Lonie_from_50
13 Jun 2006, 20:38
At 8-3 and in third spot on the ladder it is an amazing position when predicting the position 6 months back. We knew we were good, well better, but to be 8-3 is just fantastic. The Pies however did suffer their worst defeat in the season so far only 24 hours ago, so it may seem we are further away, but then again, looking at a whole, the Pies are having a tremendous season so far.
Coming off two consecutive grand final appearances in 2002-03, we managed to plunder to the surface of the AFL ladder, well, close enough, finishing bottom four both seasons in 2004-05, but a turn-around has occured. In our years to forget, no, not the grand final years, we had form and injury worries, but mainly the latter. This season, we have seen at some point(s) in time an injury-free list, with only Sean Rusling the main player injured, who was placed on the long-term injury list early pre-season, and a revoving Rhyce Shaw who came back after a month to VFL football, but we experienced a bulk of players in two weeks in Dane Swan, Brodie Holland, Nick Maxwell and Shane Wakelin along with an unbelievable head injury to Blake Caracella who was almost in a wheelchair for life. But, saying that, if the injuries were to come, atleast the break was available shortly afterwards.
Collingwood hasn't just showed that they are a side who can win games in stints, they are playing four quarters of football and winning well. We are a finals threat and as much as it pains people to say it, we are almost there. Collingwood has won overall every quarter of football over their opposition, with the second quarter being our worst at just overscoring, but our third quarters have been recognised. We have been fantastic in that period of time, scoring 34 more goals than our opponents this year in that quarter alone. When a side plays four quarters of footy, it is always pleasing and the Pies are doing that.
To the club. Our players have been solid and rotations have really helped our 'mediocre' midfield. More importantly, we have seen a young star rise, and potential quality footballers become quality footballers. Paul Licuria and Shane O'Bree survived a potential cut last season and have been managed well. Each is provided an impact, especially O'Bree who has continued his clearance work and finding the ball around the ground. A top ten player in disposals along with team-mate Ben Johnson who has lead the league in kicks for the majority of the season. Ben's first month was fantastic and he was awarded the ANZAC Medallist in front of 91,000 fans at the MCG, the first game at the newly developed arena since the Grand Final a year earlier. Nathan Buckley has been monitored well, and he pulled off his best game of the season, and maybe even his career by kicking 6 goals and having 30 touches against Brisbane in Round 10. He has been a good performer over the season, working either as a deep forward or playing half-forward or half-back. However, the players who have really shone are those of Dale Thomas, Dane Swan and Heath Shaw. One was under-rated by many when drafted at no.2 overall in last years draft, one was lucky to be at the side, and the last one had a good final month and a bit after making a long-awaited debut to be considered for season 2006. Dale Thomas has added excitement and flair to the side and he has become a favourite already. His hair earns himself the nickname 'Sparky' while he has earnt a ripe cheer from the crowd for his high flies in a short career, the first in his first game, the second infront of more than 90,000 people. Dane Swan has been warned by Mick as this being the make or break season after inconsistent career and off-field incidents, and he has taken great advantage of that talk. He has become the biggest impact player in the league according to statistics. Averaging 24 touches, playing 67% game time, he has been a great contributor. Not only in the midfield, but he has slotted through 15 goals. Heath Shaw has been a stand-out, becoming the second Magpie to get a NAB Rising Star award behind Dale Thomas. Heath has been part of a terrific backline. He has been our link player and despite some shaky work by him, he has been consistent each week, averaging 23 touches a game. It all started for 'Heater' when he played his first game of the season against Hawthorn as a late inclusion. He had 30 touches in wet and windy conditions only 24 hours earlier for Williamstown, and was a solid contributor in his game in the black and white, and hasn't missed a game since.
Other players who have been stand-outs are Josh Fraser, who is standing up week by week in the ruck, showing why he is the most valuable player at the club when fit. Anthony Rocca is up there in the race for the Coleman, with 35 goals, playing full-forward allowing Chris Tarrant to roam as a leading player, who has been good at most times, but dissappoining in the other times. Small forwards Leon Davis and Alan Didak have been pleasing, with Davis kicking 22 goals, and Didak kicking 20 goals, as much as he has helped assist in, number one in the league for goal assists. Didak, a first-round draft pick has really come of age, gaining consistency, the only thing he needed to become All-Australian material. The back-bone in defence Simon Prestigiacomo has been simply outstanding, on his way to a best season at the club, and is playing in his 11th season. James Clement has been as always the general while Nick Maxwell has been great as anticipated. He puts his head over the ball and goes in at every contest and that is what counts. Tarkyn Lockyer and Ryan Lonie have each been very servicable and improved their game.
