Preview: Collingwood vs Essendon, Round 5, Anzac Day XIII:
Preview: Collingwood vs Essendon, Round 5, Anzac Day XIII:
By Luke Mason
Pre-Season, I had this match down in the books as a shoo-in four pointer to Collingwood. Only a month into the year and I’m suddenly not so sure. Injuries make a difference, certainly, we can vouch for that. But so can Essendon.
The Bombers were severely ravaged by injury last season, with too few left to do too much. Losing new skipper Matthew Lloyd in round three to a season-ending hamstring injury effectively put the kibosh on the Dons there and then.
Strangely, this upcoming Anzac Day encounter, the 13th installment, is eerily similar to the corresponding match this time last year, but with our shoe on the Bombers foot.
We were flying, Essendon weren’t (not that we aren’t now) – this time around, the Bombers are again flying up, up, and have been blessed by good fortune with injury and a healthy injection of pace and an overall fresh look.
Come to think of it, Collingwood and Essendon’s recent seasons have followed a similar track. In 2004, the Magpies struggled all year due to injury and a loss of morale after a finals campaign the previous season. The following year, Essendon endured a similar year, whilst we were put through a frightening ordeal with injury and horrific form.
Fast forward another 12 months, and who is suffering from the same injury plight? Essendon! And who are flying high once more? Collingwood! Now the Dons are at we were at a similar stage last year, 3-1.
Hey, on that analysis, we are actually leading the Bombers; we’re showing them the way!
But to be truthful, it’s time we shrugged that Bombers Bogie once and for all. Since 1998, we have only beaten Kevin Sheedy’s men on three occasions (round 5 2002, round 22 2003 and round 4 2006), where as they have taken us to task on 12 occasions. Quite frankly, I’m sick of it. For one reason or another, they’ve tripped us up, especially when we need it least.
Okay, fair enough in the early years of the decade (2000 and 2001), when Essendon were at the height of their powers. I can accept and understand the losses (but not enjoy them). Sheedy actually sounded a warning following their close fought seven point win on Anzac Day ’01, declaring to the football public that ‘they’re (Collingwood) coming!’. For the record, Chris Tarrant won his only Anzac Medal for five goals against Dustin Fletcher.
It was the Bombers who landed a brutal blow in the lead up to September in round 20 2002 when Paul Salmon’s ruckwork guided them to a simple six goal plus pasting. What’s more, the Woods lost Nathan Buckley to a hamstring complaint.
In recent years, the Bombers have also caused us headaches in 2004 and 2005, in both meetings reducing our win-loss ratio to 1-4. We got our revenge for a short period on Anzac Day last year, before guess who punctured a hole in our finals charge? Essendon.
We seemingly cracked the code against on trouble-side in
Yet Anzac Day is the day in which the eyes of a nation are upon the returned servicemen, and also, from 2:40 until 5:10, the footballers from suburban Collingwood and Essendon. Rise, and the crowd rise with you.
Quietly, I’m tipping that Wednesday won’t be as difficult as my fellow brethren believe. Granted, we are forced to wash the mud off and hit refresh with only four days rest. But where would any footballer rather play? The rockhard, undercover Telstra Dome, or a boggy MCG in real football conditions? I’m sure you’ll find a number would support the latter option.
Of that team, through injury only Paul Licuria is a definite to miss. The rest are right to go. With that in mind, as well as Alan Didak and Paul Medhurst back in the side, we’re ready to roll. A win sees us out to 3-2, with genuine hope in mind. Let’s go.
The Match Ups:
Although spending much of his career in the shadow of Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas is finally receiving the recognition he deserves, for he has been a star tall forward for many years now. I’m one of those who believe that he, currently, is more of a danger than Lloyd, and with that in mind, a fit Simon Prestigiacomo is a must to tackle the boy from Camperdown.
With Presti blanketing Lucas the way he did so efficiently 12 months ago, expect James Clement to frustrate Lloyd at fullback, and Nick Maxwell, or potentially Shane Wakelin (what depth!) to cover Courtney Johns.
Ground level is more of a concern, as Alwyn Davey has played such a pivotal role in the Bombers return to form. Like brother Aaron, Alwyn is able to create goals from sheer pressure and hard work, and will require attention. Can Heath Shaw stop the mature-aged recruit, or will he be the one to tag Andrew Lovett, leaving Rhyce Shaw to hold Davey?
