I thought the last day of the home and away season might be a fitting date to discuss some of the burning questions in football. Without further ado;
10. Palmer or Cotchin? This year's rising star.
Much like the Pendlebury vs. Selwood debate last year, both players are unreal talents, but the argument is moot as their is only one real winner. Cyril Rioli is a brilliant player. He uses the ball to perfection, and has that aura about him that whenever he gets the ball he's going to do something brilliant with it. That quality in a player is extremely rare. But ultimately when you average less than 14 disposals a game you aren't the NAB rising star. Rhys Palmer is. Palmer's season has been unreal, just watch his performance against Collingwood on Friday night. He's 19 years old and has already developed the knowledge of how to dominate games. He doesn't so much read the play as he makes the play work for him. He runs tirelessly, and has excellent pace. He's also a fantastic mark, and courage isn't by any means a shortcoming. He puts his body on the line. He's Dale Thomas meets a younger Ben Cousins. His disposal is his much publicised shortcoming, and for good reason. It needs to improve. On his preferred left he's fine, but his right foot is shocking. Genuinely shocking. Once he fixes this up though, the sky truly is the limit. Because right now he's the best young talent in the game.
9. Where will Josh Carr be next year?
It seemed like Carr was almost a lock for a trade to Port Adelaide next year, but Mark Williams' comments last night (saying that Carr is too old for Port) added some doubt and spice to the conversation. Carr is 28 and you would suspect he was 2-3 years of genuine usefulness left in him. Carr's longevity should be very good. He's played 18+ games in every year since 2001. His game doesn't depend on speed, it relies on reading the play and hardness at the contest. He's still a quality player and would slot into any contending team nicely. The only question for Port is his age. No rebuilding team should be looking to trade for quality 28 year olds. Mark Williams seems to think that Port is in a rebuilding stage but the facts beg to differ. This team will contend next year. People seem to forget that the Power played in a grand final last year. That list is largely unchanged. This team won just 7 games this year, but in reality they should have won a few more. Port finished 1-7 in games decided by 2 goals or less. They lost two games at home when leading by 5+ goals at three quarter time. This team has all the talent, they need the mental stability and leadership to close out matches. Josh Carr provides that. The Power have the youth and they have the veteran core to contend, Josh Carr will only add to that. I suspect Mark Williams appreciates this, and Carr will find himself back in Power colours next year. A second round draft pick should get it done, and I think it would be worth it.
8. Is Jeff Farmer's career over?
No. He's too talented. On his day, as he re-asserted this weekend, he's still one of the elite small forwards in the game. His problem is obviously motivation and discipline. When motivated, as he was on Friday playing for a new contract, he plays well. He needs to be in an environment where his every action is scrutinised. This will keep him in line. Fremantle is not this location. His trade value hovers around zero, and for a team on the rebuild (albeit what should be a quick rebuild) Farmer has no place. He'll be delisted but I'd expect a team to take a punt on him in the preseason draft. He'd be a perfect fit at Brisbane. Should Jonathan Brown stay (more on this later) he'd perfectly compliment him and Bradshaw. The veteran leadership of Simon Black, Luke Power and Brown would be sure to keep him closer in line as well.
7. Will delisted players find new homes?
This season has seen a lot of players publicly delisted before the season has finished. It must be depressing for guys like Jeff White, Adam Yze and Damien Peverill to know that their team no longer values them, midway through the season. Adam Yze is undeniably done. No team will go near him, he's about three years past being borderline useful. Damien Peverill is young enough that a team will probably pick him with either a very late pick in the draft or in the pre-season draft. Jeff White is the interesting one. I heard a commentator today saying that he didn't think Jeff White would be able to find a home next year. I find this too hard to believe. I struggle to find a single team in the league that wouldn't benefit from having Jeff White on their team. It was just last year that Jeff White was the 3rd best ruckman (hitouts per game) in the league. He's still a fantastic ruckman, and his brilliant athleticism means he'd still be effective as a forward. He fits with any team as either a #2 ruckman and part-time forward, and on teams like Collingwood and Carlton he'd be the #1 ruckman. He would work as either a ruckman for a contending team, or a stop-gap on a developing team until youth developed.
6. Is Scott West's career over?
Unfortunately you'd have to say yes. The Bulldogs play at an absolutely breakneck speed and West can't keep up. His body seems to be shot, and the Bulldogs seem to have pieced together a decent enough season without him. Football's a cruel game and Scott West will be its latest victim. A legend of the Western Bulldogs and a champion footballer, Scott West has played his last game.
5. Ablett, Harvey or Bartel?
The Brownlow medal really is impossible to judge. There have been so many years when a favourite has been considered a 'lock' to win, only to fall well short. Anthony Koutoufides was a lock to win in 2000, only for Shane Woewodin to come from nowhere and take the award. Luke Darcy was considered an easy favourite for 2002, only for Simon Black to take the honours. Likewise last year for Gary Ablett, with teammate Jimmy Bartel stealing the award. The amount of votes to win varies as well. In 2004 Chris Judd needed 30 votes to win, the next year teammate Ben Cousins only needed 20. A lot of things are required to win the medal, luck is one of them. Umpires tend to go for fair and honest players that win plenty of the ball and obviously play in the midfield. They tend to value consistency and hardness over explosiveness. This is the reason players like Sam Mitchell and Simon Black poll well and Gary Ablett and Anthony Koutoufides generally do not. The notion that players in good teams have teammates stealing votes and therefore can't win is false. The logic is right, the evidence is not. Jason Akermanis, Simon Black, Chris Judd, Ben Cousins and James Bartel have all managed to win Brownlow's in star-studded teams. Who is my pick for this year's Brownlow? I'm going to go with a dark horse and pick Simon Black. He always polls well and he had a terrific season. He's a champion and a second Brownlow would be thoroughly deserved.
4. Where will Alan Didak and the Shaw brothers be next year?
Heath Shaw will be a magpie next year and for years beyond, there's little doubt of that. His brother Rhyce is less of a sure bet. Rhyce is just about the quickest guy on Collingwood's list, and on top of that he runs hard as well. His disposal is generally very good as well. I'd prefer to keep him, but if the Pies can get a 2nd round pick for him I wouldn't be unhappy if they pulled the trigger. Didak is obviously the big one. With the miraculous improvements of Medhurst and Davis, as well as the continued development of Dale Thomas, Didak is something at Collingwood he's never been before - expendable. If the Woods were to trade him it would more than likely be to an Adelaide team. With Motlop and Ebert already there, Didak doesn't really fit in. But he's a quality player and quality players find ways to fit in. Port will have the #5 pick in the draft, and Collingwood would be foolish not to trade Dids for that pick. My gut feeling is that he leaves.
