Opinion Collingwood Almanac 2016

[hicksyshawks]

what are fowlers chances of being picked up?

 

[Knightmare]

what are fowlers chances of being picked up?

As a state combine invite in a draft with very good depth of small forwards 25% chance would be my guess.

 

[whiskeytown]

Who are you knightmare?

Who are you?!



I'm Knightmare

 

[hicksyshawks]

As a state combine invite in a draft with very good depth of small forwards 25% chance would be my guess.

Would you pick fowler over allsop or vice versa?

 

[Apex36]

I keep opening this thread thinking im going to see some cool Collingwood related stuff and all I'm seeing is a random Hawks supporter posting.

 

[MagpieBat]

Who are you?!

View attachment 291868

I'm Knightmare

That's usually my materiel...

 

[whiskeytown]

I keep opening this thread thinking im going to see some cool Collingwood related stuff and all I'm seeing is a random Hawks supporter posting.

The hawthorn supporters is respectful and their question is footy related. If knightmare wants only Collingwood supporters to be involved in this thread, then I'm sure he'll say so.

 

[Apex36]

The hawthorn supporters is respectful and their question is footy related. If knightmare wants only Collingwood supporters to be involved in this thread, then I'm sure he'll say so.

Meh. There's a whole draft almanac that KM has on the drafts board for that. This is a Collingwood almanac. I don't care if opposition posters post in here but at least it could be Collingwood related, otherwise they can use the general one on the drafts board.

 

[Knightmare]

Would you pick fowler over allsop or vice versa?

Fowler is preferred by many but personally I like Allsop. Just love how quick he is to the ground balls. If the ball goes to ground he is always first to it and is one touch in everything he does. He feels very developable and like someone who could with some time and development become a very good AFL standard small forward.

I keep opening this thread thinking im going to see some cool Collingwood related stuff and all I'm seeing is a random Hawks supporter posting.

I'm actually planning an update tomorrow on page one so don't miss it.

The hawthorn supporters is respectful and their question is footy related. If knightmare wants only Collingwood supporters to be involved in this thread, then I'm sure he'll say so.

All are welcome. Anything Collingwood, draft, trade, free agency, list management, best 22s etc related I'm always happy to talk about.

Meh. There's a whole draft almanac that KM has on the drafts board for that. This is a Collingwood almanac. I don't care if opposition posters post in here but at least it could be Collingwood related, otherwise they can use the general one on the drafts board.

While the above posted in question didn't intend it this way. In the case of the above with small forwards on Collingwood's agenda while our probable solution is taking one or both of Callum Brown and Joshua Daicos, I actually feel is quite topical given our list needs.

 

[DaveoTench]

I may be bias, i am really hoping we take a risk on Alex Mastromanno. Has the potential to be a James Sicily type with more scope. Hopefully his ankle pulled up well after the game last weekend and performs well at draft combine. Still has a lot of developing to do but has some x factor... Thoughts?

 

[Knightmare]

I may be bias, i am really hoping we take a risk on Alex Mastromanno. Has the potential to be a James Sicily type with more scope. Hopefully his ankle pulled up well after the game last weekend and performs well at draft combine. Still has a lot of developing to do but has some x factor... Thoughts?

He played the one TAC Cup game last year and struggled to get his hands on it.

The only game I've seen of Mastromanno was last weeks young guns game. The only time I noted him was for a chasedown tackle i50 for holding the ball. I don't have the stats for the game to know if he kicked any goals or if so how many.

Given the sample of two games I'm aware of where Mastromanno didn't stand out. I can't endorse him.

In saying that he has received a state combine invite and CollingwoodFC following APS (school) footy where Mastromanno has stood out and kicked plenty of goals will have a more informed opinion, no doubt having tapes of those APS games played last year and this year.

 

[Prochard123]

Hey Knightmare,

How would you explain our clearance issue despite having so many talented inside midfielders?

 

[Knightmare]

Hey Knightmare,

How would you explain our clearance issue despite having so many talented inside midfielders?

That's a great question and something I've pondered myself.

Part of it could come down to Grundy being still a developing (tap ruckman) and not yet being dominant at those centre bounces.

