Preview: Collingwood vs Carlton, Round 6
Preview: Collingwood vs
By Luke Mason for CollingwoodFC.com.au
It goes without saying that I hate
A win here leaves us at 5-2 after seven rounds, a start even the most ardent Magpie supporter could only have dreamed about over summer. It’s time we consolidated our bright beginning, and not allow ourselves to grow big heads after the
What has left me even more so baffled is the AFL’s decision to allow Pay-TV provider Foxtel the exclusive rights to covering the match. Now excuse me, but should not all clashes between Collingwood and
The Match Ups:
The keys to the contest will undoubtedly be Anthony Rocca at one end and Brendan Fevola at the other. Rocca is likely to face off with Setanta O’hAilpin, with the onus on the young Irishman to run off Rocca at every opportunity to utilise his pace and dash. Rocca, meanwhile, will focus on outpointing O’hAilpin in the one-on-one shows of strength.
Fevola is the dangerman for Collingwood, and the verdict here is simple: stop Fevola, and effectively stop
Watch, also, for how Denis Pagan goes about stopping the influence of Heath Shaw from defence. Last season the honest Andrew Carrazzo was employed to hold Shaw in check as a negating forward, and may be called upon to do so again.
The form guide:
Collingwood notched up a rousing four goal triumph over
The Saints, meanwhile, were always a class above
Injuries:
Collingwood welcomes back a cavalcade of big names, with Brodie Holland returning from a six week suspension to make his first appearance for the year, Paul Medhurst will line up once more after suffering a foot injury in the victory over the Tigers, and Alan Didak, too, is another who will reappear after missing last week with calf soreness. Unfortunately, Leon Davis, Shannon Cox and Chris Egan will all wear the Blue and Gold of Williamstown in place of the Black and White due to off field misdemeanours during the week. Joining them on the sidelines will be the ever reliable James Clement, who has reinjured his calf, while Simon Prestigiacomo will receive testing on his wonky ankle.
The Blues will miss first rank ruckman Cameron Cloke after the former Pie popped his shoulder at training on Wednesday, although they will welcome back some big names in former skipper Anthony Koutofidies and talented forward Brad Fisher, who will no doubt looked to stretch the Collingwood defence.
Head to Head since 2000:
Collingwood: 8
After a horrific seven match losing streak against Carlton in the mid 1990s (1994-1997), Collingwood have evened up the ledger somewhat in the new Millennium, narrowing the gap on the Blues on the overall leaderboard, with the enemy the only club to lay claim to having more wins than the Woodsmen.
In Collingwood hearts and minds, nights at the football come no more magical than round 18 2002, when the Magpies shellacked a Carlton side destined to claim its inaugural Wooden Spoon to the tune of 108 points in Nathan Buckley’s 200th match. With a BOG performance from the King, five goals from Josh Fraser and solid contributions from the likes of Paul Licuria and Rupert Betheras, the Pies easily accounted for a dismal
The Woods won both encounters last season over another Wooden Spoon headed Carlton, the round 21 encounter remembered best for Alan Didak’s bone-jarring hip-and-shoulder dished out to former teammate Heath Scotland, sparking both a brawl and a seven goal second quarter to Collingwood.
Remember me?
Players to have recently worn the colours of the traditional rivals include Mick McGuane,
The X-Factors:
Collingwood: Harry O'Brien – a revelation in recent weeks, can the Big H add Brendan Fevola to his ever growing list of scalps?
Mitigating Factors:
The Weather: ?????
The Rivalry: Can the two foes continue to reignite the flame which was doused during the late 1990s?
Questions to be answered:
~ Who can support Cain Ackland in the ruck?
~ Can Chris Bryan prove a thorn in the side of a team which couldn’t fit him in last season?
Broadcast guide:
TV: Foxtel 2:00pm
Radio: 3AW, 3MMM.
The tip: It looms as a danger game for the young Magpies, but should they continue to keep their heads over the ball and continue their harassment of the opposition, they should easily account for
Collingwood vs
A night to remember
May 6
By Luke Mason
Was that our best win since the 2002 Qualifying Final? I think I’ve asked that question after nearly every win since round two last year, but I think it’s a valid claim following last night.
Looking back in recent times, there have been some more memorable wins, such as Chris Tarrant’s after-the-siren goal against the same opponent at the same venue in 2003, and the Alan Didak inspired Qualifying Final success over Brisbane at the MCG in ’03.
