Pleasant Surprises…

Any given season brings with it a bunch of expectations; expectations of the team and expectations of individual players.  In 2009, most would be expecting Dale Thomas to improve upon his consistency, along with Alan Didak and Heath Shaw repaying the club’s faith by having strong seasons.

Whilst these expectations are reasonable and the existence of such benchmarks a necessary part of forging a successful list, it is often the pleasant surprises that shape a team’s fortunes just as much — if not more.  In seasons past, we have had such surprises in the form of Dane Swan in 2006, Martin Clarke in 2007 and Paul Medhurst in 2008.

As we are only a week away from our NAB Cup opener, which by all reports we intend on approaching seriously with a view to setting a foundation for our season; I thought I would take a look at which players may very well step from the shadows in season 2009.

One player who has looked in impressive shape during our pre-season training has been Sharrod Wellingham.  Elevated from the rookie list at the conclusion of last season, Wellingham has added some size over the off-season and would be looking to consolidate upon what was a relatively impressive debut season.

Sharrod managed to string 12 games together before succumbing to injury, his most memorable of which was against Geelong where he played a vital role in curbing the influence of Gary Ablett Jnr. early in the match.  Whilst our midfield is currently in a transitional period after the departure of Buckley, Burns and Licuria; opportunity has opened up for some of our fringe players to make a name for themselves in the middle of the ground.

With his poise and polish, not to mention strong tackling and the ability to play both inside and outside; Wellingham is as well placed as any other developing player to cement a position within our starting line-up in 2009.

Speaking of blossoming midfielders, who could forget John McCarthy?  J-Mac was drafted in 2007 and managed to debut in his first season after stringing together some solid VFL form.  McCarthy was impressive in his AFL hitouts, presenting well from a forward flank and being given some time through the middle of the ground.

McCarthy has had his pre-season hindered somewhat with a knee complaint, but after a strong performance in our final intra-club match yesterday he looks to be in good enough shape to press for senior selection.  It only took a handful of games for McCarthy to establish himself as a definite long term player and most expect him to factor in our best 22 in 2009.  Like Wellingham, McCarthy is proficient at winning the football and using it exceptionally well — he may even give the 2009 Rising Star award a shake.

Another player who has shown some good form in the VFL is our 2007 father/son selection Jaxson Barham.  Barham shapes as a running defender who could also prove valuable on a wing or in the middle.  Whilst his pace is his most obvious asset, Barham’s tenacity is another feature of his game — a feature that is highly regarded by the coaching staff.

With the departure of Rhyce Shaw, there has been an opening for a player to inject some pace into our half-back line and down the wings.  With another pre-season under his belt and after showing some good signs in our intra-club stoushes, Barham may just be the man for the job.

2009 shapes as a year that the club would be looking to reap the full rewards from our drafting in 2006.  When determining the success of our drafting in 2006, a lot rests on the shoulders of one man in particular: Ben Reid.  Reid was as bottom-aged as they come when we drafted him and has managed a few senior appearances since being at the club.

One of the most talked about subjects during our pre-season training has been the planned move of Reid to the backline.  A lot of supporters are sceptical about Reid’s long term prospects after some forgettable efforts at senior level, but there is definitely a lot to like about the kid as far as potential is concerned.  If Reid can make a position his own down back in 2009 – an area that we are looking a bit vulnerable – Collingwood will be well placed to be genuine contenders for a prolonged period from 2010 onwards.

In recent years Geelong, Hawthorn and Fremantle have struck gold with draftees having an immediate impact in their first year.  Joel Selwood was unbelievably good in his first season with the Cats, whilst Cyril Rioli added a new dimension to Hawthorn’s forward structure.  Rhys Palmer was a revelation at Fremantle and was arguably their best performed midfielder over the course of the season.

Without getting too carried away, all reports from our pre-season so far point to the likes of our most recent additions Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom playing a part in our 2009 campaign.  Beams has probably been the most impressive so far, rating a mention in every training report and being a standout in all of our intra-club matches.  Importantly, Beams’ dedication to personal fitness as a junior has placed him ahead of schedule as far as being physically ready for AFL football.

