2015 Milestones

Collingwood News Several senior Magpies are in line to notch key milestones in season 2015. Collingwoodfc.com.au outlines the main milestones on the horizon as we near the new season (fitness, form and injury Gods willing, of course).
250 games
Dane Swan (236 games) When the milestone is due: Round 15 v Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval Swan, who is on target to play his 250th senior game against Port Adelaide in round 15, has the ability to move into eighth place on Collingwood’s all-time list of games played. Should he play all 22 home and away games, he will have notched 258 for his career, wedging him between Gavin Brown (254 games) and Nathan Buckley (260 games). In the case that he (and Collingwood) play in the maximum four finals, Swan will move into outright sixth position on the club’s all-time list.
200 games
Scott Pendlebury (192 games) When the milestone is due: Round 8 v Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium It’s hard to believe the second year skipper is already well on his way to reaching the famed 200 game milestone. Pendlebury, who has only just turned 27, has played more than 20 games in each of the past eight seasons. His durability (not to mention his 17 finals) has helped him near the milestone so early in his career. With several years left to go before he even contemplates his twilight, could Pendlebury become only the third man to play 300 games for the mighty Black and White?
150 games
Travis Varcoe (138 games) When the milestone is due: Round 13 v Fremantle at Patersons Stadium Varcoe managed 138 games for Geelong between 2006 and 2014, including 17 finals and two premierships. Let’s hope the happiest days of his career are still to come.
Clinton Young (137 games) When the milestone is due: Round 14 v Hawthorn at the MCG Is it meant to be that the 2008 premiership Hawk plays his 150th game against his old club in round 14? Young, 29, played 116 games for Hawthorn between 2005 and 2012.
Alan Toovey (131 games) When the milestone is due: Round 20 v Sydney at the SCG Toovey hasn’t had the best run with injuries of late. A knee reconstruction wiped out most of his 2013 campaign, while a series of minor niggles kept him off the park five times last year. Given an injury free run, Toovey will be due to bring up game 150 against Sydney later this year.
Steele Sidebottom (127 games) When the milestone is due: Qualifying/Elimination Final The 24-year-old has raced to 127 games and has only been absent on five occasions since 2009 (three of which were due to suspension). He’ll need to figure in every game of the home and away season, but should Collingwood feature in September, he will be in line to play his 150th game before he turns 25.
100 games
Ben Reid (99 games) When the milestone is due: Round 1 v Brisbane at the Gabba Poor Reid has been waiting for his milestone for some time. He was due to reach it on Easter Saturday against North Melbourne last year, but injuries derailed his campaign. He is currently overcoming the calf issue that saw him sent to Germany for treatment earlier in the year, but should he be ready for round one, the Cheer Squad will need to have their banner tribute ready to roll.
Nathan Brown (93 games) When the milestone is due: Round 7 v Richmond at the MCG Much like Reid, Brown’s milestone progress has been stalled by various injuries in recent times. He’s fighting fit again after should surgery so, all going well, Sunday 17 May will be his day.
Jesse White (89 games) When the milestone is due: Round 11 v Greater Western Sydney at the MCG In seven years as a Swan, White managed 18 or more senior games only twice. He clocked 18 in his first as a Magpie and is on track to record his 100th against the Giants midway through the season.
50 games
Lachlan Keeffe (40 games) When the milestone is due: Round 10 v Melbourne at the MCG It’s been a long time coming for Keeffe, who arrived at the club in December 2007 and debuted in 2011. A project player due to his soccer background, Keeffe’s progress was stalled by a knee reconstruction in 2012.
Ben Sinclair (44 games) When the milestone is due: Round 6 v Geelong at the MCG Sinclair was every chance to have notched this milestone last year had it not been for a series of hamstring injuries.
Marley Williams (37 games) When the milestone is due: Round 14 v Hawthorn at the MCG The 50 game mark is coming quickly for Williams, who debuted off the rookie list midway through 2012.
Sam Dwyer (34 games) When the milestone is due: Round 17 v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium There must’ve been years where Dwyer thought he would never make it. The rover from Port Melbourne is 16 games shy of his 50th game, and all who follow football would be thrilled to see him make it.
Josh Thomas (32 games) When the milestone is due: Round 19 v Carlton at the MCG There’s a bit of a theme here with the 50 gamers. Keeffe, Sinclair, Williams, Dwyer and now Thomas have all had to overcome some unique hurdles to make it into the vicinity of 50 games. The Queenslander is 18 games away from his achievement.
Jarrod Witts (27 games) When the milestone is due: Qualifying/Elimination Final Witts will need to play all 22 games plus finals if he is to reach his 50th game, but after the way he shouldered the ruck in 2014, it’s certainly a possibility.
Goals 400 goals Travis Cloke: 390 goals 200 goals Dane Swan: 190 goals 150 goals Travis Varcoe: 130 goals 100 goals Steele Sidebottom: 99 goals Jesse White: 93 goals Jarryd Blair: 76 goals 50 goals Tyson Goldsack: 47 goals Ben Reid: 31 goals