Mal Michael and Fletcher are Sheedy’s defensive lynchpins. Michael is likely to take the inform Anthony Rocca, and Fletcher Travis Cloke. The key in this regard is Josh Fraser. Should Guy Richards or Chris Bryan stand up in David Hille’s absence in the ruck, it allows Fraser into attack to truly stretch the Bombers defence.
The form guide:
The Woods seemed to have all the answers against Port Adelaide until midway through the final quarter on a wet and miserable Saturday afternoon at the MCG, when the Power finally broke away to record a three goal victory.
Essendon, meanwhile, announced that they are the real deal in 2007 with their imposing win over St Kilda, clash jumper and all. Paddy Ryder in the ruck showed that he is the real deal, whilst Damien Peverill (32 disposals) once again snuck under the guard to rule the centreline.
Injuries:
Ravaged by injury, Collingwood may be forced to dig deep into their reserves after some body blows in the way of injury were suffered in the mud against the Power on Saturday. To add to a medical room already frequented by Nathan Buckley (hamstring), Ryan Lonie (groin) and the suspended Brodie Holland, warhorse Paul Licuria (hamstring) has already been ruled out for 2-3 weeks, with fullback Simon Prestigiacomo in doubt with a groin complaint. To add to that, Scott Burns (knee) and dashing Dale Thomas (ankle) will also require rest and recuperation after a bruising affair.
Thankfully, pocket-rocket duo Alan Didak and Paul Medhurst are set to be welcomed back to the fold.
Over at Windy Hill, Essendon are receiving a handy run with injury, although Jason Johnson and Scott Camporearle are still yet to make an appearance this season. The courageous Adam Ramanauskas, who won the hearts of the football world last week, is still some way off returning (still on the rookie list) although ruckman David Hille may prove the crucial miss with a knee this week. Leroy Jetta will be absent with a groin strain, whilst none other than James Hird, playing in his final Anzac Day clash (is that a collective sigh of relief from Magpie fans who have been torched by Hird’s brilliance in the past?), is reportedly at less than 100% fitness.
Head to Head since 2000:
Collingwood: 3
Essendon: 12
When football in the new millennium began, Collingwood and Essendon were at opposing ends of the footballing spectrum. The Magpies were hurting after a Wooden Spoon ended their 20th century campaign on a sour note, whilst the Bombers were smarting in the wake of their demoralising loss to
It took Collingwood five attempts before they were able to conquer the might of the Dons, but did so in style. On a wet, cold but downright memorable Anzac Day in 2002, Mick Malthouse’s baby Magpies announced to the football world that they were up to speed, downing their higher rated opponents by ?? points. Second gamer Mark McGough was outstanding en route to an Anzac Day Medal, while Jason Cloke and Scott Burns were terrific in piloting the Pies to their third win of the season.
The Woods were to win only one of their next seven meetings with the men from Windy Hill, forced to wait until round four of last year to record our most recent win over the red and black. With the MCG once again open for business, Collingwood staved off a gallant Essendon to take home the Anzac Day crown for the first occasion since ’02, this time Ben Johnson the lead man in the victory, his Anzac Day Medal remember best for the announcement that ‘Craig Johnson’, not Ben, had won the Medal!
Collingwood do have some unfinished business with the Bombers, however, with Essendon’s unexpected third win of the season arising in round 19 last year, a match which effectively popped the Magpies top four aspirations.
The X-Factors:
Collingwood: Alan Toovey – Can the Mark McGough look-a-like do it again on the 25th of April? It’s a tough ask, but Toovey appears up to the task, looking the goods in the mud and slush on Saturday. On a dry track, his pace is a must.
Essendon: Alwyn Davey – Andrew Lovett tore us apart back in 2005. Will another likely small forward type in Davey stand up in front of 95,000?
Mitigating Factors:
The Weather:
A mostly fine day with a top of 23°. Perfect for football.
Short turnaround: Where would you rather play? Telstra Dome or a wet MCG? Which is better for match fitness? We’ll find out on Wednesday. Me, I’d prefer the elements at the ‘G, but we’ll wait and see.
