Match Review: Collingwood Vs. Richmond

NAB CUP ROUND 2: COLLINGWOOD VS. RICHMOND

The Scores

Collingwood: 0.4.2 / 0.5.4 / 0.9.5 / 1.13.10 [97]
Richmond: 1.1.5 / 2.1.9 / 2.3.12 / 2.3.15 [51]

Goals

Collingwood: Didak 2, McCarthy, Fraser, Pendlebury, Macaffer, Beams, Lockyer, L. Brown, Swan, Cloke, Toovey, Anthony, N. Brown.
Richmond: Newman, White, Brown, Vickery, Richardson.

The 10th Letter’s Best: Pendlebury / Clarke / O’Brien / Cox / Davis

Review

With the second round of the NAB Cup kicking off last night, you would have been forgiven for thinking that the clash between Collingwood and Richmond was nothing more than a mass-attended unveiling of Ben Cousins in his new team colours.

The much publicized return of the fallen footballer dominated the media during the lead-up and much of the commentary during the game; so for those who may still be unsure as to the result I’d like to take this opportunity to assure you that Collingwood did in fact run out convincing victors in the end.

Collingwood burst out of the blocks by kicking the first two majors of the match.  The first goal resulted after Macaffer showed strength and composure, keeping his feet and controlling the ball after a marking contest to setup McCarthy for the first goal of the game.  McCarthy was involved again shortly after, dishing off to a loose Josh Fraser forward of the ball for Collingwood’s second.

After an exciting start, the match degenerated somewhat as both teams adopted a rolling zone that more often than not left their respective back-lines stacked with little on offer up forward.  What eventuated was some exhausting circle work, as both teams attempted to break the lines through handball and run-and-carry.

Collingwood’s back-line stood strong, with Shannon Cox being the early stand-out.  Cox carried the ball better than anyone in the early stages, staking a claim for a Round 1 start as his composure and willingness to take the opposition on impressed even the pre-occupied commentary team.

We got our first look of Dayne Beams early in the match — and many Pie supporters are sure to be excited.  The highlight of the first term coming by way of a perfectly weighted long kick by Beams to Brent Macaffer, who marked strongly in the goal square and converted as Collingwood took a six point lead into the first break.

It was a tough second quarter, as Richmond gained some ascendancy from half-back and through the middle of the ground for much of the quarter.  Collingwood’s defence held up as the ball went back-and-forth with little result on the scoreboard.  Collingwood’s only goal for the quarter came when Beams provided another highlight after kicking truly off one step from 45 metres out.  With the Tigers outscoring the Pies marginally in the second quarter, Collingwood took a one point lead into the half-time break.

For the first 10 minutes of the third quarter, I have to admit that Richmond looked the better team and if not for bad kicking, would have had Collingwood worried.  Fortunately, Collingwood wrestled back the momentum when we were awarded one of our rare free kicks for the evening resulting in a Leigh Brown goal.

Shortly after, Dane Swan snapped truly and for the first time in the match the Pies were able to exert some pressure on the scoreboard after capitalising on Richmond’s poor kicking.  The likes of O’Brien, Clarke, Cox and Toovey were solid down back whilst continuing to provide good rebound.  Despite some nervous moments, Collingwood had straightened up by the 3rd quarter siren and took an 11 point advantage into the final break.

The final quarter was all Collingwood, as the Pies piled on 5 goals – one of which was a super goal from the boot of Didak – whilst holding Richmond goalless.

Dayne Beams provided another highlight in the final term, with a quick-thinking tap on whilst surrounded by a pack of Tigers to a running Toovey — who in turn goaled.  Nathan Brown played a spell up forward and provided a good target, capping off the night for Collingwood by marking strongly and converting after the siren.

In the wake of what eventually turned into a convincing victory, there are a few things that Collingwood should be looking at during the week.  The ruck work of both Fraser and Wood left a little to be desired, especially in Wood’s case who was not only ineffective in the ruck but also around the ground.  Clearances, particularly from the centre bounce, continue to be a problem as Richmond claimed first use of the football a lot more regularly than Collingwood.