Nick's 200

Collingwood News Collingwood v Swans Saturday March 29, 7.40pm ANZ Fox Footy / 7mate 7.30pm Weather: Min 20 Max 26 Chance of rain 60%: 1-5mm Wind: SSE 25kph Betting: Collingwood $2.85 Swans $1.44 Veteran defender Nick Maxwell is poised to play his 200th AFL match tonight when Collingwood meets the Sydney Swans. Selected with the 15th pick of the 2003 Rookie Draft, Maxwell’s tenacity and intense drive stood him apart early as he forced his way onto the club’s senior list, making his AFL debut against Adelaide in 2004. Fast establishing his place within Collingwood’s best 22, Maxwell would become an ever-present member of a fledgling Magpie outfit, with his leadership qualities in defence seeing him earmarked as a future captain, a prophecy he would ultimately fulfil when he assumed the role following Scott Burns’ retirement in 2009. Far from being overwhelmed by the burden of leading Australia’s most storied sporting institution, Maxwell revelled in the newfound responsibility, his ascendency to the captaincy spurring him to career best form, resulting in All-Australian selection and a runner-up finish in the Copeland Trophy in 2009. Maxwell however would enjoy his finest hour 12 months later, when in perhaps the defining performance of his career, a defiant and desperate final quarter stand in the 2010 Grand Final draw ensured the Magpies would live another day. A week later, Maxwell would climb the podium at the MCG as a Collingwood immortal, hoisting aloft football’s Holy Grail as the 11th Premiership captain in the club’s VFA, VFL and AFL history. Following five seasons and 104 games as Collingwood’s on-field general, Maxwell stepped aside as captain at the start of the 2014 season, but such is the esteem with which he is held, the 30-year old remains a pivotal member of the club’s leadership group. Maxwell is one of the success stories of the AFL's rookie list scheme. Knocked back by several clubs after graduating from the TAC Cup, Maxwell worked his way onto the Collingwood rookie list via the VFL and broke through for his debut in his second season. He hasn't looked back since, and is now one of the most respected players and leaders in the game. Displays unbelievable courage at half back, and regularly intercepts opposition entries into attack with his ability to read the play. Backs himself overhead and never allows an opponent an easy kick. Lifts another notch when the finals roll around, and was one of Collingwood's best in the two Grand Finals in 2010 when he led the club to its first premiership in 20 years. Has suffered several collision injuries due to his brave style of play, but Magpie fans would not have the man who led their team with distinction between 2009 and 2013 any other way.