The major part of it I expect, and playing a greater role for me is an even midfield, but a midfield lacking star stoppage power. We have more midfield depth than we need (we don't need Greenwood and probably could trade Crisp also and still have an overflowing midfield grouo). Frankly we should trade several inside midfielders for players who play other positions. The issue I feel is we don't have the power of 1st possession winners. Lacking something like a Nat Fyfe, Patrick Dangerfield, Josh Kennedy, Matt Priddis etc. Maybe De Goey if he can get the midfield minutes can develop into that, in which case problem solved and for me he is option 1a. Marley Williams also while not an option anyone will mention, I also feel has that capacity on the ball. Maybe a Rupert Wills can develop that given his size.

If we have a shot at Willem Drew in this draft, I'd strongly recommend we take him, as he is as good as any winning 1st possession at stoppages and his tackling is ferocious.

 

[Prochard123]

That's a great question and something I've pondered myself.

Part of it could come down to Grundy being still a developing (tap ruckman) and not yet being dominant at those centre bounces.

The major part of it I expect, and playing a greater role for me is an even midfield, but a midfield lacking star stoppage power. We have more midfield depth than we need (we don't need Greenwood and probably could trade Crisp also and still have an overflowing midfield grouo). Frankly we should trade several inside midfielders for players who play other positions. The issue I feel is we don't have the power of 1st possession winners. Lacking something like a Nat Fyfe, Patrick Dangerfield, Josh Kennedy, Matt Priddis etc. Maybe De Goey if he can get the midfield minutes can develop into that, in which case problem solved and for me he is option 1a. Marley Williams also while not an option anyone will mention, I also feel has that capacity on the ball. Maybe a Rupert Wills can develop that given his size.

If we have a shot at Willem Drew in this draft, I'd strongly recommend we take him, as he is as good as any winning 1st possession at stoppages and his tackling is ferocious.

Thanks for the quick response.

Any more information on Willem Drew, where is he expected to be drafted at?

I actually disagree regarding Grundy. Top teams' midfielders have shown the quality of tap work is not necessary to dominate midfielders, such as WBD, Sydney and Geelong to a lesser extent. I actualy it's to do with Grundy having an average level of tap work that confuses midfielders. They can't always rely on him to win hitouts and when they don't expect him to tap the ball he surprises midfielders. Thus, collingwood mids often have to ponder whether to predict opposition rucks' tapwork rather than having a more efficient mindset. For instance, WBD mids are used to their rucks losing they can focus on winning the ball from opposition rucks' hands.

Also our "inside midfielders" you know are that kind of player, but they don't necessarily seem as clearance specialists. Crisp and Greenwood are inside midfielers mainly because they add tackles and pressure around the clearance, nowadays they don't seem that capable of extracting the ball. Pendlebury also, people seem to have found a way of controling him without allowing him to cause damage around the contest. Adams is a good accumulator but his clearance work is good without being great.

Nowadays, I think in order to win clearance, you need to have a level of the following 4 aspects:
-Game knowledge/knowing where the ball hits the deck
-Agility (Crucial)
-Speed
-Upper body strength

Only Treloar out of our midfielders has the complete package of above. Adams has a high level of a few areas covered, but isn't complete. Pendlebury lacks the 3rd and 4th aspect. Crisp, Greenwood only has 2 of the 4 covered. Sidebottom probably only the first out of the 4. De Goey could potentially excel at all 4 and be that genuine inside midfielder we need. I really like Tom Mitchell from Sydney as someone who is fantastic in area 1 and 2, while still being good in 3 and 4. I'd really like a deal involving us giving Pick 25, 27(Gold Coast for witts)+Greenwood for Mitchell. Also, I really, really think we need to have De Goey playing exclusive inside mid next year, he's already better as a clearance specialists than many of our older players and shouldn't have his speciality wasted on a half forward flank..


What do you think?

 

[Knightmare]

Thanks for the quick response.

Any more information on Willem Drew, where is he expected to be drafted at?

I actually disagree regarding Grundy. Top teams' midfielders have shown the quality of tap work is not necessary to dominate midfielders, such as WBD, Sydney and Geelong to a lesser extent. I actualy it's to do with Grundy having an average level of tap work that confuses midfielders. They can't always rely on him to win hitouts and when they don't expect him to tap the ball he surprises midfielders. Thus, collingwood mids often have to ponder whether to predict opposition rucks' tapwork rather than having a more efficient mindset. For instance, WBD mids are used to their rucks losing they can focus on winning the ball from opposition rucks' hands.

