News Practice Match v Collingwood Thursday 20th Feb 2020

[Arr0w]

Thanks BA

Couple of things that stood out:

Forget Wiilo's touches, was more impressed with his work off the ball/positioning, actually most of our players.

More urgency with our intent

Seems the agro is returning, Pittonet, Setters, Philp, enjoyed it

Ball movement will continue to be aggressive, but we could get exposed easily at times

 

[Mr_Plow]

Also note in BA's feed that 11:11 is likely the incident which resulted in Weitering leaving the game early.

Looks like a very mild adductor strain as the Collingwood player fell on him, Weitering clutches at his groin soon after.

What is it with Carlton and groins at the moment, lol.

 

[Salt Lake Cities]

Also note in BA's feed that 11:11 is likely the incident which resulted in Weitering leaving the game early.

Looks like a very mild adductor strain as the Collingwood player fell on him, Weitering clutches at his groin soon after.

What is it with Carlton and groins at the moment, lol.

Overloading

Boys had big off seasons...

 

[Arr0w]

And 3 of our 16 goals were from small forwards, while missing Harry, Charlie and Mitch

 

[Jabba73]

Watched some of the highlights, the umpires were shit

 

[Arr0w]

Seems like the early probables played the first 3-4 periods, possibles from the on.?

LOB and TDK shifted to probables?

 

[Mr_Plow]

Seems like the early probables played the first 3-4 periods, possibles from the on.?

LOB and TDK shifted to probables?

I feel like TDK entered the game during either the second or third stanza? Likely the 2nd, particularly since Weitering went down and we needed a second ruckman.

LOB, Dow and Cunners may have entered as a trio in the 3rd or 4th phase.

Not entirely certain, but these 4 were definitely among the first guys rotated in.

 

[Arr0w]

I feel like TDK entered the game during either the second or third stanza? Likely the 2nd, particularly since Weitering went down and we needed a second ruckman.

LOB, Dow and Cunners may have entered as a trio in the 3rd or 4th phase.

Not entirely certain, but these 4 were definitely among the first guys rotated in.

Makes sense

All 4 would be on the cusp for round 1

 

[Mr_Plow]

Makes sense

All 4 would be on the cusp for round 1

I think Polson played literally every period, likewise Kennedy and Lang.

 

[Arr0w]

I think Polson played literally every period, likewise Kennedy and Lang.

Hmmm all 3 out of contract this year

 

[Mr_Plow]

Hmmm all 3 out of contract this year

Nice one, detective.

 

[murphster]

Went along today and got to watch the 7 quarters of football... err... not quite quarters... maybe 7 periods.

I thought overall we played really well and dominated the game. It was clear we were playing the Teague brand of football from last year with the Footy spending most of the time in our forward half throughout the game.

Although Collingwood had quite a number of outs, to me they still had their starting midfield line up for almost all 7 periods. This included Grundy, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Treloar, Adams, Wills and Mayne. The only player really missing from that midfield group was Phillips. Then up forward and down back they still had keys in Cox, Moore and Cameron play whilst Thomas, Hoskey-Elliot, Daicos and the Moores also buzzed around. So not exactly a pushover of a team.

I've seen a few comments around the Pies midfield getting on top but i really didn't see it this way. We dominated the centre clearances and around the ground thought we were on top on the contest. Although collingwood had the ball i thought our pressure was really good and didn't really allow much direct or positive play from them. We pushed them wide and into the pockets to exit their backline and just really held up their play.

I thought Pittonet really contested in the ruck and gave Grundy a tough time. Perhaps couldn't go with him on the lead but equally did the team thing and pushed into the backline and took a couple of marks, funnily enough off some of Grundy's kicks.

Starting lineup for the game and the majority of the first 3 quarters was as follows:

Jones, Plow, Weitering, Simmo, Doc, Willo
Newnes and Walsh on the wings
Pittonet, Cripps, Murph, Setters
Casboult, SOS, Kennedy, Betts, Gibbons, Lang

Then we rotated Ed, Philps, Newman throughout the first 3 with TDK, LOB and Polson joining in on the 3rd.

I think come the 4th we then included Honey, Dow, Cunners and 38 which i think people are saying was Sturgess.

Come the 5th onwards it really became our youngest team with all experienced and senior players out whilst Stocker, Cottrell, Goddard, Owies, Phillips, BSOS, Finbar, Ramsay and then 47, 50 and 42 also getting games. Pretty sure these were Moore, Webb and Cunico. Basically our only senior players still on the park over these quaters were Dow, Kennedy, Cunners and Lang. I think at the start of the 6th our forward line was just bizarre with a collective 6 senior games experience between them and that was Stocker on his own.