The new game plan is obviously in its infancy and clearly requires some refinement.  Whilst we were exciting at times running through the centre corridor, too often did we find ourselves with no forward targets and subsequently what looked to be an exciting passage of play would come to a grinding halt.  Players are obviously still learning their roles within this new set up so it’s difficult to be too critical.  Regardless of the current rough edges in the strategy, it is still refreshing to see that we have more than one plan in place.

As for the players, Pendlebury – whilst not as prominent as he was against West Coast – was his usual silky self and picked up his 20+ disposals.  Leon Davis continues to show why many Collingwood supporters expect a big year from him, working hard throughout the middle of the ground whilst using the ball at an elite standard.

John McCarthy played a half before being subbed for Dale Thomas and in that time reminded us of why many were so excited about his prospects from the glimpses we saw at the end of 2008.  McCarthy simply looks the part with his poise and good disposal.  Macaffer managed a quarter before heading to the sidelines with what has been reported as a migraine.  In that quarter, Macaffer was directly involved in two pieces of play that resulted in goals whilst kicking one himself; a very good return for his first taste of senior level football.

Dayne Beams will undoubtedly be the biggest talking point amongst Collingwood supporters this week.  Similar to McCarthy, he looks the grade and exhibited footballing nous beyond his experience.  With a classy goal and three goal assists to his name, you couldn’t ask for more from a first year player.

I’d like to make special mention of Alan Toovey, who I confess I have been critical of in the past.  Toovey served me an entree sized piece of humble pie tonight, as he put together what is arguably his best performance in the black and white.  He gave nothing away defensively, but also provided good run from half-back whilst using the ball well by anyones standards.

If last night was anything to go by, then Shannon Cox could very well shine and become a permanent fixture in the senior side if we are to persist with our new game plan.  His run and carry, along with his ability to evade would-be tacklers more often than not, is a required attribute within our current strategy.

A final mention goes to Ben Reid, who has now managed to string two good senior performances together — with last night being the most impressive.  Playing a variety of roles ranging from the back-line, the wing and up forward, Reid presented perfectly and marked strongly.  He has started taking the ball above his head or out in front, which is a hint that his confidence has improved over the off-season.  Most importantly, his kicking was without flaw throughout the game; using the ball convincingly over varying distances.

It was a bit of a messy affair for periods of the match, but you would expect as much from a pre-season game where both sides are still dusting off the cobwebs.  Despite sketchy patches of play and our forward structure obviously needing some settling; our back-line comfortably accounted for Richmond’s full assortment of forwards and our foot skills were above average for the most part.

We now face the winner of tonight’s match between Essendon and Brisbane for a berth in the NAB Cup final.  Without getting ahead of myself, I’m quietly confident that we should be able to account for either side if our current form holds.

Justice Prevails: Maxwell Cleared

There is hope still for this great game of ours, as Nick Maxwell had his appeal upheld and his four week suspension overturned.

I spoke out about my distaste at the initial sentence, which was set to sideline our new captain for four weeks after executing a perfect hip-and-shoulder.  I have to admit, I didn’t cling to much hope of our appeal being successful, but this has been a most pleasant surprise.

It’s not just a victory for Collingwood, but a victory for the game at large.  Whilst there are bound to be several opposition supporters who aren’t pleased with this outcome – as Maxwell isn’t a well-liked player for the most part – the majority find this result to be a nod towards the traditional rules and values of the game.

Whilst delighted with the result, some humility is required as it is a shame that young Patrick McGinnity will be sidelined for so long; especially after showing such good early signs.  Credit to Maxwell for expressing his well wishes to the unfortunate young Eagle immediately after being vindicated.

The bump has been given a stay of execution, but what is perhaps even more important is that verdicts and sentences will not be influenced by any resulting injury.  There are bound to be instances of accidental contact occurring via players contesting the football – or the man – in a legal manner.  Thankfully with this precedent, we shouldn’t see such players punished if unexpected and unintentional injuries occur.

With the game undergoing change in both rule interpretations and strategies from year to year, it’s refreshing to see a reprieve handed out to a long standing aspect of our game.