Cross-club rivalries:
Mal Michael. Remember this man? He who donned the number 48 for Collingwood on 61 occasions will play in his second Anzac Day match, his first since round 5 1998. Andrew Ukovic, Ricky Olarenshaw and
Questions to be answered:
~ How will Collingwood recover from such a torturous match?
~ Can Essendon sustain its form?
Broadcast guide:
TV: Channel 10, 12:00pm.
Radio: 3AW, 3MMM, SEN, ABC 12:00pm.
The tip: Anzac Day is about adversity. It’s about courage, and it’s about embodying the Australian spirit made famous on the battle fields of Gallipoli. For if you cannot lift yourself to greater deeds, as a footballer donning the Black and White stripes, linking arms with 21 of your closest mates opposing another 22 in the Red and Black in front of 100,000 spectators as the last post is played, you will never amount to anything. There is such thing as magic, and I’m tipping this Collingwood outfit won’t let us down. Collingwood in a nailbiting 2 point victory.
Collingwood vs Port
By Luke Mason
Enough! I’ve had enough of two things – umpires and Port Adelaide. Granted, yes, we lost, but there were promising signs throughout from a side which was both undermanned and underdone.
Nuisance #1 – Umpires: Just how inconsistent and…poor were this trio today? Some decisions bordered on madness on occasions, with one having a say, to my mind, on the outcome of the match. The decision against Leon Davis for ‘manhandling’ Chad Cornes was mind-boggling. Cornes (who wins so many cheap possessions it is not funny) marked alone in the centre square after a Magpie run-on of two goals in succession (quite an amount considering the conditions), and opted to play on by hand.
But no. The umpire (I need the aid of the replay here, my mind was blown so far away by the outrageous call that I’ve forgotten which umpire it was who penalised
But that isn’t all.
On countless occasions I saw Collingwood players fight tooth and nail for the hardball only to be locked up (fairly) by Port Adelaide players. The result? 9 out of 10 times a ball up, surely? No! Not today, instead the umpires deciding to penalise the ball player, he, who on a wet, damp day made the play. Does it get any crazier than that? Yes – I honestly don’t know whether it was just our poor fortune or something in the air, but we really did wear the rough end of the umpire’s stick today.
Memo AFL, Jeff Geishan and the umpiring powerbrokers: On a wet, muddy day – or on any occasion for that matter – try your upmost not to penalise the players who create the play and look to win the contested football. Yes, I admit, there will be occasions when a free kick is warranted for holding the ball, and yes, I will also admit, the umpires, particularly early, allowed play to go on, but please protect the ball players and ball carriers. After all, that’s what is forever drummed into us at junior levels: the ball player, the first man in at a contest, will be protected. Is this happening? Not on today’s basis.
Put simply, I was baffled today. A number of somewhat contentious decisions went against us. Am I being a poor loser? No (not intentionally, anyhow). I recall saying to my mate, Michael, at halftime that I just hope that the umpires don’t judge too harshly in the wet conditions. Unfortunately, I can’t say my wish was granted.
I wonder, does it come into the umpire’s minds who they are officiating for and against? I’m not pointing the finger at anyone here, just asking a question. I’m sure all umpires were brought up supporting one team or another, like we all are. So what happens when they are officiating a match involving that side, or one it was hammered into them to hate from a young age? Now I understand that the umpires are professionals, and will always call fairly and as accurately as possible, for the stakes are simply too high, and for their own conscience. However I know that if I were umpiring a match involving
I’m sure that doesn’t happen at league level, nor any other level of football, but it’d be an interesting moral dilemma for all umpires to think about.
Nuisance #2 – Port
For a brief recap and trip down recent memory lane, Port burst from the blocks to race to a handy quarter time lead (I went to bed with a screaming headache at this point in time after leading my primary school team to a disappointing defeat). However, in watching the replay, I discovered that we slowly, gradually pegged them back with Leon Davis leading the way. In the final quarter alone, we had a number of opportunities to convert crucial goals (from memory amongst these were Nathan Buckley, Glenn Freeborn and Rupert Betheras) yet failed.