The last 3 quarters were a bit of a nothing game given they still had pendles, Brody etc still out playing against our young'ns but pleasingly they didn't blow us out of the water and although they had a lot more possession and massively outsized us, we still competed really well.

Stand out players for me today were Setters, Betts and Casboult.

Didn't play: SPS, Kreuzer, McKay, McGovern, C Curnow, Fisher, Macreadie, Martin, Kemp, Marchbank

Thoughts on individual players...

1. SOS - competed really well, ahead of Kennedy in the pecking order and an important part of our forward setup and structure. Some good overhead marks, involved in a lot of defensive pressure and tackling, brought the ball to ground a few times which will be so much more valuable with betts around now. Had a really solid game and consistent with his end of 2019. Really wish he had an extra yard of speed as he'd be 10 x more dangerous given his intent and reading of the game.

2. DOW - only got a bit of gametime with the 'seniors' but was visibilty one of the better players in the 'ressies'. Clean with his ball use and had a few decent deliveries into 50. Seemed to be more controlled with his kicking and good signs.

3. MURPHY - contributed really well today and played in the guts. Linked up well and had some nice handball. Typical murphy game.

4. LOB - great goal and did well in the seniors. you can see he had a lot more desire today and his running is just so impressive. continued to work hard in the ressies and again worked hard to stand up with lesser likes around him. Had some really good ball use around the outside of the ground and could have had a second goal but did the team thing and centered it although to no-one. Played on ball as a rover in the last few terms i'm guessing to build his tank. Was often LOB, Kennedy and Cunners as the starting square with TDK towards the end of the game.

6. SIMMO - uncharacteristically fumbled a bit the first 2 quarters and a couple of hospital balls to teammates that put them under pressure. Chalking it down to cobwebs and the fact it's a pre-pre-season game with Simmo saving the goodstuff for when it counts.

7. KENNEDY - competed in the air up forward for the first 3 qtrs and worked hard but didn't really have much of an impact. Suprisingly played in the guts for the last few quarters and was one of our better players towards the end of the game.

9. CRIPPS - Lots of clearances, damaging with possession, typical game from Cripps without really getting out of 2nd gear

12. TDK - When he came on he played forward whilst Pittonet was in the ruck. Competed without really creating many clear opportunities for himself but equally didn't really get beaten either. You can see there's some rawness to his game which when moved to the ruck allowed him to be far more involved. Worked really hard to use his body in the ruck and when the ball hit the ground and enjoyed his physicality. I think because of this he got a lot of ball as a midfielder rather than a ruckman in a similar vein to how Kreuz contributes when the ball hits the deck. Thought he was in our best and really stood out and did well up against Grundy and others.

13. STOCKER - really disappointed with stockers game but really blame the coaches as he played full forward in quarters 5 and 6 before being given 10 minutes in the midfield in the last. Took a couple of marks, a couple of kicks although one bad one. Good voice and direction even when not involved but often the furtherest carlton player from the play which was frustrating.

14. JONES - typical Jones game and was dependable and did his job well. probably wasn't really challenged that much but still flew for his marks and punches in Jones fashion.

15. DOCHERTY - really happy he got through 3 quarters and was solid. Fantastic spin out of danger midway through the game. A couple of turn overs but thats to be expected given how much he's been out of the game. Directed the backline, pushed up where he could, was a nice outlet without ever needing to take risky kicks. Actually i must admit we didn't really ever have any overly adventurous play or dangerous moves given how comfortable we looked out there today. A couple of hack kicks early in the game out of a pack that i'd like to see him tidy up but overall a really positive game.

16. LANG - bit of a nothing game from Lang. Got a bit of the ball but nothing overly noticeable and don't think he's in or really near our 22.

18. WALSH - i think i said after the 2nd that i was surprised we hadn't seen more of Walsh. Not that he didn't have the ball in the first 2 but just that he was a link player rather than being on the end or start of chains. Probably more about the fact he played wing and we were keeping the ball locked in the forward half. Definitely became more noticeable with some nice kicks and marks in the 3rd and by the end of the 4th he was one of our best on and highest possession earners. A real workmanlike performance. Can't remember who said it above but on today's showing i'd be expecting slightly improved output on last year rather than a big leap improvement but equally happy to be proven wrong!

19. EDDIE!!! - love that he is back and exciting the fans. Just knows how to get the ball in the forward line and almost everytime the ball hit the ground he was in it pressuring, tackling or an outlet for a shot. Hit 3 of the 4 posts at the club shop end and still ended with a few goals and a handful of assists. For LOBs goal the ball just seemed to go into his hands without him making any effort to bend down and get it, it was like he magnetically attracted the ball to his hand. Have no doubt he will kick around 35-40 goals this year and love how he adds a dimensions we've not had in our team for a while.

