLT series. Otherwise, the coaches could turn to the experience of Chris Mayne or Jarryd Blair who were both good in the VFL last week. Alex Fasolo is unlikely to return as he continues to build match fitness, while Matt Scharenberg and Tim Broomhead are also available for selection. The Giants have fewer concerns and are unlikely to make many changes following a convincing round one victory. The only change may be Tom Scully who is pushing for selection since overcoming a pre-season knee injury, though he may be required to regain touch in the NEAFL. Jacob Hopper is also on the verge of selection as well. The Wrap Up I expect to see a better effort by Collingwood this week. In my mind, I think the Magpies sometimes play better as the underdog, and showed in 2017 that they are more than capable of causing big upsets. The Magpies still have enough talent in the midfield to match the Giants, but the biggest concern will be kicking a winning score with an unsettled forward line, and also containing the star-studded GWS forward line. With a difficult month ahead, the Magpies can ill-afford to drop their opening two matches. Collingwood is an unpredictable side and is capable of causing an upset this weekend. But this looks to be a much more hardened GWS team that is capable of kicking big scores. Whether the Giants can carry this form onto the MCG will be the challenge considering their difficulty winning at this venue in the past. We’ll learn a lot about both teams this weekend. I’m expecting a pretty close game

Buckley: What To Do?

Collingwood News

AFL Tribunal Mason Cox Charged with striking Daniel Howe, Hawthorn, during the third quarter of the Round One match between Collingwood and Hawthorn, played at the MCG on Saturday March 24, 2018. In summary, the offence is judged as a one-match sanction without appearing before the Tribunal. Based on the available video evidence and a medical report from the Hawthorn Football Club, the incident was assessed as intentional conduct with low impact to the head. The incident was classified as a one-match sanction. Brayden Maynard Charged with staging during the fourth quarter of the Round One match between Collingwood and Hawthorn, played at the MCG on Saturday March 24, 2018. In summary, he can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea. A first offence for staging is a $1500 sanction. The player can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea.

Collingwood is still contemplating how to rejig its forward line in the absence of the suspended Mason Cox for Saturday's clash against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.
The Magpies will be forced to make at least two changes to their side, with Cox to accept his one-match ban for striking Hawthorn's Daniel Howe, and forward Josh Smith to miss up to a month with a hamstring injury.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said Cox would regain his place in the side once he serves his suspension, while also hinting the coaching staff would be loathe to return Darcy Moore to the forward line after just one week.
"We'll have discussions around whether we replace tall for tall or look at a different structure going up against a different opposition," Buckley said.
"If Mason was missing a month it would change the consideration for us, but without giving away much to the opposition that we're about to face, we're pretty keen to maintain a back seven as consistently as we possibly can to give them a chance to grow and evolve together.
"Having said that, like we did on the weekend, we could try to change things to get the result."
Alex Fasolo, who has overcome a shoulder injury, will need another week in the VFL before being considered for senior selection, said Buckley.

2018 AFL Round 2 COLLINGWOOD v GWS Time & Place: Saturday March 31, 4:35pm EDT MCG TV: 7mate / Fox Footy 4:30pm EDT Weather: Min 10 Max 21 Chance of rain 20%: <1mm Wind: SSW 7kph Betting: Collingwood $2.44 GWS $1.56

The Pies coach nominated Chris Mayne, Jarryd Blair, Tim Broomhead and Brayden Sier as possible inclusions against the Giants.
Mayne, who has not played at senior level since round three, 2017, gathered 35 disposals in a VFL practice match against Box Hill last Friday.
The former Fremantle forward was traded to Collingwood at the end of 2016 on a four-year deal reportedly worth up to $2 million.
"He had 35 touches on the weekend, not that touches are everything," Buckley said in a joking reference to Hawk Tom Mitchell's disposal count of 54 against the Pies last Saturday.
"He had a really good impact and he had a really solid pre-season, and I think he's bounced off a pretty disappointing year last year with a first-class attitude which we know he's always had.
"He's covering the ground better; he's put himself in the frame."
Buckley said Moore was long-term option in defence for the Magpies in 2018 after training in the back half over the summer.
Moore was shifted into attack in the second half as the Magpies tried to mount a comeback in Saturday's night 34-point loss to Hawthorn.
"We think it'll have us playing our best footy this year, that's why we've planned for it, and we really don't have enough sample size to make an alternate judgment on that yet," Buckley said.

2018: LADDER ROUND 1

Pos Position     P Played     Pts Points     % Percentage     W Won
L Lost     D Drawn     F Points For     A Points Against

AFLW 2018 Premiers: Western Bulldogs

WESTERN BULLDOGS   0.1.1   0.1.1   3.2.20   4.3.27
BRISBANE LIONS           1.1.7   1.1.7     1.1.7   3.3.21

The Dogs celebrate their premiership win AFL Photos

AFL

FROM ladder stragglers to triumphant champions. The Western Bulldogs are the NAB AFL Women's premiers.
The Bulldogs completed their remarkable transformation with a fighting six-point win over Brisbane on a wet Ikon Park on Saturday.
The 4.3 (27) to 3.3 (21) triumph came with a spirited second half revival after the Dogs were held goalless in a scrappy first half played in steady rain.
After fighting to avoid the wooden spoon in the final round last season, the Bulldogs rose to emulate the feats of the club's men's team two years ago.
Fittingly, brave midfielder Emma Kearney sealed the victory with a tackle on Lion Kaitlyn Ashmore late in the last quarter and she goalled from the free kick from 30m.
Lion Jess Wuetschner fought valiantly to keep her team within reach of the flag with two goals in the final term, the second cutting the margin to five points.
But Brisbane was fated to another heartbreaking Grand Final loss after falling to Adelaide by the same margin in the inaugural AFLW season's decider.
The Bulldogs' ball movement improved after half-time and a midfield dominance led by Kearney applied heat to the Lions backline.
"It was just adjusting to wet weather footy. At half-time the girls were calm and focused," Bulldogs coach Paul Groves said.
Their persistence finally paid off when Deanna Berry booted their first goal with a long shot on the run early in the third quarter. And when Aisling Utri hit the post with a hurried snap, the home team had edged ahead for the first time.
The Bulldogs controlled the critical third quarter and finally got the scoreboard ticking over. Kirsten McLeod, the replacement for suspended skipper Katie Brennan, kicked a goal with a hurried left foot shot from 20m.
"Clearly after half-time, they upped the ante in the middle and we didn't respond," Lions coach Craig Starcevich said.
"Their quality mids started to get their hands on it. They were clean when going forward and got the ball out the back and managed to score."
Monique Conti was a major contributor in the Bulldogs' third term comeback and the basketball point guard extended the lead to 13 points when a long shot on the run bounced through the unguarded goal just 15 seconds before the siren.
Conti, who won the medal for best on the ground, reflected the Dogs' turnaround after being lost in wet weather mode in the first half.
"I had to lift my game, get the ball on the ground. I just wanted to win, get it into our (forward) 50 and keep it in there," she said.
Brisbane dominated possession in a dour first half on what was a greasy surface after heavy pre-match rain. But they couldn't make the Bulldogs pay on the scoreboard.
"Last year was disappointing, this was frustrating because we thought we were all over them early and didn't hurt them," Starcevich said.
It took a precision centred pass from Wuetschner to find unmarked Sophie Conway virtually right in front midway through the opening quarter for what would be the only goal of the slogging first half.
But clean marks, particularly contested ones, were difficult in the tough conditions when players often worked the ball forward by simply soccering off the wet turf. And the slippery ball was hard to gather, even when a player wasn't under direct pressure from an opponent.
Lions defender Kate Lutkins is such a great reader of the play and she had a picnic sitting loose inside the defensive 50 to continually repel the frustrated Dogs. But, the defensive toil of Lutkins and Ally Anderson wasn't enough to lift their team over the line.