Then, with half a minute to play, Anthony Rocca marked on a hard lead 45m from goal on a slight angle, certainly a gettable goal. Big Pebbles took his kick, and attempted to will the ball through the big sticks. And it looked a real chance, as Eddie McGuire and co in the commentary box waited with bated breath for the goal umpire’s decision. A behind was met with a loud groan from McGuire and Collingwood fans around the nation. Video replays suggest to this day that it may well have snuck through for a goal, yet it wasn’t to be.
And so the Power held on to their five point lead to win the match. Fair enough, well played.
And now Mr Cornes, a no-name at that stage of his career, thought highly enough of himself and his achievements for the night to flick the magic finger at Brodie Holland as the handshaking process began.
He didn’t just flick it; he whooped it, again and again at
Nick Davis (remember him?!) came in to remonstrate followed by big Jarrod Molloy, who charged in appearing intent on claiming a life.
What an arrogant little person is Kane Cornes.
And so, borne from that, is my distinct disliking for the Port Adelaide Football Club. Poor sportsmanship is not on.
But they’ve given me, and many others, plenty of fodder for hatred. Take their continual petty attempts to don the famous, our famous Black and White stripes. Or their whinges about Collingwood and Essendon owning a mortgage on the Anzac Day fixture.
Hello, who are you? Collingwood? Essendon?
No, you are a newbie AFL club with affiliations to a club bearing the same name. Just like the Eastern Lions, of the Eastern Football League, have a small affiliation with the Brisbane Lions.
Not forgetting their calamitous finals chokes, kick-started by the Black and Whites in 2002 and continued the following year. Yes, they won their flag, and good on them, but given so many opportunities to finish as minor premier, I think that it was overdue.
We’d beaten them on the past three occasions prior to today’s meeting, breaking the duck today. They won fairly and squarely, and it must be admitted, they played quite well in the second half. Guys like Josh Mahoney, Brett Ebert and David Rodan, to their credit, really made a difference in attack.
But to look up at the MCG scoreboard post match to be greeted by a smug supporter holding a banner bearing the ‘Collywobbles’ insignia, well, just what is that? It left me, and I’m sure many others as well, in a state of confusion. As I asked above: just who are you? A new team, one lacking a history, an overrated captain and a jumper filled by teal (read: nobodies)? Exactly. Come back to us when you have a record (and a jumper) to rival ours. You won’t, because you can’t. Interfakers if ever there are some.
Collingwood vs Port
By Luke Mason
I was originally going to begin my take on today’s match by dissecting the flummoxing umpiring, but I ended up rambling as I often do, before falling down the trap of starting myself on my hatred and confusion when it comes to Port Adelaide.
So here we are at 2-2 after a month of football. So far, what have we accomplished? A last quarter surge to defeat the Kangaroos, a gallant effort against West Coast (in Perth), a second half blast against Richmond and a loss to Port Adelaide in which we generally looked safe without confirming our stranglehold on the Power before losing direction in the final term.
How do we view that? Acceptable? An overachievement? A decent start? Me, I think we have begun ok, when you take into account the fact that it is rare for a side to blitz and then maintain the blitz from round one onwards, and the knowledge that we have been without Nathan Buckley, Alan Didak, Brodie Holland and Sean Rusling for the whole journey todate, whilst lacking James Clement, Ryan Lonie and Ben Johnson at different stages. A fair effort to be 2-2.
We were also 2-2 at the same point in 2002, and we all know how that turned out.
Sure, things could be better, but for now, we’re holding down the fort ok. But Anzac Day will determine our fate for the season. Can we hold up to the challenge of the rejuvenated Essendon, or lose ground on the rest of the competition? More on than later.
Before I go on about our loss I want to touch on the weather, and what a difference bit of rain makes to the occasion. Upon taking the celebrated walk up towards the ground at 12.15, I felt speckles of rain. Then more. And then more. Soon enough, after taking our seats, we were under an attack from the clouds. It hasn’t rained as heavily as it did today in many months.
Yet it made the experience worthwhile even more so than usual. It was great fun to sit in the Cheer Squad copping a pasting from the rain, soaking our bodies to the bone leaving us fearing for the futures of our mobiles!
Michael and I reminded each other often of how worthwhile it would prove should we come out trumps. Yes, we lost, but it was fun doing what we did. It’ll be something we’ll remember for a long while in this day and age when roofs and undercover seating are all the rage. Petty, maybe, but it was a real hardcore football experience. I’ve read of the wet winter of 1989 and how the centre wicket area of the MCG became a gluepot. My thoughts were ‘how cool is that?’