20. PLOW - solid, dependable, reliable, typical plow game where he does his job, doesn't ask for the limelight but just contributes consistently. Kicked a goal too!

23. WEITERS - seemed good for the little gametime he had. Played on Cox and didn't let him get a mark.

24. NEWMAN - Had the ball quite a bit but we didn't see the damaging side of his game or even really his long kicking. Still had his typical few turnovers each game however without them hurting us. Did well to get in front of a Pies forward for an interception which looked great only to drop the mark and them kick the goal.

27. PITTONET - was pretty impressed with him. contributed far more in the ruck, around the ground, on the contest than what we've had from Phillips and Lobbe. Not too many hit outs to advantage but still had his share of taps. I thought Grundy was their best player however won his ball around the ground on the lead more than in the ruck.

28. CUNNERS - was really looking forward to seeing him play and disappointed he only really got a quarter with the seniors. Really involved, clearly a class above the rest of the guys, kicked a good goal, had a few clearance and got involved. Was played as a rover when playing and often was lined up against Treloar yet still found lots of the ball so had Wills moved to him.

29. POLSON - played more than i expected and defended his man well and never really made any mistakes. was up against sidebottom a bit and wore him really tight.

31. WILLOW - started the game on fire and you could feel the energy and point of difference he brings to our team. confident in the air, fantastic kick, physical pressure, intensity, game smarts. Really excited by his outing today. Perhaps slowed a bit as the game progressed but will be feeling a million bucks for the run and to me is closer to the back 7 than Newman or Marchbank at this point. May even be ahead of SPS given SPS has missed the last few weeks of training.

32. NEWNES - thought he was involved in quite a lot of play and clearly is favourite for rd 1 wing at this point. No real clangers, no real stand out plays either but you could tell his experience helped and that he fit in really well with the rest of the midfield unit.

33. RAMSAY - i was really impressed with his game. Picked up quite a bit of ball around the backline and kicked well. Clearly is a hard runner as was involved in a few possession chains as he gut ran from oneside of the ground to the other. Kicked a few up and unders forward but to be fair our forward line was full of 18 year olds. Reckon he would be right at home playing with the seniors and an exciting one for the future.

34. PHILP - loved his game today and his speed. A few chases, a few tackles you could really see this is his strength and how he can use it to hurt opposition players both offensively and defensively. A few great tackles, a goal and looked at home playing alongside Murph and Cripps.

35. ED - quietish game where he contributed but didn't have the midfield dominance that he did last year but equally didn't need to. Think Setters is being used a bit more ahead of him today although that may change come round 1.

36. HONEY - you can see his going to be something special as he has a lot of qualities to work with. Fast, has intensity, good tackling pressure and wants the ball. Some good kicks and some bad ones. A good holding the ball where he laid an awesome tackle. His shot on goal looked like he was caught in two minds between shooting and hitting up a teammate hence why his kick was average.

37. BSOS - defended well, don't think he was beaten despite playing on taller opponents.

38. FINBAR - put some pressure on as a half forward but not sure if he got a possession.

39. PHILLIPS - one or two possessions and was in and around the ball given he was playing on a wing but thats it.

40. GIBBONS - first quarter showed to me why his best 22. Really good link player. excellent kicking with low punchy kicks. Did make a few errors in the 2nd and didn't play in the 3rd or onwards so hope he wasn't injured. Kicked a good opportunist goal and unfortunately was on the receiving of some Bolton game plan where the ball was kicked on his head against much taller opponents.

41. CASBOULT - looked pretty unstoppable up forward and took some good marks and was a reliable shot at goal. Easily our number 1 forward right now and probably even when others return. Didn't ruck one notably or go to defence at any point.

43. SETTERS - thought he was everywhere today and clearly playing more on ball today than wing like last year. Involved in almost all positive chains. Took plenty of marks. Lots of tackling. A few clearance. Started most centre bounces. Perhaps had 1 ball centred to him just inside the square directly in front while free and stuffed his kick to Eddie in the pocket but this was the only mistake i can remember for the day in a 25+ possession day. Probably our biggest midfield contributer today.

44. OWIES - applied good pressure up forward and i think he had a mark just before one of the final sirens right on the boundary. Almost took the guy on the marks head off with the kick. Played his part against a much more experienced and taller pies backline.