And who will ever forget our 102 point mauling of
Yet in terms of following the team plan, hard work, grit and mateship, this one has to rate as one of our great wins since that glorious night against Port Adelaide.
It was very similar to that September evening, for it was fuelled by unwavering commitment from the 22 players on the night, and the ability to break the opposition’s gameplan early before dictating the game in patches. Even Nathan Buckley was absent, as he was in the 2002 triumph!
When you consider the fact that Buckley, Brodie Holland, Paul Licuria, Paul Medhurst, Ryan Lonie, Shane Wakelin and Alan Didak as a late withdrawal, were all absentees, this victory shows that we are maybe, possibly, the real deal.
And yet the media continually talk us down.
I was thinking throughout the week that a win would raise the veil which has covered the side all year in the eyes of the public, who seem to have forgotten us. But for now, I’m happy with that, for it did not help us when the media hungrily spoke about us in the early stages of the season last year. At least it keeps the lid on the hype, and wards against the inexperienced growing big heads.
That said, it’d be nice if we could have received a little more credit for the win than we have todate. Robert Walls, to the surprise of many, was extremely encouraging in his views on our youth last night on Channel 10, as was Malcolm Blight. However, waking up to the 8:00 news bulletin on 3AW this morning, the story of the night, supposedly, was the Kangaroos win over
Unfortunately, that’s followed up by a gross downplaying, as the newsreader tells us that ‘Collingwood overcame an injury-depleted
I’m yet to see the Herald Sun or The Age, so I’ll reserve judgment, however all things considered, we were just as depleted. Perhaps it’s time that people remembered that.
The highlight of the victory, for mine, was the fact that we took to the field with nine players who had played 30 games or less, the same nine all 20-years of age or younger.
What an excellent grounding experience for the kids, who have rarely, if ever traveled interstate, and then come home with the four points.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the youth we currently have regenerating our side is the fact that they carry all the hallmarks of Mick Malthouse’s favorite players. They tackle hard, they chase, and they harass and apply pressure at every opportunity. I lost count of how many times the
A player who is offering particular excitement is Alan Toovey, who is currently filling a variety of roles from tagging midfielder to key defender. And what a beauty he is. Tooves has great speed and is not afraid to back himself in one-on-one, and his tackling is superb. To see a player such as he progress from an unheralded lad down in the Williamstown reserves early last year to a player who can contribute with each week in the senior side is heartwarming, as it will no doubt be to the likes of Malthouse, Derik Hine and Alan Richardson.
The instance in the final quarter, at a crucial stage of the match, which saw Toovey outmark the far stronger Nathan Bock on the very last line of defence and then play on with such freedom, typified a jail escapee. This kid, or should I say these kids, are made of the right stuff.
Kudos also goes to Nick Maxwell, who was absolutely outstanding in defence all night. His spoiling was sensational deep in defence, and his general pressure on all opponents was all you could ask for. Another excellent find off the rookie list. While he’ll never be a major ball winner, he is the sort who will be a real sticker for the years to come.
Another bright light on the night was Chris Bryan and his three goals in attack. What I like about what
And that’s one thing Guy Richards hasn’t yet shown the capacity to do – score goals as a resting ruckman.
Watching the telecast last night it was apparent that the
However, it wouldn’t be a game without a decision I took umbrage to, the call in question the free kick against Harry O'Brien in the second quarter for holding the ball. Now in this instance, O’Brien, gathered the ball, fumbled it, was tackled, the ball spilt free and the Crows moved forward.
Then the whistle was blown.
And so was my mind.
How could O’Brien possibly have been expected to legally free himself of the ball when his arms are pinged, and when it does spill free, shouldn’t play on be called?
Well, shouldn’t it?
Not to the mind of the officiating umpire, who paid holding the ball a good three or more seconds after O’Brien lost control of the ball. Extremely strange, made worse when Richard Douglas (Heath Shaw’s tagger, now there’s something for you, a halfback flanker tagged) goaled from the resultant free kick.
Others to impress included Tarkyn Lockyer and Neon Leon Davis. It’s great to see the two find career best form when they were well and truly on the football scrapheap a few years back. Tarks has struck his 2001/2002 vein of form when he was a very good footballer, he is once again.
And
One thing I will mention about
However, I can’t think of a worse way to upset team balance.