3. Will Daniel Kerr be at a Victorian club next year?
No. The Eagles are still wounded by how little they let Chris Judd go for last year, and they will demand too much for Daniel Kerr. 'Two draft picks in the top ten' is what they're asking for, and they aren't going to get it. Given Kerr's injury and suspension history he isn't worth that much anyway. There's a good chance that Kerr will leave next year, possibly for nothing, so the Eagles need to trade him now while they have some leverage. The teams allegedly interested in Kerr are (with expected first round draft picks in parentheses) Carlton (#6), Essendon (#5), Hawthorn (#15), Sydney (#11), Richmond (#8) and Collingwood (#9).
Carlton simply don't need Kerr. With Judd, Murphy, Gibbs, Stevens, Carrazo and Scotland the Blues midfield is set for years. They have more pressing needs, namely a ruckman, more defence, and a forward to compliment Fev. Hawthorn is just not going to happen. If you believe the Eagles are serious about two draft picks in the top ten, then Hawthorn would have to swing two trades just to get the draft picks required. With a midfield of Mitchell, Hodge, Sewell, Lewis, Ladson, Bateman, Crawford, and more, the Hawks like the Blues have more pressing needs. Richmond are a chance, Kerr could be what pushes them to the next level. A Foley, Cotchin, Kerr midfield would be scary. What would it take to get it done though? The Tigers could probably offer something like #8, #26, Mark Coughlan and Richard Tambling, although I doubt West Coast would bite. The Tigers aren't getting Kerr without breaking up the youthful core.
Sydney are interesting, as they'd seemingly be a good fit for Kerr. They obviously have the reputation as being good with tradees, and a trade for Kerr would invigorate a) a team seemingly on the slide, and b) a supporter base that needs invigoration. I just can't see the Swans getting a deal done though, considering their ageing list. #11, Kieran Jack and Jarred Moore might get it done, but it would be to the detriment of the Swans. Collingwood desperately need a game-breaking midfielder, and Kerr is that kind of player. The Pies can afford him too. How would they get it done. Would Port Adelaide trade pick #4 for Alan Didak? If they would then the Pies could offer #4, #9 and say Ben Reid for Kerr and maybe a third round pick. I don't see how either team could turn that down. The deal is obviously dependent on Port biting on Didak. These teams don't have a good relationship, so Collingwood might have to sweeten it by adding a second rounder to it. If that were the case Collingwood could get Kerr and #35 for Didak, Reid, #9 and #27. Considering Didak's indiscretions that's not a bad deal.
The favourite though has to be Essendon I think. The Dons own the #5 pick which already gives them leverage over Collingwood and Richmond. The Dons could trade #5, Andrew Lovett (on the way out anyway) and one of Reimers, Jetta, Dyson and Monfries is a very solid deal.
2. Will Jonathan Brown stay with Brisbane?
I'm beginning to lean towards no. Given how long it has taken for him to not make a decision, and seeing how he's played over the past month, he's looked like a player that wants out. Add to this the disappointing results from Brisbane and the impending coaching dilemmas, Brown might be better served leaving. The favourite as we stand is Collingwood, because of our deep pockets. The worst thing Collingwood could do for now, and for the future, is to get Jonathan Brown. The Pies forward line is set - Cloke, Rusling, Dawes, Reid, Rocca, Thomas, Didak, Medhurst, Davis, Anthony - it needs no adding to. The problems with the Pies lie with the lack of experience in defence, lack of explosiveness and game-breaking play in the midfield, and lack of A RUCKMAN. Jonathan Brown, with his body on the decline and his reckless/heroic style of play, is not the answer. I suspect he will move, but hopefully it's not to the Pies.
1. Ben Cousins
The biggest question in the AFL is Ben Cousins. Will he play next year? If so, who for? And how will he get there?
If he does play, Collingwood, as they are with Jonathan Brown, are the favourites. They desperately need a leader and a gun midfielder, and Cousins is both of those. He'll be cheap too. If they have the opportunity Collingwood have to take Cousins. The problem is that he may or may not reach them. All other teams have the power to grab him in the draft, and there are presently 8 teams in front of the Pies. Whatever happens, Ben Cousins will be dominating headlines until and through the start of next year.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Screwed. + Wow
Adelaide completely utterly screwed Collingwood over yesterday. There's simply no other way to put it. An Adelaide loss yesterday and the Woods would find themselves in Sydney next weekend against an injury/suspension/form hit Swans outfit. Instead, Collingwood find themselves gearing up for a clash against either St. Kilda or the Kangaroos - matches that they would be expected to lose. Obviously we can't just pin this on Adelaide. Collingwood screwed themselves over on Friday night with that insipid performance against the Dockers. Win that, and they find themselves top four. I can not overstate how disgusting Collingwood's performance was on Friday night. They cost themselves a legitimate shot at the premiership.
Who would I rather see Collingwood lining up against next weekend? Well Collingwood have beaten St. Kilda twice this year, and lost to North twice, so conventional wisdom says that you'd rather play the Saints. Honestly though I'd rather line-up against North. St. Kilda scares me. They have the capacity to play brilliant football on any given day. Any team with Nick Riewoldt is a team to be feared. Add to that the Robert Harvey factor and I can't see the Pies beating St. Kilda. Guys like Lenny Hayes and Riewoldt are going to die before Harvey exits with a loss. At least with North you know what your going to get. They play hard, run well and they've got Brent Harvey. They're the team I'd rather play.
The other scenario is one I really don't want to even consider. If St. Kilda beat a Lucas-less, McVeigh-less, Fletcher-less Dons outfit they'll win 4th spot and the Pies will travel to Adelaide next week. That's not something we want. I can't see the Saints losing, so the Pies best gear-up for a clash with St. Kilda on Saturday night next weekend.
On a brighter note, how good was last night? Is that the highlight of the season? You'd have to think so. Watching Buddy and then Fev go at the 100 mark was truly amazing. It was just a fantastic football experience. In the midst of Collingwood's depressing result it was something to really lighten the football spirits. Watching Brad Fisher 1m out directly in front of goal and looking to handball was just fantastic to see. Putting away my basic dislike of Buddy Franklin and especially of Brendan Fevola, I genuinely wanted to see both of them crack the 100 mark. When discussing the game of the season people will think of the Round 3 Showdown between Adelaide and Port Adelaide for the sheer intensity and hardness of the contest, the Collingwood Geelong clash for the transcendent experience that it was, the second Hawthorn Adelaide matchup for its closeness and thrilling finish, the much hyped Hawthorn Geelong battle which lived up the hype and then some or the thrilling Richmond-Brisbane duel where Joel Bowden slotted the winning goal. But in reality last night's duel between Carlton and Hawthorn was the best match of the season, and the final scoreline read Hawthorn 159 Carlton 81.