It should be a very interesting second half to season 2006, and hopefully we can see September for the first time in two years.
BEST WIN
R10: Collingwood 16.13 (109) d Brisbane Lions 12.11 (83) at MCG
WORST LOSS
R11: Collingwood 14.10 (94) d by Melbourne 22.9 (141)
TOP 6
1. Alan Didak
2. Dane Swan
3. Simon Prestigiacomo
4. Ben Johnson
5. Anthony Rocca
6. Josh Fraser
MOST IMPROVED
1. Dane Swan
2. Heath Shaw
NEEDS TO LIFT
1. Jason Cloke
2. Chris Egan
STATS DEPARTMENT
Played every game: Leon Davis, Ryan Lonie, Alan Didak, James Clement, Shane O'Bree, Anthony Rocca, Tarkyn Lockyer, Josh Fraser, Ben Johnson
Players used: 33
Most gametime: Anthony Rocca (1217), Ryan Lonie (1209), Tarkyn Lockyer (1203)
Goals: Anthony Rocca (35), Leon Davis (22), Chris Tarrant (21), Alan Didak (20), Nathan Buckley (15), Dane Swan (15)
Behinds: Anthony Rocca (13), Josh Fraser (13), Chris Tarrant (13)
Inside 50's Ben Johnson (65), Alan Didak (55), Nathan Buckley (39)
Kicks: Ben Johnson (188), Heath Shaw (162), Paul Licuria (159)
Handballs: Shane O'Bree (141), Paul Licuria (108), Dane Swan (97)
Disposals: Paul Licuria (267), Shane O'Bree (263), Ben Johnson (262)
Marks: Heath Shaw (89), Josh Fraser (87), Paul Licuria (79)
Clearances: Shane O'Bree (58), Dane Swan (31), Josh Fraser (28)
Clangers: Ben Johnson (33), Shane O'Bree (32), Alan Didak (29)
Tackles: Shane O'Bree (38), Ryan Lonie (35), Paul Licuria (30)
Hitouts: Josh Fraser (150), Guy Richards (69), Anthony Rocca (10)
Coming off two consecutive grand final appearances in 2002-03, we managed to plunder to the surface of the AFL ladder, well, close enough, finishing bottom four both seasons in 2004-05, but a turn-around has occured. In our years to forget, no, not the grand final years, we had form and injury worries, but mainly the latter. This season, we have seen at some point(s) in time an injury-free list, with only Sean Rusling the main player injured, who was placed on the long-term injury list early pre-season, and a revoving Rhyce Shaw who came back after a month to VFL football, but we experienced a bulk of players in two weeks in Dane Swan, Brodie Holland, Nick Maxwell and Shane Wakelin along with an unbelievable head injury to Blake Caracella who was almost in a wheelchair for life. But, saying that, if the injuries were to come, atleast the break was available shortly afterwards.
Collingwood hasn't just showed that they are a side who can win games in stints, they are playing four quarters of football and winning well. We are a finals threat and as much as it pains people to say it, we are almost there. Collingwood has won overall every quarter of football over their opposition, with the second quarter being our worst at just overscoring, but our third quarters have been recognised. We have been fantastic in that period of time, scoring 34 more goals than our opponents this year in that quarter alone. When a side plays four quarters of footy, it is always pleasing and the Pies are doing that.