Maxwell Gets 4, ‘The Bump’ Gets Death Sentence…

What can I say?  You’ve all probably heard the news of Nick Maxwell’s failed appeal after being rubbed out for three weeks due to laying a legal hip-and-shoulder on West Coast’s Patrick McGinnity — which has now resulted in a four week penalty.  I haven’t exactly been Johnny-on-the-spot with covering this, as I had to wait for my rage to disperse before posting my thoughts.

What is happening to our great game?  The hip-and-shoulder was something unique and a much-loved aspect of our sport; but with this ruling it’s only logical to think that it will go the way of the Dodo before too long.  In recent years, the AFL has become over-zealous in attempts to sanitise the image of the game to appease the squeamish who don’t like seeing contact in what is – believe it or not – a contact sport.

Nobody likes to see players get injured, but it’s a reality of our game.  The incident itself didn’t warrant a free kick according to the game day umpire; who in my opinion made the right call.  Contact occured within five metres of the ball and Maxwell’s intent was obviously not to injure the player, but simply to remove him from the contest — not the entire game as some may have you believe.

Further to this, Maxwell didn’t leave the ground when applying the bump and ensured that his elbow was tucked in firmly to his side.  Most – if not all – people in the know who have played or studied the caper of football would tell you that the execution was perfect.  Unfortunately, accidental contact to McGinnity’s head resulted in a broken jaw and concussion — the contact occurring via a head clash.

It seems that the extent of the penalty was influenced largely due to the injuries sustained, which leaves the tribunal on shaky ground to say the least.  If verdicts and subsequent penalties are decided upon aftermath as opposed to the merits of the actual incident, we could see many players – who have conducted themselves within the rules of the game – rubbed out from here on end.

The funny thing is, such consistency is unlikely when dealing with the AFL tribunal.

Football is played on instinct for the most part, by the time players reach the AFL their decision making – which has been moulded throughout their junior days with the rules of the game in mind – is split second, a requirement due to the pace of our game.  To expect players to enter every contest contemplating the likely outcomes and perfecting every variable involved in the laws of physics before committing to a course of action is ludicrous to say the least.

I’m all for hefty penalties if malice or conduct outside the spirit and laws of our game is involved — but there was no malice in the Maxwell incident.  Every coach in the league – Worsfold especially – would have expected their player to act in a similar fashion when presented with such a situation.

Collingwood are set to appeal yet again and many football fans are hoping for a reversal.  Understandably, they are not invested in the fortunes of the Collingwood captain, so much as they are in the future of our game.

Match Review: Collingwood Vs. West Coast

NAB CUP ROUND 1: COLLINGWOOD VS. WEST COAST

The Scores

Collingwood: 0.5.2 / 1.8.8 / 1.12.14 / 1.15.17 [116]
West Coast: 1.1.3 / 1.2.4 / 2.3.7 / 3.3.9 [54]

Goals

Collingwood: Cloke 4, Lockyer 3, Anthony 2, Davis 2, Johnson 2, Didak, Wood, Clarke.
West Coast: Staker 2, Cox, McGinnity, Kerr, McKinley.

The 10th Letter’s Best: Pendlebury / Didak / Shaw / Johnson / O’Brien / Lockyer / Swan

Review

Collingwood had expressed a desire to win its opening NAB Cup match; with a view to kicking the season off with some winning form whilst also avoiding a trip to Alice Springs for the NAB Challenge in the event of a loss.  This became even more apparent when Collingwood named a full-strength squad for the pre-season hit-out.  In contrast, West Coast named a young squad for the match and as such the result was virtually a given before the opening bounce.

Despite this, West Coast were the first to get on the scoreboard after a free kick and subsequent 50 metre penalty went the Eagles’ way.  That was about the last time the West Coast fans had cause for celebration or optimism; as Collingwood’s senior brigade siezed control of the match — an ascendancy they would not relinquish.

Lockyer kicked Collingwood’s opening goal with a quick snap from a boundary throw in and continued to be vital as he operated virtually unchecked.  The three players with a point to prove in Didak, Shaw and a rejuvenated Johnson all had blistering opening terms.