Who would I rather see Collingwood lining up against next weekend? Well Collingwood have beaten St. Kilda twice this year, and lost to North twice, so conventional wisdom says that you'd rather play the Saints. Honestly though I'd rather line-up against North. St. Kilda scares me. They have the capacity to play brilliant football on any given day. Any team with Nick Riewoldt is a team to be feared. Add to that the Robert Harvey factor and I can't see the Pies beating St. Kilda. Guys like Lenny Hayes and Riewoldt are going to die before Harvey exits with a loss. At least with North you know what your going to get. They play hard, run well and they've got Brent Harvey. They're the team I'd rather play.
The other scenario is one I really don't want to even consider. If St. Kilda beat a Lucas-less, McVeigh-less, Fletcher-less Dons outfit they'll win 4th spot and the Pies will travel to Adelaide next week. That's not something we want. I can't see the Saints losing, so the Pies best gear-up for a clash with St. Kilda on Saturday night next weekend.
On a brighter note, how good was last night? Is that the highlight of the season? You'd have to think so. Watching Buddy and then Fev go at the 100 mark was truly amazing. It was just a fantastic football experience. In the midst of Collingwood's depressing result it was something to really lighten the football spirits. Watching Brad Fisher 1m out directly in front of goal and looking to handball was just fantastic to see. Putting away my basic dislike of Buddy Franklin and especially of Brendan Fevola, I genuinely wanted to see both of them crack the 100 mark. When discussing the game of the season people will think of the Round 3 Showdown between Adelaide and Port Adelaide for the sheer intensity and hardness of the contest, the Collingwood Geelong clash for the transcendent experience that it was, the second Hawthorn Adelaide matchup for its closeness and thrilling finish, the much hyped Hawthorn Geelong battle which lived up the hype and then some or the thrilling Richmond-Brisbane duel where Joel Bowden slotted the winning goal. But in reality last night's duel between Carlton and Hawthorn was the best match of the season, and the final scoreline read Hawthorn 159 Carlton 81.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Pathetic.
I don't think there's really another way to describe how Collingwood played tonight. The Pies had everything to play for and they played their most lifeless game of the season. Commentators brought up a number of excuses for the Pies - Rhys Palmer playing like a maniac for the Rising Star award, Jeff Farmer playing for a new contract, playing for Jason Johnson, the wide expanses of Subiaco. All of them don't matter. The fact is that Collingwood claim to be a good team with something to play for, and evidence suggests that Fremantle is simply not a good team. To their credit the Dockers did play decent football, but what is frustrating is that Collingwood played so poorly. Losing to a team playing well is nothing to be ashamed of. Losing that badly to a poor team with finals 7 days ago is something that would require a good deal of shame.
Collingwood played terribly all night. Shocking skill errors all night plagued the Woods, as did a lack of intensity around the ball. What killed Collingwood though was its forward 50 entries, which were an absolute joke. Every single time the Pies simply booted it high and long and hoped for the best. You can get away with this if you get the ball in there often enough, but Collingwood couldn't break 40 inside 50s for the night.
Individually everyone bar Leon Davis and Scott Pendlebury were terrible. Davis existed on another plane of existence for a period in the second quarter, but he couldn't sustain the effort all night. Although I will say that his goal in the 2nd term was just about the most amazing thing I've seen all season. Pendlebury worked hard and won a lot of the ball, particularly in the first term. Aside from those two no one could claim to have played well. Josh Fraser made mental errors on numerous occasions, Subiaco seemed to stir up a few too many memories in Paul Medhurst as he reverted to the mediocre Docker of 2006 instead of the potential All-Australian of 2008 he has emerged as. I didn't mind Medders being given a run on the ball, but as is the case with many forwards who go in the midfield, he didn't make smart decisions with the ball. Simple things as a midfielder like using the split second while your being tackled to give the ball to the teammate next to you instead of handballing forward as far as you can Medhurst couldn't get right.
The young foursome of Dawes, McCarthy, Cook and Stanley looked painfully mediocre all night. Dawes didn't display his usually smooth handle of the ball, the disposal of Stanley and Cook was poor, and McCarthy on at least three occasions committed himself too much into going for a diving mark when a stop-and-prop would have sufficed. Rookie mistakes, but at this point in time none of these guys really have much business on a team serious about finals. Shannon Cox actually looked okay, showing decent aerial skills.
The problem with Collingwood right now and especially for the future is this faith in youth. Committing yourself to a younger team is fine, when you take a look at the quality of the youth Collingwood have it doesn't inspire much confidence. OK, we've got Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke and Marty Clarke, all of which should be All-Australians one day. Heath Shaw should also probably be put in that group. We've got 5 gun young players. But the gap between that group and the next group of youngsters is massive. The group is basically Sean Rusling, Ben Reid, Shannon Cox, Chris Egan, Harry O'Brien, John Anthony, Nathan Brown, Cam Wood, Sharrod Wellingham, John McCarthy, Danny Stanley, Ryan Cook, Chris Dawes, Tyson Goldsack, Brad Dick, Alan Toovey and Sam Iles.
First let me say that I love Harry O'Brien, Tyson Goldsack and especially John Anthony. Anthony will be a reliable 3rd option in the forward line for years to come. O'Brien and Goldsack will be able to handle the 3rd and 4th forwards for the next decade - and that's the baseline estimate. Nathan Brown is a keeper too, once he develops a stronger football IQ. Sharrod Wellingham is a keeper, of this group he's the one who'll probably find himself in the Cloke group before long. Then it gets worse. Iles will be delisted at the end of the year, and in reality Chris Egan and Alan Toovey should probably go to. Rusling would be useful if he could stand up straight for a sustained period of time without snapping something. Reid doesn't have the body or frame of an AFL player. He's Westhoff without a knack for reading the play. Chris Dawes can't kick a football, he's a Tarrant without the speed or presence. With Davis, Thomas, Medhurst and Didak at the club I can't really see a need for Brad Dick. The group of McCarthy, Stanley and Cook doesn't inspire any confidence at all. And Cam Wood is getting beaten for a spot in the team by Chris Bryan.