To the club. Our players have been solid and rotations have really helped our 'mediocre' midfield. More importantly, we have seen a young star rise, and potential quality footballers become quality footballers. Paul Licuria and Shane O'Bree survived a potential cut last season and have been managed well. Each is provided an impact, especially O'Bree who has continued his clearance work and finding the ball around the ground. A top ten player in disposals along with team-mate Ben Johnson who has lead the league in kicks for the majority of the season. Ben's first month was fantastic and he was awarded the ANZAC Medallist in front of 91,000 fans at the MCG, the first game at the newly developed arena since the Grand Final a year earlier. Nathan Buckley has been monitored well, and he pulled off his best game of the season, and maybe even his career by kicking 6 goals and having 30 touches against Brisbane in Round 10. He has been a good performer over the season, working either as a deep forward or playing half-forward or half-back. However, the players who have really shone are those of Dale Thomas, Dane Swan and Heath Shaw. One was under-rated by many when drafted at no.2 overall in last years draft, one was lucky to be at the side, and the last one had a good final month and a bit after making a long-awaited debut to be considered for season 2006. Dale Thomas has added excitement and flair to the side and he has become a favourite already. His hair earns himself the nickname 'Sparky' while he has earnt a ripe cheer from the crowd for his high flies in a short career, the first in his first game, the second infront of more than 90,000 people. Dane Swan has been warned by Mick as this being the make or break season after inconsistent career and off-field incidents, and he has taken great advantage of that talk. He has become the biggest impact player in the league according to statistics. Averaging 24 touches, playing 67% game time, he has been a great contributor. Not only in the midfield, but he has slotted through 15 goals. Heath Shaw has been a stand-out, becoming the second Magpie to get a NAB Rising Star award behind Dale Thomas. Heath has been part of a terrific backline. He has been our link player and despite some shaky work by him, he has been consistent each week, averaging 23 touches a game. It all started for 'Heater' when he played his first game of the season against Hawthorn as a late inclusion. He had 30 touches in wet and windy conditions only 24 hours earlier for Williamstown, and was a solid contributor in his game in the black and white, and hasn't missed a game since.
Other players who have been stand-outs are Josh Fraser, who is standing up week by week in the ruck, showing why he is the most valuable player at the club when fit. Anthony Rocca is up there in the race for the Coleman, with 35 goals, playing full-forward allowing Chris Tarrant to roam as a leading player, who has been good at most times, but dissappoining in the other times. Small forwards Leon Davis and Alan Didak have been pleasing, with Davis kicking 22 goals, and Didak kicking 20 goals, as much as he has helped assist in, number one in the league for goal assists. Didak, a first-round draft pick has really come of age, gaining consistency, the only thing he needed to become All-Australian material. The back-bone in defence Simon Prestigiacomo has been simply outstanding, on his way to a best season at the club, and is playing in his 11th season. James Clement has been as always the general while Nick Maxwell has been great as anticipated. He puts his head over the ball and goes in at every contest and that is what counts. Tarkyn Lockyer and Ryan Lonie have each been very servicable and improved their game.
It should be a very interesting second half to season 2006, and hopefully we can see September for the first time in two years.
BEST WIN
R10: Collingwood 16.13 (109) d Brisbane Lions 12.11 (83) at MCG
WORST LOSS
R11: Collingwood 14.10 (94) d by Melbourne 22.9 (141)
TOP 6
1. Alan Didak
2. Dane Swan
3. Simon Prestigiacomo
4. Ben Johnson
5. Anthony Rocca
6. Josh Fraser
MOST IMPROVED
1. Dane Swan
2. Heath Shaw
NEEDS TO LIFT
1. Jason Cloke
2. Chris Egan
STATS DEPARTMENT
Played every game: Leon Davis, Ryan Lonie, Alan Didak, James Clement, Shane O'Bree, Anthony Rocca, Tarkyn Lockyer, Josh Fraser, Ben Johnson
Players used: 33
Most gametime: Anthony Rocca (1217), Ryan Lonie (1209), Tarkyn Lockyer (1203)
Goals: Anthony Rocca (35), Leon Davis (22), Chris Tarrant (21), Alan Didak (20), Nathan Buckley (15), Dane Swan (15)
Behinds: Anthony Rocca (13), Josh Fraser (13), Chris Tarrant (13)
Inside 50's Ben Johnson (65), Alan Didak (55), Nathan Buckley (39)
Kicks: Ben Johnson (188), Heath Shaw (162), Paul Licuria (159)
Handballs: Shane O'Bree (141), Paul Licuria (108), Dane Swan (97)
Disposals: Paul Licuria (267), Shane O'Bree (263), Ben Johnson (262)
Marks: Heath Shaw (89), Josh Fraser (87), Paul Licuria (79)
Clearances: Shane O'Bree (58), Dane Swan (31), Josh Fraser (28)
Clangers: Ben Johnson (33), Shane O'Bree (32), Alan Didak (29)
Tackles: Shane O'Bree (38), Ryan Lonie (35), Paul Licuria (30)
Hitouts: Josh Fraser (150), Guy Richards (69), Anthony Rocca (10)