mattys123
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2012 COLLINGWOOD SEASON PREVIEW
It's almost time for footy to return for 2012, even it is only the NAB Cup, it still is live, competitive AFL football, and you simply can not beat that. After a summer of watching a stack of different sports around the world, it's time to focus back on the team we love, the Collingwood Football Club, as it searches for it's record equalling 16th premiership, in a year that may well define this current group of players.
I say “may define this group” as with age catching up to the likes of Jolly, Tarrant, Didak, Maxwell and the loss of Davis and Leigh Brown already, the team that runs out in 2013 is likely to be markedly different to the one that held aloft the 2010 AFL Premiership cup.
So to 2012, and the most important change has obviously been made in the coaches box, with Mick Malthouse moving on and in comes the champ, the superstar player, and hopefully the superstar coach, Nathan Buckley.
The changes that the great man makes to the side, from every angle, will be gripping and exciting to watch, and might just be the catalyst this team needs to get back to glory, not in a dissimilar manner to our conquerors on that fateful day in October last year.
THE DRAW
No matter which way you look at the draw, either statistically (rated as the hardest by Champion Data) or just in terms of the layout, we have a tough draw, which in looking at the final result last time may not be a bad thing. 4 of our first 5 games are against top 8 contenders, with Port and Richmond being the easier games of those, but we have two crackers early in Hawthorn and Carlton. How we start the year may well determine where we ultimately finish up, with no real easy periods throughout the year, and most of our interstate trips late in the season (3 of our last 5 games interstate) we may want to be secure in a top 4 spot to rest a few players from those interstate trips (Jolly, Didak, Johnson, Tarrant etc).
Coaching
Wow, where do you start, there are that many changes it's astounding, so I think it's easier to just talk about the group we have, rather then who isn't there any more. It obviously starts at the top, with the new head coach, Nathan Buckley, and then he has his 3 main assistants, the returning Matthew Lappin as Offensive coach, the legend that is Robert Harvey as the new midfield coach, and Adelaide club stalwart Ben Hart as the defensive coach.
But it's the addition of Rodney Eade that has raised the most eyebrows, with the former Western Bulldogs and Sydney coach deciding to accept the role of Football and Coaching Strategist, which really was the role set down for Malthouse before he decided to part ways with the club.
Below that are a plethora of assistants, line coaches and developments coaches, including Anthony Rocca, Mitch Hahn and Dale Tapping.
It's the biggest and most developed coaching structure in Collingwood history, and is all overseen by Geoff Walsh as the Director of Football.
PLAYER PREVIEWS
1. Alex Fasolo
It was a stunning debut year for Alex, with 13 games, and 16 goals, including being involved in the match sealing play in the qualifying final, and also coming on as the sub in the Grand Final.
2012 will be an interesting year for Alex, a lot of players have poorer second years then first seasons, but I think Alex and his natural confidence will ensure he improves, and becomes an integral part of our best 22. He will start up forward, but I can see him playing some time in the midfield as the season goes on and the stars need more rest.
2. Chris Tarrant
When 30 year old Chris Tarrant returned last year, many thought the best might have been behind him, but in 2011 he became our most reliable defender. He was the man to go to when a player was cutting loose, and he took on most of the best forwards in the game, with the stand out performance coming against Lance Franklin in the preliminary final, where he held the champion to 3 goals. In 2012, fitness permitting, we may see Chris used forward a little more, as the return of Nathan Brown increases our versatility down back.
3. Andrew Krakouer
His first season at Collingwood couldn't have gone much better, not only did Andrew take mark of the year, but he was in our best players on Grand Final day, something rarely seen from small forwards in a losing side. We all know of the recent problems he has been going through, and the fact he won't be around the club for the next few weeks, but if Andrew is able to over come those problems, there's a spot for him in our team every day of the week, he is our small forward specialist, especially with the absence of Leon Davis now. Let's hope he returns from Perth as good as ever.
4. Alan Didak
2011 was basically a right off for 2011, so the less said about that the better. In 2012, despite the early setback he has suffered, I expect the real Alan Didak to return, and we will need him to if we are to once again be successful in September. Alan is our X Factor, he's the man who can turn a game on a dime, and the player most likely to replace Leon Davis as the “igniter”, even though Alan himself has really been that his whole career. He is Collingwood through and through, and he still has several big years left in him, let's hope 2012 is one of his biggest.