In the case of our first round selection Steele Sidebottom, we have a player who has exceptional football smarts and endurance who can play a role in multiple positions.  Whilst we would be looking for Rusty to become a top-shelf midfielder; with his instinctive ability to read the play and elite disposal he could play a role up forward or even cleaning up across half-back until his physique is completely ready.

Last but certainly not least, I feel Shannon Cox deserves a mention.  There is just so much to like about Shannon; he is a silky character who often breaks up the play by taking a player or two on.  We have struggled in recent years with poor disposal and Cox is a player who generally uses the ball very well.  Shannon managed to earn senior selection at the end of 2008 and grasped his opportunity with excellent performances against Sydney and Fremantle; whilst playing an important role at a critical time against Adelaide.

Cox is in considerably better shape than he was at the same stage last year and has featured prominently in all training reports.  Laconic by nature, the biggest question marks regarding Shannon’s future have rested with his accountability and application.  If Cox can refine his game somewhat and work a little harder both ways, a bright future could await the flashy utility.

The total value of our list is as speculative as any other in the AFL, as despite being competitive we have still been rebuilding just as thoroughly as lesser placed sides.  After three seasons worth of big named retirements, the Collingwood side is set to look a lot different than what we have grown accustomed to over the last decade.  For mine, 2009 shapes as a year where there could be a lot of pleasant surprises.

Grounded Pies…

It is during this restless time of year when football news is scarce that the good old “fluff piece” becomes virtually the only form of news.  It’s understandable, papers need to be sold along with club memberships.  Whilst there has been a fair share of good news to come from Collingwood’s pre-season training so far, I thought it would only be fair to consider some of the players who have had an interrupted start to season 2009.

Anthony Rocca and Sean Rusling are the two obvious ones.  Rocca continued to have injury problems in 2008 and has been on a modified program this off-season, with a view to being ready to go in the season proper.  Rusling is recovering from shoulder surgery after his last season ended in round 1.

With Pebbles nearing the end, it is pretty safe to assume that he will be in and out of cotton wool throughout season 2009.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see the club employ the same method used for Buckley in his later years, with Rocca sitting out on our interstate trips.

Rusling, despite being regarded highly within the club, should be brought back slowly; preferably through the VFL.  Rusling has obvious talent and has shown that he is a genuine senior player, but he has missed an awful lot of football and as such needs to regain some match fitness and confidence.

Paul Medhurst has been one of the big stories this pre-season, as he is also on a modified program whilst recovering from a back related injury.  Reports from training suggest that Medhurst has been working away from the main group with a program that consists almost solely of light jogging.

The other player who recently had a write-up in the Herald Sun is John McCarthy, a player who has many fans – myself included – excited.  McCarthy underwent some surgery to remove a cyst from his knee and as such has had his preparations hindered.  McCarthy sounded optimistic but unfortunately will not receive the benefits of a full pre-season.

In training reports, Brent Macaffer has been mentioned as another player who has been working amongst the group who are on a modified program.  There have been some suggestions that he may have underwent some light knee surgery, so it will be interesting to see whether Macaffer can break his way into the senior side as hoped in 2009.

Despite having a handful of players who aren’t flying at this stage, there is no need for panic.  All this means is that opportunity has opened for our fringe and developing players.  In the case of Rocca and Rusling, opportunity will arise for the likes of Chris Dawes and John Anthony to further solidify a claim up forward.

The return of Alan Didak will cover for any service we may lose from Paul Medhurst.  Sharrod Wellingham is looking in top shape and would be determined to stake a claim after notching up 12 starts last year and being elevated from the rookie list.  Danny Stanley would also be looking to grasp senior opportunity after a consistent year in the VFL; especially considering he would now be feeling some pressure after our recent intake of midfielders.