REAL FOOTY Nick Maxwell almost retired at the end of 2013. It had not been the happiest of seasons, had ended badly and by the time he headed off on a boys' trip to Mexico and Las Vegas last spring, the outgoing Collingwood captain believed he had had enough of football and that the feeling was mutual. Maxwell had never expected to play 200 games. In fact, on the occasion of his 150th he bought a bottle of Grange Hermitage and presented it to his parents and his manager, Peter Lenton, over dinner because he thought it would prove his final milestone performance. Perhaps it was that highly ordered side of Maxwell's AFL life that made last season even more disappointing. Reading the play on and off the field has always been his strong suit and the story was no longer clear to him. The once-tentative battler who had willed himself to run back on those early nervous occasions with the flight of the ball - and in the process win over his coaches and captain and playing mentor James Clement - now questioned whether his best was still good enough both as a player and off-field leader. ''I looked at my own game and where I was at,'' said Maxwell this week, in the lead-up to joining the 200 club against Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, ''and whether I did want to go on. Because of all the changes that were going on, because of frustrations with injuries where I couldn't play at the level I expected of myself. ''[Last year] we were doing everything we could to keep the group together. But I didn't do a good enough job. None of us did a good enough job.'' The 2010 premiership captain was holidaying not with teammates but a group of old school friends on a trip that had been more than a decade in the planning. He left not certain he would fulfil his one-year contract and there were occasions on the trip where Maxwell's football life flashed before him - the selfishness of his existence where his family was concerned, the sacrifices and not insignificantly his close mate's wedding scheduled in the 2014 pre-season that he knew he would have to miss. Overseas, Maxwell also reflected on the massive challenges that Collingwood players had faced, with the philosophical transformation from Mick Malthouse to Nathan Buckley and the ensuing fallout, the player departures and the staff changes. ''There wasn't so much divisions,'' Maxwell now explains. ''What I saw was with a lot of guys because Mick and Bucks were so different and their philosophies were so different; for a lot of guys who had been under Mick for 10 years or however long they were it was a fairly big shift in the way Bucks not only wants us to play but the way he wants us to train and his philosophies. ''With Mick, if a guy got into trouble over the weekend Mick wasn't one to act in the sense that his attitude was that player owes it to us and he owes it to our supporters to perform over the weekend. ''Whereas with Bucks it's more: 'No, no, no, we're all part of a team here and you've got to toe the line as much as the next guy and if you can't do what we need you to do for the team then we'll find someone else to come in and play that role. ''Because they are so different in the way they do it it can be very challenging for guys and it was challenging. Plus the game, new demands, a lot of things were changing. Our fitness staff … rumours that Dave Buttifant was leaving as well, players were coming towards the end of their careers. ''In the change room it was really difficult because guys who I considered were close mates were in a position where they were not in the team and they felt they should have been out there and they felt they were better than the younger guy who was out there.'' In the end, said Maxwell, it was because of all the change he felt he had to play. ''And I still felt I had a lot to give. They were the two reasons that I felt I have to go back to this, I have to commit to this and go all the way through it. ''If I hadn't been here … we've got a very introverted group and a lot of them are self-driven and they've got to learn to drive others … ''Last year was tough but we also learnt a lot about our kids as well. And because some stood up and played well in an environment that wasn't perfect, we thought: how good will they be when we get to the point that things are working and we are all together and determined beyond anything else to unite to have success?'' Maxwell, a long-time union man where players' rights are concerned, broke ranks with AFL Players Association guidelines and began his own personal pre-season six weeks early. He has attacked 2014, he says, fitter than he has ever been. ''I threw myself into training well before pre-season started,'' said Maxwell, ''and on the first day I ran a PB in a time trial after 12 years here. I finished fourth, which isn't bad for a third tall defender. I wanted to make a statement and show that this is what I really want to do.'' Mindful that the club was introducing a new weights program and strength coach - Marty Girvan who ran a gym near Maxwell's Spotswood home - the 30-year-old also trained with him regularly six weeks out from the start of pre-season. But Maxwell did not attempt to convince Heath Shaw to conform to the point that he could remain a Magpie. ''Heath was just extremely frustrated a lot of the time for all of the reasons I've talked about. My opinion was that it was going to help him to leave. ''As much as I've played … well, 185 of my 200 now standing next to him - and I know people might see video of us having a crack at each other, but it's just that we're competitive and we want to win at all costs. We also go about things completely differently on a day-to-day basis. ''But we do have enormous respect for each other and I could see that a new environment could really help him.'' Maxwell is emphatic he has no interest in becoming a coach and would not even speculate on whether he would prove a teacher in the Buckley mould or a motivator like Malthouse. He says life after football holds no fears for him because the early and repeated rejections before Collingwood in 2003 took him as a rookie saw him complete a double degree and since then play every season as if it was his last - quite literally, he says, despite more than 100 games as captain. ''I've been prepared for retirement since day one,'' Maxwell said, ''and I've gone into every contract as if it was my last. I've had to because I've had no choice because I'm not good enough. I don't dread the end. In fact, I know I couldn't do this forever. The great thing about footy for me is that there is an expiry date.'' This season is no different. His future in the game could come, according to Maxwell, in football administration or a media commentary role - a pursuit in which Maxwell believes there is room for improvement. ''I'm not sure exactly what post-footy looks like,'' he said, ''but if I did work in the media it would be more analysis that interests me. David King stands out to me because he goes to training and goes to ask questions. ''I think we're making the punters dumber because I think we're not giving them the right information all the time. When X, Y or Z say it and it's taken as gospel. ''I hear a well-known commentator say that and I think, 'No, that's wrong.' There's a massive gap that we need to fill and maybe the clubs can help by welcoming commentators in to give them a better understanding.'' Equally poorly received by teammates was Matthew Scarlett's autobiographical attack last year on Maxwell in which the retired Cats full-back said: ''None of our players had any respect for Maxwell. We hated how he was being compared to Tom Harley. It was simply wrong.'' Maxwell's friends at Geelong - Jimmy Bartel, another old St Joseph's College boy is a close friend - rallied and while the player himself said he was shocked, he only resented having to answer questions about the literary sledge. ''I've never spoken to him [Scarlett] in my life outside of comments on the footy field and I didn't know him from a bar of soap so it came as a complete shock,'' he said. ''I had overwhelming support after that, but I understand that people only really want to watch the star, which I never was. But I also hope I never forget what every player has to go through just to get onto the ground to play a senior game.'' Maxwell's work across a number of charities is noted by his employer and he said he wanted to be remembered not only for playing his role for the team but for the relationships he has built across the club through its networks. ''I've loved every minute of it,'' he said of his Collingwood career and 199 senior games, adding quickly: ''No, that's actually a lie. I've hated a lot of it, I hate it when things don't go well.''