5. Nick Maxwell
In a similar vein to Didak, Nick Maxwell's 2011 season was shattered by injuries at every turn, even on Grand Final day he broke his knuckles early on. In 2012, all reports suggest he is fitter then ever, and our All Australia, Premiership winning captain is vital to our success. I expect Buckley to try and get Maxy back to that loose man in defense role that he was so successful with in 2010, and the versatility that comes with the return of Nathan Brown will only assist this. He'll have a big year, I have no doubts about that.
6. Tyson Goldsack
2012 is a big year for Tyson, he has been on the edge of our best 22 for several years now, and has enough experience, and enough miles in his legs that there are no excuses any more. Of course he had his share of problems in 2011 also, and hopefully he is over them completely, because with the loss of Leon Davis off half back, Goldy might be called in to assist, and will get the opportunity to finally cement a spot in our best 22.
8.Heritier O'Brien
Harry had a good 2011, but in many ways it could have been better. But in 2012, Harry will get more license to be more attacking, as it seems that drive off half back is become as vital of a skill as anything in the AFL now, and Harry has that in droves. I'd even like to see Harry given more license to go forward, we all know he, and us love it when he kicks a goal, and the team just lifts when he goes on one of his attacking runs. 2012 will be a big year for Harry IMO.
9. Martin Clarke
Marty's back, and I love it, and it seems so does he. When he left, not unlike Chris Tarrant, he was a boy, but now he returns a man. He knows what he did wrong last time, but this time we get back a better version of Marty Clarke. He has noticeably filled out his frame, and with his general endurance still at absolute elite levels, the changes to the game will actually suit Marty. Put him in from round one and watch him go, he'll be our secret weapon in 2012, he is the AFL recruit of the year.
10. Scott Pendlebury
Our reigning club champion, wow, what a player he has become. There's so many superlatives you could use to describe the player that is Scott Pendlebury, but I think the one that stands out is elite. He is as good as anyone in the game in the midfield now, and the scary thing is for other teams, he will keep improving. 2012 will be another great year for Scott, he will welcome the assistance of the younger players that will enter the midfield, but along with Jolly, Swan and Ball he will help lead us in the engine room. He will also be the captain of this club in the future, he is a born leader.
11. Jarryd Blair
The experts keep writing this little man off, yet he keeps proving them wrong. In 2011 he cemented a spot in the 22, and while he will have a fight on his hands to keep that spot in 2012, if he only improves slightly on his 2011 output, he will play most games for us, and may also move into the midfield, giving Luke Ball some relief as the inside ball winner he could become.
12. Luke Ball
The workhorse that is Luke Ball must be the loved player of the midfield group. He does all the grunt work, he goes where other fear to venture, and gets the ball out to the superstars, and to put it simply, makes them better players. He is the extractor, maybe the best in the AFL at what he does, and in 2012 we need give him more support, hopefully with a Blair, Beams or even a Josh Thomas helping the hard nut survive the long season. Luke Ball is as integral to our success as anyone, and I'd expect nothing more then another great year from Bally.
13. Dale Thomas
The most improved footballer in the AFL over the past 2 seasons took his game to another level in 2011, so much so that when we got suspended at the end of the year, we went backwards, and he, and we never really got our groove back. He is the face of the playing group, at least for many, and with those famous blonde flowing locks now gone, he may even take his game to a higher level. Despite his fun demeanour, he works as hard as anyone at the club, and is as much a gut runner as Dane Swan, 2012 will be Daisy’s' biggest year yet.
14. Luke Rounds
In his third season at the club Luke finally made his debut, yet injuries still riddled his year. When he is fit, he is consistently in the best players at VFL level, and if he can only get a decent run with fitness he will push for selection throughout 2012, and we need the likes of Luke too, because our depth needs to improve this year.
15. Jarrod Witts
The most hyped recruit at Collingwood in 2012 has been the big man, at 208cms (many dispute he's taller) and with a frame exceeding 110 kgs already, the man mountain affectionately entitled “The Crane” by those at the club has created as much excitement and outlandish predictions of success as anyone in recent times. When he made his Victoria Park debut in the VFL last year, people came just to watch him, and cheered loudly or even gasped at some of the things he did. The comparisons to Sandilands may not turn out to be correct, as young Jarrod may become more of a forward then a pure ruckman, but the growth, both vertically and in his game will be one of the highlights of 2012 for Collingwood fans.