Pos Position   P Played   W Won   L Lost   D Drawn   % Percentage   Pts Points

Round 1: Hawthorn 101 Collingwood 67

THE FACTS

2018 AFL Round 2 COLLINGWOOD v GWS Time & Place: Saturday March 31, 4:35pm EDT MCG TV: 7mate / Fox Footy 4:30pm EDT Weather: Min 10 Max 21 Chance of rain 20%: <1mm Wind: SSW 7kph Betting: Collingwood $2.44 GWS $1.56

HAWTHORN          4.4.28    10.7.67  13.9.87  15.11.101
COLLINGWOOD   3.4.22      6.4.40    7.6.48      9.13.67

GOALS - Collingwood: Crocker 2, Reid, Howe, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Aish, Moore, Thomas

BEST - Collingwood: Sidebottom, Treloar, Crocker, Pendlebury, Murray, Stephenson

INJURIES - Collingwood: Nil

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 58,051 at the MCG

TALKING POINTS

1. Rock 'n' Rioli returns Cyril Rioli started his first match in 10 months on the bench, but the Hawthorn faithful erupted when the 2015 Norm Smith medallist entered the contest in the seventh minute. Rioli's never been a huge accumulator of the Sherrin and he took time to get going, even putting a routine kick – under little pressure – out on the full early. But two defensive acts, one in each of the first two terms, created Hawk goals like only Rioli can. He hounded Brayden Maynard into a turnover on the first of those, before smothering a Tom Langdon handball and putting a dinky kick to Ricky Henderson's advantage. His third quarter goal also earned a huge reception thanks to Paul Puopolo's fancy footwork. Welcome back, Cyril. 2. Tom Mitchell possession watch No-one (officially) wins the football like Mitchell – and it seems he still holds a grudge about Nathan Buckley's slight from the sides' corresponding clash last year. That night he had 50 touches and earned three Brownlow votes and still couldn't convince Buckley to send a tagger his way. Mitchell himself shrugged the milestone off because it came in defeat. Fast-forward to round one, 2018 and he had 13 disposals by the first break, 29 to half-time and 37 by three-quarter time. Mitchell, who set a new home and away season possessions record with 787 last year, incredibly went on to break dual Brownlow medallist Greg Williams' single-game record of 53 disposals. His 54th possession (27 contested) – his 34th handball – drew a big roar from the attentive crowd. It was also the sixth time Mitchell won at least 40 disposals in a match, and he'll be pleased, because Hawthorn won. 3. Collingwood's impotent attack Rinse, repeat. Is there a worse forward line in the AFL, especially with Jamie Elliott and Alex Fasolo again sidelined through injury? Mason Cox barely touched the ball when he was forward and Ben Reid, other than a first-minute goal, was mostly a non-factor. Ben Crocker, at 188cm, troubled the Hawks more than any other Pie forward, but this structure isn't going to frighten many opponents. Collingwood had 11 of the first 15 inside 50s in the second term and failed to capitalise before the brown and gold put on the afterburners. Taylor Adams even started at full-forward in the second half. Can Nathan Buckley afford to keep Darcy Moore down back (he went forward in the fourth quarter)? Should All Australian-calibre defender Jeremy Howe return to his forward roots? There is no more pressing issue for the Magpies' brains trust.

4. Going at Jaeger speed There was genuine fear that Jaeger O'Meara's last rites as an AFL footballer were being written in 2017, when another knee setback put an early pause on the former Sun's new start at the Hawks. Even when he did play, the pace and explosiveness that made him one of the competition's best prospects had faded. The lion's share of his disposals were handballs last year, partly as a result. But O'Meara was back with a vengeance on Saturday night, posting 27 disposals (14 kicks and 14 contested) and six clearances – but also the game's equal-highest maximum speed (33.1 km/h) at half-time. Paul Puopolo (34.6km/h) and Will Hoskin-Elliott (34.2km/h) pipped him by game's end, but Hawthorn must be heartened. 5. Pies' recruits provide positives A tough night for Collingwood was made that little bit better thanks to first-gamers Jaidyn Stephenson and Sam Murray. Stephenson possesses lightning speed and is one of those footballers who creates something from nothing. He was caught holding the ball on one occasion when he tried to be creative, but the No.6 draft pick from last year has 200 games written all over him. Pies fans were up in arms about the club giving up a second-round selection (in a multiple-pick deal) for little-known Swan Murray, but that anger has dissipated. He shone in Collingwood's second JLT Community Series match and is a good addition to the backline, even if the defensive side of his game remains a work-in-progress. Is there a worse forward line in the AFL, especially with Jamie Elliott and Alex Fasolo again sidelined through injury? Mason Cox barely touched the ball when he was forward and Ben Reid, other than a first-minute goal, was mostly a non-factor. Ben Crocker, at 188cm, troubled the Hawks more than any other Pie forward, but this structure isn't going to frighten many opponents. Collingwood had 11 of the first 15 inside 50s in the second term and failed to capitalise before the brown and gold put on the afterburners. Taylor Adams even started at full-forward in the second half. Can Nathan Buckley afford to keep Darcy Moore down back (he went forward in the fourth quarter)? Should All Australian-calibre defender Jeremy Howe return to his forward roots? There is no more pressing issue for the Magpies' brains trust.