But right now, I’m simply so proud of this team. They work, they chase, and they persist. They are the basics of winning football at any level, and the way we’re going, finals are certainly not out of the question. But I’m not thinking about the finals just yet after getting burnt last year when getting too far ahead of myself. Instead, I’m thinking about
I hate
Now I’m not old enough to have been scarred by Grand Final defeats at the hands of the Blues, but my hatred for them burns ever strong. I won’t forget Simon Beaumont’s eight goals in the first half in 1999, nor their 111 point mauling of us at Optus Oval in 2000, or their come from behind wins with a team full of jibs in 2004.
No, I won’t forgive nor forget.
And their supporters are something to be seen. Cocky, arrogant, pathetic.
“We’re back!” They proclaimed jubilantly to me on the Monday at school following their NAB Cup victory.
“But didn’t you say that 24 months ago?” I replied.
“Um, yeah, well….your team’s just hopeless anyway. We won a flag, and we have Fev, so…yeah, we’re better”.
“Mmm ok”
“Nah seriously we’re good. I mean look at Murphy, Gibbs, GIBBS!, Betts – Eddie, he’s a star…”
“Come off it. Leon Davis is ten times the player Eddie Betts’ll ever be. All he’s good for is a cheap goal a game. Woohoo.”
“Yeah well didn’t Davis CHOKE, CHOKE! In a Grand Final? Yeah he choked didn’t he?!”
“And where were you all those years? You boys remember 2002 and 2003 don’t you? You know, those seasons in which you finished as SPOONERS and backed it up with a 15th?”
“Yeah well that’s not our fault”
“When whose fault is it?”
“Then whose to blame?”
“Just…just shut up. Anyway, Betts is better than
“We have Davis, Didak – the guy who killed
“They’re all hacks.”
“What?! So you’re labeling Alan Didak, an All-Australian and Copeland Trophy winner, a hack? Oh dear…”
“Well, at least we got Heath
“Only because he couldn’t fit into our midfield. He goes straight to
“Just shut up. You choked.”
“When?
“You just did. Just stop, leave us alone, we’re trying, ok, we’re trying to come back.”
Aw my heart is bleeding. Not really. Their deluded cries of ‘FEV!’ everything time Brendan Fevola gets near the ball sums it all up. He’s all they have. And luckily for us, we have blokes by the name of Presti, Jimmy Clement, Maxwell, Shane Wakelin and Harry O'Brien. If one doesn’t get you, another will.
So I’ll relish Saturday afternoon, a traditional day at the footy, Collingwood and
But don’t get me started on that.
Strike whilst the iron is hot, keep the faith, and maul
Rupert Betheras Trophy Votes:
3: Scott Burns
2: Tarkyn Lockyer
1: Leon Davis
Player Review:
Leon Davis: His best game for the season, and perhaps his entire career, playing not only as a small forward but also as a sweeping defender, which is, hopefully, a new string to his bow. I loved his defensive pressure up forward and across the midfield, he has been excellent in that regard this year. Unfortunately, he blotted his copybook the next morning in staying out until 3:00am, which will see him sidelined this week. That’s a real shame, as I believe it will hurt the side against
James Clement: As reliable and steady as ever, Clement again held up the side across halfback. Unfortunately seems to have either torn his calf or damaged his achilles tendon, which will see him in the grandstand this week against the Blues. That’s a major blow, as he is exactly the sort who would be easily able to blanket a rampant Fevola should he slip clear of Prestigiacomo, and will most likely prompt the inclusion of Shane Wakelin. But considering that Presti, Wakes, Nick Maxwell and Harry O'Brien are all in the side (and I hear rumours that Nathan Brown and Tyson Goldsack are up for selection), we should sneak through unscathed. 6.5/10
Scott Pendlebury: All class is Pendlebury. Really stepped up to my mind on Saturday night as a player whom we can certainly hang our hats on as a ten year player for the club. I had inklings prior, but needed a full game to confirm, and against the Crows, Pendles did the job. His class and composure when pitted against Andrew McLeod was sensational, as was the way he outbodied McLeod in a one-on-one marking contest, as well as his slick one handed take, pirouette and right foot chip to a player in space in the second quarter and, well, I think you know I rate him. 6/10
Shane O'Bree: Was again serviceable without being exceptional, and a real onball contributor. 6/10
Shannon Cox: Not his night, due to some match up inconvenience which saw Malthouse throw him to the wolves in the second term when Prestigiacomo went off with injury, forcing the younger, skinnier Cox onto a ten year player in Ian Perrie, who booted two majors against him. That said, we still fought back and won the game, and Cox will learn from the experience. Blotted his copybook along with Davis and Egan in breaking team rules after the match, and will miss this week. I fear his absence will disrupt team balance, as the side has been functioning perfectly with Cox in his role off halfback. Thankfully, we do have readymade inclusions. 2/10
