Round 24 Collingwood v Geelong

[Herne Hill Hammer]

The Pies and Cats are now assured of a top 4 finish, one more win for both will basically assure them of top 2, what do people think would be the likely scenario for the round 24 match?

Collingwood showed in round 22 last season when they only went half hearted against Hawthorn that it didn't hurt them come finals time.

You would think subconsciously that apart from players that are on the fringe of best 22 playing for their spots the rest would ease off a touch. Players are highly competitive animals but these days I think they're pretty well drilled in the bigger picture.

The other scenario is that the coaches and selectors will play a much bigger role than usual with resting players and subs / rotations.

Apart from bragging rights on here and elsewhere, will the fans care as much as usual about the result of this game or will you be hoping that everyone is fit and fresh for the first week of finals?

Do supporters still think the old mainstays of flirting with form and momentum are as vital in this day and age of high speed, high impact, high intensity football? I'm not saying that they aren't important but are they 'as' important?

Thoughts?

 

[mattys123]

The words "dead rubber" come to mind.

 

[Alexwce]

Hopefully Geelong win. Much less daunting task having to play Geelong in RD1 of the finals than Collingwood

 

[Falchoon]

A couple of 2nd string players shirtfronting the oppositions better players would liven things up.

 

[krisholio14]

As long as we don't get pumped I don't care.

Frankly i'm more worried about a likely first week match up with Hawthorn at this point.

 

[Neville Bartos]

I doubt they'll rest too many players. Pies took in practically their best team minus Jolly into the Rd22 last year and although probably weren't going at it 100%, they still had a decent crack and gave their players some good form going into the finals.

You want to be cherry ripe heading into finals and considering these two teams will likely play off in the big one, any psychological edge will make a big difference.

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

If Collingwood maintain their edge on Geelong (the equivalent of two games, with their unassailable percentage advantage), it's a dead rubber and will be treated as such. If Collingwood drops a game between now and then (and Geelong wins all its remaining games, as expected) and top spot is on the line, it could be a cracker.

 

[10571z]

^^^ agreed. Could be a massive flop if top spot if done. Wouldnt be good to rest as a hopefull win in the first final will give u a rest anyway! But with injuries it could be a good week off!

 

[Williamc99]

No matter what happens, it'll be a great match given the rivalry these two teams have got for one another in recent times.

 

[watermelonslice]

If the minor premiership isn't on the line, I have a feeling both clubs will be content as long as they are not victim to a thrashing. It will be a good game but perhaps more exhibition-like in nature. If the result does determine the minor premiership, I would still prefer to lose rnd 24 than suffer injury/MRP wrath heading into September.

 

[Sasuke]

Could be a dead rubber, but im not 100% sure the pies wont drop another (freo away looms as a potential risky game late). I think West Coast will get fourth spot, so if it comes down as a live match, i could see both teams playing very hard to get first. No disrespect to the Eagles, but a home match against them looms easier than against the Hawks. THe pies also have some players who will need to get game time into the legs with players such as dawes, Bj and macaffer.

I cant see either teams wanting to give the other the edge, and i cant see Collingwood wanting to go into the finals having lost twice to their biggest premiership rival.

 

[Amber Guzzler]

It might be an advantage to finish 2nd, and play Hawthorn with a double chance, rather than playing them in a sudden death prelim.

 

[Bozo]

There will be a bare semblance of a press from Collingwood, Geelong will keep most of their cues in the rack as well. Might end up being a tight match and a good game in the memory but much like Round 8 (wasn't it?), the first half will be ordinary as both teams wait until the second half until they work out how many cards they have to show.

 

[BORK]

I just hope Geelong win to lengthen Collingwoods premiership odds so I can chuck a weeks pay on them.

 

[goldcoastfc]

I think the Cats will win, but both teams will take it relatively easy.

 

[vjknight]

A couple of 2nd string players shirtfronting the oppositions better players would liven things up.

well your '2nd string player filled' team do play the premiers in a few weeks.

get that tough guy jim to show them his skills.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

Hopefully Geelong win. Much less daunting task having to play Geelong in RD1 of the finals than Collingwood

Here's hoping, would love nothing more than to play West Coast in Melbourne first up.

 

[docks]

I doubt they'll rest too many players. Pies took in practically their best team minus Jolly into the Rd22 last year and although probably weren't going at it 100%, they still had a decent crack and gave their players some good form going into the finals.

You want to be cherry ripe heading into finals and considering these two teams will likely play off in the big one, any psychological edge will make a big difference.

Jolly actually played, they rested Brown (suspended actually), Didak and Ben Johnston

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

Geelong may rest one or two, but they're probably not as likely to rest players as the Pies, considering they'll only be a fortnight removed from the bye.

 

[Pie eyed]

Certainly from a Collingwood players point of view, Rnd 24 will be the final chance for quite a few to cement a spot in a finals side.
I don't see the game becoming a snore fest for that reason alone. Geelong's list will almost certainly be in the same boat.

 

[Thommo 42]

It will be a bit of both worlds for Collingwood.

We'll likely have Top spot cemented due to our % lead, and will be coming off the trip to Subi in Round 23, so a few may get rested for any little niggles, given our most recent bye was Round 12 and we will have had 4 interstate trips in final 8 rounds.

However, those playing, especially the fringe guys - will be out to cement a spot in the side come finals, so will be going as hard as ever. There will also be the return of Heath Shaw the following weeks, so selection pressure will be as high as ever unless you are a Top 10 player.

Guys like Macaffer, Blair, Buckley, Fasolo, Krakouer, Goldsack, Keefe and Macarthy will be pushing very very hard. Even Ben Johnson could be under pressure.

In the final 5 weeks we have Dawes, Didak, Beams to return from injury, as well as Shaw for first week of finals. Realistically, Keefe will clearly go out for Dawes, but Didak, Beams and Shaw will be replacing 3 of those other blokes, and they will be fighting hard to make sure its not them!

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

It will be a bit of both worlds for Collingwood.

We'll likely have Top spot cemented due to our % lead, and will be coming off the trip to Subi in Round 23, so a few may get rested for any little niggles, given our most recent bye was Round 12 and we will have had 4 interstate trips in final 8 rounds.

Could be an interesting situation for the Pies, to see how they manage Round 23/24. Would they be more inclined to rest the players who do need a break in Round 24, or just leave them home for the WA trip? Could be an interesting one, seeing as Freo will be throwing the kitchen sink at the Pies. At that stage, the Dockers will either be fighting for a top eight spot, or a home final.

 

[vinum coupe]

Malthouse won't tag Scarlett in rnd 24.
But you can bet your butt he will if they meet in the finals.

 

[Thommo 42]

Could be an interesting situation for the Pies, to see how they manage Round 23/24. Would they be more inclined to rest the players who do need a break in Round 24, or just leave them home for the WA trip? Could be an interesting one, seeing as Freo will be throwing the kitchen sink at the Pies. At that stage, the Dockers will either be fighting for a top eight spot, or a home final.

Good point, they're probably more likely to get the rest for the Subi game, than they are for the Geelong game. Especially if they rest for Round 24, then we win a first up final and they only play 2 games in a month.

So you'll probably see a full strength outfit in Round 24 vs Geelong, with the general soreness striking in Round 23.

 

[JR78]

Here's hoping, would love nothing more than to play West Coast in Melbourne first up.

Bet you would - and lets play it at Skilled hey?

You could even afford a late withdrawal or 2 like every other game this year with 'general soreness.'

You already get two byes but it's not enough for the veteran's creaking bones down at Skilled. Always want the easy path.