Also our "inside midfielders" you know are that kind of player, but they don't necessarily seem as clearance specialists. Crisp and Greenwood are inside midfielers mainly because they add tackles and pressure around the clearance, nowadays they don't seem that capable of extracting the ball. Pendlebury also, people seem to have found a way of controling him without allowing him to cause damage around the contest. Adams is a good accumulator but his clearance work is good without being great.

Nowadays, I think in order to win clearance, you need to have a level of the following 4 aspects:
-Game knowledge/knowing where the ball hits the deck
-Agility (Crucial)
-Speed
-Upper body strength

Only Treloar out of our midfielders has the complete package of above. Adams has a high level of a few areas covered, but isn't complete. Pendlebury lacks the 3rd and 4th aspect. Crisp, Greenwood only has 2 of the 4 covered. Sidebottom probably only the first out of the 4. De Goey could potentially excel at all 4 and be that genuine inside midfielder we need. I really like Tom Mitchell from Sydney as someone who is fantastic in area 1 and 2, while still being good in 3 and 4. I'd really like a deal involving us giving Pick 25, 27(Gold Coast for witts)+Greenwood for Mitchell. Also, I really, really think we need to have De Goey playing exclusive inside mid next year, he's already better as a clearance specialists than many of our older players and shouldn't have his speciality wasted on a half forward flank..


What do you think?

Drew's range is unclear, but my guess is 2nd - 3rd round. In many of his games for North Ballarat (u18s) his impact was greater than projected number one overall pick Hugh McCluggage. So he's a baller. One of those guys you want on your side but don't want to come up against. Dumps guys in tackles. Always puts his body over the ball and wins it in close. Will stand up to opposition players and physically take it up to them. He is for me the best competitor in this draft class. Good height at 188cm. Above average pace. Clean hands. Can take a grab forward of centre and kick a goal. Slightly below average footskills, but tends because he wins it in close so much not to be allowed the time, so he is more a first possession winner who will dish it out to a Pendlebury/Treloar etc.

The main focus going back to winning clearances generally and particularly centre clearances. I'd say forget everything and just focus on winning first possession. If you have someone who wins first possession better than anyone else, that specifically is what will win you the clearance battle. Other elements can be beneficial, but 90% of the battle from my watching over the years is winning first possession and then from there those other elements come into play.

There are elements that can play a part in winning first possession, several of which you've covered. But ultimately with time the midfield group will work out Grundy, he will improve at his craft and you'd hope someone through the midfield can start winning first possession so that we can start turning around that centre clearance differential and start generating more scoring opportunities via this source.

On the players you mention. I'm not convinced Treloar is a complete package. While he talks about doing a lot of touch stuff, his skills and footskills particularly still require more work. But otherwise he is very good in several areas (ball winning - inside/outside, acceleration etc) which makes him overall an excellent midfield.

De Goey I agree needs to become pretty well exclusively an inside midfielder. He can have stages where he rests forward, but ultimately he after Pendlebury and Treloar needs to become at least the third midfielder in our midfield rotation. At stoppages during the NAB Cup he was our best inside ball winner and with another preseason and more work he can continue to improve those elements of his game substantially. The key for me is in season one, De Goey won 50% contested possession. Being that high % of a contested baller suggests to me he'll be a terrific midfielder and stoppage player.

Tom Mitchell I also agree would be a terrific get. Given how large our midfield rotation is, we won't get him and he won't want to come to Collingwood. Hawthorn or maybe West Coast will surely get him. But he'd be a great fit and a highly productive piece who could kick several players out of our midfield rotation and onto the trade table. I'm not convinced Sydney would want Greenwood. They're looking for midfield minutes for Heeney and Mills who are struggling to get minutes through there. But conceptually I agree that we need to clear our several of our midfielders and consider either improving elsewhere and bringing in higher quality players where possible.

 

[Anzacday]

Alex Mastromanno...

 

[DaveoTench]

He played the one TAC Cup game last year and struggled to get his hands on it.

The only game I've seen of Mastromanno was last weeks young guns game. The only time I noted him was for a chasedown tackle i50 for holding the ball. I don't have the stats for the game to know if he kicked any goals or if so how many.

Given the sample of two games I'm aware of where Mastromanno didn't stand out. I can't endorse him.

In saying that he has received a state combine invite and CollingwoodFC following APS (school) footy where Mastromanno has stood out and kicked plenty of goals will have a more informed opinion, no doubt having tapes of those APS games played last year and this year.

