Game Day AFL Round 6 - Matchday Discussion Hawthorn@Collingwood(GIANTS Stadium- 7:50PM)

[BoxMatrix]

Hawthorn playing against Collingwood at the Giants Stadium on a Friday night… Now that’s a strange site that no one would’ve seen happening back in February, yet here we are. Both these teams have been incredibly inconsistent, and both are in need of a win here tonight. While both teams got off to a flying start at the beginning of the season, they have since repeatedly stumbled trying gain momentum. And even though they have looked good at times, they’re poor stretches are costing them games.

The last time these two sides met was back in July of last season. In what was one of the worst close games you would ever see, Hawthorn pulled off a miraculous last quarter comeback, and went on to win by four points. This game was notable for the breakout of prospect of Mitchell Lewis. Lewis was finally able to put it all together and helped carry the Hawks to a win. Thankfully for the Magpies, Lewis is out this week.

Collingwood

The season goes from bad to worse for Collingwood. If the loss to a lowly Essendon wasn’t bad enough, Jordan De Goey being charged with some form of assault is sure to drag the season down. Not only does this mean that De Goey is out for Friday’s clash, it also means that his career could be in tatters. Culture problems, the Lumumba saga, Steele Sidebottom, and now this could very well mean that Collingwood’s 2020 season is in tatters as well. Nonetheless, there is a game to play, and perhaps playing in the hub could level the playing field a bit, and help the Magpies get back on track.

Their was not much to love from last weeks performance by the Magpies. They continued to struggle to score, and their was no real standout performer. Cox once again struggled, while other key forwards such as Mihocek and Elliott had no impact on the game. To try and rejuvenate the Magpies, Buckley has brought in Isaac Quaynor, as well as debuting Will Kelly and Atu Bosenavulagi.

Where the Magpies can win the game

Last week, it was all about that forwardline, and while that is still a major issue, the midfield also has become a bit of an issue as well. Andrew Phillips, with all due respect , is a limited ruckman, and despite this, the Essendon midfield was able to create clearances, and really starve the Magpies of proper forward opportunities, while also placing unnecessary pressure on the backline. Grundy is winning the hitouts, he wins the around the ground battles 70% of the time. Yet they continue to struggle on the clearances. This needs to be cleaned up if they want to win.

Player to watch

Isaac Quaynor makes his return back into the Magpies side this weekend. Quaynor showed enormous potential in his brief outing last season, before being ruled out with injury. Now it’s up to him to take that step and establish his role in the side. Quaynor showed that he has the ability to run and create off the half back line. Something that the Magpies missed on Friday. Quaynor needs to help fulfill that Howe role, and if he can do so successfully, they’ll be able to bolster that defensive line.

Hawthorn

Cast a thought back to round one. The Hawks start of the season with a continuation of the tail-end 2019 form, and knock off the highly fancied Lions in emphatic fashion. However, this momentum was curbed with the hiatus. Since resumption, the Hawks have looked brilliant at time, and very average at other times. They were handily beaten by the Cats, smashed the Tigers, but have also lost to the inconsistent Giants team. It’s a source of frustration for Alistair Clarkson, and no one really knows where to place the Hawks. A win against Collingwood will definitely place them as a favorite for a top eight spot, and push them into top four talks.

Where the Hawks can win the game

Last week, Collingwood were caught out by fast moving play, and often failed to get their defensive structures set up in time. However, due to the Bomber’s execution, it didn’t hurt the Magpies as much as it could have. However, the Hawks gameplan is designed on taking the game on, with the side playing on after the mark, and opting to kick it forward more than any other side. If they can nail those inside-50 entries, they will be able to expose the Collingwood backline, and get those forwards some genuine opportunities.

Player to watch

Johnathan Patton is the man to watch for the Hawks. The big forward has struggled his whole career with injuries, and despite showing flashes of his potential, has not been able to get it together. However, a fresh start at the Hawks could be just the thing he needs. Coming up against this excellent Collingwood backline is going to be tough for him. But Collingwood has struggled to score this season, and if Patton can kick a bag, it will almost be enough for the Hawks to win.

Head to Head odds


Collingwood: $1.71
Hawthorn: $2.15


Changes

Hawks

IN

J.Morris, J.Patton, W.Day, H.Morrison

OUT

H.Jones (omitted), J.Scrimshaw (ankle), M.Lewis (hamstring), S.Burgoyne (rested)

Collingwood

IN

I.Quaynor, W.Kelly, A.Bosenavulagi

OUT

J.Daicos (ankle), J.De Goey (managed), T.Brown (omitted)



TV

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Live on Channel Seven, National


Radio

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ABC
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IPTV

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Tip

Expect Collingwood to have enough talent to get them by the Hawks. However, their debutants as well as the various scandals will make this game a lot closer.

Magpies by 10.

 

[unplugged]

I fear that we'll be exposed on the wings by Henderson and Smith unless Phillips returns there as a minimum. With no Daicos or T Brown I assume the other wing is for Quaynor or WHE but that remains to be seen.

The likes of O'Meara and Mitchell are the types to get 30 each and 20 clearances between them. I really hope Treloar and Adams can match them.

