3 part Match Preview - Collingwood v Hawthorn

[DaVe86]

Again, this week's preview is a 3 parter. The first edition is an overview followed by an analysis of defence. Please read from the site.

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/123857/default.aspx

After a week off, I return for another massive preview ahead of this week’s do or die preliminary final between Collingwood and Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.

This week’s edition will be another three-part preview taking a look at all the different positions on the ground. Today I start off with a basic overview of the game and a look at the Collingwood defence versus Hawthorn forward line.

Overview
The Magpies should be feeling fresh after a week off and have the ability to field the strongest possible side this weekend. Ben Reid is available to return, as is Dale Thomas who has now served his two-week suspension.

Collingwood’s last month has been patchy. The side has struggled to put together four-quarter performances and does not seem to have the same killer attitude that it had this time last year.

Nonetheless, the victory against the West Coast Eagles was hard-fought and gutsy considering the defence was undermanned and the Eagles played quality footy. There were patches throughout the second and third quarter where the Magpies seemingly regained their mojo.

The mood must generally be very positive at the Westpac Centre as the side is finally back to full strength and sore players have had a fortnight to rest the body.

All seemed over for Hawthorn two weeks ago after a disappointing loss to Geelong and the season potentially over for Lance Franklin. With Buddy making a Lazarus-type recovery, the Hawks bounced back last weekend to dispense with a red-hot Sydney Swans. Hawthorn has always fancied itself against Collingwood and will definitely be buoyed for a physical encounter on Friday night.

Despite all the focus on Buddy Franklin and his knee, the fact is that Hawthorn is in a preliminary final for a lot more reasons that having the best full forward in the competition. There is star power all over the field and a lot of mature bodies which are tailor-made for finals football.

Hawthorn will be particularly impressed with the form of its mature aged recruits who all fired against Sydney last week. Smith and Puopolo have been real finds, while Hale is kicking goals and winning hitouts. The only real issue for the side is its ability to run out games.

The Hawks have lost their step in the second half of games and will need a four-quarter effort his week. The Swans were able to mount a second-half comeback last week, however Hawthorn did rally to kick away late.

Both sides seem clear on the injury front. Hawthorn will monitor Puopolo who pulled up sore in the hamstring after last week’s match. However at this stage is seems as if he will be available. Franklin’s workload at training will also be managed this week.

Collingwood on the other hand needs to find room for Thomas and Reid. The obvious two candidates for omission seem to be Fasolo and Goldsack. However, Alan Didak faded out of the game against West Coast and may find himself under the pump at the selection table this week.

Either way, it is going to be a very tough call for Malthouse and his selection team. Goldsack played important defensive jobs on key playmakers like Embley in the qualifying final. Malthouse may require the extra defensive pressure.

The Collingwood Defence / Hawthorn Forward Line
The Collingwood defensive unit has been heavily tested in the second half of the year with a number of injuries to key players. Nonetheless, Shaw, Maxwell and Davis are now back in the side and instantly back in form, Tarrant should be fresh, and Ben Reid will also return. For the first time in quite a while, the Magpies are at absolute full strength down back.

Lance Franklin vs Chris Tarrant - This could be the most decisive match-up on the ground. Tarrant has a good record against Franklin, but Buddy has kicked 26 goals over the last five games against Collingwood. As mentioned above, it was a near miracle that Buddy even played against Sydney last weekend. He still managed four goals and three behinds. He is still a bit sore and slightly restricted in his movement. Tarrant is typically a good opponent for Buddy because he matches him in marking contests for strength and has quick closing speed. The key will be to stopping Franklin at ground level. Despite the improvement in his contested marking, I still feel Franklin is at his most dangerous when the ball is at ground level and his mobility against slower defenders is on show. Undoubtedly Maxwell and Reid will look to help Tarrant out throughout the game.

David Hale vs Ben Reid - Hale has been one of the real stories of 2011 for Hawthorn. With his career seemingly over, the Hawks gave him a second chance and he has repaid the faith. He kicked two goals last week and won 28 hitouts in a terrific all-round game. Importantly, he has really lifted in the absence of Roughead and has provided a good tall option up forward as an alternative to Franklin. Ben Reid should get the matchup for the Magpies. Reid is fresh from receiving his first All Australian selection at centre-half back. He has had some groin complaints late in the year, but should be fully fit this week. This matchup is incredibly vital to the game, as Reid will look to peel off Hale to help cover for Franklin. If Hale can draw enough of the footy and kick a few goals, it will help spread the Magpie defence and provide more room for Buddy.