Today was something of a trip back into the past, and I’m glad we stuck it out in the wet. I advise you to do it, too, it makes for an experience (although don’t do what I didn’t do – leave my jacket at home).
As for the game? Well, we had it for the taking and blew it. BLEW IT! If we miss the finals by a game (as it appears to me that we may be one of the sides that fill up the 6-10 bracket on the ladder), we can always point the finger at the round four loss to Port Adelaide. Ok, that’s too harsh, but we really let a golden opportunity slide.
My catchcry for ’07 is ‘strike while the iron is hot’. It’s true, too – take your opportunities when they arise and nab all we can. Winning matches such as this are so, so vital when it comes to round 22.
There were a number of positive, promising, heartening signs from today, starting with Rhyce Shaw in defence. Shawry (Heath is Heater, Rhyce is Shawry) was everywhere in the opening term across halfback, doing a fine impersonation of his younger brother in gathering 14 disposals before continuing his form for the rest of the day (or night, judging by the colours of the clouds).
Heath, too, was terrific once more, and it is quite safe to now say that the two Shaws will be the cornerstones of our back six for the next decade, carrying on such a fine family tradition.
Where we were burnt was at the stoppages. From the second half of the third quarter onwards, we were thrashed out of the centre bounces by Brendan Lade and his onballers. To my mind, Scott Burns was the only Magpie showing any real resilience and capacity to stem the flow in this regard, with Dale Thomas employed as a rebounding option from halfback.
Shane O'Bree was always thereabouts but lacked the spark of last week, and ditto Tarkyn Lockyer, who was terrific as a linkman but was unable to impose himself on the contest as he did in rounds one and three. Paul Licuria was handy early before tapering late, with Dane Swan doing the reverse. Without enough consistency at the stoppages and clearances, with was always going to be an uphill battle in the second half.
Lade’s ruck dominance was outstanding, and although Josh Fraser competed well, he was no match for Lade’s class and nous around the ground.
I think that Malthouse did to an extent rob Peter to pay Paul in shifting Dale Thomas to the backline in the second half. Yes, Thomas was terrific with his run, drive and daring from halfback, but he was not going to be able to deliver from the middle to his forwards. The Shaws, Clement and Johnson were doing this anyhow, so it makes me wonder why we stacked our backline with rebounders, staving our attack of drive.
Our attack struggled on the whole, aside from the first term when Anthony Rocca grabbed everything that came his way and kicked accurately. As soon as we appeared to stop going to Rocca, or when he began spilling what he was holding, our goals dried up. Travis Cloke led up the field, but without his presence in attacking fifty, it was too often left to Rocca to find space on the lead (not easy when Chad Cornes is floating around off a leash).
What should have occurred is all forwards bar Rocca starting from the fifty meter line, allowing Pebbles the goal square its surrounds to himself. In the wet or in the dry, Big Ant is still a safe bet one-out.
Leon Davis was one forward who showed smooth hands and good composure, but without Paul Medhurst (missing with an ankle injury, we missed his ability to find the goals today) and Didak, he was forced too far afield to have enough influence on the scoreboard. He played very well, however, and is vastly underrated in his ability to instigate a forward thrust.
Scott Pendlebury was another to show clean hands on occasions around goal, and it really does look as if he knows where the goals are. In time, he may evolve into a Nick Dal Santo type who scores goals as well as create them. He made mistakes on occasions, but I think we’re all forgetting that the kid has played a mere 13 games.
The defence wasn’t the main culprit – I liked the games of just about everyone down there. Presti and James Clement combined to maul Warren Tredrea, who must be one of the more overrated players doing the rounds. Yes, he has suffered knee problems, but I have always thought him to be overrated, even at his best in 2003-2004. Damon White, however, was a bit of a threat. The likes of Ebert and Mahoney are difficult to curtail in such conditions, and it is now the second time in succession that Ebert has made a nuisance of himself against us. One for next time.
Of last week’s newbie’s, Shannon Cox was terrific from halfback and at times in the forward line, and really impressed with his ball handling and ability to find space and be where the ball was. Alan Toovey was lively early before fading, but his pace is eye catching. Brad Dick won only one kick, from memory, but did not receive as much gametime as he did last week. But there’s a long way to go.