16. Nathan Brown
He's back, after a shocking 2011 that can be summed up with 2 terrible knee injuries, the defensive player of the dual 2010 grand finals returns, and is the second secret weapon I have previewed here. He will finally provide us with the versatility we so badly wanted when Chris Tarrant returned at the start of least year, and by all reports Nate is well on target for a round 2 NAB Cup return, and won't there be a smile on Pies fans faces when the big defender in number 16 returns. We need him, but really we just want to see him back playing.
17. Dayne Beams
When Dayne Beams was fit last season, he averaged over 20 possessions, yet injuries cruelled his season, no more so then the groin complaint he suffered leading into the preliminary final, which eventually cost him a place in another Grand Final side. All pre season reports have been positive about his fitness, because as he showed in 2010, at his best, he can be a very important member of our midfield rotation, while still kicking goals as a half forward. Hopefully 2012 will be a better year for Dayne, he has the talent, he just needs luck with injuries.
18. Darren Jolly
Our ruckman, the man who is as crucial to our success as any other, as shown when he struggled through the preliminary and Grand Final last year, and the team faltered at the final hurdle. With 2 years still remaining on his contract, don't expect any retirement talk out of the dual premiership player just yet, with injuries the only reason why he won't maintain that number one ruck position at the Pies. Maybe with more help from a proper ruckman this year, he won't have to spend as much time in the ruck as he did when Leigh Brown played a minimal support role. For Collingwood to win the flag, it's almost certain that the man wearing 18 will have to be fit and firing come Grand Final day.
19. Cameron Wood
2012 might well be a make or break year for Cameron Wood. It's his 8th year in the AFL senior system, and his 5th at Collingwood, yet he still hasn't been able to break into the best 22. He gets his opportunity early in 2012, with no Leigh Brown in his way as that second ruck, Cameron has to stand up and want to be Jolly's ruck partner, because with the likes of Witts and Ceglar coming through, time won't wait for Wood to develop. I'll back him to perform, I've seen him play top games up forward, in pre season and VFL games, and see no reason why he can't take over the Leigh Brown role straight away.
20. Ben Reid
What a year from Ben Reid, leading into the 2010 finals, he was unrated by just about everyone outside of Collingwood, yet by the end of the 2011 AFL season he was the All Australian Centre Half Back, and widely regarded as the equal of any tall defender in the AFL. 2012 should be no different for the tall man from Wangaratta, might even improve his game, and once again he will benefit from the return of Nathan Brown, and who knows we may see the stutter step run out that Josh Kennedy stole from him, being used up forward for the pies again.
21. Sharrod Wellingham
To me, Sharrod is one of the most frustrating players at Collingwood, simply because, as he showed against the Dees on Queen's Birthday last year, and in the final against Adelaide in 2009, he has the ability to take over a game and make a real difference, yet on so many occasions his output is so muted. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh on him, and it's been more that he's been playing a defensive role under Mick Malthouses' coaching, but I'd love to see Sharrod released in 2012, he has the ability to become elite, and I want to see more of that ability.
22. Steele Sidebottom
Collingwood's own Clark Keating, Mr September (or October), the man never lets us down on the big stage, and 2012 should be no difference. From the moment he kicked 10 goals in the under 18 Grand Final Steele was destined to be a big game performer in the AFL, and somehow we got him. He makes us competitive in any final, because you know what you are going to get, a stellar performance. His only down side might be his home and away output, it was a little below his normal level last year, but I'm sure the new coaching staff will look to remedy that this coming season.
23. Lachlan Keefe
At 204cm, Keefe has to be the only 200cm + player on an AFL list that doesn't play in the ruck, and in that may be the reason why he has failed to crack the big time yet. His height is both his strength, and to some extent his weakness, because in defense he has been beating for speed on several occasions, and up forward his hands just don't look clean enough. But he has time, and like most big men he needs to fins his niche, his specialist role, and hopefully he develops into whatever that role is in 2012.
24. Josh Thomas
Ah, poor JT, the man most cruelled by repeated injuries, who has as much talent as any of the younger players at our club. Once again 2011 was a painful year for Thomas, with recurring foot injuries keeping him our of the VFL side until the last 6 matches, although his impact was immediate upon his return, and he was in the best players in the majority of those matches. But time won't wait for JT either, 2012 might be his last chance to impress, so I'm praying he comes back from his current injury better then ever.
25. Tom Young
Even Tom himself would have been impressed with his debut against the Brisbane Lions late last year, where he gathered 23 disposals and kicked one of the more remarkable memorable goals of 2011 with what could only be described as a floater. He was a regular at VFL level, one of the few staples that helped a young and developing group be competitive on most occasions. He will play senior games in 2012, and may push for a best 22 spot by seasons end.