Cyril Rioli v Harry O’Brien - I thought Harry had one of his best games against West Coast in the qualifying final. He had 30 disposals and also did a great job on Le Cras. When he looked out of a contest, he simply found a way to spoil his opponent. This is good news for the Magpies as Harry’s form has been patchy in 2011. He has one of his biggest challenges this week as he will be asked to cover the electrifying Cyril Rioli for large patches of the match. Cyril has battled hamstring complaints for a while, but he is constantly managed throughout games and is in terrific form. He is one of the hardest players to stop in the competition when he is firing, and he always has a say in big games. Along with Franklin, Rioli provides the real star power to the Hawthorn forward line. The other option for the Magpies will be Leon Davis, or potentially Ben Johnson, when Rioli goes into the midfield.

Michael Osborne v Alan Toovey - Osborne is the sort of player who can sneak under the radar and his forward pressure is typically quite good. Alan Toovey is likely to get the job on him and look to shut him down. Toovey was terrific against West Coast as he was often asked to play on much taller opponents in the absence of Reid. His pace and tackling pressure make him a good opponent for Osborne.

Brendon Whitecross v Heath Shaw - Whitecross started on Kennelly last week and may be asked to do a defensive job on the damaging Heath Shaw. After missing eight weeks of footy, Shaw returned to the side last week and it seemed as if he never left. He picked up the pace of the game straight away and was one of Collingwood’s best players throughout.

Isaac Smith v Ben Johnson - I think Smith needs to be watched this week. He is another terrific story for the Hawks in 2011 considering Smith was recruited as a mature aged recruit from the VFL and has made a real mark on the AFL this season. He has terrific speed and can kick a goal. Therefore, I think Ben Johnson should get the role on him as Smith is likely to play more up on a wing and push forward. Johnson is the more capable midfield tagger. I considered giving this job to O’Brien, with Davis on Rioli, but I think Harry is needed permanently in defence and Smith can play more up the ground.

X-Factor - Leon Davis
Leon capped off a terrific season on Monday night when he received All Australian honours in the backline. Hawthorn will have to manage Davis possesses damaging foot skills and speed off halfback which makes him such a damaging player. However, if too much attention is thrown onto Davis, then Shaw will find more freedom. There is a chance Malthouse will throw him the challenge on playing on Rioli, however I think ultimately he will be freed up and look to set up the play off halfback.

The Verdict
Despite the clear star power in the Hawthorn forward line, the Magpies seem to matchup quite well on paper and have the options to cover. From the matchups above, I still haven’t even listed Nick Maxwell who should be freed up to help cover Buddy Franklin. Without Roughead, the Hawks are probably one genuine tall short up forward given Hale is also required to spend a lot of time in the ruck.

Nonetheless, when a forward line consists of Franklin and Rioli, it is always going to be a handful to manage. The Hawks will however need good outputs from the midfield and small forwards to help spread the Magpies defence.

 

[DaVe86]

Part 2 - The midfield

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/123922/default.aspx


Check it out!

 

[DaVe86]

Part 3- forward line

Now out

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/123970/default.aspx

 

[Kirby]

Great right up Dave!!!

 

[Swooop]

Good work DaVe.

Re their forwards, Breust would worry us more than say Osborne maybe?

Hawks obviously rate Osbourne higher, maybe I've never seen his better games.

 

[Kurtley Beale]

Good work DaVe.

Re their forwards, Breust would worry us more than say Osborne maybe?

Hawks obviously rate Osbourne higher, maybe I've never seen his better games.

Breust got absolutely monstered by Hunt and other Geelong backs. His body is just is not ready for the big games yet.

 

[Swooop]

Ah OK, thanks mate.

 

[Jie_Hodge]

Smith is an interesting one if he lines up on the wing, an idea would be to let Daisy go to him and try to force Smith to be accountable as the past two finals he has had plenty of touches to start the game but seemed to be running around on his own most of time. That obviously depends on Clarko's plans for Daisy However

 

[PieBeast]

Ah OK, thanks mate.

Osborne also excelled at playing as a defensive forward lately, he's a shoo in to go to Heater or Maj.