THE MEDIA

AFL ANOTHER record-breaking game from Tom Mitchell has propelled Hawthorn to an emphatic 34-point win over Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday night. Mitchell collected 54 disposals to surpass the previous individual best of 53 held by Gary Ablett and Greg Williams, to again put the Magpies to the sword after his 50-possession game against them in round nine last year. As the Hawks signalled their intention to march back into finals contention in 2018 with the 15.11 (101) to 9.13 (67) win, the Pies again had no answers for Mitchell as he motored to another prolific performance. He wasn't alone; Jaeger O'Meara collected 27 possessions in another encouraging outing, Luke Breust kicked four goals and Jack Gunston celebrated his 150th game and return to attack with two majors and three scoring assists. "We tried to curb his influence but were unable to," Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said. "We had 'Tay' [Taylor Adams] and Steele [Sidebottom] and 'Crispy' [Jack Crisp] on him at various times after quarter-time. "He's a good player. He gets his hands on the ball, wins stoppages, he's probably one of the cleanest ball handlers in the shoe box in the first five to 10 metres, and he's proving to be a really good spreader to the next contest. Even Clarko can't stop record-breaking Mitchell "I thought he and [Jaeger] O'Meara early in the game, from the centre bounce in particular, gave Hawthorn's forwards first access to it." The Hawks had winners everywhere. "O'Meara collected 27 possessions and six clearances in another encouraging outing, Luke Breust kicked four goals, Jack Gunston celebrated his 150th game and return to attack with two majors and 12 scoring involvements, and Shaun Burgoyne was important in his new forward-half role early on. And Cyril Rioli only had 14 touches after starting on the bench in his first game since round eight last year, but he used them to show glimpses of his old brilliance. James Sicily was another who stood out with 26 disposals, seven marks including three contested, and 11 tackles in a composed and skilful display across half-back. The Hawks blasted the Magpies with a six-goal-to-three second quarter to open up a 27-point lead at half-time and didn't look back from there as they cruised to an opening round victory. The only blow for the Hawks was a game-ending ankle injury to defender Ryan Burton in the second quarter. While the Hawks were a cut above in class and ball movement, it was more of the same for the Magpies as they failed time and time again to make use of momentum swings. Some new moves paid off with Ben Crocker their most effective forward, Darcy Moore pulling down eight marks in defence before he was thrown forward late in a desperate attempt to find some firepower and debutants Sam Murray and Jaidyn Stephenson showing positive signs. But Mason Cox (six disposals) struggled for effectiveness and simply couldn't take a mark as a forward option, Travis Varcoe was quiet, and their leading possession-winner – Adam Treloar with 32 – moved the ball at just 40 per cent efficiency. The first quarter was played at breakneck pace and the Pies were in the contest, with Ben Reid presenting well in attack, Tom Phillips moving the ball well and Moore looking settled. But Mitchell and O'Meara got on top in the second quarter turnaround with their work at the centre clearances telling, before the Pies offered a late rally that saw them whittle a 39-point three-quarter time margin to 23 points in the last term. "We were pleased with our endeavour against a pretty formidable opponent," Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said. "I reckon they're going to be OK this year, the Pies, and we were really pleased we were able to get the points, because it loomed as a pretty tight affair right throughout the course of the game. "We just managed to get some scoreboard ascendancy late in the second quarter that just gave us that three or four-goal buffer that we were able to maintain for the greater part of the rest of the game." MEDICAL ROOM Collingwood: The Pies picked up a couple of injuries late in the game with Josh Smith nicking a hamstring in the fourth quarter and Ben Crocker coming off after copping a knock to his back. Darcy Moore was icing both Achilles tendons in the rooms afterwards but isn't believed to have picked up any fresh concerns. NEXT UP The challenges keep coming for the Magpies with a twilight home clash against Greater Western Sydney booked for next Saturday.                                  SUPERFOOTY COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley says his side “didn’t handle the heat”, but said he wasn’t feeling any despite a deflating season-opening loss to Hawthorn. Asked if he felt the pressure was already building from an impatient supporter base, Buckley said: “Circumstantially, no. We’ve dropped a game, it was a game we would have liked to have won, but we’re 0-1 and we come up against the Giant next week and we think we can perform better. That’s our job.” Buckley bemoaned poor execution and a failure to deal with the Hawks’ pressure in a 34-point loss highlighted by Tom Mitchell’s staggering 54-possession game. “We didn’t handle the pressure of the opposition,” he said. “We looked like we weren’t able to handle Hawthorn’s pressure. "It’s not something they’re renowned for through the midfield. "We noticed it through the JLT so we were expecting it, but I don’t think we handled it well. “We had the personnel to get the result tonight and the last quarter showed that. We couldn’t have played more poorly for large chunks ... and to still be in the game, it was just a comedy of errors. "We didn’t get the job done so we let one slip.” The Magpies had 19 entries to Hawthorn’s nine in the last quarter, but could only manage 2.7 to the Hawks’ 2.2. “Our execution was particularly poor today. We’d get two hands on it and not mark it and have players out and not hit them. We didn’t play well,” he said. “We played an OK structure game and that’s why we were still in the contest, but we just didn’t execute our opportunities well enough.” Mason Cox failed to take a single mark despite getting his hands to several attempts, with Buckley saying he had a “bad night”. “He’s been gloving them all pre-season. "It is a real test of character now of ours and his as to how does he responds to that,” he said. “He’s getting his hands to them more often than he ever has. I’m pretty confident he will do some damage.” Mitchell’s 54 disposals broke the VFL/AFL record for most touches in a game, less than a year after Buckley said his 50-possession game in Round 9 last season didn’t do much damage. But the Magpies coach said he tried to curb the Hawthorn ball magnet last night, using a combination of Taylor Adams, Jack Crisp and Steele Sidebottom on him after quarter-time. “He’s a good player and he gets his hands on the ball, wins stoppage and is probably one of the cleanest ball handlers in the shoebox,” Buckley said. “He’s proving to be a really good spreader to the next contest.” Buckley said Josh Smith “nicked” a hamstring in the last quarter and would be assessed.