Honestly this set of youth doesn't look like it can win a premiership. This is a huge problem because what will be the 'veteran group' in three years consists of Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst, Nick Maxwell and Dane Swan - that's it (Didak too if he's still around). My belated point is this - with the way that Geelong, Hawthorn and the Bulldogs (with Carlton, Essendon and Richmond all to join shortly) are positioned to dominate the next three years, Collingwood's list as it is now has a ceiling of 4th position. If Collingwood wants to keep up with the competition over the next 2-3 years it has to make something happen. And tonight watching Rhys Palmer, Ibbotson, Hinkley, Carr and Schammer dominate the stoppages I sure thought it would be nice to see Ben Cousins racking up the clearances in black and white next year.
Collingwood played terribly all night. Shocking skill errors all night plagued the Woods, as did a lack of intensity around the ball. What killed Collingwood though was its forward 50 entries, which were an absolute joke. Every single time the Pies simply booted it high and long and hoped for the best. You can get away with this if you get the ball in there often enough, but Collingwood couldn't break 40 inside 50s for the night.
Individually everyone bar Leon Davis and Scott Pendlebury were terrible. Davis existed on another plane of existence for a period in the second quarter, but he couldn't sustain the effort all night. Although I will say that his goal in the 2nd term was just about the most amazing thing I've seen all season. Pendlebury worked hard and won a lot of the ball, particularly in the first term. Aside from those two no one could claim to have played well. Josh Fraser made mental errors on numerous occasions, Subiaco seemed to stir up a few too many memories in Paul Medhurst as he reverted to the mediocre Docker of 2006 instead of the potential All-Australian of 2008 he has emerged as. I didn't mind Medders being given a run on the ball, but as is the case with many forwards who go in the midfield, he didn't make smart decisions with the ball. Simple things as a midfielder like using the split second while your being tackled to give the ball to the teammate next to you instead of handballing forward as far as you can Medhurst couldn't get right.
The young foursome of Dawes, McCarthy, Cook and Stanley looked painfully mediocre all night. Dawes didn't display his usually smooth handle of the ball, the disposal of Stanley and Cook was poor, and McCarthy on at least three occasions committed himself too much into going for a diving mark when a stop-and-prop would have sufficed. Rookie mistakes, but at this point in time none of these guys really have much business on a team serious about finals. Shannon Cox actually looked okay, showing decent aerial skills.
The problem with Collingwood right now and especially for the future is this faith in youth. Committing yourself to a younger team is fine, when you take a look at the quality of the youth Collingwood have it doesn't inspire much confidence. OK, we've got Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke and Marty Clarke, all of which should be All-Australians one day. Heath Shaw should also probably be put in that group. We've got 5 gun young players. But the gap between that group and the next group of youngsters is massive. The group is basically Sean Rusling, Ben Reid, Shannon Cox, Chris Egan, Harry O'Brien, John Anthony, Nathan Brown, Cam Wood, Sharrod Wellingham, John McCarthy, Danny Stanley, Ryan Cook, Chris Dawes, Tyson Goldsack, Brad Dick, Alan Toovey and Sam Iles.
First let me say that I love Harry O'Brien, Tyson Goldsack and especially John Anthony. Anthony will be a reliable 3rd option in the forward line for years to come. O'Brien and Goldsack will be able to handle the 3rd and 4th forwards for the next decade - and that's the baseline estimate. Nathan Brown is a keeper too, once he develops a stronger football IQ. Sharrod Wellingham is a keeper, of this group he's the one who'll probably find himself in the Cloke group before long. Then it gets worse. Iles will be delisted at the end of the year, and in reality Chris Egan and Alan Toovey should probably go to. Rusling would be useful if he could stand up straight for a sustained period of time without snapping something. Reid doesn't have the body or frame of an AFL player. He's Westhoff without a knack for reading the play. Chris Dawes can't kick a football, he's a Tarrant without the speed or presence. With Davis, Thomas, Medhurst and Didak at the club I can't really see a need for Brad Dick. The group of McCarthy, Stanley and Cook doesn't inspire any confidence at all. And Cam Wood is getting beaten for a spot in the team by Chris Bryan.
Honestly this set of youth doesn't look like it can win a premiership. This is a huge problem because what will be the 'veteran group' in three years consists of Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst, Nick Maxwell and Dane Swan - that's it (Didak too if he's still around). My belated point is this - with the way that Geelong, Hawthorn and the Bulldogs (with Carlton, Essendon and Richmond all to join shortly) are positioned to dominate the next three years, Collingwood's list as it is now has a ceiling of 4th position. If Collingwood wants to keep up with the competition over the next 2-3 years it has to make something happen. And tonight watching Rhys Palmer, Ibbotson, Hinkley, Carr and Schammer dominate the stoppages I sure thought it would be nice to see Ben Cousins racking up the clearances in black and white next year.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Ending an era
The Sydney Swans' slide from the AFL's elite began with Collingwood, was re-ignited by Collingwood, and then was rather emphatically completed by Collingwood last night. The slide from premiership contender to also-ran began when Collingwood dominated and borderline embarassed Sydney in last year's elimination final. That Saturday night at the MCG only a magnificent effort from Adam Goodes prevented Sydney from losing by ten goals. The Swans started season 2008 in fantastic fashion with 9 wins and a draw to just 3 losses after 13 rounds. The season started its downward spiral in Round 14 after the Pies controlled precedings against the Swans with a 29 point victory (where the final margin flattered the Bloods) in Sydney. In that match the Swans looked like an old, slow and tired team that simply couldn't match Collingwood's youth and swagger.
Last night we saw that same Sydney team, a team that has regrettably shown up just about every week since the loss to the Pies in Round 14. Bookended by the two losses to Collingwood, Sydney have gone 2-6 over the past 8 weeks with the two wins against Carlton and Fremantle by a combined margin of 6 points. In fact the Swans were one regulation 25m kick from Matthew Pavlich away from being 1-7 over that stretch. Although this is not to say the Swans have not been beaten by bad teams in this stretch. The losses have come to Collingwood (twice), Geelong, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Adelaide - all teams that will play finals. There is no shame losing to these teams, but what is distressing is the manner in which they lost. Losing to Collingwood without Alan Didak, Heath Shaw, Rhyce Shaw, Dale Thomas and Nathan Brown. Losing to Geelong by 7 goals at home without the Cats having Matthew Scarlett, Paul Chapman or Darren Milburn. Losing to a Bulldogs team horribly out of sorts. And most of all losing to the Crows who were coming off a five game losing streak, at home, and only managing to muster 6 goals for the night.