Nick Maxwell's Career Nick Maxwell - Fast Facts Height: 193cm Weight: 92kg Date of Birth: 3 June 1983 Recruited From: St Josephs (VCFL)/Geelong U18/North Ballarat Debut: Collingwood v Adelaide, Round 9 2004 at Telstra Dome Games: 199 Goals: 29 Honours: Collingwood Premiership Side 2010; Collingwood captain 2009-2013; R.T. Rush Trophy (2nd best-and-fairest) 2009; Jack Regan Trophy (5th best-and-fairest) 2012; Darren Millane Memorial Trophy (Best Clubman) 2007, 2009, 2011; Gavin Brown Award (Leading Desire Indicators) 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012; Bob Rose Award (Best Player in Finals) 2009, 2010 (equal); All-Australian 2009 Draft History: Selected at No. 15 in the 2003 Rookie Draft; elevated onto the senior list during the 2004 season   At A Glance Junior Clubs: St Josephs (VCFL)/Geelong U18 Clubs: Collingwood (2004-2013) Debut: Round 9 2004 v Adelaide Recruited from: North Ballarat (VFL) Brownlow Votes: 3   Milestones AFL Debut: Collingwood v Adelaide, Round 9 2004 at Telstra Dome 50 AFL Games: Collingwood v Richmond, Round 3 2007 at the MCG Captaincy Debut: Collingwood v Essendon, Round 16 2007 at the MCG 100 AFL Games: Collingwood v St Kilda, Round 7 2009 at Etihad Stadium 50 Games as Captain: Collingwood v Western Bulldogs, Round 6 2011 at the MCG 150 AFL Games: Collingwood v Hawthorn, Round 15 2011 at the MCG 100 Games as Captain: Sydney v Collingwood, Round 20 2013 at ANZ Stadium Draft History Selected at No. 15 in the 2003 Rookie Draft Elevated onto the senior list during the 2004 season   AFL Awards Collingwood Premiership Side 2010 All-Australian Team 2009   Club Awards R.T. Rush Trophy (Second in Best and Fairest) 2009 Jack Regan Trophy (Fifth in Best and Fairest) 2012 Darren Millane Memorial Trophy (Best Clubman) 2007, 2010, 2011 Gavin Brown Award (Leading Desire Indicators) 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 -------------- Collingwood News The numbers that make up the career of Nick Maxwell: 11,108,708 – People to have watched Maxwell in his 199 senior games since round nine, 2004. 100,016 – The largest crowd Maxwell has ever played in front of (in the 2010 Grand Final against St Kilda). 8102 – The smallest crowd Maxwell has ever played in front of (against Greater Western Sydney in round 18, 2012). 4114 – Days since Maxwell was drafted back in December 2002. 2709 – The amount of disposals recorded by Maxwell in his 199 games, at an average of 13.61. 561 – Tackles laid by Maxwell in his AFL career, at an average of 2.82 per game. 193 – Maxwell’s current height (193cm). 128 – Matches played at the MCG. 104 – Games as captain between 2009 and 2013 (and one as stand-in skipper against Essendon in round 16, 2007). 93 – Maxwell’s playing weight (93kg). 43 – The number Maxwell wore in his debut season of 2004. 41 – The first number Maxwell was handed upon walking in the door at Victoria Park ahead of the 2003 season. 33 – The number worn by Max Rooke when Maxwell barrelled him in a ferocious tackle during the 2007 Preliminary Final. 33 – VFL Games played. 32 – Players to have featured in 200 or more games for Collingwood prior to Maxwell’s milestone. 29 – Goals kicked in 199 games. 29 – Maxwell’s highest disposal count in a game (recorded against West Coast in round nine, 2009). 27 – The third number worn by Maxwell during his time in the Black and White (between 2006 and 2008). 19 – Pre-season games during his time in the AFL. 18 – Finals played between 2006 and 2013. 18 – Games played against Carlton, Maxwell’s most against an individual team. 17 – The disposal count Adelaide star Scott Thompson was restricted to by Maxwell in the 2008 Elimination Final. 16 – The number worn by Tom Davidson, the man Maxwell replaced on the senior list midway through 2004. 15 – The number at which Maxwell was selected by Collingwood in the 2003 Rookie Draft. 8 – Possessions won by Maxwell on debut against the Crows in round four, 2004. 7 – The number of ANZAC Day games Maxwell has played in. 6 – Overseas trips to Arizona on pre-season training camps. 4 – The amount of clubs that Maxwell trained with before landing a spot on Collingwood’s rookie list. For the record, those clubs were Geelong, Hawthorn, Sydney and Port Adelaide. 4 – Gavin Brown Award (Leading Desire Indicators) won. 4 – The most goals Maxwell has ever kicked in a single game (against Brisbane in round 17, 2007). 3 – Brownlow votes earned by Maxwell during his playing career to date (all awarded against West Coast in round nine, 2009). 3 – Darren Millane Perpetual Memorial Trophies won (as Best Clubman). 2 – Premierships Maxwell has been involved in since arriving at Collingwood, including both the 2010 AFL triumph against St Kilda and his role in Williamstown’s VFL premiership in 2003. 2 – Goals kicked on his captaincy debut against the Crows in round one, 2009. 2 – Bob Rose Awards (Best Player in Finals) won. 1 – All-Australian selections (2009). 1 – Cracked knuckle sustained in a Grand Final (against Geelong in 2011). 1 – Premiership won as captain (2010). '' I've been prepared for retirement since day one, and I've gone into every contract as if it was my last. I've had to because I've had no choice because I'm not good enough. I don't dread the end. In fact, I know I couldn't do this forever. The great thing about footy for me is that there is an expiry date. ''