Reckon their faller back line might make it hard for Mihocek, Kelly and Cox to score. Big game required by Stephenson.

 

[WalterBlaknWhte]

There are many similarities between the Hawthorn Family and the Manson Family

Chopper Kennett and The Angry Dwarf run a brutal regime - disposing of club legends like it's the Red Wedding

My own family has a shameful Hawthorn past

My maternal grandfather, a colourful racing identity and scrap metal dealer, was a selector back when they were nicknamed the Mayblooms

IF they won a game, and the nags had been kind, the old backslapper would dole out a wad of pounds in the change room

Three of his daughters became Hawks’ supporters, one a Bomber, and Mum a Magpie

The old fella loved his gaspers and died of emphysema

My final memory of him is in an oxygen tent in Mornington, looking grim at me in my furry Collingwood jumper with a Peter McKenna '6' on the back

I don't think Mum was trying to finish him off, but she could be funny like that

In Mum's household, Fitzroy was held in contempt for becoming a basket case, but every other team was hated

‘Bloody Hawthorn’, however, was often uttered with timidity, our character failing because we feared their rebound, even with a stake through their black hearts

The 2020 Hawks are not formidable but we’ve had a total cluster of a fortnight

Am very pleased that 'Just Play Him’ is in the team

He's no Peter McKenna - who was a God in his day - but Kelly has promise and dormant mongrel genes

Jen2310 told sr36 that Kelly will kick six goals in the first quarter - that’s good enough for me

Collingwood by 64 points

 

[Vicky Park]

This is one of the few games I’m happy to miss due to the pandemic. Pies V Hawks in the MCC members is a special kind of torture. Always feel like I’ve crashed a reunion of Scotch College prefects, all wearing chinos.

 

[10571z]

I’d be surprised if we win. Cox keeping his spot shows the chink in Buckley’s armour of stubbornness. On the other hand with no VFL it’s harder to drop blokes.

 

[Chrispiesssss]

I’m expecting a massive game from Grundy.

I’d sit Wills on T.Mitchell. Both players aren’t overly quick and both work inside the phone booth.

T.Mitchell might rack up 50 tonight if we don’t keep an eye on him.

 

[Andrew Yoa]

Great seeing the young lads getting a run. Looking forward to seeing Will Kelly tonight. Quaynor will inject the run and carry we need through the back half, which has been missing the last 2 weeks. Hopefully, he can break the lines.

 

[Magpiemack]

This has to be Wills final chance. Sier stiff for not being picked.

 

[MagpieJoel]

Need a win for my mood. Please get it done Pies.

 

[DaVe86]

There has been a lot of focus on us this week and our debutants, but the Hawks also have 2 debutants and are missing some key players as well.

There's no excuses either way. It's a neutral venue that both sides have played on in the past fortnight, and weather is reported as good.

I'm not overly happy with selection...but we should still have the firepower to get the job done. Hawthorn are a good side (and a bogey side), but the really good teams this year should beat them. They are a middle of the ladder team that can be inconsistent.

Midfield is the key for me. We've bolstered our forward line and our backline, but have lost a fair bit in the middle. THe Hawks don't have the deepest midfield, but there is still quality there. So there is a huge responsibility this week on Pendles, Adams and Treloar. Someone is going to have to step in to fill the void. Need one of Wills or Phillips to step up...or maybe Elliott gets his opportunity to play a full game in the midfield.

 

[stormskye]

Gonna be a tough season seeing as we likely will not get any home advantage against interstate teams, and have to play GWS at home (loss) and eagles and freo both at their home. our best will likely be playing remainder of intestate teams on neutral ground, not ideal. Vic teams are def not beneficiaries of this season. If we can manage to get a few wins on the road the back end of season we will maybe have both greenwood and Langdon in contention with sidey back. If season extends which is likely, even Howe may be a chance if we make finals. Forward entries/connection is the issue we have, let’s hope we can improve this area. Still think Mitchell key to hawks playing well, we need to shut him down, missing greenwood in that role. we are due for some good news! Pendles to have a captains game, go pies

 

[TradeDraft]

Great to see 2 Debutanats but I just can't see us winning

We are in Terrible Form and Playing the team we can't beat.

Hawks by 35 pts

 

[Jen2310]

Gonna be a tough season seeing as we likely will not get any home advantage against interstate teams, and have to play GWS at home (loss) and eagles and freo both at their home. our best will likely be playing remainder of intestate teams on neutral ground, not ideal. Vic teams are def not beneficiaries of this season. If we can manage to get a few wins on the road the back end of season we will maybe have both greenwood and Langdon in contention with sidey back. If season extends which is likely, even Howe may be a chance if we make finals. Forward entries/connection is the issue we have, let’s hope we can improve this area. Still think Mitchell key to hawks playing well, we need to shut him down, missing greenwood in that role. we are due for some good news! Pendles to have a captains game, go pies

We've already played GWS, don't need to do it again.

 

[Soaring Magpie]

Great to see 2 Debutanats but I just can't see us winning

We are in Terrible Form and Playing the team we can't beat.