The Swans are dying a slow death. Slow being the key word. Adam Goodes aside, the Swans don't have a single player that provides dash or any form of run in the midfield. Jarrad McVeigh has been a revelation, but he is a run-with player, not someone that is going to create that much himself. Jude Bolton and Brett Kirk are hard-nuts, high on heart, low on skill and speed. Nic Fosdike's career has seemingly run its course. Same goes for Jared Crouch. Youngsters like Kieran Jack and Heath Grundy look promising but won't have a sizable impact immediately. The Swans much heralded defence looks painfully average nowadays. Nick Malceski and Tadgh Kennelley have taken steps back this season. Mattner provides dash, but also a surplus of ill-advised decisions. Lewis Roberts-Thompson and Ted Richards don't inspire much confidence, and Leo Barry is done.
The Sydney forward line has been its trump-card in recent years. The big names and fantastic structure have made sure that the Swans make the most of their opportunities inside 50. Not so much anymore. Ryan O'Keefe is a brilliant player but nowadays he finds himself further up the ground, away from goals. Michael O'Loughlin is well past his best. Amon Buchanan is a handy player, but not a game-changer by any means. Heath Grundy is still developing. Barry Hall has lost it completely and quite clearly needs to be traded or re-consider his career choice. Last night was a disgrace from Hall. As for the 'fantastic' structure? Simply double team Hall in the air and deny space at his feet. The Swans forward line needs a makeover.
The Swans success in 2005 and 2006 was based on teamwork, intelligence and heart. They were never the flashiest team, they liked to grind it out. They worked hard for each other, held each other accountable and strategically they were the best team in the comp - they played games on their terms. They were personified by the courage and determination of leader Brett Kirk, and they had Adam Goodes, the one game-breaking player that elevated them from 'good' to 'very good'. But as the Swans found last year, and this year again, hard work is one thing - you need the talent to go with it. Unfortunately the Swans are a bit short in those stocks. I think the Swans are now too old to re-arrange parts and go at it again next year with a veteran list, as they have in previous years. Signing Ben Cousins or trading for Daniel Kerr isn't going to turn the Swans into a contender. In little time Barry Hall, Michael O'Loughlin, Brett Kirk, Leo Barry and Jared Crouch will all be retired very soon. Nick Davis and Tadgh Kennelly may not be around for much longer. I think the go must be to trade for youth, trade for draft picks, recruit cleverly and go at it again in about three years with Adam Goodes, Ryan O'Keefe, Craig Bolton, Nick Malceski, Darren Jolly and Jarrad McVeigh are still close to their primes. Because as we witnessed last night, what the Swans have now just isn't going to cut it.
Last night we saw that same Sydney team, a team that has regrettably shown up just about every week since the loss to the Pies in Round 14. Bookended by the two losses to Collingwood, Sydney have gone 2-6 over the past 8 weeks with the two wins against Carlton and Fremantle by a combined margin of 6 points. In fact the Swans were one regulation 25m kick from Matthew Pavlich away from being 1-7 over that stretch. Although this is not to say the Swans have not been beaten by bad teams in this stretch. The losses have come to Collingwood (twice), Geelong, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Adelaide - all teams that will play finals. There is no shame losing to these teams, but what is distressing is the manner in which they lost. Losing to Collingwood without Alan Didak, Heath Shaw, Rhyce Shaw, Dale Thomas and Nathan Brown. Losing to Geelong by 7 goals at home without the Cats having Matthew Scarlett, Paul Chapman or Darren Milburn. Losing to a Bulldogs team horribly out of sorts. And most of all losing to the Crows who were coming off a five game losing streak, at home, and only managing to muster 6 goals for the night.
The Swans are dying a slow death. Slow being the key word. Adam Goodes aside, the Swans don't have a single player that provides dash or any form of run in the midfield. Jarrad McVeigh has been a revelation, but he is a run-with player, not someone that is going to create that much himself. Jude Bolton and Brett Kirk are hard-nuts, high on heart, low on skill and speed. Nic Fosdike's career has seemingly run its course. Same goes for Jared Crouch. Youngsters like Kieran Jack and Heath Grundy look promising but won't have a sizable impact immediately. The Swans much heralded defence looks painfully average nowadays. Nick Malceski and Tadgh Kennelley have taken steps back this season. Mattner provides dash, but also a surplus of ill-advised decisions. Lewis Roberts-Thompson and Ted Richards don't inspire much confidence, and Leo Barry is done.
The Sydney forward line has been its trump-card in recent years. The big names and fantastic structure have made sure that the Swans make the most of their opportunities inside 50. Not so much anymore. Ryan O'Keefe is a brilliant player but nowadays he finds himself further up the ground, away from goals. Michael O'Loughlin is well past his best. Amon Buchanan is a handy player, but not a game-changer by any means. Heath Grundy is still developing. Barry Hall has lost it completely and quite clearly needs to be traded or re-consider his career choice. Last night was a disgrace from Hall. As for the 'fantastic' structure? Simply double team Hall in the air and deny space at his feet. The Swans forward line needs a makeover.
The Swans success in 2005 and 2006 was based on teamwork, intelligence and heart. They were never the flashiest team, they liked to grind it out. They worked hard for each other, held each other accountable and strategically they were the best team in the comp - they played games on their terms. They were personified by the courage and determination of leader Brett Kirk, and they had Adam Goodes, the one game-breaking player that elevated them from 'good' to 'very good'. But as the Swans found last year, and this year again, hard work is one thing - you need the talent to go with it. Unfortunately the Swans are a bit short in those stocks. I think the Swans are now too old to re-arrange parts and go at it again next year with a veteran list, as they have in previous years. Signing Ben Cousins or trading for Daniel Kerr isn't going to turn the Swans into a contender. In little time Barry Hall, Michael O'Loughlin, Brett Kirk, Leo Barry and Jared Crouch will all be retired very soon. Nick Davis and Tadgh Kennelly may not be around for much longer. I think the go must be to trade for youth, trade for draft picks, recruit cleverly and go at it again in about three years with Adam Goodes, Ryan O'Keefe, Craig Bolton, Nick Malceski, Darren Jolly and Jarrad McVeigh are still close to their primes. Because as we witnessed last night, what the Swans have now just isn't going to cut it.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Alive and well
Collingwood hit rock bottom this week. They'd had three losses on the trot (two of which they were expected to win), had just lost arguably their two best players for the season due to behavioural indiscretions, and with a loss to the Saints they could quite conceivably have been out of the eight and only percentage points ahead of 12th. Rock bottom. As they say though, once you hit bottom though the only place to go is up. Monday afternoon after a quality win and a favourable result season 2008 doesn't look quite so grim now. In fact the Pies are in a pretty good place. Sure top four seems all but out of reach, but so does 9th. Geelong-beating aside I really don't expect a great deal from this Collingwood team this year. Given the events of the season, the injuries, retirements and club-imposed suspensions a premiership is not entirely realistic. If this team manages to win a final I'll be pleased.
