Like other Collingwood players and supporters, i am currently enjoying the week off and preparing to watch/live through, an exciting final couple of weeks of the season (fingers crossed). This week has got me thinking not only about our chances this year, but also about where we stand and can improve in future years...
When you look at our side this year, its hard to argue against us being the best side throughout the year (to date). This obviously counts for nothing unless we are able to win the 2010 premiership, however i think this year our coaching staff and players must be commended on the way they have grown as a "young" group and been able to compete with some fantastic sides - mainly St.Kilda and Geelong. Dont get me wrong, we certainly have some ageing players and players who appear to be in their prime, however on the whole this current Collignwood group can only grow stronger IMO, thanks to the new wave of young kids we have.
Not many people tend to raise the word "young" when refering to Collingwood however like it or lump it...this is a reality. I would be devestated if we did not follow through with our fantastic form and clinch a premiership this year, however its not all gloom and doom if our dream 2010 to date is runied by a single match.
When you look at the spine that lined up against the Bulldogs last weekend it was heartwarming to see:
Nathan Brown
Ben Reid
Dane Swan
Travis Cloke
Chris Dawes
All of the above players are in the early stages of there careers (early 20's) and all bar Swan (26 years old) are far from reaching there career best form.
Add to these names, combinations such as:
Thomas and Pendlebury
Macaffer and Wellingham
Toovey and Shaw
Beams And Sidebottom
Blair and Dick
...and it is easy to see why the future seems so bright. These players can certainly challenge for finals and more importantly a tilt at premierships for the coming years.
As the title says..."hopefully" this only marks the beginning of a fantastic group of players.
When you look at our side this year, its hard to argue against us being the best side throughout the year (to date). This obviously counts for nothing unless we are able to win the 2010 premiership, however i think this year our coaching staff and players must be commended on the way they have grown as a "young" group and been able to compete with some fantastic sides - mainly St.Kilda and Geelong. Dont get me wrong, we certainly have some ageing players and players who appear to be in their prime, however on the whole this current Collignwood group can only grow stronger IMO, thanks to the new wave of young kids we have.
Not many people tend to raise the word "young" when refering to Collingwood however like it or lump it...this is a reality. I would be devestated if we did not follow through with our fantastic form and clinch a premiership this year, however its not all gloom and doom if our dream 2010 to date is runied by a single match.
When you look at the spine that lined up against the Bulldogs last weekend it was heartwarming to see:
Nathan Brown
Ben Reid
Dane Swan
Travis Cloke
Chris Dawes
All of the above players are in the early stages of there careers (early 20's) and all bar Swan (26 years old) are far from reaching there career best form.
Add to these names, combinations such as:
Thomas and Pendlebury
Macaffer and Wellingham
Toovey and Shaw
Beams And Sidebottom
Blair and Dick
...and it is easy to see why the future seems so bright. These players can certainly challenge for finals and more importantly a tilt at premierships for the coming years.
As the title says..."hopefully" this only marks the beginning of a fantastic group of players.
The next 3-4 years will be exciting to say the least.