Forthcoming Milestones

Collingwood News

The upcoming 2014 AFL season is poised to be a season of milestones for the Collingwood playing group, with a host of the club's stars on the verge of registering career landmarks.
In anticipation of the upcoming season, collingwoodfc.com.au has compiled a list of forthcoming achievements, and the rounds in which it is projected players will reach them.

1. Alex Fasolo 50 games - Round 11 v St Kilda
After an injury interrupted 2013 campaign, Alex Fasolo will have the chance to make his long awaited 50th appearance at AFL level this season. Drafted in 2010, Fasolo made an immediate impact upon his arrival at the Westpac Centre, playing 13 senior games during his debut year, before consolidating his place in the Magpies best 22 during 2012. While Fasolo is unlikely to be rushed in his recovery from a foot injury, the West Australian is making strong progress during the pre-season.

5. Nick Maxwell 200 games - Round 2 v Sydney
Having been elevated from the club's rookie list in 2004, Nick Maxwell's remarkable AFL journey will see another chapter etched when the defender makes his 200th senior appearance in 2014. The 2010 Premiership captain has been a beacon of consistency throughout his time in Black and White, Maxwell's tenacity and competitive spirit has made him revered among his peers, with his devotion to the Collingwood cause ensuring he will enter the pantheon of club greats.

8. Heritier Lumumba 200 games - Round 23 vs Hawthorn
After claiming the Jack Regan Trophy for his fifth place finish in last year's Copeland Trophy, Heritier Lumumba will have his eye on another milestone in 2014, with the Brazilian born utility poised to make his 200th senior appearance towards the end of the season. A product of the rookie draft, Lumumba's story is made all the more remarkable by his unlikely road to the AFL, with the West Australian memorably training with the Magpies in the hope of winning over the club's recruiting staff in late 2004 and subsequently earning a berth on the Collingwood list.

11. Jarryd Blair 100 games - Round 20 vs. West Coast Eagles
Enjoying a meteoric rise to prominence after claiming an AFL premiership in just his 12th game at senior level, Jarryd Blair has been an ever present member of the Collingwood best 22 over the past four seasons. With his uncompromising approach having made him an indispensable member of Nathan Buckley's side, the versatile Blair is on track to play game number 100 during a campaign which will see the utility assume the mantle of elder statesman following another influx of emerging talent.

13. Taylor Adams 50 games - Round 20 vs. West Coast Eagles
While his Collingwood career remains in its infancy, Taylor Adams is set to pass the first key signpost of his career while wearing Black and White. An industrious inside midfielder, Adams has made significant strides during the pre-season, impressing the club's coaching staff with his assiduous approach to preparation, ensuring he will feature in selection discussions come round one.