 

[Ed D]

Smith is an interesting one if he lines up on the wing, an idea would be to let Daisy go to him and try to force Smith to be accountable as the past two finals he has had plenty of touches to start the game but seemed to be running around on his own most of time. That obviously depends on Clarko's plans for Daisy However

I've noticed whenever Smith has had someone tagging him he's done very little. He can do quite a lot if he doesn't have any attention on him.

 

[Knightmare]

Great writeup as always DaVe.

Think you are spot on re. Isaac Smith. Is THE danger man come friday night. If Hawthorn win it will be off his boot. Has been sensational this finals series and I only see it getting better with every game.
Don't have an answer as to how he can be stopped outside of just limiting the time and space he can get on every occasion he is fed the ball.
Really needs to be planned for VERY carefully.


One thing I don't agree with is the O'Brien v Cyril matchup. Harry plays much better footy against less fast opposition. Wouldn't play him on Cyril under any circumstance for a single minute personally. Better suited to your Stevey Js or Mark LeCras than your Cyril Rioli's or Jeff Garlett's. Just doesn't like playing on those faster types.

Leon would be my man to take Cyril because he has the pace to curb his influence and the formline. Losing his drive isn't ideal, but worse would be seeing Harry get murdered by Cyril. Just means Harry doesn't play so deep, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

 

[88HawksBestEver]

Again, this week's preview is a 3 parter. The first edition is an overview followed by an analysis of defence. Please read from the site.

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/123857/default.aspx

Great preview Dave, refreshing to read some insightful thoughts on the game. Look forward to part 2 and 3.

 

[lgarth80]

Would think Osborne on Maxwell, Toovey on Smith, and Johnson part of the midfield rotation.

Osborne will be there to make Maxwell accountable. Will probably kick a few if the captain is not on his game.

If Smith rolls into the midfield, I back Toovey to have the gear to go with him, but Johnson and Wellingham could be used in that role.

Not too sure about Harry O. And when you consider that Dave's put 6 defenders in without Davis or Maxwell, it really does show the Pies tend to enjoy having the 'back 7' with one rolling in and out of the midfield rotation.

Probably reason enough to cut the Pies forward line some slack (Dawes perhaps...) sometimes as they are generally working 5 on 7 despite the amount of inside 50s that the Pies midfielders generate (generally not the cleanest).

I would say that the Hawks team on the whole is more settled outside of maybe CHB (Stratton/Schoenmakers). The Pies are still trying to find their right blend between attack and defence, run and strength, tall and small.

 

[DaVe86]

Part 2 - The midfield

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/123922/default.aspx


Check it out!

 

[chestbrah]

You are a legend Dave.

 

[Jie_Hodge]

Nice work Dave

With the forwards

I would chuck Davis or a Heath forward if they gets tagged, I know Davis has an indifferent past in finals up forward but I think his tail is up and if we get him a couple of easy touches his confidence will rise.

I think lately we have just lost a little of something in the small forwards. Hard to explain what but just seems we are less busy down there with desperation, pressure and implied pressure from last year (maybe we just needed a break) especially if Blairy is Sub as he is the our premier small forward in this area.

I know they are both premier half backs and one all - aus back there this year, but just think they offer a bit of zip and pressure to our forward line.

 

[Kurtley Beale]

You forgot to mention Ben Stratton in your Forwards preview..

 

[DaVe86]

part 3 - The forward line

Now out

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/123970/default.aspx

 

[DaVe86]

You forgot to mention Ben Stratton in your Forwards preview..

i had a bit on him at the end of the article but looks like it was chopped. I mentioned he would likely be the loose man but i had concerns about his ability to play the full game and probably wasn't match fit enough to play on a key collingwood forward

 

[Kurtley Beale]

i had a bit on him at the end of the article but looks like it was chopped. I mentioned he would likely be the loose man but i had concerns about his ability to play the full game and probably wasn't match fit enough to play on a key collingwood forward

Ah Ok that explains it better

 

[Iskender Time]

Kudos, Dave. Here's to hoping you will be busy writing next week.

 

[Didak Wine]

Got 7% charge on my iPhone left(charger is at work). Sick as a dog, vomitting all day, waiting for 7:30. Let's go pies, let's go. This flag is up for grabs. Go go go boys. Fire up! Diarrohea stinks.