Dale Thomas: Set the tone for the night when he chased and smothered a Crow kick from defence, before harassing them, corralling them into the back pocket after appearing set to charge forward. Again, whilst he didn’t play a starring role, his solid form continued, and he could now lay claim as being one of our most important players. 6/10
Chris Egan: A late inclusion into the side when Alan Didak pulled out at the last minute, and wasn’t too bad across half forward. A year ago I was very excited about his prospects, however I’ve cooled of late (obviously a lack of exposure hasn’t helped). What he does need to do is follow the lead of
Scott Burns: Well, what can you say? Burnsy did it again on Saturday night, ‘it’ turning the game on its head when it appeared the Crows were set for victory in the third term by gaining the ascendancy in the centre and at the clearances, and was certainly our best on ground. Could this be his best season yet (todate)? 8/10
Rhyce Shaw: Was by far our best player in the first quarter, and continued his run and drive from halfback thereafter. Now a fully fledged team leader, and one whom we need to have the ball in his hands. 7/10
Anthony Rocca: Successfully negated by Ben Rutten, who must surely be a bulked up version of our Presti, but played his part in providing a contest and dragging the ball to ground. Interestingly has now kicked a goal in only four of his past five matches at AAMI Stadium. 4/10
Tarkyn Lockyer: 30 disposals and a goal, this man has discovered a rich vein of form, and along with Burns and Heath Shaw will feature heavily in the Copeland Trophy. 8/10
Josh Fraser: Certainly Fraser’s best game for the year as a floating ruckman, who took advantage of Ben Hudson and Jonathan Griffin’s tiring legs to float wide to the wings for his kicks, capping off the match with the sealing goal, reminiscent of his sealer at the same venue against the Power in 2001. One player who appeared to have appreciated the ten day break. 6/10
Ben Johnson: Another to have played probably his best match for the season, providing run and links onball. 6/10
Nick Maxwell: Locked down on the Crows forwards brilliantly, and recorded the second highest spoils for the week. Played very well, another to have played his best for the year. 6/10
Harry O'Brien: Continued his exceptional form, and ensured his opponents had a tough time of it. 6/10
Travis Cloke: Easily his best match for the year, and possibly since 2005. Led up the field well, and played the Tarrant role everyone was hoping he’d fulfill. Just needs to work on his disposal by foot, but has all the tools. 6/10
Brad Dick: Didn’t star on the night, but his chasing and harassing on the rebounding
Alan Toovey: As regular readers of my…well…spiels would be aware, I am a huge wrap for Alan Toovey. The skinny kid from
Simon Prestigiacomo: Presti departed the field during the second quarter with an ankle strain, but was summoned again when Ian Perrie was beginning to rip through Shannon Cox, and, needless to say, he did the job. I hope that ankle’s ok, as he was supposedly carrying ankle soreness into Anzac Day. 5.5/10
Dane Swan: Unobtrusive but gets the job done, and with 32 disposals and an ability to be everywhere at once, Swan was excellent. 7/10
Heath Shaw: A week after finally receiving the accolades he deserves, Shaw was slightly down on his output in the first half before playing a starring role in the second. 6/10
Chris Byran: With three goals as a resting forward, all I can say is that
Preview: Collingwood vs
By Luke Mason
Overview:
Can it be done? That’s the question Collingwood fans are asking each other in excited whispers, and why not? After four impressive matches on the trot, a rousing Anzac Day victory and a 10 day break, the Magpie Faithful have every reason to consider this week’s encounter with Adelaide in enemy territory very much a winnable prospect.
Returning from Subiaco Oval battered, bruised and ultimately beaten, the Crows are ripe for the picking, forced to back up from a six day turnaround in the wet, losing a handful of players to injury. On that basis, the Woods have every chance to convert their plucky start to the season into something special, well and truly set on the road to success.
The Match Ups:
In the injury-inflicted absence of Trent Hentschel in attack, Scott Welsh and Ian Perrie have been forced to step up to the plate. It isn’t as if both are spring chickens, having been on the AFL scene since the late 1990s.
