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Date Posted: 20:38 20/06/24 Thu
Author: Annabelle
Author Host/IP: 139-216-204-154.sta.dodo.net.au / 139.216.204.154
Subject: A mid-season report for the bye hiatus!

The team and coach – after an inauspicious start, we have strung a lot of wins together punctuated by two draws and a loss, while sorely depleted. McRae has had to move the magnets and humorously has admitted that they’re not like for like in some important cases. The influx of younger players and others not seasoned to the rigours of AFL, has meant that we have not been running out games like last year until the epic comeback against Norf. Clearly the coaches’ manufactured system has helped paper over the fissures caused by the talent gap but perhaps has meant it has taken some time for the newbies to cohere. McRae has spoken admirably at the presser, ever the diplomat who refuses to offer alibis for below par performances. The resurgence after the early season doom as stopped the schadenfreude at our demise in its tracks. We’ve been working through some structural kinks but McRae rarely seems flustered which allows fans to trust him almost unconditionally.

The players:

Lipinski – more consistent this year after a strong pre-season, in contrast to last year which was wrecked by shoulder concerns. He’s been harder at the ball with the occasional feeble tackle thrown in. At times has been vital to our running game as his endurance allows him to be a key component in attacking moves.

JDG – a rollercoaster, interrupted season for him. When he’s played, he’s shown the capacity to play at an elite level as evidenced by the coaches’ votes, but equally had some poorer outings, though has generally done something important in most, highlighted by that winning goal against the Crows.

IQ has not reached the heights of last year in terms of impact and ubiquity. He still has a tendency to fumble below his knees and can be troubled against taller opponents but has also had his good moments, reminding us of his higher end capabilities.

Maynard – has been consistent in a defence quite often under siege, taking regular saving marks and effecting trademark tackles. It was the players’ regard for him hoping to frank his 200th game that highlights him importance to the group. He’s an important cog in the machine when the pressure is dialled up to the hot zone.

Elliott – contrary to some doomsayers who saw signs of his football mortality last year, he rebounded early, running with freedom, being a strong aerial presence, and making himself a contender for our goalkicking award. Unfortunately, the injury curse has struck him again and his absence is still marked as indefinite. Nonetheless we do know that he hasn’t lost the traits that have made him a special player.

Mitchell – started the season slowly but looked hampered by the plantar fasciitis which resulted in him rarely reaching the heights of last year. He may struggle to win his place back if he can’t return to full fitness sooner, rather than later.


Josh Daicos – Last year’s Copeland winner has enjoyed some wonderful moments at times and has had to work hard as a winger to support a midfield whose ranks have been thinned. His somewhat problematic disposal has been a blight on his overall game.

Schultz – has been under duress from the outset because of his cost which of course is not his fault. While he has regularly applied lots of pressure to his opponents the fans have been baying for blood because they’ve wanted him to add more to his game. The auguries are more encouraging now as he is becoming more involved – running hard, having more shots at goal and hitting the scoreboard at crucial points. Internally he’s really rated by the coaching staff.

Noble = worked industriously over the summer to build his frame and leave no stone unturned in an endeavour to win his regular spot as a small defender back. At times he’s given us great impetus, even dobbing a pivotal major but occasionally the kinks in his game – being overpowered in a contest or committing an egregious error have emerged as evidence of the rationale behind his GF omission.

Pendles - the evergreen performer – our spiritual leader, continued from where he left off in the GF last year defying predictions of his imminent demise. He’s combined brilliantly with Nick to ensure that our centre square works has been very efficient when the two operate in tandem. Every so often he gets caught or looks treacle slow, but on balance he doesn’t look like someone limping to the line. In fact he’s rumoured to be in talks for a contract for next year.

McStay – after unfortunately suffering and ACL injury in November, Dan has steeled himself to train hard enough to be ready for a possible return if we make the finals. He’s been extremely assiduous in his approach to his rehab work and has been tracking ahead of schedule. If he is able to be selected, we must ensure that his form warrants reinclusion but if he is ready and firing it will be a boon to the team with the structure, experience and marking power he adds to the forward dynamic.

Carmichael – suffered a bad concussion in a fierce tackling drill during the summer and has not really recovered from the blow. It is increasingly likely that he may have to hang up the boots which is disappointing because at his best he had some grunt to add to the mix.