As for next week, we’ll need all hands on deck. Our team from today was:
B: R.Shaw, Prestigiacomo, H.Shaw.
HB: Cox, Clement, O’Brien.
C: Toovey, O’Bree, Pendlebury.
HF: Johnson, T.Cloke, Lockyer.
F: Maxwell, Rocca, Thomas
R: Fraser, Licuria, Burns.
INTER: Richards, Dick, Swan,
EMERG: Bryan, Iles, Didak.
Of that group, I’d say that with Paul Medhurst, Ryan Lonie, Alan Didak, Shane Wakelin and maybe, maybe Nathan Buckley (although I’d rather every precaution was taken) pressing for a recall, you’d assume that the likes of Alan Toovey, Brad Dick and Guy Richards are potential demotions, although there are particular cases of the retention of Tooves and Stretch. Dicky’s done ok for a player who is so slight, but perhaps a spell with the Seagulls is in order with senior players to return.
Not forgetting the short turnaround from playing on a boggy ground. I’m sure there’ll be a number of heavy legs traipsing around the Lexus Centre tomorrow.
One more thing – Alan Toovey. I’m a big fan of his, and was thinking that perhaps the Collingwood faithful could conjure something to rival the ‘Oooze’ or ‘Coon’ which the Demon and Bulldog supporters reserve for Adem Yze and Adam Cooney. Every time Toovey wins the Sherrin, a cry of ‘Tooooves’ perhaps? One to think about.
Until next time, strike while the iron is shot, and keep the faith.
Votes:
3: S.Burns
2: R.Shaw
1: D.Thomas
Player Review:
Leon Davis: Played very well, still underrated by many as a creative midfielder with his clean hands. We needed another Leon Davis today – one at half forward, one in the pocket. 6/10
James Clement: Classy as always, and gave Tredrea a bath in the first half. 7/10
Scott Pendlebury: Good in patches, simply knows how to win the ball and seems to have time when he wins it, although he needs to realise that he doesn’t have that much time! 5/10
Shane O’Bree: Ball magnet as per usual, but lacked the effectiveness of previous weeks. 5.5/10
Shannon Cox: Looked a cool customer down back and on occasions up forward. Should play next week, and may evolve into something of a Nathan Lovett-Murray, albeit a better player. 5/10
Dale Thomas: Simply works and works and runs and runs. You can’t ask any more than that. Continues to take the onus upon himself to create play. 7/10
Scott Burns: Indestructible onball, and a true battering ram around the packs. His brief absence through injury (from a typically courageous piece of play) hurt at a crucial stage. 8/10
Paul Licuria: Not a major factor after the first quarter, although the rumour is that he may be injured. 3/10
Guy Richards: Hardly sighted apart from stints at the centre bounces. 2/10
Rhyce Shaw: Had leather poisoning, and, what’s more, used the ball well. Keep it up, Rhyce. 7/10
Anthony Rocca: A blistering first term was followed by three quiet ones. So influential, and his size alone attracts a crowd of opponents like bees to honey. 5/10
Tarkyn Lockyer: Won the ball but not as effective as in previous weeks. 6/10
Josh Fraser: Played a lone hand in the ruck against Lade, whose experience took its toll. 5/10
Ben Johnson: Good on return from injury, attempted to break the lines but was run down often on the boggy track. 5.5/10
Nick Maxwell: Held Chad Cornes quiet early as a ‘defensive’ forward, but faded thereafter. 4/10
Harry O’Brien: Not busy in defence, but should hold his place. Experience vital. 4/10
Travis Cloke: Led hard but not a factor. Conditions didn’t suit. 3/10
Brad Dick: Quiet day. 1/10
Alan Toovey: Prominent early before fading. 3.5/10
Simon Prestigiacomo: As with Clement towelled Tredrea. Forever underrated. 7/10
Dane Swan: Important linkman who bobbed up in the second half. 5.5/10
Heath Shaw: Terrific as per usual in defence, winning endless numbers of possession. 6.5/10
Preview: Collingwood vs Port
By Luke Mason
They may be our baby cousins, but Collingwood and Port Adelaide harbour a strong disliking towards each other, a mini-rivalry built up between 2002 and 2004, when a number of close fought clashes saw the tensions simmer.