16. Nathan Brown 100 games - Round 11 vs. St Kilda
A lynchpin of Collingwood's defence throughout the most successful era in the team's modern history, Nathan Brown will finally join the 100-game club this year as he approaches his seventh season at senior level. Brown's consistency and strength in contested situations has ensured he remains one of the first players named on the Collingwood team sheet each week, with the full back role he occupies one he has certainly made his own.

17. Dayne Beams 100 games - Round 12 vs. Melbourne
Were it not for the quadriceps injury which derailed his 2013 season, Dayne Beams would have joined his 2008 draft contemporary Steele Sidebottom in playing his 100th game last year. Already a Premiership player, Copeland Trophy winner and All-Australian, Beams' intrepid midfield stylings and goal kicking prowess has seen him rapidly climb the AFL stratum and establish himself among the upper echelon of ball winners across the competition.

19. Jamie Elliott 50 games - Round 16 vs. Gold Coast Suns
Jamie Elliott's 2013 breakout season will ensure the small forward will be unable to glide into the upcoming campaign under the radar of opposition clubs. The reigning winner of Mark of the Year, Elliott possesses a leap and contested marking ability which belies his size, with his highlight stealing ways making him a firm favourite of the Collingwood faithful.

20. Ben Reid 100 games - Round 5 vs. North Melbourne
Such was Ben Reid's transformation into gun tall forward towards the latter half of 2013 that it became lost on some that only two years prior, the 24-year old had been selected at centre half back in the All-Australian team. After kicking five goals in his first 82 outings at AFL level, 25 majors in his next 13 matches provoked a stark shift in thought, and approaching his 100th match it remains to be seen whether Reid will line up inside the forward or defensive 50 this season.

21. Quinten Lynch 250 games - Finals Week One
With his unrelenting work rate, and imposing presence, Quinten Lynch's arrival at Collingwood last season added a unique dynamic to the Magpie side, providing a foil to Travis Cloke whilst ensuring the club boasted a capable relief ruckman. Playing 18 matches in 2013, a strong pre-season will see Lynch in contention edge closer towards his 250th game, although the achievement is contingent on the Magpies securing a ninth consecutive finals berth.

27. Tony Armstrong 50 games - Round 22 vs. GWS Giants
Having impressed with his application on the training track throughout the off-season, Tony Armstrong will be looking to edge closer to his 50th AFL appearance in 2014. Having established himself across half back whilst with Adelaide and Sydney, Armstrong's incisive kicking ability and pace will make him a key contender to assume a berth in the Magpies back six.

28. Ben Sinclair 50 games - Round 12 vs. Melbourne
Ben Sinclair's inexorable march towards his 50th game is as much a testament to his versatility as his accelerated development over the last 12 months. Entering the 2013 season as a small forward, Sinclair's unceasing pressure and willingness to assume a role, no matter how unorthodox, allowed him to carve a unique niche within the Magpies side, one he will hope to reinforce this year.

32. Travis Cloke 200 games - Round 4 vs. Richmond
Having only missed six games over the past six seasons, Travis Cloke's durability has almost proved as remarkable as his rise to the status of arguably the premier power forward in the AFL. After a season where Cloke narrowly missed out on claiming the Coleman Medal, the Magpie marksman will surely again be in contention for the honour during a 2014 season that should see him feature in his 200th AFL game against Richmond, an opponent whom he tormented last year with a career best seven goals.

40. Paul Seedsman 50 games - Round 23 vs. Hawthorn
Should Paul Seedsman maintain the trajectory which saw him emerge as one of Collingwood's most exciting young talents last season, the lifelong Magpie may find himself rewarded with his 50th senior game in 2014. Having been fielded across half-back and on the wing, Seedsman's punishing right boot has evolved into a considerable weapon, which senior coach Nathan Buckley will look to harness again to even greater effect this season.

Swan: 200th on Saturday

Collingwood News

Collingwood premiership player and Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan is to play his 200th match this Saturday, against Richmond at the MCG.
One of the most decorated players of his time, Swan has also been one of the most consistently

brilliant midfielders of a generation that includes Gary Ablett Jr, Chris Judd, Jimmy Bartel, Lenny Hayes, Luke Hodge, Jobe Watson and teammates, Luke Ball and Scott Pendlebury.
Recruited with a fourth round selection (58) in the 2001 AFL National Draft, Swan took time to find his place in the game but has been a midfield force since 2008, when he won the first of three Copeland Trophies (2008/09/10). In 2011, as the Magpies sought to repeat their premiership success of the season previous, Swan became Collingwood's ninth Brownlow Medallist.
A laconic figure off-field, Swan has finished top three in the Copeland for the past five seasons and been awarded an All-Australian jumper in each of the past four campaigns.
For the record, Swan's recent history against the Tigers reads: 4 matches, a disposals average of 34.0 and 7.10.
Send a message of support to Dane on Twitter, using the hashtag #swanny200 or tweet the man himself on @swandane.