We are fortunate to have quite a few players who have been waiting in the wings and starved of opportunity.  Players such as Shannon Cox, Wellingham, Stanley and even Toovey are still yet to be thoroughly tried at senior level and 2009 shapes as an important year for this crop — none of which are beyond the age of 23 I might add.

Macaffer and McCarthy are the two players who I really hoped could put together massive pre-seasons and take the next step, but I’m not worried as these players have time on their side.  Whatever happens, I’m confident that 2009 is going to be a year where we get to find out more about those currently residing in the “unknown quantity” file.

Beams Shines In Intra-Club Match…

Last Friday (16/01/09) Collingwood had its first intra-club hit out for our 2009 pre-season training.  Whilst it was a closed session and the average fan wasn’t privy to what transpired, we were given an indication as to how our players performed thanks to the official club website. [Article Here]

The best news to come from the second hand reports is that 2008 draftee Dayne Beams was the clear stand-out.  In a 40 minute hit-out, Beams amassed 7 kicks, 10 handballs and 1 goal — impressive figures for what was effectively a quarter and a bit of football.

What I found most promising about the report was that special mention was made of Beams’ use of the ball, particularly his delivery to our forwards.  Beams had been touted as a prolific ball-winner and potential clearance specialist, but any praise he receives for using the ball – particularly by foot – is what I would consider to be the most reassuring aspect.

Ben Reid played on Chris Bryan at centre half back.  Whilst Bryan managed to kick two goals as the beneficiary of some Dayne Beams’ delivery; Ben Reid managed to rack-up 15 disposals as a mobile defender — being named amongst the best players for his side.

New addition and ex-Lion Anthony Corrie was also named amongst the best, with Ben Johnson and Jaxson Barham being other notable players who performed well.

We shouldn’t read too much into intra-club matches, as they’re more of an opportunity to replicate some set-plays and strategies in quasi-match like conditions.  All the same, any good showings during our pre-season training campaign will likely result in selection for our NAB Cup squad in early February when we take on West Coast.

At this rate, it looks very likely that we will get a glimpse of Beams as early as February 7th.

Malthouse’s Trump Card…

Every team has weaknesses, just as every team has points of strength. Brisbane and to a lesser extent Port Adelaide were probably the last two premiers who didn’t have a clear identifiable weakness. Geelong were dominant and deserving premiers in 2007 despite lacking in the key forward stakes, whilst Hawthorn reigned supreme in 2008 with a tentative assortment of defenders.

Both teams managed to compensate for their shortcomings by being far superior in other areas or simply through masterful strategies. Say what you like about Hawthorn’s back six, but the structure in place was pure genius and when you have a general in Hodge you’re well placed to execute match-day tactics.

Bearing this in mind, it has been accepted that Collingwood has lacked genuine top end class since the retirements of Buckley and Clement; whilst our difficulty in assembling a batch of genuine midfielders has been ever present.

Whilst we have taken measures to address this weakness, at this stage we must enter 2009 being realistic; with the assumption that it will take a while longer to iron out those kinks.

So, whilst we are handicapped with a transitional period in the middle of the ground, what exactly is our strongest point heading into 2009? I can answer this question with one word: versatility.

Looking through our list, it’s hard to place several players in just one position; with many shaping as players who can hold down multiple positions — not just adequately either, but convincingly.

Starting up forward, we have the likes of John Anthony who came onto the scene in 2008 in the unlikely guise of a forward. When drafted, Anthony was expected to be the natural successor to Clement and as such played most of his VFL football in the back-line; performing well in the process.

With our defence needing some reworking, Anthony may shape as a possible member of the back six. Training reports point to Anthony remaining up forward to hone his goal kicking trade a little more, but he definitely has the credentials to play as a defender if required.

The likes of Didak, Davis and Thomas are all established small/medium forwards, with Didak being the obvious standout. Each of these players has something to add to the midfield when required and with Davis shining in the middle towards the end of 2008, I would expect him to start there more often than not and rest up forward.