Harry Demattia - looked quite good during pre-season training, working his way through different sectors of the ground during match simulation. He incurred a finger injury which sidelined him for some time but he used this period to build up his tank. He’s gradually finding his feet at VFL level and Fly remarked that his last game was his best. Despite some early reports to the contrary, his kicking skills appear to be good and he covers the ground well. Fly seems to like acquiring players who fit into this high-octane movement game-plan.

Cameron – his consistently good form is no surprise to summer track watchers as he showed he had shaken off the knee injury which hampered him last season. His vice like grip on marks stood out and he has shown the ability to float into defence to help stem the flow of opposition attacks. He’s held his own in the ruck and currently is operating without Cox’s support.

Kreuger – Nathan is clearly at the last chance saloon with Collingwood point in his career and after suffering shoulder, hamstring and calf injuries which have curtailed his ambitions, he now has the chance to prove himself. His insertion into the team has been opportune with a noteworthy performance against the Demons and some influential moments last Sunday as the team rallied to defy the kangas. He offers the team some aggression, height and structure in attack and excites the crowd. If he survives the rest of the season on this upward trajectory with his body intact, another contract beckons.

Allan – he waited a long time for a debut which occurred in his home state. He showed that he wasn’t totally at sea but clearly has some things to work on. Following this she demonstrated some increased maturity at VFL level and is again on the cusp of selection, though returning troops may stymie that. He has an impressive height and has showcased good handballing skills and a capacity to run hard when required. He may need to develop his decision-making skills further and general footy nous as sometimes he looks to run to the wrong spots, unlike some of our more intuitive and spontaneous footballers.

Frampton – in days of yore, he probably would have been regarded as a utility player on a footy card such as his adaptability in terms of Fly’s plans. Most would consider though that he’s first and foremost a key defender as he’s shown a capacity to perform a lockdown role, while also manifesting attacking flair on other occasions. As a forward he is apt to play a shutdown role on a potentially game-changing defender but this tends to anaesthetise all attacking elements meaning that even if a goal-kicking opportunity presents itself, he appears powerless to execute the necessary action. Billy can also pinch-hit in the ruck to give a chop out to Cameron so his versality has been more than worth his relatively modest price.

Macrae – fans had been agitating for his return to the team for most of the season but alas, apart from a semblance of form in the first half against the Dees indicating that he might belong at the top level, he’s been generally insipid in contests and giving off low intensity vibes. It’s highly unlikely he will now figure strongly in our long-term midfield plans. Being subbed out when half the team was below par symbolises Fly’s views on his value and progress.

Tew Jiath – last year’s final pick is shaping up as arguably our most exciting young prospect. He is lithe, extremely athletic and seemingly glides quickly across the ground. In further good news he reads the play well for a neophyte, Most track-watchers doubted that he’d play this year but standout form meant that he deserved promotion. He looked a bit overawed initially but gradually worked his way into the game, so much so that he remained on the ground during the frantic last minutes. He will probably make way for others now but it’s clear that he has AFL attributes and will only improve with experience. A taste on the bigger stage is good for him and imbues him with hope for the future.

Smit – the mid-season draftee is an important acquisition in terms of having a developing ruck option on the list. He has the physical size to play this position and first impressions are that he is aggressive in respect of attitude and he could be the successor to the Cameron/Cox partnership.

Steene – another fledgling ruckman Oscar has succumbed to injury which will arrest his development. He has shown some good signs in the rucking and marking stakes, in both match simulation and at VFL level but he still has a long way to go.

Sidey – it’s been rather an idiosyncratic season for Steele as his form has waxed and waned but due to injuries to similar players, he’s not incurred the wrath of Fly’s axe. Nonetheless, at times he’s stepped up when required, none moreso than against the Roos when he went into the middle and nailed clearances, driving the ball from the centre square with penetration which allowed the forwards an advantage over their opponents. He still has a role to play within the set-up.

Hill – Bobby dazzler has not stood out every game but he’s one of the hardest working players in the team. He applies pressure all over the ground but especially in attack and has kicked some clutch goals. He was one of the architects of our comeback win against Norf and he delights the crowd with his electrifying speed and acrobatic marking skills.