REAL FOOTY Last year Hawthorn star Tom Mitchell gathered 50 disposals against Collingwood as the Hawks lost and the value of the 24-year-old's performance was debated. However there was no question about his worth on Saturday night as he set a new AFL record with 54 disposals to lead Hawthorn to victory by 34 points over the same old Magpies at the MCG. If Mitchell picked up where he left off last season becoming the first player to gather 50 touches in a game twice, it only took two moments of brilliance from returning Hawthorn superstar Cyril Rioli to remind everyone how formidable the Hawks might be in 2018. In typical fashion, Rioli, who has not played since round eight last season, pounced upon left-footed Magpie Brayden Maynard midway through the first quarter to smother his kick out of defence. The resulting spill created a chance for Shaun Burgoyne to kick a goal and, as expected, the veteran didn't waste the opportunity. It was vintage Rioli, who repeated the dose the following quarter, intercepting a Tom Langdon handball to create a goal for Ricky Henderson. From that moment on the Hawks never looked like losing, as Mitchell roamed around the ground absorbing any pressure, winning the ball in space or in tight and reading the ball off hands to dominate the game. A roar went up as he gathered his 54th disposal with less than a minute remaining to break the possessions record dual-Brownlow medallist Greg Williams set in 1989 when playing for the Sydney Swans against St Kilda. Gary Ablett equalled that mark against Collingwood in 2012. Having picked up three Brownlow votes in both his games against Collingwood last season on his way to third place in the Brownlow medal Mitchell was once again best on ground. Rioli's pressure set a standard for the Hawks with partners in crime, Paul Puopolo and Luke Breust, equally effective inside 50, the Magpies lack of natural predators for the trio evident as they ran rampant. If the Hawk highlights were familiar enough, then the Magpies failings were, unfortunately for Collingwood fans, equally recognisable as they lost their ninth match against the Hawks under Nathan Buckley from 10 attempts. The effort was good but goals were hard won as Mason Cox could not mark the ball, despite repeatedly getting his hands to the football first in the marking contest. If he was a cricketer he would have been sent to fine leg two overs into the game as his confidence dropped and he failed to take a mark for the game. Ben Reid battled hard but without Jamie Elliott or Alex Fasolo at ground level to mop up Cox's crumbs, Hawthorn ran the ball through the middle with ease. Only the consistent Steele Sidebottom showed enough surety with the ball to change the angles and challenge the Hawks' defence, which had been bolstered by the return of experienced duo James Frawley and Ben Stratton who, like Rioli, had not played since round eight last season. Their returns came in even more handy when emerging star Ryan Burton rolled his left ankle just before half-time and did not reappear. Jaeger O'Meara, who won the game's first two centre clearances and had 12 possessions at quarter-time in just his seventh game with the Hawks, was keeping pace with Mitchell at quarter time and finished the game with 27 disposals, half the number of Mitchell's tally. The Magpies missed the class of injured pair Daniel Wells and Jordan De Goey as time after time they wasted scoring opportunities with a poor kick or a fumble. Taylor Adams, who played in defence during the pre-season played forward for most of the game but was ineffective. Buckley tried to swing changes at the final break pushing Darcy Moore forward after he was relatively good in defence and he kicked a goal. First gamers Jaidyn Stephenson and Sam Murray were promising, showing a willingness to run and take the game on with Murray bringing Collingwood back into the game in the last quarter while Hawthorn recruit Jarman Impey was relatively quiet. However the Magpies were not up to the challenge and Hawthorn look to have already passed them in the rebuild stakes.                                   COLLINGWOOD NEWS The "comedy of errors" Collingwood produced against Hawthorn was a direct result of the Magpies' failure to handle the heat of the round one clash, coach Nathan Buckley says. Buckley has also challenged big man Mason Cox to respond to a "real test of character" after he struggled to make an impact as their new forward focal point. The Magpies were wasteful with their forward entries, recording just two less than the Hawks (60-58) despite losing by 34 points, and struggled to hit targets across the ground. Despite missing players likes Jamie Elliott, Daniel Wells, Tyson Goldsack and Jordan De Goey, Buckley said he was confident the Pies went in with a team that could have matched it with the Hawks' talented line up. But, he lamented their poor execution on the night. "We had a lot of blokes that lowered their colours on their normal performance. We didn't have a lot of blokes that I reckon would have played to their normal standard individually," Buckley said. "We looked like we weren't able to handle Hawthorn's pressure, so credit to them for that, it's not something they're renowned for through the midfield. "We were expecting it, but I don't think we handled it well. "We couldn't have played more poorly in larger chunks or had less contributors and yet still be in the game … it was just a comedy of errors. "We actually played an okay structured game, and that's why we were still in the contest. "But we just didn't execute our opportunities well enough and didn't have enough blokes that brought their strengths to the table."Cox appeared set for the new responsibility of the Pies' key forward following the move of Darcy Moore to defence, after kicking four goals against the Western Bulldogs in a pre-season game earlier this month. But the big American struggled to hold a mark in slippery conditions on Saturday night and finished with just six disposals and no score. "He's being gloving them all pre-season, he's had a really strong pre-season," Buckley said. "I suppose it's a real test of character now, of ours and of his, of how does he respond to that. "He's getting his hands to them more often than he ever has. "He's had a bad night. The challenge for him is to make it a bad night and not a normal occurrence. "I'm pretty confident he'll undo some damage." The Pies may need to call up replacements for Josh Smith (hamstring) and Ben Crocker (knock to back) for next Saturday's clash with Greater Western Sydney at the MCG, with both suffering injuries late in the game. “We didn’t handle the pressure of the opposition. We looked like we weren’t able to handle Hawthorn’s pressure. It’s not something they’re renowned for through the midfield. We noticed it through the JLT so we were expecting it, but I don’t think we handled it well. We had the personnel to get the result tonight and the last quarter showed that. We couldn’t have played more poorly for large chunks ... and to still be in the game, it was just a comedy of errors. We didn’t get the job done so we let one slip.”                         Nathan Buckley

2018 Round 1: The Team & Preview

AFL 2018 Round One Collingwood v Hawthorn Time & Place: Saturday, March 24, 7:25pm EDT MCG TV: 7mate / Fox Footy 7:00pm EDT Weather: Min 19 Max 24 Chance of rain 80% 10-20mm Wind: N 14kph Betting: Collingwood $1.98 Hawthorn $1.83

B: Sam Murray, Lynden Dunn, Brayden Maynard

HB: Tom Langdon, Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe

C: Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Josh Smith

HF: Josh Thomas, Ben Reid, Will Hoskin-Elliott

F: Jaidyn Stephenson, Mason Cox, Ben Crocker

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams

Int: Jack Crisp, Travis Varcoe, Tom Phillips, James Aish

Emg: Chris Mayne, Tim Broomhead, Callum Brown, Brody Mihocek

NEW: Sam Murray (20, Sydney), Jaidyn Stephenson (19, Eastern U18)

Collingwood News A nice mix of youth and experience. That sums up the Collingwood team named to tackle Hawthorn in Saturday night’s huge round one clash at the MCG. Defender Sam Murray and forward Jaidyn Stephenson will debut for the Magpies, with Murray in a back pocket and Stephenson in a forward pocket. Josh Smith and Ben Crocker earn themselves another chance at the highest level after playing only a handful of games between them in the second half of last season. It’s a similar situation for James Aish, who has been named on the interchange bench after recovering from the calf problem that impacted the latter part of his pre-season. Aish managed only eight appearances in the AFL in 2017, although he did feature in the Pies’ last three matches. The four emergencies (clubs can now name one more than last year) are Chris Mayne, Tim Broomhead, Callum Brown and Brody Mihocek. The notable absentees are Jamie Elliott (ankle), Jordan De Goey (hamstring), Daniel Wells (Achilles) and Levi Greenwood (knee), who will return in the coming weeks, and Tyson Goldsack (knee), who has been ruled out for the season. Rookies right to go On top of increasing the number of emergencies clubs can name from three to four, the AFL is now allowing clubs name Category A rookies in their team without promoting them to their senior list. Josh Thomas has benefitted from the change. He remains a rookie but has been selected on the wing. Another rookie, Brody Mihocek, is among the Pies’ emergencies. Smith set to fly Josh Smith played in 11 of Collingwood’s opening 12 games in 2017, racking up some big disposals tallies, including 32 against Fremantle, in the process. But he played only two AFL games after round 12. Now the 24-year-old gets another chance after being named on a wing after enjoying a strong summer on the track. Smith played in both of the Magpies’ JLT Community Series matches, tallying 11 disposals against the Giants and 17 against the Dogs. Crocker rockin’ Ben Crocker will be desperate to cement his place in the team after an ankle injury ruined the last part of his 2017 campaign. The 21-year-old missed the Pies’ pre-season loss to the Giants, then showed glimpses of his best in the win over the Bulldogs in Moe. The coaches are hoping Crocker can bring some his trademark physicality to the forward line on Saturday night. Happy days There was a genuinely upbeat feeling when the team hit the track for its final training run on Thursday morning. “It’s always exciting,” assistant coach Brenton Sanderson told Collingwood Media. “Everyone looks forward to round one at the end of a pretty long pre-season. “Most clubs would be in the same boat. They’re itching to test themselves against another team after doing a lot of match simulation over the hot summer months. “It’s obviously time see where we stack up against the rest of the competition.”