26. Ben Johnson
Ah, BJ, the man born a stones throw away from Collingwood, a man who bleeds black and white, a man who finally got his reward with a flag in 2010, but would give it all up for a flag with his good mate Chris Tarrant. Johnson had setbacks in 2011 once again, but he was as vital as ever in our pursuit of the ultimate goal, and in 2012 he will be there once again when the whips are cracking, and when he gets on that left foot inside 50, the army will rise once again, and again.
27. Simon Buckley
Buckley is a hard one to pin down, there's no doubt he has talent, but he just hasn't seen to be able to take that next step and become a consistent top 25 player at the club. He was emergency on many occasions in 2011, and played a few senior games, but he needs to develop further if he is to become a fixture in this strong side.
28. Ben Sinclair
You could repeat what I wrote about Josh Thomas and it would almost ring true for Ben Sinclair, as he too has struggled with injuries ever since being recruited to the club. I'm hoping he needed time to grow into his body, because he as hard as footballers come, and could offer the likes of Ball, Swan and Pendlebury some relief throughout the system with his hard ball winning ability. He will also get a chance off half back you would assume, where he has played plenty of footy in the VFL. He is highly rated internally, so he will be given every chance to succeed, fitness permitting of course.
29. Jon Ceglar
Ceglar was at first though of as the “steak knives” in the Andrew Krakouer trade deal last year, but towards the end of the year it appeared that long term Krak might be considered the freebie, as Ceglar came into his own as a tall forward and showed glimpses of the talent he has. He will spend plenty of time in partnership with Witts over the next few seasons, and will be given every opportunity to become part of the future of this great club.
30. Brent Macaffer
2011 was a write off for Brent. After a great finals series in 2010, where he became that third forward next to Dawes and Cloke, he struggled to get any real field time at all in 2011, but all signs point to him being back to his best in 2012, and with early injuries to Didak, Elliott and the Krakouer situation, we will need Brent early on in the season, and if he can stay fit I doubt anyone will be forcing him out of the side quickly.
31. Chris Dawes
Up to round 15 last year, it seemed as if Cloke and Dawes would lead us to a premiership up forward. But when Chris broke his knuckle in round 15, it ended his run and he never really truly recovered, and then he re broke the same hand in the Grand Final. Hopefully 2012 is a better year for Chris, we need him to drag defenders away from Cloke, but also to act as that second real option up forward. 2012 will be a better year for Chris in plenty of ways, and all talk is he is fitter, and stronger then ever.
32. Travis Cloke
The best all around forward in the AFL, is a statement that very few thought Travis Cloke would ever achieve, but in the eyes of many, that's just what he is. In 2011 he smashed the contested mark record, and at times solely carried a struggling forward line into the Grand Final. His preliminary final performance is the stuff of history now, and the pack mark he took to put us in front is one of the greatest marks ever taken in the history of this club. He should only improve, which is scary for the rest of the AFL, and he simply can not be beaten if given the correct feed and support.
33. Jackson Paine
Our first selection in the 2011 National Draft, Jackson is a key position forward who played alongside the number one draft pick Patton at both the Sandringham Dragons and the Victorian Metro under 18's teams. At 92kgs, maybe even more by now, he has the body to make immediate impact, and internally the club are talking up his chances of a senior debut in 2012.
34. Alan Toovey
The cult figure of the club, Tooves, or Possum, is just that reliable medium sized defender that every top side needs. More then that he has been one of, if not the best medium sized one on one defender in the AFL over the past 2 seasons. In 2012 one would expect Toovey to also benefit from the return of Nathan Brown, as he won't be asked to play on the third tall any more against the sides that have 3 quality tall forwards. Tooves will then be released a little more, and we may see a more attacking side to him in 2012.
35. Jamie Elliott
Acquired as part of the Marty Clarke deal with GWS, Elliott immediately had an impact at the club, even if his small and thin frame seems to need development. He has immense talent as a small forward, and plays above his 175cm height. He had a small setback with a hamstring injury, but most expect the number 35 to be seen on the MCG at some stage this season.
36. Dane Swan
The reigning Brownlow medallist, the triple Copeland Trophy winner, the AFL's MVP in 2010, and 3 time All Australian. That doesn't really sum up Swanny though, he's an enigma, a man who at first sight seems like a trouble maker, but when he steps onto the field he is the ultimate team player, who works harder then anyone, whether it be at training or in a game. He got better in 2011, and he may get better in 2012, but there's no doubt he will maintain his place as one of the games modern day great players. And having a player just like himself join the club, Robert Harvey, may takes his game to yet another level. Another big year in 2012 for Swan is all but guaranteed.