Ryan – regarded by most Pie watchers of the younger brigade as a bland addition to our squad. None of his skills appear to be particularly eye-catching and his one game last year was memorable for unflattering reasons. Jakob will have to produce better quality games if he’s to remain an important part of the future plans at our club.

Crisp – if he wasn’t so scintillating at times with his run and dash, we could easily refer to him as a machine, but there’s nothing robotic about Jack, save for the metronomic way his consecutive games keep ticking over. The sobriquet steak knives has not done justice to his output for some time now. After a slowish start to the season, he’s hit peak form and has been an important addition to the midfield to assist the maestro and he plays the on-ball role with such elan


Reef – in his fourth year now and he’s teased us a bit with glimpses of high-end talent but again he has struggled for continuity in respect of matches played, and significant minutes in others when he’s had the sub role. His biggest hurdle appears to be a smaller engine as he looked fatigued quite early. Despite this he has filled in well at times as the third tall in attack. He’s good for at least one goal for match and has shown some good positioning at times which has paved the way for others, as well as impressive speed off the mark. Rumour has it that he may look elsewhere if he continues to receive limited games or game time.

Bytel - When Jack was promoted as a SSP guy there was unanimity among track-watchers that he was lucky. He was solid enough in the VFL and concussed in his first outing against the Eagles. When recalled he was underwhelming and strikes many fans as being vanilla and uninspiring. If we ever get a full roll call of players banging down the door for selection, he will have a lengthy queue in front of him. One disturbing trait seems to be problematic kicking with balls landing OOTF sans even mild pressure.

Murphy – he completed quite a bit of training, appeared spooked by the Nick tackle which he thankfully survived but then sought medical advice and the situation was always moving inexorably towards retirement. He has left a void in defence as he played a key role in allowing others to be liberated and his toughness was unquestionable, while his reckless attack on the ball was one of the hallmarks of his style. At least he got his flag but twenty-four seems cruelly premature for one to be forced to farewell the game he loved.

Richards – the effervescent livewire showed some promising signs last year without commanding a place and he was hobbled a bit by injury. When he received the call-up, not many expected him to fit so seamlessly into our line-up. He showcased his speed, goal craft and general footy nous in the few games he was afforded before being struck down with a foot injury. Let’s hope he can recapture that form if he finds himself at senior level again but it was heartening for fans to see that there are players putting their hands up to form a layer of reasonable depth below the automatic selections.

Moore – not the dynamic presence of some previous seasons but the Murphy absence has forced him to sacrifice his game somewhat to play tighter (the Larkin first half horror show aside), the latter indicative of his occasional lapses which see him giving too much leg rope to his opponent. It’s not so much that he can’t play one on one, more that sometimes he’s in a different postcode to his man. Fly dragged him accordingly on Sunday. Leads the competition for one percenters and is still intercepting well.

Beau – is perhaps an enigma to some as he has some juicy tools to work with – electric speed, enviable strength with attendant killer eyes when switched on. He has shown in patches that his kicking suggests that he’s skilful in this area but his execution is inconsistent. Was interesting to see him deployed to the tagger role on LDU on Sunday which he carried out with aplomb and this made a huge difference to how we accessed the ball. If he can build his tank further (he’s improved in this area) it will be a fillip for our flexibility going forward, especially as the tagging role seems to be de rigueur at this juncture. Beau’s not averse to snagging the odd crumbing goal.

WHE = for years fans have lamented the spectral figure who seems to disappear from screens and is no longer in the orbit of those in the bleachers. But this year the phantom seemed more visible, to the extent that when he literally disappeared, the barrackers pined for his presence. It turns out the ghost is a key part of our structural make=up and he covers acres of the turf unnoticed but this gut running is an essential ingredient in the mix. Additionally Will is noted for his versatility and adaptability and when he returned the forward line looked more potent. He is strong overhead and has innate skills and footy nous which have complemented our eclectic mix of forwards.

Sullivan = Lachie is a SSP addition who was wanted by those rating the candidates over the summer. He’s effectively replaced, and while not comparable to Tom at his best, he’s filled in appropriately. Notably he booted a major against the Blues with his first kick in AFL ranks and is inside skills have enabled the likes of Crisp and Nick to play more as an outside mid in the centre congestion. He is not treacle slow but sometimes he is apt to delay execution of his kicks which expose him at this level. Like Bytel he probably only on the periphery of selection if all the regulars return but he’s proven to be handy depth. It is also a good story to see those who’ve strived for years to burst onto the scene finally get a gig at the highest level.