Shaw setup Collingwood from the half-back line, providing excellent rebound and mopping up the loose ball with ease.  Didak looked to have lost none of his polish, as he picked up a bunch of quality touches and an earful of the crowd’s distaste.  Ben Johnson was the most impressive however, coming off the bench in the first quarter to have an immediate impact by providing some vintage run-and-carry out of defence whilst also finishing the quarter with two goals — one of which was a pearler tucked on the wrong boundary line for a left footer.

The second quarter commenced with Collingwood holding a 14 point lead, which was quickly extended when Tarkyn Lockyer kicked his third for the match whilst Travis Cloke opened his account after being scragged just outside of the goal square.  Ben Johnson should have rightfully had three goals to his name when his third was incorrectly deemed a behind by an obviously out-of-form goal umpire.

Dean Cox came on to the field to steady the Eagles by kicking their only goal for the quarter.  Shortly after, Marty Clarke received the ball from Ben Johnson and launched a 55 metre bomb to become the first Irish player to kick a nine point super goal.  John Anthony ended the quarter by kicking truly from 45 metres out on the slightest of angles, giving Collingwood a 40 point buffer heading into half-time.

Pendlebury ended the half with 19 disposals and continued to lend credibility to the belief that he just cannot be tackled.  Ben Reid had been handy across half-back playing as a third tall; as he read the play well and used the ball effectively by foot.  Harry O’Brien picked up where he left off last year, giving his opponent absolutely nothing whilst proving damaging as a rebounding option.

Brent Staker kicked off the third quarter with a quality snap from the boundary line, but it was only a minute later when Cloke read the flight of the ball better to mark and convert from only 15 metres out.  Collingwood continued its dominance in the third, whilst Cloke found himself in the right spot at the right time as he cherry-picked two more goals from within the goal square.

Leon Davis cruised in to kick his first for the match after being setup by John Anthony, whilst Daniel Kerr gave the West Coast fans something to cheer about after converting a super goal from just outside 50.  The highlight of the third quarter however was yet another Dale Thomas screamer, taken cleanly above his head while sandwiched between two Eagles players just outside of the 50 metre arc.

The final quarter was a non-event, with Alan Didak getting onto the scoresheet after lending a foot to a mid-air ball poised right on the goal line.  Leon Davis made West Coast’s tall timber look silly after spoiling what should have been a regulation mark, only to find the ball at ground level and finish around his body.  Cameron Wood marked 35 metres out on a 45 degree angle and kicked truly to end Collingwood’s scoring for the night.

Whilst the result was expected and quite a few Collingwood fans – myself included – were a little disappointed not to see some of our untried players get a run, there were a couple of positives to take out of what was essentially a training drill.

Cameron Wood showed good form in the ruck, particularly with his tap work.  Wood also seemed to cover more ground than he has previously, dropping down back to fill holes and also drifting forward to provide a target; he used the ball well throughout the middle of the ground.  Josh Fraser also showed some return to form, picking up 19 touches whilst looking more mobile and comfortable than he has for a while.

Nick Maxwell played a solid game in his first outing as the official Collingwood captain.  Pendlebury looks like he is set to take his game to yet another level, whilst Prestigiacomo looked in good shape and ran the game out.  The return of Johnson, Didak and Shaw whilst all being in great shape and form was a most welcome sight.

New additions Corrie and Brown had a mixed bag, doing some good things whilst also doing some forgettable things.  It takes a little time to adjust to a new team, game plan and environment so I reserve my judgement.  Out of the two, Corrie was clearly the most productive (17 disposals) despite being a little wasteful with the ball at times.  I was pleased to see him work hard when not in possession, producing some very good one percenters.

The game plan looks a little different this year, as we moved the ball via hand-ball and through the corridor a little more so than we have in the past.  We still reverted to the wings on quite a few occasions, but I suspect that will always be the foundation of our offensive style.  The most noticeable change was a switch from our traditional man-on-man setup when defending kick-ins; as we played a zone defence which was very effective at locking West Coast down when trying to bring the ball back into play.

All in all, it was virtually a scratch match given the line-ups, but we came out with the chocolates, roughly a three week break to continue training and tinkering whilst escaping from the match injury free.  Collingwood will now play the winner of Fremantle Vs. Richmond.