Expect to see James Clement lock down on Welsh, a role he has performed to perfection in the past, and Simon Prestigiacomo act as Perrie’s shadow for the night.
Andrew McLeod’s start to 2007 has been outstanding, and Mick Malthouse may choose to utilise Nick Maxwell as a defensive forward, locking down on the Crows key playmaker off the back flank.
For the Magpies, expect to see the Truck, Ben Rutten, take on a similarly muscled opponent in Anthony Rocca. Big Anthony has been a feature in all three of the Pies wins this year todate, and will look to gain the early ascendancy over Rutten, for as we all know, once Pebbles is set alight, he is extremely hard to stop.
Equally as difficult to stop is Alan Didak, the sprightly small forward marking his return to league football following knee surgery with three classy goals on Anzac Day. With Brent Reilly absent through a broken ankle, expect to see Graham Johncock assigned the role on the dynamic Didak, who broke the hearts of Port Adelaide supporters on his last visit to AAMI Stadium with the match winning goal in round 20 last season.
The form guide:
Collingwood’s bright start to ’07 continued on Anzac Day with an assured 16 point win over traditional foe Essendon in front of more than 91,000 spectators. The eventual margin could well have been much more had the Magpies brought their kicking boots, scoring 12 goals and 23 behinds for the match.
The Crows meanwhile, were unfortunate to board the plane at the
Injuries:
The 10 day break can only aid Collingwood, who are able to welcome back small forward Paul Medhurst from a fortnight long layoff with an ankle injury. Not only that, but a number of the Pies key players will benefit from time to cool their heels, including Dale Thomas, Simon Prestigiacomo, and Scott Burns, the trio heading into the match against Essendon last Wednesday under fitness clouds.
This match also marks the final match of nuggetty onballer Brodie Holland’s six week suspension, handed down last September for his charge on Bulldog Brett Montgomery in the Elimination Final. Captain Nathan Buckley will sit out another fortnight at the least with his back related hamstring, as will Paul Licuria.
On the other hand,
Head to Head since 2000:
Collingwood: 7
After two high scoring battles in 2000 (the Magpies spearheaded by the five goal efforts from Sav Rocca and Paul Williams), Collingwood won the next six meetings between the two, the stretch highlighted by the Pies first finals victory at the MCG since the famous 1990 triumph.
In front of more than 85,000 of the Collingwood hordes, the Magpies overcame a slow start to knock of an
A six goal to one third term sparked the Pies victory, the quarter memorable for the number of long-range goals scored. Josh Fraser set the standard with a potshot from 45m out from a standing start, before Rupert Betheras set the ‘G a rocking with a goal on the run from 50m out, curling the ball back from the boundary line. By the time Glenn Freeborn kicked truly on the run from outside 50m, the game was as good as up, such was the momentum the Pies had created.
Yet they were nothing in comparison to Anthony Rocca’s 65m pearler following a Ryan Lonie line-breaking run. Rocca’s goal triggered a roar to be heard to be believed, as reality sunk in – the Pies were set to play in their first Grand Final since ‘90!
Their next clash, in season 2003, also provided some memorable moments, none more so than Chris Tarrant’s goal after the siren to seal victory for the Magpies, who were forced to claw their way back from a Crows blitzkrieg in the first quarter to hit the lead in a topsy-turvey final term.
However, in the past four matches, all have been won by the Crows, with Malthouse yet to score a win over counterpart Craig. The side came ever so close in round 18 last season at AAMI Stadium, with the spotlight on Tarrant and Ben Johnson after a night on the town during the week. Collingwood scrapped their way through the match, defending grimly against a Crows outfit destined to secure a home preliminary final. With minutes to play, ironically, the spotlight, and the Magpies top four hopes, rested on the shoulders from that man Tarrant once more. His kick, from 50m out on a tight angle, dipped, swung and curled, all the way to the goal line, where it was touched by an outstretched Crow claw. So near, yet so far, the Magpies will be out to reverse their recent trend against Craig’s Crows.
The X-Factors:
Collingwood: Shane O’Bree – whilst the likes of Buckley, Burns and Licuria have stolen the midfield limelight, O’Bree has plugged away manfully, and plays a role in each and every match. Can he lift once more at AAMI Stadium, a ground at which he enjoys a solid record?