AFL Preview Round 1 Collingwood v Hawthorn SUMMARY Both the Hawks and Pies are coming off disappointing 2017 campaigns and shape as the two of the more difficult clubs to handicap heading into the new season. What is clear about the Pies is that they’ll need close to their best 22 available most weeks if they’re to snap their four-year finals drought and, sadly, they’ll again be missing some key players this week. Not so the Hawks, who will be close to full strength and given the difficult few weeks to follow, the same nightmare 0-4 start from last year looms large again if they don't win this. The Pies bat deeper through the midfield and are the better clearance team, but the Hawks have more talent inside both 50-metre arcs and the return of Ben Stratton, James Frawley and more than likely, Cyril Rioli, helps considerably. LAST FIVE MEETINGS R15, 2017, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d Collingwood 14.10 (94) at the MCG R9, 2017, Collingwood 13.12 (90) d Hawthorn 11.6 (72) at the MCG R23, 2016, Hawthorn 17.10 (112) d Collingwood 17.9 (111) at the MCG R14, 2015, Hawthorn 15.11 (101) d Collingwood 12.19 (91) at the MCG R23, 2014, Hawthorn 18.13 (121) d Collingwood 8.8 (56) at the MCG THE SIX POINTS It was one win each between the sides in 2017, Collingwood won by 18 points in round nine at the MCG after trailing by 34 points at half-time. The return clash was in round 15 with the Hawks winning by 24 points thanks to 35 disposals and two goals from Tom Mitchell. Hawthorn was the No.1 ranked team in 2017 for disposal efficiency operating at 76.4 per cent while Collingwood was mid-table at 73.4 per cent. Hawthorn has dominated Collingwood over a long time winning 10 of the last 11 clashes including two wins by more than 50 points. Collingwood struggled to score in 2017 ranked 11th for totals goals, kicking 278; only three players finished with more than 20 goals. Hawthorn’s record in 2017 at the MCG was poor, losing seven of 11 matches, their first negative win/loss season at the MCG since 2006. The Magpies won eight of 13 games at the venue. Hawthorn’s Shaun Burgoyne, is the 19th-ranked player in the competition according the Official AFL Player Rankings. Now aged 35, he hasn't missed a game since 2013. IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Hopefully Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy bought himself a lottery ticket because he was awfully lucky not to be rubbed out for a bump on Tory Dickson in the JLT Community Series match against the Western Bulldogs. An important match-up looms against Ben McEvoy, who is coming off his best season yet. PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 10 points.

AFLW 2018 Round 7: Collingwood 53 Adelaide 39

THE FACTS

AFL 2018 Round One Collingwood v Hawthorn Time & Place: Saturday, March 24, 7:25pm EDT MCG TV: 7mate / Fox Footy 7:00pm EDT Weather: Min 18 Max 27 Chance of rain 90% 10-20mm Wind: N 16kph Betting: Collingwood $1.96 Hawthorn $1.85

COLLINGWOOD     1.1.7     3.1.19     5.3.33     8.5.53
ADELAIDE            2.5.17     4.6.30     4.8.32     4.8.32

GOALS - Collingwood: Garner 3, Bernardi 2, Hope, Kuys, Tesoriero

BEST - Collingwood: Garner, Bernardi, Brazill, Lambert, King

INJURIES - Collingwood: Nil

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 2,300 at Olympic Park Oval

THE MEDIA

Collingwood News Adelaide will not defend its premiership, after Collingwood upset the Crows by 21 points, allowing Brisbane to qualify for the Grand Final. The Crows will be ruing their missed chances over the off-season, their inaccuracy early costing them dearly in the 8.5 (53) to 4.8 (32) loss in a thrilling affair at Olympic Park Oval. The second Grand Final spot came down to the final minutes of the home and away season. Brisbane was not sure of its berth against the Western Bulldogs until Jasmine Garner pushed the margin out to 19 points in the last three minutes with her third goal. The loss of co-captain Chelsea Randall after half-time with a head knock was a blow for the reigning premiers; she had recorded 14 touches (all kicks) and five marks in the first two quarters. The forward line combination of Garner (three goals, 16 disposals and seven tackles), Christina Bernardi (two goals, 12 touches) and Moana Hope (one goal and 15 touches) was too much for Adelaide to restrain after Randall's injury. Adelaide had come out of the blocks early, kicking 4.6 in the first two terms, but failed to add a goal in the second half and was scoreless in the fourth. Erin Phillips battled hard one on leg for the Crows, her strained right quad still giving her trouble, while Ebony Marinoff and Sarah Allan held their own. Collingwood hit the front for the first time in the last few minutes of the third term on the back of two stunning snap goals to Melissa Kuys and Christina Bernardi against the breeze. The Crows wasted their second chance when kicking with the wind in the third quarter, managing just two points while the Magpies scored two goals. With president Eddie McGuire on the PA urging his team on, the Magpies rattled off the final five goals of the match to consign Adelaide to fourth place. Collingwood midfielder Bree White, who had five touches, retired from football after the match. The 36-year-old was given a guard of honour from her VFLW teammates from the VU Western Spurs and chaired off by her Collingwood teammates. The moment With just four-and-a-half minutes left on the clock and a throw-in deep in Collingwood's forward 50, midfielder Lauren Tesoriero put her hand up as ruck nomination. Her opponent, Courtney Cramey, wasn't aware of it and blocked her out of the contest. The umpire paid a free kick for shepherding and Tesoriero calmly slotted the resulting free kick. It took the margin out to 13 points, and with the Crows looking unlikely to conjure three scoring shots in such a short space of time, it sealed the win for the Magpies. The wash-up – Collingwood It's the same old story for Collingwood, losing early matches only to storm home in the latter half of the season to cause some headaches for higher positioned teams. The difference this season is the Magpies seem to be playing with more purpose and confidence. Christina Bernardi and Jasmine Garner look like different players this season, the addition of Ash Brazill late in the season was important in shoring up a shaky defence and recruit Jaimee Lambert became more comfortable as the season progressed. The Magpies finished sixth with three wins from their seven matches, all coming after round three. Say what? "The same thing happened in season one. Over the off-season we'll work out how we can manufacture what we need to do early in the season to get that going early, whether it's trying to play more games against opposition rather than one hit-out." – Collingwood coach Wayne Siekman

AFLW 2018 Round 7: The Team

AFLW 2018 Round 7 COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE Time & Place: Sunday March 18, 2:35pm EDT Olympic Park Oval TV: Fox Footy 2:30pm EDT Weather: Min 21 Max 27 Chance of rain 60% 1-5mm Wind: W 28kph Betting: Collingwood $2.25 Adelaide $1.65

B: Emma Grant, Jess Duffin, Ash Brazill

HB: Chloe Molloy, Cecilia McIntosh, Tara Morgan

C: Amelia Barden

HF: Sarah D’Arcy, Jasmine Garner, Christina Bernardi

F: Melissa Kuys, Moana Hope, Caitlyn Edwards

Foll: Emma King, Jaimee Lambert, Brittany Bonnici

Int (from): Bree White, Georgie Parker, Lauren Tesoriero, Kristy Stratton, Meg Hutchins, Holly Whitford, Sarah Dargan

Collingwood News After a season of ups and downs, Collingwood’s AFL Women have one more chance to impress. It comes on home soil, and comes in the final week of an enthralling seven-round home and away season. It also presents an opportunity to ruin the Grand Final hopes of the opposition. While the Magpies sit sixth on the AFLW ladder with one round to play, the Adelaide Crows sit just two premiership points away from a Grand Final berth. A win to the Pies, and the Crows’ season comes to a premature end. It would be the same fate which was inflicted on the Brisbane Lions, when Collingwood delivered a shock 14-point defeat in Queensland last Saturday. The majority of the side who travelled north will once again play as the Magpies farewell 2018 in front of a home crowd. Ruby Schleicher will miss with concussion, while Bree White, Holly Whitford and Sarah Dargan are all a chance to add a final game to their respective campaigns.