Looking at the remainder of Collingwood's draw - Port (away), Sydney (Telstra Dome) and Fremantle (away) - their is absolutely no reason why Collingwood can't win at least two of those three. It's pretty much impossible to predict how the bottom half is going to end up. Right now though the Kangaroos are in prime position for fourth, and by my predictions Sydney will finish 5th, St. Kilda 8th, and Adelaide and Collingwood will determine 6th and 7th by percentage (this is obviously vital as it will mean the difference between playing at the MCG or in Adelaide).
Either way it's highly improbable that the Pies will miss out on the eight. Carlton aren't likely to beat any of the Roos, Brisbane (away) or Hawthorn, let alone all of them. Considering the Bradshaw/Brown duo and the midfield of Black, Power, Johnstone and co it's foolish to write off Brisbane straight away. But considering their awful form and the fact that they'll almost certainly have to beat the Bulldogs and Sydney (SCG) to make the eight, their chances are slim.
Some thoughts on Saturday night's game and the weekend...
-It was difficult to find a Collingwood player that didn't contribute positively. Dane Swan was terrific all night. Tarkyn Lockeyer played his best game in a long while, recapturing his 07 form and kicking one of the goals of the season in the process. Josh Fraser was magnificent. I never thought I'd say this but Fraser dominated the ruck. He led the match in hitouts and picked up 20 disposals - his most since round 16 2007. It was Fraser's finest game since his four goal effort against the Kangaroos earlier this year, hopefully he's running into form just in time for the money season. Scott Burns was fantastic all night, his best performance in a while. Dale Thomas provided swagger and dash all night, Scott Pendlebury was classy as ever, and Leon Davis was terrific recapturing early season form. Harry O'Brien and Shane Wakelin were rock solid. Maxwell, Brown and Goldsack hustled all night, tackling magnificently. Medders didn't get much of the ball, but he made his touches count.
-The new kids looked good. Dawes was a presence all night taking contested marks and kicking a couple of goals. Unfortunately, such is the Collingwood curse, the kid doesn't look like he can kick. It's only one game and I'll reserve judgement for now, but really what gives? Sav, Tarrant, young Pebbles and Travis - all immensely talented tall forwards and none of them can kick. Hopefully Dawes won't fall into that group. Either way, he's a talent. He also presents a dilemma that isn't bad to have - too many tall forwards. Right now Collingwood have Travis Cloke, Anthony Rocca, Sean Rusling, Chris Dawes and Ben Reid on the list (you could add John Anthony in there too if you wanted). Obviously Travis will stay, and unlike most I still believe Anthony Rocca has something to offer. I think Rusling is too talented to go and Dawes will be here for a few years yet. I haven't been impressed by what I've seen from Ben Reid so far (not nearly strong enough, doesn't read the play) and the best option might be to package him with Didak and get a quality player in return.
-St. Kilda really did look terrible. Adam Schneider and Brendon Goddard aside (who by the way, was sensational. Along with Fraser it really was the night for failed #1 picks realising their potential), no player really stood out. Riewoldt hustled all night, taking some fantastic marks, but he missed important shots on goal. Dal Santo threatened to take over the match in the second half, but wasn't able to overcome his shocking first two terms. Hayes got a lot of the ball but used it terribly. Can't count the number of clanger kicks he had. The Saints disposal in general was awful.
-Great to see the Pies using the corridor for once. They look fantastic when they switch the play and run through the centre.
-Huge goal from Travis Cloke with about four minutes to go to seal the match. I'm not sure how intentional it was (the kick didn't look clean), but Travis came up big in a huge moment (as he seems to, his finals series last year was sensational).
-Two interesting non-calls. You couldn't really tell being at the game, but Nick Dal Santo's goal at the end of the third term was quite clearly touched by Scott Burns. That could have been a massive moment in the game, fortunately John Anthony (how good is this kid!) responded quickly with a terrific goal of his own. On other side of things, midway through the last term I swear Nick Riewoldt's set shot for goal from around the 50m arc crossed the goal line. Robert Harvey touched the ball after it had crossed the line. On TV no one picked this up, it didn't even enter the commentators minds. At the game though it was clear that the ball had crossed the line (although I did have perfect view, sitting directly behind the Saints goal). Everyone around me agreed.
On other results...
-61-0 is a score you may never see again. Melbourne's ineptitude was incredible.
-Saturday night reiterated a long standing belief I have had - Adam Goodes on his day is the best and most influential player in the AFL. Goodes on his day is better than Judd, Ablett, Bartel, Brown, Black or Pavlich. Buddy is the only real contender to displace him in my book.
-I don't think I'll ever understand the Kangaroos.
A big three weeks are ahead.
Looking at the remainder of Collingwood's draw - Port (away), Sydney (Telstra Dome) and Fremantle (away) - their is absolutely no reason why Collingwood can't win at least two of those three. It's pretty much impossible to predict how the bottom half is going to end up. Right now though the Kangaroos are in prime position for fourth, and by my predictions Sydney will finish 5th, St. Kilda 8th, and Adelaide and Collingwood will determine 6th and 7th by percentage (this is obviously vital as it will mean the difference between playing at the MCG or in Adelaide).
Either way it's highly improbable that the Pies will miss out on the eight. Carlton aren't likely to beat any of the Roos, Brisbane (away) or Hawthorn, let alone all of them. Considering the Bradshaw/Brown duo and the midfield of Black, Power, Johnstone and co it's foolish to write off Brisbane straight away. But considering their awful form and the fact that they'll almost certainly have to beat the Bulldogs and Sydney (SCG) to make the eight, their chances are slim.
Some thoughts on Saturday night's game and the weekend...