37. Kirk Ugle
Ugle burst onto the scene in the NAB Cup last year, and really looked like being a player who could hold down the small forward spot in the future. He seemed to stagnate a little throughout the VFL season, but he showed great defensive pressure up forward at times. In 2012 you would think with Krakouer and Didak having their problems, and young Elliott also slightly delayed, Ugle will get first crack at the small forward position in the NAB Cup, and how long he stays in the side will be completely on his shoulders. He has talent, he just needs time to develop.
38.Peter Yagmoor
The wraps on Yagmoor have been huge ever since he was traded to the club via the Gold Coast suns. A Cairns native, Yagmoor moved to Brisbane several years ago, and has been likened to an indigenous version of Hawthorn's Clinton Young, a rangy, quick half back with a damaging left foot, and we all know how much the new coach values foot skills. He may debut in the first half of the season even.
39.Heath Shaw
Ah Heath, what to do with him, he's a great clubman, a great person to have around the club, and prior to his indescribable last season was on his way towards becoming one of the premier half backs in the competition, and many say he was a near certainty for All Australian selection. We all know he has the talent, he just needs to stay out of trouble, and maybe his promotion to the leadership group for 2012 may be the catalyst he needs to become the best half back flanker in the AFL.
40. Paul Seedsman
The bonus to Paul is his size, at 189cm, he moves like a midfielder/flanker, yet has the height to play as a 3rd forward or a tall half back at times. He improved remarkably as the season went on in the VFL, and his final 2-3 games were outstanding. He looks to have all the attributes to be a top line AFL player, it's only a matter of time before Seedsman is running around in the seniors.
44.Corey Gault
Corey Gault may be the steal of the draft. Taken at pick 65 by the Pies, the Swan Districts junior (played one senior game for them) impressed many towards the end of last season, and despite injury was a member of the WA state under 18 team. He has great movement for his size, and will spend most of 2012 in the VFL learning to play as a ruckman and as a tall forward. Big things are expected of him though, Derek Hine doesn't waste his picks after all.
ROOKIES
41..Daniel Farmer
Dan was with us last year, and while he showed glimpses of his ability, he never really rose to the heights Hine and the club would have expected. He was delisted then re rookied, so hopefully he makes the most of his second opportunity.
43..Trent Stubbs
Stubbs, like Farmer was with the club last year, and while he also showed some signs of promise, he will need to improve his game to keep his spot for 2013.
45..Lachlan Smith
Lachlan is a medium sized forward who some may remember from the two appearances he made for the Pies VFL side last season, He played the rest of the season with the Murray Bushrangers and made quite an impression at TAC Cup level up forward.
46..Marley Williams
Marley made a huge jump forward in 2011, and played 2 senior games for Claremont. Originally from Claremont he has great pace and once again is another long kicking left footer, not that different in description to Yagmoor.
47..Michael Hartley
Hartley is the latest recruit through the NSW scholarship system, and his claim to fame in 2011 was when he played on number one draft pick Jonathon Patton and held him to one goal in an under 18 state championship match. Hartley is really one to watch in 2012.
48..Caolan Mooney
The hype on Caolan is amazing for an irish recruit. He came down late last year and played in a few intra club matches during our finals series, and some of the comments from seasoned players and coaches were that he could do things that had to be seen to be believed. He is as athletic as they come, and will be a definite must watch in 2011.
49..Paul Cribbin
Paul returns for a second year, and the third irishman will also provide us plenty of run off half back during the 2012 season, just as he did in the VFL last year.
50..Shae McNamara
The lanky yank returns for his third season, and he showed plenty of signs of significant improvement in 2011. I said last year that if he returned, I could see him playing senior football in 2012, purely as a depth player, but it would be a remarkable achievement if he plays one senior game at all.
Prediction
With the quality of the players above as good as any other teams list in the competition, I still firmly believe we are a realistic premiership chance in 2012. A lot will depend on the fitness of several key players coming into the finals, but if we can go in as good as what we did in 2010, I think we'll repeat that success. But also, to remain competitive not only for 2012, but in the future, we need the youngsters to start pushing through and taking the place of some of the older, more seasoned footballers at the club.
Final home and away result = 2nd.
Will we win the premiership = YES.
Comment and Criticise away.
GO PIES.