Pies 2018 Season Preview: AFL

AFL

Best 22 – round one
B: Brayden Maynard, Lynden Dunn, Tom Langdon
HB: Jeremy Howe, Darcy Moore, Jack Crisp
C: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Taylor Adams, Tom Phillips
HF: Travis Varcoe, Ben Reid, Steele Sidebottom
F: Jarryd Blair, Mason Cox, Alex Fasolo
Foll: Brody Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar
I/C: Sam Murray, Jaidyn Stephenson, Josh Thomas, Callum Brown

Emerg: Brody Mihocek, Tim Broomhead, Ben Crocker, Josh Daicos

2017 best and fairest top three
1. Steele Sidebottom
2. Taylor Adams
3. Adam Treloar

Injury list
Tyson Goldsack is the Pies' biggest loss this pre-season, with the veteran tearing his ACL in March and needing a knee reconstruction. Jamie Elliott (ankle), Daniel Wells (Achilles), Jordan De Goey (hamstring) and Levi Greenwood (knee) have been ruled out of round one, while James Aish (calf) and Alex Fasolo (shoulder) are in a race against time. Darcy Moore (Achilles) and Jeremy Howe (calf) had interrupted starts to 2018 but played in the second JLT Community Series game and should be fine for round one.

The big questions
When will Nathan Buckley finally be given the chance to get his best side on the field? 
Well, not right away, in any case. Elliott's had a slow pre-season again, Wells got sore last month and De Goey's summer went from bad to worse when he strained a hamstring while training with the VFL team as part of his club sanction for drink driving. Buckley's had a cruel run of luck of late, and it looks like it's not going to ease up for at least the first few weeks of the season.

Will Darcy Moore find a happy home in defence?
Early rumblings indicated he wasn't thrilled with the idea, but he showed in the pre-season win over the Western Bulldogs his intercept marking ability and natural leap mean he has the potential to form a formidable and exciting partnership with fellow high-flyer Jeremy Howe in the backline if he fully embraces his positional change.

Can the Pies go from being a competitive side to finals contender?
Despite missing the finals for a fourth season, the Pies remained competitive in 2017 with their average losing margin three goals. They'll have to overcome a less than ideal pre-season to get their season off to a decent start and hope their new-look forward line featuring Mason Cox and Ben Reid fires.

Look for …
Mason Cox as their power forward. The hard-to-miss American Pie, who resisted the advances of rival clubs to sign a three-year contract extension in September last year, will pair with Reid in attack and with Brody Grundy to do the brunt of the ruck work. Cox showed in the pre-season it's a move that could pay off, with four goals and four contested marks against the Bulldogs impressive hallmarks of the Pies' decision to build their attack around him as they look to shelve the inaccuracy issues that plagued them in 2017.

Who they play
Hawthorn first up won't be easy with some key players missing, and it won't get any better the following week when they run into last year's preliminary finalists Greater Western Sydney. They've got a winnable clash with Carlton in round three, but then enter a red-hot patch where they travel to meet Grand Finalists Adelaide, Essendon on Anzac Day and then the premiers in a tough three weeks. But, five of those first six games are at the MCG and they only play two finalists from 2017 – Richmond and Essendon – twice, with return games against Carlton, Brisbane and Fremantle, so there are definite advantages to be gleaned from their fixture.

Fantasy cash cow
Sam Murray ($170,000). The former Sydney rookie had 24 touches and seven rebounds against the Dogs to put himself well and truly in the round one selection frame. The Pies brought in Murray as they needed to inject some drive off half-back, and the ex-Swan's ball use, ability to read the play and run the ball out of defence are all reasons he'll get looked at as early as the season opener.

Sudden impact
Jaidyn Stephenson. Described by coach Nathan Buckley as "easily" the quickest player on their list, the No.6 draft pick from last year impressed in the AFLX and across the pre-season with his good kicking skills and blistering pace. Stephenson had a crack against the Giants and did some nice things against the Dogs to leave himself in the conversation for an early debut.

It's crunch time for …
James Aish. Out of contract and at the crossroads, the former Lion needs to deliver in his third year at Collingwood. Highly rated as a junior, the talented wingman has played just 23 games in two seasons as a Pie and was well placed to further that this year after a flawless summer before a recent calf strain cut him down. Now needs to refocus and overcome his latest setback if he's to show he's worth another year this season.

Pressure rating on the coach
"Signed, sealed and delivered, but the Pies' faithful remain restless."

The 2017 habit the Magpies must kick …
Their inaccuracy. It's pretty simple. Last year, they were ranked 15th for scoring accuracy, converting at a rate of just 55.3 per cent. They've just got to get better at making the most of their scoring opportunities.

The Magpies will have a good year if …
Elliott gets fit and kicks 50 goals, Cox clunks them and takes the forward line by storm, the Moore and Howe show takes flight, and the midfield remains a force despite Scott Pendlebury and Taylor Adams spending time across half-back.

They’re in trouble if …
Elliott's pre-season problems litter his year again, the positional changes backfire, an injury to Brody Grundy robs the forward line of Cox, and Wells doesn't get going.

Pass mark
Finals, or pretty close. The Pies haven't been there since 2013 and the natives are getting restless. A lot has to go right, but they've got the mix to make it happen if they get a change of luck when it comes to injuries. And, the last two years have taught us that fairytales can happen.

AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish: 14th

Player Ratings star
Scott Pendlebury, 3rd. Missing the last six games with a broken finger didn't stop the five-time All Australian nearly claiming his six club best and fairest. Averaged 28 disposals over 16 games and led the Pies in goal assists in another consistent season.

Pies 2018 Season Preview: Fox Sports

Fox Sports

NOTHING has changed at Collingwood. Which means that something has to change.Despite constant fan unrest and a continued trend of sliding down the ladder, things are much the same in 2018 as they were in 2017. That’s particularly notable following a quiet trade period.
Nathan Buckley and Eddie McGuire are still in charge. Daniel Wells and Jamie Elliott are still injured. And we still don’t know how this team is going to score.
In two consecutive seasons, the Magpies have finished 11th in points for, averaging 87 and then 88 points per game. This reflects their overall mediocrity but doesn’t paint the full picture.
Per Champion Data’s 2018 AFL Prospectus, Collingwood was above average at getting the ball forward, rating fifth for inside 50 differential. But once they get there, they butcher it, ranking dead last for scoring once inside 50 — scoring on 18 per cent of entries.
Why? Because they’re simply not good enough at ground level.
In the Prospectus it is explained why looseball gets are more important than hardball gets, going against common wisdom. Getting the ball under pressure is important, right? But you’re more likely to actually do something productive with a looseball get, therefore they correlate better with winning.
Collingwood is a great contested ball team — it’s why their midfield is constantly rated highly by Champion Data. But that is mostly coming from hardball gets — they rank third in hardball get differential, as compared to 15th in looseball gets. They’re even worse — 18th — in the forward 50.
Compare this to the triple premiership Hawthorn sides. Alastair Clarkson said he never cared about contested possession stats, but those Hawks were always excellent at looseball gets rather than hardball gets. They were best at the most important element of contested footy.
So how does Collingwood improve at ground level in the forward 50? Well, why not move a player who has kicked 10 goals in a Grand Final down there?
Steele Sidebottom won the Murray Bushrangers a TAC Cup flag by doing exactly that. And he just so happens to be the best looseball-get player at the club.
The Magpies can already win the contested footy in the midfield; it’s actually going something with it once they go forward. Sidebottom could solve the attacking aspect of their game.
As for the defensive? Well, there’s this certain Chris Mayne fellow who we hear was recruited for his pressure...