2013 Milestones

Collingwood Newsletter

 

Season 2013 looms as a particularly important one for several of Collingwood's most experienced senior players.
Two players could potentially pass the 250 game barrier later in the season, while three are on track to play their 200th senior games.

250 AFL Games

Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson (232 games) enters 2013 as the longest serving player on Collingwood's list. He entered the competition via the 62nd selection in the 1999 National Draft and debuted in Mick Malthouse's first game as senior coach in round one, 2000.
Should the injury and form Gods look kindly upon him, Johnson is a chance to play his 250th senior match this year.
Although he has missed 26 of the club's last 50 games through injury, Johnson's pre-season form has been as strong as ever and should he play every senior game he will reach the 250 game milestone in round 19 against Essendon.
If Johnson plays all 22 home and away games, he will move to 254 matches, placing him in outright tenth on the list of games played by Collingwood footballers.
Coincidentally, 254 games would bring Johnson level with Gavin Brown – the man who wore the No. 26 for the 14 years prior to his arrival at Victoria Park
Darren Jolly
The other man who could clock 250 games in 2013 should all go to plan is ruckman Darren Jolly (228 games).
Jolly, who has played 62 games for Collingwood since joining the club in 2010, previously played 48 games for Melbourne (2001-2004) and 118 for Sydney (2005-2009).
Should he play every match in 2013, he will be able to play his 250th senior game against North Melbourne in round 23.

 

200 AFL Games

Milestone Players Ben Johnson Darren Jolly Dane Swan Luke Ball Nick Maxwell Scott Pendlebury Tyson Goldsack Dayne Beams Steele Sidebottom Alex Fasolo Brent Macaffer Andrew Krakouer Alan Didak Travis Cloke Quinten Lynch Dale Thomas

Dane Swan
The spotlight is never far away from Dane Swan (196 games) and you can be sure that the focus will be on him in the lead up to Collingwood's round four clash with Richmond at the MCG when he approaches his 200th senior game.
Should he reach the milestone, Swan will become the 32nd player in Collingwood's history to play 200 senior games for the club.
Luke Ball
Luke Ball (193 games), who is still considered to be 2-3 weeks away from returning from a knee reconstruction, is only seven games shy of his 200th senior game.
Ball, of course, played 142 games for St Kilda between 2003 and 2009 and has since played another 51 games in black and white.
In a perfect world, Ball will play his 200th game in round seven against Fremantle in Perth.
Nick Maxwell
The third player in line for game 200 is Nick Maxwell (179 games).
The captain, who debuted back in round nine, 2004, will be looking to play every match for the season for the first time since 2007 to ensure that he reaches the milestone in the club's round 22 clash with West Coast.

 

150 AFL Games

Scott Pendlebury
Vice-captain Scott Pendlebury (148 games) won't have to wait long for his 150th senior game. Barring injury, 'Pendles' will run through the banner for the 150th time against Carlton in round two.
For a player who loves the big occasion, Pendlebury is sure to thrive in front of what is expected to be another large MCG crowd.

 

100 AFL Games

Three premiership players will have the triple figures in their sights as they enter the new season.
Tyson Goldsack
Should no form or injury mishaps occur, the first cab off the rank will be Tyson Goldsack (91 games). The rangy utility is in line to play his 100th senior game in round nine against Sydney under the MCG lights, the ground at which he has appeared in 61 per cent of his senior outings.
Dayne Beams
The next man in line is Copeland Trophy winner Dayne Beams (89 games), who, all going well, will run out onto the ground for the 100th time against Melbourne on the Queen's Birthday.
Keen Pies fans will note that Beams actually made his debut against the Demons back in round two, 2009, at the same venue.
Steele Sidebottom
Five weeks later (including the round 13 bye), Beams' fellow 2008 draftee Steele Sidebottom (85 games) could be in position to join the 100 club.
Should everything go to plan, Sidebottom will play his 100th game against Adelaide at the MCG in round 16.