45. GODDARD - played as basically our only tall and did well enough.

46. COTTRELL - not sure i really remember him doing much... to the point now i'm not sure if he played...?

Anyway, that's basically everything i remember from today. Thanks for reading and please excure the poor grammar and spelling. Too tired / too many beers to care.

Great job Yubby and your spelling and grammar are fine, easy to read so well done and thanks.

 

[BlueAbroad]

 

[murphster]

Never said he was a poor mark paneboy, just isn't one of his points of difference and I doubt it was a consideration for being drafted at number 1.

Some of the best midfielders were never renowned for their marking, Pendles, Cousins, Judd, Black, Kemp, Bradley, etc

It just not a weakness, that's all that matters

It’s a definite weakness in Fish’s game and one he needs to try and minimise, some work with Simmo wouldn’t go astray for Fish.

 

[murphster]

Great work as usual Terry, thanks very much for the report and the highlights it is much appreciated.

 

[Salt Lake Cities]

Just watched BA’s highlights package and how good were they!! (BA’s highlights that is)

I think the absolute standout for me, aside from Willow, was the big boy Pittonet!! Looks very imposing and can take a grab.

Might have our ruck brigade sorted for a decade with him and TDK

 

[12kilos]

Good win guys, practise match or not always good to win the old rivals.
Will be interesting to see how you guys go this year, Correct me if i am wrong your rebuild has reached the stage were you would want to make the 8, and play one finals game at a minimum?
Would be great to see a top 8 consisting of all the old arch rivals

 

[Jimmyonesix]

It’s a definite weakness in Fish’s game and one he needs to try and minimise, some work with Simmo wouldn’t go astray for Fish.

Fish bIggest problem is he needs a wide arc back to his left absolutely no right foot .. if he is a mainstay midfielder will be a problem . If he a bit part maybe survive

 

[mg25]

Honey nice possession on the boundary - James Hird, Brendan Fevola, Winston Churchill like - am I doing it right?

Aside from the odd man out there. Obviously, Hird doesn't belong with the other two.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

 

[Funk]

Just to temper the excitement an article from John Ralph tonight


“Collingwood’s fleet of star forwards are on track to play in Round 1 with Jordan De Goey likely to take the field against Richmond on Sunday week.

A young Pies side missing 11 of its first-choice players was roundly beaten in the first three periods of a six-stanza contest against Carlton at Ikon Park on Thursday.

The Pies bounced back in the fourth period with five goals before both teams rested their stars but a team that just missed the Grand Final last year was clearly in tune-up mode”



On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

Pfffttttt.

We’ve been in “tune up mode” for much of the last decade!!!

 

[BigFrizz36]

Watched some of the highlights, the umpires were shit

Been that way all year.

 

[The Ian PrenderCast]

Hey everyone, we ventured out to IKON Park like so many, pretty pleased with what we saw in the end. If you weren't able to make it out please the links in our signature for our latest ep!

 

[Weiterbot23]

I went along and absolutely loved it

I loved Willo, get him in, plays before newman.

Obrien is best 22 for mine, would play him over Newnes

I was REALLY impressed with Polson as a small defender, I think he can make a go of it there and could be the best player on the list to man the zippy small forwards.

Kennedy looked great, I hope we can find a spot for him up forward

Setterfield has come along exactly as I'd hoped, our midfield bats really deep, 5th to 8th best mids are guys like Cuningham, dow, SPS, Fisher


I can see why there has been so much love for Honey, he is a very exciting prospect the way he moves such class, but the best newbie was Philp. Philps speed and link up blew me away. I hope we can get these kids 5 games each over the course of the year.


We will be Top 8

 

[SBYM]

Legend.

 

[Mr_Plow]

Haven't mentioned Cuningham and Dow.

Cuningham: just slick af, way too classy for the guys he played around for the second half of the match. Worked well with TDK, Dow and Kennedy in the guts. Kicked a goal, could've had two, played as a midfielder, great ball use left and right, professional short hair, got a lot of the ball and provided run and carry (could've taken more space and/or used LOB on the outside on one occasion as shown in BAs highlights). No idea why he didn't play more with the big dogs, he's clearly best 22.

Dow: in much better shape physically, stronger, covering the ground better, remains powerful. Adams thought he had him for a centre clearance but Dow closed the gap in a millisecond and dumped him in a pretty solid tackle (can be seen in BAs highlights too). Got first hands to the ball a lot, plenty of clearances, footskills were okay, but he was playing with a lot of the VFL guys so there wasn't much to kick to. He looks more focused/engaged and is in better shape to impact games for longer this year, but is probably another year away from exploding. Won't be surprised to see him earning his way into the team via the VFL.