This week’s battle on a Saturday afternoon at the MCG promises to be another physical encounter, with both teams looking to snatch the edge on the rest of the competition and jump to a 3-1 start. For the loser, they’re back with the pack. The winner receives a handy buffer, a platform on which to build bigger and better things.
The Match Ups:
Josh Fraser and Brendan Lade, two players considered to exemplify the modern day ruckmen, will clash on Saturday in a duel likely to have a strong say as to who will end the match victorious. Lade, the All-Australian ruckman of 2006, will be forced to carry out the majority of the ruck work, with the news that Dean Brogan will be absent with an ankle complaint.
The form guide:
Both sides are 2-1, the Woods having overrun the Kangaroos in round one and last week
Port
Injuries:
The Magpies are a chance to welcome back small forward Alan Didak to the fold for the first time since last season’s Elimination Final after knee surgery. The club is still debating as to whether he should be eased back through Williamstown in the VFL, or toss his straight back into the senior fray with an eye to Anzac Day.
Nathan Buckley is still a fortnight away from resumption from his hamstring, while James Clement (calf) and Ben Johnson (ankle) will face testing throughout the week to determine whether they are ready to take on the Power this week. Ryan Lonie (groin) is still under a cloud.
Port Adelaide have been struck down by two key injuries to front men Dean Brogan (ankle) and Danyle Pearce (hamstring) in the past week, the pair ruled out of this week’s bout at the ‘G.
Head to Head since 2000:
Collingwood: 6
Port
Despite a poor run of fixturing luck, which saw Collingwood travel to AAMI Stadium to meet the Power on seven successive occasions from 2000 to 2003 without one match played at the MCG, the Magpies still hold the wood over the Power in the head-to-head stakes, thanks largely to their three match winning streak since round 14 2005, coupled with their finals successes of 2002 and 2003.
Although the Power won the Home and Away clash in’02 (albeit in controversial circumstances – Kane Cornes, we have long memories), Collingwood hit hard when it counted most, cramping Port’s style of play to record an inspirational 13 point triumph in enemy territory in perhaps the club’s finest hour since the 1990 Grand Final.
The victory was accomplished minus injured skipper Nathan Buckley, and led by a Herculean 40 possession effort from Paul Licuria in the midfield whilst tagging the runner up in the season’s Brownlow Medal, Josh Francou, out of the game. Licuria was aided by the support acts in Jason Cloke and Simon Prestigiacomo in defence; Steve McKee’s bravery in the ruck, Ryan Lonie’s run off halfback and the jack-in-the-box Rupert Betheras. The win saw the Magpies soar to a Preliminary Final berth against the Crows, whilst relegating Port Adelaide to the butt of many a footballing joke, igniting the flame which saw them universally dubbed as chokers.
12 months later, the two sides met again in September, although this time on Collingwood’s turf in a Preliminary Final. Although the Power got the early jump, the Woods were rarely troubled thereafter, fuelled by Shane Woewodin and Nathan Buckley onball.
And who could forget Buckley and Alan Didak’s magic in the final term of the two sides’ round 20 meeting last year, hauling the side over the line.
The X-Factors:
Collingwood: Leon Davis – a proven track record against Mark Williams’ men, having troubled them in front of goal since 2002, including a four goal haul in round nine of that season.
Port
Mitigating Factors:
The Weather:
Home ground advantage: Collingwood have lost only two of its past seven matches at the MCG, and have broken even with Port Adelaide at the venue since the turn of the millennium, one apiece.
Short turnaround: Collingwood face a short turnaround ahead of its Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon four days later, so expect some fresh faces to be injected in the space of four days.
Port’s MCG hoodoo:
Questions to be answered:
~ Can Collingwood’s kids stand up to the heat again?
~ How will the Power (and Brendan Lade) fare minus Dean Brogan, leaving Lade to do the bulk of the ruckwork?
Broadcast guide:
TV: Channel 10, 3:00pm.
Radio: 3AW, 3MMM 12:00pm.
The tip: Collingwood will no doubt be buoyed by its win over
posted by Luke Mason at 12:22 pm
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