 

50 AFL Games

Two half forward flankers will press for their 50th senior game this season.
Alex Fasolo has raced to 37 games after debuting on the Queen's Birthday in 2011 and is a chance to reach his half century as early as round 14.
He would have to make do with celebrating on foreign soil however, as the Magpies will be playing Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium that weekend.
The other man within reach of his 50th game is Brent Macaffer (30 games).
'Caff' has played only four senior games since the 2010 Grand Final replay, but his bright start to the pre-season competition will have him and his coaches believing that he can notch his 50th game as early as round 21 when the Magpies meet Hawthorn.

 

50 Collingwood Games

We are projecting a long way forward in this case, but after his stirring comeback from a knee injury, Andrew Krakouer can dare to dream.
Should the goal sneak feature in all 22 home and away games AND Collingwood reach the 2013 finals series, Krakouer will play his 50th senior game in the first week of September.
But let's worry about the NAB Cup first.

 

Golden goalkickers

Three Collingwood forwards are within reach of kicking their 300th goal at senior level.
Alan Didak (283 goals) is only 17 shy of becoming the 14th player in the club's history to reach the milestone.
He will be relying on a return to form in front of the big sticks, though, as he has not kicked more than nine goals in either of the past two (injury affected) years.
Travis Cloke (271 goals) will be aiming on becoming the 15th Magpie to kick 300 snaggers. His record suggests that he is every chance of doing so, having kicked 38 or more goals in each of the past three years.
While Quinten Lynch (281 goals) is yet to fight for four points in the name of Collingwood, he has 281 goals to his name courtesy of his 11 years at West Coast and is on track to crack the 300 barrier at some stage in 2013.
Others in the hunt for goal kicking milestones include Andrew Krakouer (needing eight goals for his 150th), Dale Thomas (needing 29 for his 150th), Scott Pendlebury (needing five for his 100th), Dayne Beams (needing 11 for his 100th), Luke Ball (needing 17 goals for his 100th), Alex Fasolo (needing six for his 50th), Heath Shaw (needing 16 for his 50th) and Tyson Goldsack (needing 16 for his 50th).
When September comes around
It's seven months away, granted, but should Collingwood contest the 2013 finals series, a handful of players will be in contention for their share of club records.
Alan Didak has played in 22 finals for Collingwood, leaving him equal fourth at the club for finals played.
To play one final would see him equal Tony Shaw on 23 finals, while four finals would see him draw level with the great Albert Collier with 26 finals appearances, which would make him equal third in the club's history.
Didak's long time teammate and friend Ben Johnson is also a chance of climbing the statistical ladder.
Johnson has played in 20 finals. One more would level him with Syd Coventry, Phonse Kyne and Bill Picken, two would see his name alongside those of Dick Lee and Len Thompson, three would equal Tony Shaw and four would make him outright fourth as the most capped finals player in Collingwood history (any potential finals played by Didak notwithstanding).
Several other current players are not far away from featuring on Collingwood's finals leaderboard.
Although Didak and Johnson are the only current players to feature in 20 or more finals, Dane Swan (19 finals), Travis Cloke (18), Harry O'Brien (18), Dale Thomas (18), Nick Maxwell (17), Heath Shaw (17) and Scott Pendlebury (16) are all within striking range (dependent, of course, on their fortunes and those of their club).
In front of goal, Travis Cloke has kicked 32 big ones in his 18 finals, meaning he is ranked alongside Ray Shaw with the equal seventh most in the club's finals history. One more will see him equal Des Fothergill and seven will draw him level with the great Peter Daicos on 39.
For the record, Gordon Coventry has played the most finals for the club with 31. Harry Collier is next in line with 27.
Coventry still holds the club record for goals kicked during the finals with an incredible 112 that will surely never be beaten. Dick Lee is ranked second with 62, and Ron Todd is third with 55.
From a contemporary point of view, Didak and Darren Jolly are ranked second for finals played of all players on a senior list in 2013 with 22.
They are only one final behind Dustin Fletcher, Adam Schneider and Sydney pair Adam Goodes and Jude Bolton, who have all played 23 finals.
Johnson, with 20 finals, is equal fourth alongside fellow premiership players Simon Black and Joel Corey.

 

A final milestone

Should Collingwood reach the 2013 finals series, it will be its eighth in as many years, equaling the eight-year streaks from 1915-1922 and 1925-1932.
This would leave the club three years behind its overall record of 11 successive final series achieved between 1901 and 1911.

*Please note that the projected player milestones take into account Collingwood's bye in round 13. The 2013 home and away season will span 23 rounds, but with each team allocated one bye, clubs will play 22 matches for the year, as has been the case since 1994.