-It was difficult to find a Collingwood player that didn't contribute positively. Dane Swan was terrific all night. Tarkyn Lockeyer played his best game in a long while, recapturing his 07 form and kicking one of the goals of the season in the process. Josh Fraser was magnificent. I never thought I'd say this but Fraser dominated the ruck. He led the match in hitouts and picked up 20 disposals - his most since round 16 2007. It was Fraser's finest game since his four goal effort against the Kangaroos earlier this year, hopefully he's running into form just in time for the money season. Scott Burns was fantastic all night, his best performance in a while. Dale Thomas provided swagger and dash all night, Scott Pendlebury was classy as ever, and Leon Davis was terrific recapturing early season form. Harry O'Brien and Shane Wakelin were rock solid. Maxwell, Brown and Goldsack hustled all night, tackling magnificently. Medders didn't get much of the ball, but he made his touches count.
-The new kids looked good. Dawes was a presence all night taking contested marks and kicking a couple of goals. Unfortunately, such is the Collingwood curse, the kid doesn't look like he can kick. It's only one game and I'll reserve judgement for now, but really what gives? Sav, Tarrant, young Pebbles and Travis - all immensely talented tall forwards and none of them can kick. Hopefully Dawes won't fall into that group. Either way, he's a talent. He also presents a dilemma that isn't bad to have - too many tall forwards. Right now Collingwood have Travis Cloke, Anthony Rocca, Sean Rusling, Chris Dawes and Ben Reid on the list (you could add John Anthony in there too if you wanted). Obviously Travis will stay, and unlike most I still believe Anthony Rocca has something to offer. I think Rusling is too talented to go and Dawes will be here for a few years yet. I haven't been impressed by what I've seen from Ben Reid so far (not nearly strong enough, doesn't read the play) and the best option might be to package him with Didak and get a quality player in return.
-St. Kilda really did look terrible. Adam Schneider and Brendon Goddard aside (who by the way, was sensational. Along with Fraser it really was the night for failed #1 picks realising their potential), no player really stood out. Riewoldt hustled all night, taking some fantastic marks, but he missed important shots on goal. Dal Santo threatened to take over the match in the second half, but wasn't able to overcome his shocking first two terms. Hayes got a lot of the ball but used it terribly. Can't count the number of clanger kicks he had. The Saints disposal in general was awful.
-Great to see the Pies using the corridor for once. They look fantastic when they switch the play and run through the centre.
-Huge goal from Travis Cloke with about four minutes to go to seal the match. I'm not sure how intentional it was (the kick didn't look clean), but Travis came up big in a huge moment (as he seems to, his finals series last year was sensational).
-Two interesting non-calls. You couldn't really tell being at the game, but Nick Dal Santo's goal at the end of the third term was quite clearly touched by Scott Burns. That could have been a massive moment in the game, fortunately John Anthony (how good is this kid!) responded quickly with a terrific goal of his own. On other side of things, midway through the last term I swear Nick Riewoldt's set shot for goal from around the 50m arc crossed the goal line. Robert Harvey touched the ball after it had crossed the line. On TV no one picked this up, it didn't even enter the commentators minds. At the game though it was clear that the ball had crossed the line (although I did have perfect view, sitting directly behind the Saints goal). Everyone around me agreed.
On other results...
-61-0 is a score you may never see again. Melbourne's ineptitude was incredible.
-Saturday night reiterated a long standing belief I have had - Adam Goodes on his day is the best and most influential player in the AFL. Goodes on his day is better than Judd, Ablett, Bartel, Brown, Black or Pavlich. Buddy is the only real contender to displace him in my book.
-I don't think I'll ever understand the Kangaroos.
A big three weeks are ahead.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Didak Fiasco
As everyone should know Collingwood have been the hot topic in the football world the past few days. No need to recap events, everyone should be up to speed, so I'll get straight into it.
Let's be honest, this whole situation has been all about Alan Didak. Heath Shaw's sins have not gone unnoticed, but Didak has been the focus. Given Shaw's family, history with the club, and immense talent and youth, he's a fair bet to bounce back from this setback next year. I'd be surprised if he doesn't come back as twice the player he was this year. You can make a case for this in fact being a good thing for Heath Shaw. He's been stuck in a funk all this year, and needed something to snap him out of it. Snap.
On the flipside, it's impossible to find any positive in this for Alan Didak. Word on the street is that the 25 year old Didak has played his final game in the black and white jumper, the only jumper he's known in his AFL career. Given his history and rap sheet you'd have to say that's fair enough. A player of Didak's calibre is too good to be delisted, but you'd have a hard time finding appropriate value on the trade market. Even a package of the now maligned Rhyce Shaw combined with Didak wouldn't fetch a fair return you would suspect.
In the long term Collingwood shouldn't be that much worse off. I suspect the Shaws will return, and Didak's impending absence isn't as bad as advertised. Didak may indeed be Collingwood's most talented player and best clutch performer, but he has a great deal of flaws. He's soft, never goes hard at the footy, tries to be too cute, too often attempts the impossible, and has become prone to making the easiest things look difficult. Should he leave, I will miss the way he reads the ball, uses his low-to-ground frame to gain advantage in marking contests, his searing left foot, and his ability to create something out of nothing. I'll never forget his last quarter heroics against Brisbane in an '03 final, his clutch shot in Adelaide to save the 2006 season, the way he turned the tables against West Coast almost singlehandedly last year in that classic semi-final, and of course all the freak goals he's kicked over the years. I was there at the MCG watching him kick that goal against Geelong in last year's prelim final to change the flow of the match. He's a good player to have, but it's time to part ways.
How does this affect the 2008 Magpies? Negatively obviously. You could make the argument that (with no disrespect aimed at Paul Medhurst) Alan Didak and Heath Shaw are the team's two best players. Didak can be covered with stronger performances from Dale Thomas and Leon Davis as well as the continuing form of Medhurst. The Shaw brothers will be much more difficult to cover, perhaps too difficult. On the brighter side, the Pies have been in a coma ever for the past three weeks so hopefully a shake like this will wake them up. Either way it's going to be interesting. Stay tuned.
Let's be honest, this whole situation has been all about Alan Didak. Heath Shaw's sins have not gone unnoticed, but Didak has been the focus. Given Shaw's family, history with the club, and immense talent and youth, he's a fair bet to bounce back from this setback next year. I'd be surprised if he doesn't come back as twice the player he was this year. You can make a case for this in fact being a good thing for Heath Shaw. He's been stuck in a funk all this year, and needed something to snap him out of it. Snap.