JOHNNO’S TAKE
Brad Johnson gives his view of Collingwood heading into the 2018 season.
“They’re the unknown. Without those small forwards in their side, I think they’re going to battle in the early part of the season.
“The JLT Community Series game versus the Bulldogs was a positive after quarter-time, they seemed to show some maturity in changing up their style mid-game - particularly with their entries inside forward 50.
“But is that enough to be confident they can make serious ground with the injuries they’ve got? I don’t think it is. Darcy Moore looked comfortable down back, Mason Cox has had a good summer.
“It still comes back to the ground-level players, and the ones in the team at the moment - are they good enough to consistently compete against the best?”

THE BURNING QUESTION
Is Daniel Wells going to make an impact this season?
We know how good Wells can be. We also know how infrequently he plays.
He played 10 games in his first season as a Magpie, and about 10 times in each of those games did a commentator say “that’s why they recruited him!”
He’s elite for scoreboard impact, providing brilliant delivery to the forward line, something this team desperately needs. But he has already been rubbed out for Round 1 with an Achilles issue.
It’s a shame, but expect his games played total to once again have a strong correlation to Collingwood’s games won total — seven of their nine wins in 2017 came with Wells in the side.

THE BLOWTORCH
Darcy Moore
The Magpies’ forward of the future has been moved into defence during the pre-season.
Darcy Moore has certainly shown flashes but averaged just over one goal a game last year as the focal point of the attack.
So in the JLT Community Series, Moore has played in the backline, and to reasonable effect too. Getting the best out of the father-son gun is a key goal for Nathan Buckley this year.

THE PASS MARK
Being in the mix for finals in the season’s final fortnight
As most Collingwood fans are aware, the club has fallen down the ladder in every season under Nathan Buckley (barring remaining 12th over 2015 and 2016).
Given the renewed faith in Buckley via a two-year contract extension, that trend simply must end. They don’t just need to rise up the ladder but realistically should be contending for the finals. Injuries are already impacting them but cannot be an excuse.

Pies 2018 Season Preview: Herald Sun

Herald Sun - David King

CAN Nathan Buckley coach? It is still the most debated question in footy.

The Collingwood board voted yes, the fans seem split, but ultimately it’s a win-loss industry.

It’s time to climb the ladder or this could be the longest of long goodbyes for Buckley.

The criticism launched at Buckley was borderline unfair at times, myself included, but in relation to the Magpies’ style of play, change was required. A pre-season that relaxed the rigidity around every play, allowing the players to more readily express their wares, was needed.

The Magpies can win the ball (No. 2 in the AFL at clearances), they can maintain possession, averaging more than 400 disposals and 24-plus disposals on their opponents (also No. 2), but they couldn’t convert this into scores, despite having the league’s third-highest number of inside-50s.

Do they move the ball quickly enough? They kicked the ball forward the second-least last season, but expect this to change in 2018.

Brayden Maynard’s move to the midfield will ensure long, quick and direct ball use inside the forward 50. Combine that with a healthier Daniel Wells and this midfield looks more threatening.

The glaring issue is winning ground balls inside their forward 50 and the lack of pressure on the opposition on exit. Steele Sidebottom is their best loose ball get contributor and must play where they need him most, close to goal.

Taylor Adams and Scott Pendlebury will spend time across the half-back line, and Darcy Moore, too. They are puzzling moves given what the Western Bulldogs and Richmond have done with their star players, who have been pushed forward with great success over the past 24 months – especially given that’s the area of the ground of most concern for the Magpies.

All teams need to have something unique to differentiate themselves, and Buckley must find this in 2018.

Presently, there is no Buckley stamp or distinguishable feature that screams point of difference.

The Magpies have an abundance of talent, with 10 players rated above average or better. It appears they will play with more freedom. It’s a trust this outfit appears to be enjoying, with a more relaxed feel around the Holden Centre.

All the components for success are there, it’s just a matter of marginal correction, not an overhaul.

The start is critical, with five of their first six games at the MCG.

Buckley’s boys must score a minimum of three wins from their first six games or the “white noise” will start all over again.

Four wins or more could just get the Magpie Army rolling and, as we know, momentum is everything.

ROBBO’S TAKE:

What I Like
Regardless of your thoughts on whether the coach should’ve gone or not, the club stuck fat, as did the coach and the list management with the players. From afar, that appears to be a massive confidence tick for the players.
Straightaway we can expect improvement in players such as Brodie Grundy (already a very good player), Jack Crisp, Brayden Maynard, Jordan De Goey, Darcy Moore, Tim Broomhead, Josh Smith, James Aish, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Mason Cox and Tom Phillips.
Nathan Buckley has backed them in and, on top of the review at the end of last season, which created great change in the football department, there should be a freshness and confidence at the club.

What I don’t like
Injuries have hurt them, and this pre-season was no different, with matchwinner Jamie Elliott already playing catch-up. Positional changes have been mooted — Ben Reid forward, Moore back, mids to half-back — but can only do so much.
Buckley says he won’t copy Richmond, but what’s in store? Ball movement, for starters, has to be quicker and longer to give Cox and Reid a chance.
Whatever has been lacking should have been identified in the review, be it mental connection, ball movement or game style — and hopefully fewer injuries.

Verdict
Vying for the eight

Pies 2018 Season Preview: Fans

Fans

FROM 13th one year to the premiership the next.
Replicating Richmond's unlikely march to the flag is Collingwood fans' dream scenario in 2018.
However, most Magpie fans are sceptical that under-pressure coach Nathan Buckley can end their side's five-year absence from the finals in 2018.
Giving their take on their side's 2018 prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season fan survey, more Pie fans tipped their team to finish ninth than any other position.
A lack of quality support for injury-prone forward Jamie Elliott is fans' biggest concern, with many targeting prospective free agent Tom Lynch as the solution to their goalkicking woes.
Here are the pre-season survey results, plus a selection of Magpie fans responses.

What's the Magpies' weakest spot on the park?

• Pretty much everywhere that isn't the midfield. Defensively we are a shambles and without Jamie Elliot we cannot score.
  - Riley Klug, Perth, WA

• Key forward. If we can get Tom Lynch from Gold Coast, 2019 will be our year!
  - Garry Rawlinson, Cranbourne East Vic

• Forward line. We need Tom Lynch ASAP so we can play Moore back.
  - Logan McDonald, Perth WA

• Poor footskills. No above-average forwards bar Elliott, who is always injured.
  - Tim Flodger, Mitcham Vic

It'll be a great year if ...

• ... Buckley finally gets a good run with injuries. He has been cursed.
  - Claude Santilli, Brunswick East Vic

• ... We make finals, preferably top six. We have waited far too long for a finals berth and to be brutally honest Buckley doesn't deserve to keep his job should we fail to achieve this goal in 2018.
  - Riley Klug, Perth WA

• ... Pendles goes to a back flank and commands from there, leaving the centre to faster and more desperate players like De Goey, Aish and Adams.
  - Wah Fong, Baulkham Hills NSW

What's your dream headline in 2018?