He dominated the vic game in the VAFA vs other regions u19 kicking 4.4 and thats when he started to get more attention. He also kicked 12 in 3-4 games in B grade ammos snr footy. The game last week was his first back from an ankle injury. I'll wait to see what you think after the combine and seeing a few vids. He is a similar story to Jayden Hunt just a different possy.

 

[Saintly Viewed]

Drew's range is unclear, but my guess is 2nd - 3rd round. In many of his games for North Ballarat (u18s) his impact was greater than projected number one overall pick Hugh McCluggage. So he's a baller. One of those guys you want on your side but don't want to come up against. Dumps guys in tackles. Always puts his body over the ball and wins it in close. Will stand up to opposition players and physically take it up to them. He is for me the best competitor in this draft class. Good height at 188cm. Above average pace. Clean hands. Can take a grab forward of centre and kick a goal. Slightly below average footskills, but tends because he wins it in close so much not to be allowed the time, so he is more a first possession winner who will dish it out to a Pendlebury/Treloar etc.

The main focus going back to winning clearances generally and particularly centre clearances. I'd say forget everything and just focus on winning first possession. If you have someone who wins first possession better than anyone else, that specifically is what will win you the clearance battle. Other elements can be beneficial, but 90% of the battle from my watching over the years is winning first possession and then from there those other elements come into play.

There are elements that can play a part in winning first possession, several of which you've covered. But ultimately with time the midfield group will work out Grundy, he will improve at his craft and you'd hope someone through the midfield can start winning first possession so that we can start turning around that centre clearance differential and start generating more scoring opportunities via this source.

On the players you mention. I'm not convinced Treloar is a complete package. While he talks about doing a lot of touch stuff, his skills and footskills particularly still require more work. But otherwise he is very good in several areas (ball winning - inside/outside, acceleration etc) which makes him overall an excellent midfield.

De Goey I agree needs to become pretty well exclusively an inside midfielder. He can have stages where he rests forward, but ultimately he after Pendlebury and Treloar needs to become at least the third midfielder in our midfield rotation. At stoppages during the NAB Cup he was our best inside ball winner and with another preseason and more work he can continue to improve those elements of his game substantially. The key for me is in season one, De Goey won 50% contested possession. Being that high % of a contested baller suggests to me he'll be a terrific midfielder and stoppage player.

Tom Mitchell I also agree would be a terrific get. Given how large our midfield rotation is, we won't get him and he won't want to come to Collingwood. Hawthorn or maybe West Coast will surely get him. But he'd be a great fit and a highly productive piece who could kick several players out of our midfield rotation and onto the trade table. I'm not convinced Sydney would want Greenwood. They're looking for midfield minutes for Heeney and Mills who are struggling to get minutes through there. But conceptually I agree that we need to clear our several of our midfielders and consider either improving elsewhere and bringing in higher quality players where possible.

I am particularly glad you've mentioned and highlighted De Goey.

For me he is our piece that could develop into elite to compliment Pendlebury and Treloar.
I have him longer term more vital than Adams.
De Goey to me if he develops into what I'd like and hope, would be a serious reason for us rising to become legitimate challengers. He is that important. Yes, he must be a centre bounce, on baller for lots of time each game.
To me De Goey is that important, he is potential elite hardball beady midfielder.
I suspect any rise by us will be in part because of his play.

 

[Knightmare]

I am particularly glad you've mentioned and highlighted De Goey.

For me he is our piece that could develop into elite to compliment Pendlebury and Treloar.
I have him longer term more vital than Adams.
De Goey to me if he develops into what I'd like and hope, would be a serious reason for us rising to become legitimate challengers. He is that important. Yes, he must be a centre bounce, on baller for lots of time each game.
To me De Goey is that important, he is potential elite hardball beady midfielder.
I suspect any rise by us will be in part because of his play.

Agree on De Goey. If our midfield is to take the next step. De Goey is the guy who will drive that.

 

[Knightmare]

*Page 1 (all sections) updated.

Major update on draft, free agency and trade suggestions.

 

[TradeDraft]

Agree on De Goey. If our midfield is to take the next step. De Goey is the guy who will drive that.

Need more then De Goey taking another Step to take the Midfield to a New Level

 

[Knightmare]

Need more then De Goey taking another Step to take the Midfield to a New Level

Rupert Wills is the only other midfielder with scope to improve (who could be of best 22 relevance) next year.