On the flipside, it's impossible to find any positive in this for Alan Didak. Word on the street is that the 25 year old Didak has played his final game in the black and white jumper, the only jumper he's known in his AFL career. Given his history and rap sheet you'd have to say that's fair enough. A player of Didak's calibre is too good to be delisted, but you'd have a hard time finding appropriate value on the trade market. Even a package of the now maligned Rhyce Shaw combined with Didak wouldn't fetch a fair return you would suspect.
In the long term Collingwood shouldn't be that much worse off. I suspect the Shaws will return, and Didak's impending absence isn't as bad as advertised. Didak may indeed be Collingwood's most talented player and best clutch performer, but he has a great deal of flaws. He's soft, never goes hard at the footy, tries to be too cute, too often attempts the impossible, and has become prone to making the easiest things look difficult. Should he leave, I will miss the way he reads the ball, uses his low-to-ground frame to gain advantage in marking contests, his searing left foot, and his ability to create something out of nothing. I'll never forget his last quarter heroics against Brisbane in an '03 final, his clutch shot in Adelaide to save the 2006 season, the way he turned the tables against West Coast almost singlehandedly last year in that classic semi-final, and of course all the freak goals he's kicked over the years. I was there at the MCG watching him kick that goal against Geelong in last year's prelim final to change the flow of the match. He's a good player to have, but it's time to part ways.
How does this affect the 2008 Magpies? Negatively obviously. You could make the argument that (with no disrespect aimed at Paul Medhurst) Alan Didak and Heath Shaw are the team's two best players. Didak can be covered with stronger performances from Dale Thomas and Leon Davis as well as the continuing form of Medhurst. The Shaw brothers will be much more difficult to cover, perhaps too difficult. On the brighter side, the Pies have been in a coma ever for the past three weeks so hopefully a shake like this will wake them up. Either way it's going to be interesting. Stay tuned.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
We have problems
As bad as last night's loss was, I'm taking it in stride. Unlike the last two weeks where Collingwood simply played poorly and lost to teams they should have beaten, last night the Pies were simply beaten by a superior team. They didn't even play badly. There's only so much you can do when your playing a team that is put bluntly, a great deal better than you. I'm not going to write too much today, but I will state a few of my thoughts on last night...
-Hawthorn had by far the three best players on the field last night and basically by themselves they destroyed Collingwood. Sam Mitchell, the Captain, 35 disposals, absolutely dominated the stoppages. Luke Hudge, the gun, 32 disposals, 10 marks, quarterbacked the Hawks to perfection. Lance Franklin, the superstar, 21 disposals, 12 marks, 8 goals 6 behinds, was the difference. Even without Franklin the Hawks would have won this game because of Hodge and Mitchell.
-Quite a few Collingwood players played well last night. Scott Pendlebury played arguably his best game as a Magpie. Read the play magnificently, disposal consitently clean and was brilliant in the air. Nick Maxwell was admirable. His third term was just about the best he's ever played. Getting in front, doing the hard stuff. Didak and Clarke got a lot of the ball and each played well. Full credit to Heath Shaw (and Malthouse for making it possible, at last) he was looking like 2007 Heath and played his best game in a long time. Props to Goldsack and Bryan for hustling all night and never giving up.
-Serious concerns about the 'old' band of Magpies. Shane O'Bree, Tarkyn Lockeyer, Ben Johnson, Ryan Lonie, Josh Fraser, Scotty Burns, Brodie Holland, Shane Wakelin. I don't think you could say that any of those guys has had a 'good' season. Of that group only Josh Fraser is really worth keeping next year you'd say. Tarkyn Lockeyer has had a rubbish season on the back of that tremendous 2007. Ben Johnson has struggled to have any impact since that sickening hit on Daniel Bell last year. Ryan Lonie and Brodie Holland are destined to play in the reserves. Shane Wakelin and Scott Burns, much as they might try, are too old. Shane O'Bree should be delisted.
-The two guys I discussed in depth in my last post - Dane Swan and Travis Cloke - played shockingly last night. Swan has to seriously re-evaluate the way he kicks a football. Last night his disposal was a disgrace. Travis was even worse. Hawthorn's key forward has 15 shots at goal. Travis had 0.
Summing up the night last night was Paul Medhurst. Against Geelong on that magical Friday night, Paul Medhurst had a meaningless set shot after the match and slotted it. Last night, he was in the same situation - and kicked it out on the full. That summed up Collingwood's season post-Geelong, and established something quite clearly - we have problems.
-Hawthorn had by far the three best players on the field last night and basically by themselves they destroyed Collingwood. Sam Mitchell, the Captain, 35 disposals, absolutely dominated the stoppages. Luke Hudge, the gun, 32 disposals, 10 marks, quarterbacked the Hawks to perfection. Lance Franklin, the superstar, 21 disposals, 12 marks, 8 goals 6 behinds, was the difference. Even without Franklin the Hawks would have won this game because of Hodge and Mitchell.
-Quite a few Collingwood players played well last night. Scott Pendlebury played arguably his best game as a Magpie. Read the play magnificently, disposal consitently clean and was brilliant in the air. Nick Maxwell was admirable. His third term was just about the best he's ever played. Getting in front, doing the hard stuff. Didak and Clarke got a lot of the ball and each played well. Full credit to Heath Shaw (and Malthouse for making it possible, at last) he was looking like 2007 Heath and played his best game in a long time. Props to Goldsack and Bryan for hustling all night and never giving up.
-Serious concerns about the 'old' band of Magpies. Shane O'Bree, Tarkyn Lockeyer, Ben Johnson, Ryan Lonie, Josh Fraser, Scotty Burns, Brodie Holland, Shane Wakelin. I don't think you could say that any of those guys has had a 'good' season. Of that group only Josh Fraser is really worth keeping next year you'd say. Tarkyn Lockeyer has had a rubbish season on the back of that tremendous 2007. Ben Johnson has struggled to have any impact since that sickening hit on Daniel Bell last year. Ryan Lonie and Brodie Holland are destined to play in the reserves. Shane Wakelin and Scott Burns, much as they might try, are too old. Shane O'Bree should be delisted.
-The two guys I discussed in depth in my last post - Dane Swan and Travis Cloke - played shockingly last night. Swan has to seriously re-evaluate the way he kicks a football. Last night his disposal was a disgrace. Travis was even worse. Hawthorn's key forward has 15 shots at goal. Travis had 0.
Summing up the night last night was Paul Medhurst. Against Geelong on that magical Friday night, Paul Medhurst had a meaningless set shot after the match and slotted it. Last night, he was in the same situation - and kicked it out on the full. That summed up Collingwood's season post-Geelong, and established something quite clearly - we have problems.
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