Media watch
Collingwood’s injury list the shortest it’s been in Nathan Buckley’s tenure
Lauren Wood, Herald Sun
April 11
Collingwood has the healthiest list in coach Nathan Buckley’s tenure as the coach confirmed that recruit Daniel Wells will play this weekend — in the VFL.
Of the Magpies’ 45 players, Buckley said he has 43 to choose from ahead of this Sunday’s clash with St Kilda, with forward Jamie Elliott — who hasn’t played at AFL level for 18 months — pushing for selection after a five-goal showing in the VFL on the weekend.
In his six years at the helm, Buckley said he has never been so spoiled for choice.
Jeremy Howe is a dominant force in defence for Collingwood with his record among best in AFL
Herald Sun, Jay Clark
April 10
Jeremy Howe arrived at Collingwood as an enigmatic high-flyer.
When he left Melbourne after 100 games and 80 goals, Howe was on a promise from Nathan Buckley to play exclusively forward.
Yet it is entirely possible Howe will never again venture permanently into the attacking part of the ground.
Three rounds into the season, Howe has been virtually unpassable in his floating defensive role.
The 26-year-old has been involved in seven aerial one-on-one marking contests this year and either won or neutralised the ball in all of them.
Collingwood players relished change to holding the ball interpretation in win against Sydney
Herald Sun, Jay Clark
April 12
Collingwood’s manic tackling pressure against Sydney Swans was fuelled by a change to the holding the ball interpretation.
Captain Scott Pendlebury said the Magpies’ “eyes lit up” when the club received an AFL memo advising it that players would be given more time to dispose the ball in Round 3.
Rather than umpires blowing the whistle quickly on a ball-up, Pendlebury said Collingwood players knew they would have more time and opportunity to tackle the opposition and spill the ball in dangerous areas where they could score from.
Medical Report
Daniel Wells (test)
Jordan De Goey (test)
Brayden Siar (available)
Tom Langdon (1-3 weeks)
Ben Sinclair (8-9 weeks)
Fresh faces
Collingwood rookie Henry Schade stunned the football world last Friday night when he held Sydney superstar Lance Franklin goalless in his 250th game. After being delisted by the Gold Coast Suns, the key defender has played all three games thus far at his new club. Lively wingman Will Hoskin-Elliott has also made a bright start to his fresh start at Holden Centre, playing all three games and kicking the winning goal at the SCG last weekend. While former Docker Chris Mayne is averaging the fourth most pressure points at the Pies in his maiden season at the club.
Star
While Scott Pendlebury and Adam Treloar continue to command the lion share of attention following another strong start to their seasons, unassuming midfielder Taylor Adams has proven to be equally as effective in 2017. The new Collingwood vice-captain earned nine coaches votes for his destructive 31-disposal, 11-tackle performance against Sydney. After three rounds, he is averaging 10 more pressure points (60.3) than any other player at Holden Centre, and is also averaging a tick under 30 possessions per game, to with 12.7 contested possessions and 10 tackles.
Stats that matter
Despite breaking through for their first win of 2017 last Friday night, Collingwood is ranked 14th for points for this season at 82.0 per game. With their collection of midfield stars, the Magpies are finding plenty of the ball, winning the second most possessions (412.7) each week and averaging 48 more touches per game than the opposition – ranked No. 3.
Team
B: J. Howe, H. Schade, J. Ramsay
HB: J. Smith, B. Reid, B. Maynard
C: S. Sidebottom, S. Pendlebury, J. Crisp
HF: T. Varcoe, J. White, T. Broomhead
F: A. Fasolo, D. Moore, J. Elliott
R: B. Grundy, A. Treloar, T. Adams
Interchange from: T. Goldsack, J. Blair, L. Dunn, C. Mayne, L. Greenwood, T. Phillips, W. Hoskin-Elliott
IN: L. Dunn, J. Blair, J. Elliott
NEW: Lynden Dunn (Melbourne)