Mitigating Factors:
The Weather: (Unsure on the weather)
Home ground advantage:
AAMI Stadium has proven a happy hunting ground for Collingwood since 2001, winning five out of their nine matches at the venue against both
Questions to be answered:
~ Will Chris Bryan confirm himself as the number one ruckman at the club?
~ Are the Magpies the real deal?
Broadcast guide:
TV: Channel 10, 7:30pm
Radio: SEN 1116, ABC radio.
Pies drink from the Fountain of Youth: Collingwood vs Essendon: Review:
By Luke Mason
In light of today’s yesterday’s rousing Anzac victory, I cannot help but look towards the future, by that I mean two years down the track, and get a warm, contented feeling inside. I know I pledged early in the year to not wander too far down the track and get carried away, as I did in the lead up to the Elimination Final against the Western Bulldogs, however it must be noted that our past two victories, over Richmond and Essendon, have been fuelled by youth (that said, the senior brigade have been terrific). Mick Malthouse himself has confessed to daydreaming during the final term about just how good this side may become.
He went on to mention how the likes of Tyson Goldsack and Ben Reid would only add to the side, and the fact that, although we have players the calibre of Brodie Holland, Paul Licuria, Ryan Lonie, Paul Medhurst and Shane Wakelin to return, they’ll need to hit their straps with Williamstown before they can lay claims to their senior place (I didn’t mention Nathan Buckley in this category, his place in the senior side is a God-given right).
But that’s for the long-term future. Right now, our season appears extremely promising, exciting, heart-warming, call it what you like. It is apparent that we are on the right track, and although we may not come across as one of the prettier teams, we know how to win a game of footy. And that’s all that counts.
Heath Shaw take a bow.
Just how composed and skilful was young (he’s still only 21-years-old) Heath? With Essendon off to a flyer, their pace ripping our side to bits and the ball relentlessly pumped into their attacking zone, it was Heath Shaw who stood tall when it counted. With James Clement ludicrously disadvantaged by some maddening umpiring decisions (one was justified, one was invisible and one absurd) and Alwyn Davey opting to use Anzac Day to truly show his wears to the nation, we needed someone to stop the rot. Shaw was the man.
From what I saw, Malthouse used him either as a loose man in defence or as a player who peeled off his opponent to sit in front of Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas. Shaw stood tall all day, and helped compose and sooth the side in the wake of a helter-skelter first ten minutes when the Bombers ran rampant. He began slowing the play down, and sharing it with brother Rhyce and Clement before things finally settled down and the game returned to an even keel.
Far from slowing down due to last week’s heavy rain and the short turnaround, Shaw instead continued to get better and better as the day wore on, culminating in his daylight robbery against Lucas, in which Heath intercepted a pass from Andrew Lovett on the wing and simply kept running propelling us into attack. His speech on accepting the Anzac Medal (interesting to note that only two of the four Magpies to have won the Medal are still on our list) was galvanising and to the point – “we’re going places”. We certainly are, Heater, a man who is now a shoo-in to accept the captaincy mantle from either Buckley or Clement at some stage down the track. Also might have taught Michael Braun a thing or two about grace in victory.
Speaking of the future’s leadership material, what has happened to Josh Fraser? Aside from a prolific first ten minutes, he was hardly a great feature in the game, not as much as you’d hope from the best ruckman on the ground. As a matter of fact, he has been quite disappointing in the first five weeks of the year.
I’m not for one moment suggesting he will, or should be dropped, far from it, especially judging from the way Chris Bryan ruled the rucking roost as it will allow him into attack; however he seems to have lost his way thus far this season. There is a rumour doing the rounds that he is currently hampered by injury, which, if true, is a fair justification for his lack of full form.
Yet that’s where the concerns begin and end – everything else went according to plan. I admit I had my concerns when Davey was burning us up in attack in the opening ten minutes, as the likes of Brent Stanton, Damien Peverill and Chris Heffernan pumped the ball into attack. The way the Bombers started it was as if they were the only team on the field, and victory looked a long, long way off. It reminded me of the year prior, only this time the Bombers were able to capitalise with their shots at goal.
However, as I mentioned prior, we were, though Malthouse’s coaching and Heath Shaw’s cool and controlled football, able to firstly stem the Essendon tide, calming the pace of the game back down to level pecking before we began to take charge late in the quarter.
Harry O'Brien must be commended for his excellent work opposed to the competitions most in form forward in Scott Lucas. Lucas was, for the first time this year, unable to score a major and most of his touches were found up and around the centreline and on the wings. Top marks to Harry, here, for it was not an easy task at all, but one he accepted and passed with flying colours.
