Preview Round 3; Collingwood v Hawthorn

[SteeleBeams]

Just a preview i wrote on Sundays clash. I know the rules about not posting direct links to my site so here it is..

Hawthorn holds a 14-11 record against the Magpies in their clashes at the MCG.​

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After the first two rounds it is clear that these two powerhouse clubs will be present in Septemeber, unless something horrible occurs. Hawthorn opened the season against Geelong and went down in a very close encounter, they lacked composure in the last quarter and ultimately cost themselves the game. Hawthorn then went over to Perth and put on an impressive display against potential top 4 team West Coast. Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli were very impressive.​

Collingwood have opened the season in convincing fashion. After going 0-6 last season against Kangaroos, Carlton and Hawthorn, Collingwood have a chance to open the season with a 3-0 record against those three teams which would be very encouraging signs for coach Nathan Buckley.​

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On so many occassions the match between these two teams has predominantly been won in the midfield. With Darren Jolly out for Sundays clash, it leaves a big question mark as to how Collingwood will go about getting convincing clearances. In the first two round Hawthorn are averaging 39 hitouts per match and also averaging 39 clearances whereas Collingwood are only averaging 23 hitouts per game and 34 clearances.With Ben Hudson being the #1 ruckmen on Sunday, it poses as a massive danger for Collingwood.​

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Key Matchups​

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Lance Franklin vs Ben Reid​

Lance Franklin is always a threat, against any team. Against Collingwood he just lifts another gear and always manages to kick 4-5 goals and be the match winner. If Collingwood have any hope of winning on Sunday they will need to shut him down, not allow him to take control of the game as he so often does. Ben Reid needs to take responsibility and not allow him an inch of space. He has kicked 46 goals in 11 games at 4.18 per game, including five or more five times against Collingwood​

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Sam Mitchell v Dane Swan​

These two midfield stars might not go head to head at each stoppage but there is no doubt they will both have an impact on the end result. Sam Mitchell is getting better with age, no doubt about it. Mitchell in the first two rounds is averaging 34 disposals, and 5 tackles. Collingwood can not allow him to dictate the play as he usually does. Dane Swan has also opened the season in impressive fashion, averaging 28.5 disposals, 1 goal and three tackles. Hawthorn won the total possession count in two of the three 2012 clashes, but that didn’t stop Dane Swan collecting a career-high 49 possessions in round 17 at the MCG.​

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Brian Lake v Travis Cloke​

Travis Cloke has showed what he is capable of, he is arguably the best contested mark in the competition and looks to be enjoying his footy early in the season. Brian Lake will be making his debut for his new club on Sunday, which has caused somewhat of a stir as the Hawthorn defence seems to be doing a-okay. Hawthorn will be looking to contain Travis Cloke to 1-2 goals, if he gets a taste of it early, he can be dangerous.​

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Changes​

Collingwood; In: D.Thomas , B.Hudson , J.Thomas , J.Frost , A.Fasolo​

Out: D.Jolly (Ribs) , N.Maxwell (Wrist)​

Hawthorn; In: J. Gunston, T. Durvea​

Out: B.Sewell, S. Savage​

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My Tip: Collingwood by 11 points in a wet and very heated contest on Sunday.​

If you want to see any more of my stuff, you know where to find it.

 

[SnakePlisskin]

Good job , will it be wet though , rain might hold off.

 

[Yidaki]

Good job , will it be wet though , rain might hold off.

Might be a few showers on the day but I don't think any heavy precipitation. That front in the morning will move quick I reckon leaving behind isolated showers as is suggested by the BOM. Still, I think some shower activity will happen and should make the game very interesting.