I'm sure your next response will be "what about James Aish?" to which I would answer: given the depth of our midfield he is more utility than midfielder and given his marking capabilities and ability to read the flight I'd prefer to see him develop across half back with the team having more midfielders than it can accommodate inside the clubs best 22.

 

[Saintly Viewed]

Need more then De Goey taking another Step to take the Midfield to a New Level

Having the elite Pendlbury and Treloar with an emerging De Goey will drive the engine room.
Remembering we have Adams as well.
I'm very very very bullish, if Jordan is given the opportunity, his progress will be significant. Just looks and smells a beast in the making, just gets the hard ball....

I'm now intrigued about Knightmare nominating Wills as a possible as well. I hadn't thought of that, but to his size and if his scope of improvement is there, well we will start to some side.... I'm open to watching Wills more closely next season.*
But as always, the players have to go and do it.

*I pegged Sier as that extra big strong mid in time, though that may be a few seasons away (if it happens)

 

[TradeDraft]

I'm sure your next response will be "what about James Aish?" to which I would answer: given the depth of our midfield he is more utility than midfielder and given his marking capabilities and ability to read the flight I'd prefer to see him develop across half back with the team having more midfielders than it can accommodate inside the clubs best 22.

IF he can't get a Spot in the Midfield. I still think he can be a Very Good Midfielder then playing of Across Half Back could be a Very Good Position for him. Be down there with his Best Mate.

I rate Aish Ahead of these other Mids in our Team and what he can become:

• Wills
• De Goey
• Greenwood
• Phillps
• Crisp
• Smith

On same Level as:

• Sidebottom
• Adams

 

[Knightmare]

Having the elite Pendlbury and Treloar with an emerging De Goey will drive the engine room.
Remembering we have Adams as well.
I'm very very very bullish, if Jordan is given the opportunity, his progress will be significant. Just looks and smells a beast in the making, just gets the hard ball....

I'm now intrigued about Knightmare nominating Wills as a possible as well. I hadn't thought of that, but to his size and if his scope of improvement is there, well we will start to some side.... I'm open to watching Wills more closely next season.*
But as always, the players have to go and do it.

*I pegged Sier as that extra big strong mid in time, though that may be a few seasons away (if it happens)

De Goey like those who have watched this finals series will know of Heeney with Sydney, I feel can take that same step. He has the height and contested ball winning. Wins 1st possession at stoppages. He can become a star with opportunity. We're on the same page and share the same expectation.

Wills with 41 tackles from his first four games is curious. Tall and has size. Only going into his second season. Critically developing well and taking a big step forward from where he was in the VFL this time last year (only the one game from six with more than 20 disposals). He needs to take his contested ball winning and capacity to win 1st possession to another level to become an effective midfielder at AFL level. If he does that. We have our Josh Kennedy. But I'm seeing that as against the odds, as a good-great tackler and ok but below average accumulator and ball winner who isn't a good ball user. His rate of improvement is the glimmer of hope. And further improvement is the expectation. But I view it against the odds still that he will reach that level.

Sier I'm not overly optimistic about. While he missed time with injury, he just couldn't get his hands on the footy this year. He needs a big preseason and needs to improve massively next year just to be retained, let alone push for senior games.

IF he can't get a Spot in the Midfield. I still think he can be a Very Good Midfielder then playing of Across Half Back could be a Very Good Position for him. Be down there with his Best Mate.

I rate Aish Ahead of these other Mids in our Team and what he can become:

• Wills
• De Goey
• Greenwood
• Phillps
• Crisp
• Smith

On same Level as:

• Sidebottom
• Adams

I'd be shocked if you were to find a Collingwood support who rates Aish on the same level as Sidebottom or Adams.

As a midfielder Aish is also behind Crisp, Greenwood and De Goey in disposals and contested possessions per game and that's while getting more minutes through the midfield than certainly De Goey and possibly Greenwood also this season.

Aish is a developable player. But the issue Collingwood face is having a long list of midfielders and only so many midfield positions available. Aish in my view would be a better back flanker than a midfielder, so for me it's a no brainer that Aish shifts from the midfield into the back half to make way for the stronger ball winners and allow Aish to use his natural gifts which are more in reading the flight and intercepting behind the ball, as he did as a junior.