The great thing about O’Brien (or so says my Dad) is his ability to match up on talls, smalls and in-betweens, and still be able to keep up with them. His pace and agility allows him a chance at ground level, and his height and strength in a contest keep him competitive with the key position players. I agree with this assessment, and wish to add that he also, whether deliberate or not, is able to constantly turn defence into attack with his run and creativity.
He will take time, yes, and have the odd day in the next 15-25 matches in which his opponent takes advantage of his inexperience, that happens, and I will understand it when it occurs, it happens to most young defenders still learning the craft. However, the boy is a gem, and is the sort who will continue to benefit from each outing, and will eventually emerge, hopefully, as one of the cornerstones of our backline, especially with another summer or two in the gym.
To see the likes of Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury, Alan Toovey, Brad Dick and Shannon Cox all play their parts, once more, in the win was super impressive. Imagine that – playing so many matches early on in your career in front of crowds in excess of 50,000?! What a perfect grounding for big time, big stage, high pressure football. Cox, in particular, caught my eye with his class and assurance off the back flank, and is yet another who can take on a tall or a small.
And for what it’s worth, I’d like to ‘take’ Alan Toovey, adopt him as my own for the rest of his career. I’m on his bandwagon, as I reckon he may evolve into a consistent contributor for the years to come.
We have a ruckman, repeat, have a ruckman!
For arguably the first time since Steve McKee took all before him in 2002, we appear to have a ruckman with genuine presence about him in out midst. Chris Bryan, our only selection in the 2007 Pre-Season Draft, was a revelation on Wednesday with his tapwork and ability to provide a real contest at the centre bounces. Sure, Josh Fraser has always been a more than capable ruckman, but as I have repeated forever and ever, he is a much better forward. Bryan stepped up to the plate on Anzac Day and will only improve from here, for there was occasions when many of the Magpie crowd felt he may have been able to pull off a tackle or two when the Bombers bounded away.
Yet I’m simply so glad to have him in the side. Unlike Guy Richards, who, on Wednesday’s evidence, has been shifted to the outer at Williamstown,
Yes, I’ll concede that David Hille was absent, which really hurt the Bombers chances. But you know, I don’t really care. You can only overcome what is put in front of you, and our rucks came out trumps.
And while I’m at it, thank goodness we delisted Cameron Cloke and drafted
Some have labelled the ruck as our missing link in 2002 and 2003, and I’d agree with that to an extent. Even last season, although Fraser enjoyed a terrific year, he still wasn’t able to dominate the ruck contests, although starring around the ground. That’s Fraser’s lot. He has never dominated for a consistent period as a ruckman, and I doubt he ever will, it’s not his game. He instead can star as a part-time ruckman and a genuine floating forward. That is where he can reach his true potential as a number one draft choice, and become an All-Australian.
It augers well for Saturday night against
Our midfield was again impressive, Tarkyn Lockyer continuing his return to form, Shane O'Bree as consistent as ever, and Dane Swan continuing to win mountains of possessions.
That said, none were a patch on Scott Burns.
Burnsy is everything good there is about Collingwood. He’s been there through the hard times (1995-2000; 2004-2005) and still, still tackles and pressures his way into the ‘best’ column in all newspapers around the country. There was talk at the beginning of the season that this was to be his last, that he was slowing up and that he could now only be confined to a bit role.
How five weeks can change a perception. Along with Lockyer and Heath, Burns has been our best player in the first five rounds of the year, and certainly our most influential around the packs.
Oh, how I hope, wish, pray and want for him, Buckley, Prestigiacomo, Wakelin, Rocca, Licuria and Clement to hold on that bit longer, to (in some cases) continue to discover their vintage best in order to stay in the team for a few years yet, in the hope that they may hopefully receive their deserved reward of a premiership, something we will genuinely threaten for in 2009-2010.
Strike while the iron is hot, and keep the faith, because so far, it’s valid.
Just as a sidenote, Wednesday was the first time I have ever attended an Anzac Day match live at the ground, and, boy, was it an experience and a half. The roar of the crowd sensational, the build up terrific and the overriding vibe around the ground simply exhilarating. It was, of course, a day to commemorate to the Diggers, and with good reason, but the feeling in the air from the moment I awoke was akin to a Grand Final. By far and away the greatest occasion in football outside of the final fortnight of September.