Thomas has been working on improving his stamina and if he can find that extra running capacity, expect to see him clocking up more midfield minutes. Didak is best left on a forward flank, but has the class to wreak havoc through the middle on the odd occasion. Whether these three find themselves in the middle of the ground or closer to goal, they have the raw talent to loom as match winners in either capacity.

Dane Swan has proven to be deadly forward of the ball, knowing where and when to bob-up. Scott Pendlebury – the modern midfielder – stands at 190cm; tall enough to cause headaches for any player trying to match him in the air. He also has enough poise and class to out-position opponents and can cause problems if rested forward.

John McCarthy also sports a combination of height and athleticism that prevents him from being a one-position player. Whilst the best case scenario would be for J-Mac to become an inside/outside midfielder, he has already shown a knack for providing a good option and using the ball well off of a forward flank.

Then, there are our ever-growing crop of tweeners. Players who fall into the grey area, whereby their size prevents them from being genuine key position players, but allows them to be more than useful at ground level and in the air. The likes of Harry O’Brien (188cm), Nick Maxwell (193cm), Shannon Cox (188cm), Alan Toovey (189cm) and Tyson Goldsack (193cm) have all tasted senior football and performed a variety of roles with varying degrees of success.

O’Brien has proven he can match players outside of his weight class, whilst also getting the job done on smaller forwards. Nick Maxwell has played just about everywhere and always provides a contest with his endeavour. Tyson Goldsack had a difficult second season, but at his best is a tenacious defender who can make things happen anywhere on the ground through unwavering determination.

Alan Toovey has been much maligned, but has obviously won a lot of credit from Malthouse with his work ethic and honest attributes. Shannon Cox could very well be the pick of the bunch; whilst he has the ability to play as a third tall down back, he is best suited when given some leeway to be creative. His best senior football came from a wing towards the end of 2008, where he was influential in the third quarter against Adelaide and was comfortably one of our best players against Sydney and Fremantle.

The centerpieces for our versatility may well come in the shape of Ben Reid, Jarrad Blight and Scott Reed.

Ben Reid was drafted as a bottom-aged player in 2006 at #8, in what was a very strong draft. Whilst we have seen some glimpses, he has thus far been unable to get on the park for a long enough period to find his feet at senior level. Standing at 195cm and possessing uncanny mobility, Reid has the scope to be played down back, up forward or even as a roaming tall on a wing. If Reid can break into the senior side and realise his potential, he could very well be one of the most versatile players to ever grace a football field.

Jarrad Blight is a speculative asset at the moment, being that he was drafted only a couple of months ago. I can’t lie though, I’m genuinely excited about this kid. Junior football follower Colin Wisbey – who provides detailed profiles on draft prospects – ranked Blight at #11 overall. Pretty impressive considering we managed to nab him at #45.

This of course is mere speculation and Wisbey has copped his fair share of flack about previous misses, but standing at 189cm with some pace to burn and good junior form from a half-back flank and as a midfielder — there is a lot to like about Blight regardless of how accurate Wisbey’s projections might prove.

Scott Reed is our first acquisition from our NSW Scholarship program and another who shapes as a versatile prospect. Standing at 192cm, Reed played throughout the middle and from half-back in the NSW/ACT Rams U18 squad.

Reed has good leg speed for a player of his height as well as a strong endurance base; something that Collingwood places a strong emphasis on. Reed could prove to be a valuable utility player from a flank, who may also step into a midfield role if his development goes to plan.

Our recruiting department has assembled an interesting array of players with the scope to perform multiple roles at the flick of a switch. If all goes to plan and we get the most out of our current crop, Malthouse may find himself with the biggest set of options come any given game day.

Games can be won simply by finding the right match-ups; or more importantly finding that one glaring mismatch. Looking at our list, we definitely have a crop of players who have the capacity to make opposition coaches pull their hair out. Further improvement from just a couple of these players could make all the difference in 2009 and beyond.

It has been a patient rebuild since 2003, but as the list currently stands and with competitive performances and finals experience to boot; Malthouse will be looking at 2009 and onwards expecting to have some serious weapons of an unpredictable nature at his disposal.