Hawks by 35 pts

By terrible form do you menan a combined losing margin of 17 points, against two sides who at the beginning of the year were both tipped to be in the Top 8.
Our form isn’t that bad, when compared to the opposition we have played

 

[Jen2310]

By terrible form do you menan a combined losing margin of 17 points, against two sides who at the beginning of the year were both tipped to be in the Top 8.
Our form isn’t that bad, when compared to the opposition we have played

Not to mention we only seen to be play a quarter or two at most. If we are more consistent and play 4 quarters, then we should be unstoppable.

 

[stormskye]

We've already played GWS, don't need to do it again.

I know hence why I put (loss)

 

[stormskye]

Great to see 2 Debutanats but I just can't see us winning

We are in Terrible Form and Playing the team we can't beat.

Hawks by 35 pts

Form can turn around. Geel are in good form this week? They lost to Carlton in Geel and beat melb by 3pts! Brisbane were in good form playing in Qland for 5 weeks, flag favourites then got flogged once they travelled, albeit even being lucky enough to be playing geel on neutral ground for a geel home game.

 

[Markfs]

While it's always good to look at the negatives as well as the positives when looking at a game, there's no need to go Damien Barrett and go for the headlines. I dont think that de Goey's career is anywhere near tatters. In fact, the guidance that the club has given to him over the last few years should convince him to stay for a reasonable salary. The club is also not in tatters, although Damien might think so. Just as the eagles arent and richmond arent. I dont think the club has shown anything to resemble culture problems. If you want to see them have a good at adelaide. Having said that, the club has tried to drag itself and its fan base out of a long tradition of racist taunts. Some of the stuff that Lumumba has been talking about is getting to be a decade old. Steele Sidebottom has always struck me as a bit of an old school country footballer and he overstepped the line last week, but he didnt start the second wave. At any earlier time, it would have been glossed over like Luke Hodge's binge a few years ago. And finally, the changes to the team have been to replace those left out for reasons relating to them, not the team. Brown has been dropped for another youngster. This happens all the time. It's not a sign of rejuvenation.

The key fact is that Clarkson's hawthorn has beat the Pies 12 out of 13 times. One of the main reasons is that he has had very good teams. Some might say that buckley has been outcoached, but malthouse didnt have a good record either. I think there is a mental element in it....success breeds confidence. Success breeds success. We need to start turning this around tonight.

 

[frizzle]

Not expecting to get the points tonight. Kelly & Atu will be debuting against a very talented defence. Not sure Sicily or Frawley will lose any sleep at all over our talls. Hope I'm pleasantly surprised.

 

[sr36]

By terrible form do you menan a combined losing margin of 17 points, against two sides who at the beginning of the year were both tipped to be in the Top 8.
Our form isn’t that bad, when compared to the opposition we have played

We've got the second highest percentage in the league.

 

[Robroy22]

I’m expecting a massive game from Grundy.

I’d sit Wills on T.Mitchell. Both players aren’t overly quick and both work inside the phone booth.

T.Mitchell might rack up 50 tonight if we don’t keep an eye on him.

See, now I understand....Wills has a skill....he can SIT on people in phone boxes. I'd never noticed him being that skilful before but I'll keep an eye out for him doing it from now on.

 

[Jen2310]

I know hence why I put (loss)

yeah. I just got confused by your tense. Given you said "have to" and I thought you meant, that as to come.

 

[magpies42]

I feel like this is a season defining game against our bogey side, a win could galvanise the team and launch us into the rest of the season. A loss would further shake our confidence and moral.

Nothing Else Matters,Let’s go!

 

[Robroy22]

While it's always good to look at the negatives as well as the positives when looking at a game, there's no need to go Damien Barrett and go for the headlines. I dont think that de Goey's career is anywhere near tatters. In fact, the guidance that the club has given to him over the last few years should convince him to stay for a reasonable salary. The club is also not in tatters, although Damien might think so. Just as the eagles arent and richmond arent. I dont think the club has shown anything to resemble culture problems. If you want to see them have a good at adelaide. Having said that, the club has tried to drag itself and its fan base out of a long tradition of racist taunts. Some of the stuff that Lumumba has been talking about is getting to be a decade old. Steele Sidebottom has always struck me as a bit of an old school country footballer and he overstepped the line last week, but he didnt start the second wave. At any earlier time, it would have been glossed over like Luke Hodge's binge a few years ago. And finally, the changes to the team have been to replace those left out for reasons relating to them, not the team. Brown has been dropped for another youngster. This happens all the time. It's not a sign of rejuvenation.

The key fact is that Clarkson's hawthorn has beat the Pies 12 out of 13 times. One of the main reasons is that he has had very good teams. Some might say that buckley has been outcoached, but malthouse didnt have a good record either. I think there is a mental element in it....success breeds confidence. Success breeds success. We need to start turning this around tonight.

Very well said sir.

 

[Robroy22]

Not expecting to get the points tonight. Kelly & Atu will be debuting against a very talented defence. Not sure Sicily or Frawley will lose any sleep at all over our talls. Hope I'm pleasantly surprised.

Sicily is too self focussed to worry about anyone else EVER....but Frawley? I think he might have a few jitters. He's no Brian Lake!