• 'Tom Lynch Joins Collingwood'
  - Jay Dlugosz, Maiden Gully Vic

• 'Mason Cox kicks 10 goals on Anzac Day'
  - Bruno Marino, Oakleigh South Vic

• '13th one year, Premiers the next - is it happening again?
  '- Hanif Mohamed, Hampton Park Vic

What's the headline you secretly dread?

• 'Jordan De Goey gets another club suspension'
  - Sam Fangaloka, Mildura Vic

• 'Hot Chips, cold drinks but no Pies in finals'
  - Kevin Bullen, Preston Vic

• 'Nathan Buckley sacked'
  - Hans Kakos, Roxburgh Park Vic

AFL 2018 Pre-Season Game 2: Collingwood 113 Footscray 80

THE FACTS

AFL 2018 Round One Collingwood v Hawthorn Time & Place: Saturday, March 24, 7:25pm EDT MCG TV: 7mate / Fox Footy 7:00pm EDT Weather: Min 17 Max 26 Betting: Collingwood $1.93 Hawthorn $1.87

COLLINGWOOD   1.5.11   5.13.43   8.16.64   16.17.113
FOOTSCRAY        6.2.38     7.4.46     9.7.61       12.8.80

GOALS - Collingwood: Cox 4, Varcoe 3, Reid 2, Sidebottom, Adams, Treloar, Grundy, C.Brown, Thomas, Phillips

BEST - Collingwood: Sidebottom, Cox, Treloar, Murray, Adams, Brown

INJURIES - Collingwood: Goldsack (left ankle)

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 3,442 at Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe

THE MEDIA

AFL COLLINGWOOD'S experiment to play Mason Cox in the same side as Brodie Grundy received a boost as the American booted four goals in an impressive display as the Magpies pulled off a stirring comeback in warm conditions to post a 33-point win in Moe. As temperatures nudged above 32 degrees at Ted Summerton Recreational Reserve, Cox took four contested marks, including a great grab late in the third quarter, to help propel the Magpies to a 16.17 (113) to 12.8 (80) victory. However, Travis Varcoe could find himself in trouble with match review officer Michael Christian for an elbow to Hayden Crozier. The Western Bulldogs started impressively, kicking six goals to one in the first quarter before the Magpies responded with 21 inside-50s in the second term as they closed the margin to three points at the main break. Inaccuracy in front of goal prevented Collingwood from leading at that point – the Pies were 1.10 at one stage – but the misses had more to do with where the shots were taken from than wayward foot skills. The Pies ran out the game far stronger and finished with 10 goalkickers after managing  just 36 points against Greater Western Sydney last week. Collingwood's experiment to throw Darcy Moore into the backline was an early success. In his first game at AFL level this year after having been hampered by an Achilles tendon problem during the pre-season, the 22-year-old had no issue backing himself and flying for the football. Also in defence, Jeremy Howe made his return from a calf injury in a solid display. While he finished with only 14 disposals, his influence was felt, particularly by Marcus Bontempelli, who played the stepladder to Howe's high-flying grabs not once, but twice. Tough midfielder Tom Liberatore showed form reminiscent of his 2016 season, collecting 28 disposals and 16 contested possessions. Toby McLean and Jason Johannisen were two to thrive through the middle of the ground and Bontempelli made the most of the time he spent up forward, notching three goals. The game was effectively over when Steele Sidebottom snapped a brilliant goal on his left boot in the last quarter, capping off a superb 28-disposal display. What we learned Darcy Moore will thrive in the backline. At times it seemed there was too much pressure on him up forward, but in defence Moore took the opportunity to go for his marks. He will be well suited to playing across the last line and impacting as many contests as he can reach. It probably won't be a permanent move, but Moore should gain plenty of confidence from his first outing in his new position. New faces Expect to see Sam Murray in the round-one line-up. He offered plenty of zip from defence and his left foot can scythe through the opposition. The former Swan finished with 24 disposals and seven rebound-50s and would have impressed his coaches with a great tackle on Aaron Naughton in the third quarter. Jaidyn Stephenson was reasonable at half-forward, with his long kick into the forward line in the opening term hitting Sidebottom perfectly on the lead. In defence, Brodie Mihocek showed courage right before the final break going back with the flight. Next up Collingwood has a Saturday night clash with Hawthorn at the MCG on March 24 in what shapes a huge game.

AFLW 2018 Round 6: Collingwood 53 Brisbane 39

THE FACTS

AFLW 2018 Round 7 COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE Time & Place: Sunday March 18, 2:35pm EDT Olympic Park Oval TV: Fox Footy 2:30pm EDT Weather: Min 14 Max 26

COLLINGWOOD   4.4.28   4.4.28   6.5.41   8.5.53
BRISBANE            2.2.14   2.4.16   2.6.18   5.9.39

GOALS - Collingwood: Bernardi 3, Hope 3, Garner, Hutchins

BEST - Collingwood: Bernardi, Garner, Molloy, Hope, Edwards, Duffin

INJURIES - Collingwood: Nil

REPORTS - Collingwood: Chiocci reported for high contact on Birch in the first quarter

OFFICIAL CROWD - 2,600 at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex

THE MEDIA

AFL COLLINGWOOD has derailed Brisbane's chances of going back to the NAB AFL Women's Grand Final with an upset 14-point win at Burpengary on Saturday. The 8.5 (53) to 5.9 (39) victory was the Magpies' second of the season and came on the back of a scintillating four-goal opening quarter. Forward partners Christina Bernardi and Moana Hope kicked two goals apiece in the opening onslaught as the Pies moved the ball beautifully in the wet conditions. The win moves them from last up into sixth position. Collingwood coach Wayne Siekman said it was nice to get some reward for effort during a difficult season. "To come up here and play against a team that’s got everything on the line, they’re playing for everything, [and] full credit to the 21 players who executed the game plan to perfection," he said. "You wouldn’t know we were on the bottom before the round. "Our actual stats, our disposal efficiency is quite high in the competition. We changed the way we played last year, it’s a much more [high] possession game." For the Lions the loss is a disaster as they now need to beat Greater Western Sydney in the final round and also hope Adelaide - and likely Melbourne - lose. Collingwood led by as much as 32 points and despite three late consolation goals by the Lions, were never challenged. The Magpies were not only the more desperate team, but the more polished. Bernardi was brilliant, kicking three goals from her 16 disposals and seven marks. Hope also finished with three goals while Jasmine Garner gave the vaunted Lions defence headaches with her 17 disposals, six marks and 1.3. Chloe Molloy (16 touches) was outstanding off half-back, while Caitlyn Edwards (12 touches and 10 tackles) was in everything, particularly in the scene-setting first half. For a team that had everything to play for, the Lions were disappointing. "The focus was to get a fast start and the opposite happened," coach Craig Starcevich said. "Full credit to the opposition, their skill and execution and decision making under adverse conditions was exceptional. "Destiny's out of our hands, so now we're watching results and hoping things go your way. "They're (players) disappointed, no doubt about it, they've let an opportunity slip." Emily Bates (20), Jamie Stanton (18) and Ally Anderson (17) got plenty of ball in the midfield, but it was often rushed and under pressure.