Eyre – Josh who was the most highly fancied of those vying for SSP positions badly injured his troublesome hammy on the eve of this selection but the coaches showed faith in his potential. He has only recently made a return via the VFL and as a forward but one suspects he will soon be playing in his natural position as a key defender. Josh is athletic, has shown he can take some contested marks and he has a booming left foot as a key weapon. One suspects that he will probably only play AFL next season unless in Fiona Ruscoe’s words “the whole team falls over”

Daicos – As Sandy Roberts once famously observed of Gary Ablett senior “What more can one say?” It’s hard to come up with new ways to describe our lodestar. The young maestro is the bellwether in the younger brigade who are our generation next, but he’s clearly nonpareil. The matchwinner directs his kicks with the precision of a surgeon, burns his opponent by dint of his iron will and weaves his way through congestion as if he’s untouchable. Just when the commentariat thought that tagging was his 'kryptonite' he casts aside the tiring Phillips and tears the game asunder. He is destined to become the Collingwood fans’ darling but the opposition’s bete noire.

Harrison – identified by some track=watchers when he first arrives as someone who might prove to be a pleasant surprise packet. He has had odd games here and there but currently appears to be consolidating his place in the team. Harvey has a knack for kicking goals but on Sunday also took a timely mark deep in defence showing that he has good instincts for the state of play. He has a compact frame and impressive strength for his relative youth and earned himself a rising star nomination, something which has been few and far between for Collingwood players in recent years.

Markov – one of a few players who has dropped off the pace this year. Oleg still looks lively at times with his exuberant running but he has lacked game involvement and been a bit error-prone when playing in the seniors.

Howe – after starting slowly like many of his peers, he’s come alive over the past month in particular, earning the plaudits of Fly and reminded us of his athletic prowess and composure at critical times which is born of experience in crunch situations. While he’s still valuable in defence, he has the added string to his bow of being able to be swung forward where he seems capable of impacting. Rumoured to be favoured to go around again next year.

Begg – looked promising during summer training and perhaps destined to go to the next level but this has not come to fruition and his season ended quite early due to injury. Many judges believe that he’s too short for a ruckman and too slow for a flanker type if he can’t play as a KPP which could spell the end of his AFL prospects, noting that he has played a couple of games previously.

Ash – another enigmatic type who appears to have some weapons which stand him in good stead for higher honours but he never seems to put it altogether. If anything, he’s regressed; maybe his confidence is at a low ebb. Some observers see him as lacking in intensity and his laconic style does nothing to disabuse them of that judgement. With Kreuger’s star maybe on the rise, Ash needs to improve his output to compete with him, especially given the imminent return of Checkers.

Checkers – the ironman finally succumbed to injury twice and it was almost foreign terrain for the Pies to navigate life without Brody. His season has been a bit chequered (no pun intended) with a few stellar outings contrasted against some with low output, though generally he is known for a high work ethic regardless of the tangible statistics.
Dean – heavily critiqued early in the season when he debuted for being too slow, too short and too ineffectual. but he’s turned his game around showing signs of solidity and reliability. He may well become our lockdown defender who’s the cornerstone of our defence which allows to roam more freely.

Long – some at pre-season training lamented his ineligibility for listing but he was acquired during the mid-season draft. Returning for injury soon, he may bolster the ranks of the inside mids as he has shown during match simulation a capacity to extract the ball and feed his teammates, in addition to using this to propel his team into attack.

Parker – many onlookers are bullish about his future given what he showed after very limited preparation. A full summer training should stand him in good stead for showcasing his talent. He has neat skills, good footy nous and promising endurance. He’s also had a taste of the big time to whet his appetite for more.

Cox = while he has had some good moments, his output has been down based on previous seasons and he’s seemed off his game at times. After suffering a knee injury and concussion he has been sidelined and looks to be some time away from returning given that he’s still moving a bit gingerly. His absence has meant that Cameron has shouldered the lion’s share of the ruck load and that the forward line has had to be restructured to reflect the loss of such a towering presence.

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