Oh, and just for those who care, according to my Player Ratings, this was our best win of the season, the total of 130/220 outstripping the 126 scored against Richmond in round three.
Player Review:
Leon Davis: It wasn’t really
Alan Didak: Obviously not prolific, but who is on return from knee surgery? Dids added a touch of class to an attack lacking a steady influence in front of goal. When it came to the crunch, Didak delivered with three ice cool goals, what more can you expect? Welcome back. 6/10
James Clement: Fought back brilliantly after an early mauling from the umpires. 7/10
Scott Pendlebury: Again won plenty of the ball and used it well. Not fast, but slick. 6/10
Shane O'Bree: Once more won the leather at will whilst sliding underneath the guard of everyone else. Still only Tarrant’s age (27). 6/10
Shannon Cox: By far his best effort of his three matches. Coxy looked composed and Nathan Lovett-Murrayish floating across halfback, and his aerial spring and leap proved a real asset. Looks right at home in the backline. 6/10
Dale Thomas: Was clearly under a little duress due to the carry-over of a leg injury sustained in the final quarter against Port Adelaide, and played very well the turnaround considered. Love the way he takes on the opposition regardless of the odds. He’ll get burnt, but it’s certainly worth a crack. 5.5/10
Scott Burns: Simply a champion. One of the greatest players the club has employed for many, many years, Burnsy gets better with age. Despite Essendon’s supposedly faster side, Burns was still the most influential midfielder on the ground. 7.5/10
Rhyce Shaw: Continues to grow into his role as an assured team leader across halfback. Credit where it’s due, Rhyce has developed into a slick mover. 8/10
Anthony Rocca: Was very good without tearing the game apart, as he might well have done had he kicked straight (three goals and four behinds). 6/10
Tarkyn Lockyer: Once again was where the ball was and laid a number of crucial tackles. 6.5/10
Josh Fraser: As mentioned earlier, may still be carrying the after effects of his January knee surgery. Started the game well before fading, but please note, Josh – mark the ball instead of waiting for the bounce. Instead of running a tad faster for a mark in the forward pocket in the second quarter, Fraser instead waited for the bounce, and was nearly caught out. 4/10
Ben Johnson: Was caught hopping by Alwyn Davey and his band of pacy small forwards early on before slipping back to his usual role of line-breaker onball. 5/10
Nick Maxwell: Not Maxwell’s greatest day, although it was not the greatest game for a defender to spend time in attack, but obviously with Cox stepping up to the plate down back, Maxy may need to add some new strings to his bow. 4/10
Harry O'Brien: Brilliant, Harry! O’Brien dulled any impact Lucas had on the match, and stifled the life out of him with some inventive football. 7/10
Travis Cloke: I admit I have a bit of a bone to pick with Cloke. A quiet first half followed by a blistering second half. Can I ask what happened in that second term, though, Trav (this is something like an open letter)? Cloke dropped a few marks he should certainly have hauled down, and these on occasions without pressure on him. On one occasion, the ball was whisked away by Essendon to score a goal. Then, he clicked, his second half brilliant and a key in our victory, with his goal from the wrong pocket for his left boot. Yet his kicking for goal was still astray. Honestly not sure what went on, but if Cloke could get those aspects of his game on a consistent plateau, he (and we) would be laughing. Yes, I need to remember that he is only 20-years-old, coming off his first full pre-season and playing in the hardest position on the ground. Onwards and upwards. 7/10
Brad Dick: Flashed in and out of the game without ever starring, but that’s to be expected. Booted a lovely left foot goal from outside fifty to keep the Dons at bay in the last. 3/10
Alan Toovey: Not his best game, but played his part. Will need to improve his footskills, but his pace was handy. 3.5/10
Simon Prestigiacomo: Allowed Johns no leeway – his only real goal was a mark and conversion from 50m out in the final quarter (I don’t count his major from the pocket at halftime; Presti could have no say in that). 7/10
Dane Swan: Another match, another ball-getting display by Dane Swan. 6/10
Heath Shaw: Simply the best, and, although a Father-Son selection, an excellent snare from late in the 2003 National Draft (well, he was supposed to fall that low). 9/10
Chris Byran: I’ve said plenty about
Total score: 130
Votes: Rupert Betheras Medal:
3: H.Shaw
2: R.Shaw
1: S.Burns
posted by Luke Mason at 12:27 pm
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