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- Jul 15, 2014
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A month ago, it would have been hard to believe that these two sides would be the form teams of the competition. While Collingwood were in good form, Essendon were floundering, with the side lacking any real cohesion. However, to the Bombers credit, they have been able to turn it around, and really push their case for a finals spot. Due to this, an intriguing matchup looms at the MCG that will have a significant bearing on where each side is at.
Collingwood
While they got the four points last week, Collingwood were far from impressive. Collingwood only played a quarter and a half of quality football, but it was enough to get the job done. Chris Mayne played his best game for Collingwood against the Suns, playing well all over the ground. His performance caps off a great return to the seniors side after he looked seriously out of favor with the selectors. Taylor Adams and Josh Thomas returned to form as well. However, even though Collingwood got the win, it was not without bad news. Key defender Lynden Dunn ruptured his ACL requiring a full reconstruction, therefore ruling him out for the season. This injury is especially cruel for Dunn, who was primed for his first finals series (permitting the Magpies make finals). The Dunn injury adds to a building injury list that has really stretched the depth of Collingwood. This depth will be tested when they come up against Essendon at the MCG. When Collingwood last played the Bombers on ANZAC Day, the Magpies were able to really put the pressure on the Bombers and force them into a sideways kicking game. Collingwood will be hoping to replicate the pressure that they used on ANZAC Day in hope for similar results.
The man to watch for Collingwood is Brody Mihocek. The mature aged recruit made his debut only a few games ago as a forward, but has been forced to the backline due to the injury of Dunn. While the Magpies are fortunate that Daniher is not playing, it will be important that Mihocek can gain experience and confidence in his new role until more reinforcements arrive back from injury.
Essendon
After losing to Collingwood on ANZAC Day, the Bombers fell into a downward spiral, hitting rock bottom with a loss to Carlton. Many were scrutinized, including their coach and their captain. However, Essendon have managed to turn their form around, becoming one of the in form teams in the entire competition. This sets up an enticing matchup with Collingwood. Part of the reasoning why Essendon has returned to such excellent form is their willingness to take the game on. Too often in the middle parts of the season, Essendon were too reluctant to take the game on, and were relying on chipping the ball around until a play opened up. This minimal risk play style has caused the Bombers to turnover the ball all too often. In addition to this, the injury to Joe Daniher has caused the Bombers to look for different options in the forward line, not choosing to rely on one single player. This creates an unpredictable setup, and is much more difficult for teams to plan around.
The man to watch for the Bombers is Shaun McKernan. McKernan has benefitted from the injury of Joe Daniher, as he has been able to slot right back into the side. However, his form was patchy at best up until recent weeks. This all changed with an excellent four goal performance against North Melbourne. It’s quite possible the inexperienced Mihocek will matchup on McKernan, creating an intriguing matchup to watch.
Changes
Collingwood
In: Greenwood
Out: Dunn
Essendon
In: Ben McNiece
Out: Matt Dea
Head to Head Odds
Collingwood: $1.63
Essendon: $2.30
TV
Live on Channel 7. Excluding QLD, NSW, WA.
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Radio
MMM
3AW
ABC
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
Congratulations Steele Sidebottom
It’s the 200 games milestone for the talented midfielder. In his 10 seasons, Sidebottom has never lost that trademark smile. He has enjoyed a consistent career, highlighted with a premiership in 2010. He is currently enjoying his best season in his career.
Here’s his 10 goals from that TAC Cup final all those years ago:
Tip
Like ANZAC Day, this is a tricky game to tip. The Bombers are in good form, and the Magpies are injured. However, on paper, Collingwood is still the better team.
Collingwood by 10.
Collingwood
While they got the four points last week, Collingwood were far from impressive. Collingwood only played a quarter and a half of quality football, but it was enough to get the job done. Chris Mayne played his best game for Collingwood against the Suns, playing well all over the ground. His performance caps off a great return to the seniors side after he looked seriously out of favor with the selectors. Taylor Adams and Josh Thomas returned to form as well. However, even though Collingwood got the win, it was not without bad news. Key defender Lynden Dunn ruptured his ACL requiring a full reconstruction, therefore ruling him out for the season. This injury is especially cruel for Dunn, who was primed for his first finals series (permitting the Magpies make finals). The Dunn injury adds to a building injury list that has really stretched the depth of Collingwood. This depth will be tested when they come up against Essendon at the MCG. When Collingwood last played the Bombers on ANZAC Day, the Magpies were able to really put the pressure on the Bombers and force them into a sideways kicking game. Collingwood will be hoping to replicate the pressure that they used on ANZAC Day in hope for similar results.
The man to watch for Collingwood is Brody Mihocek. The mature aged recruit made his debut only a few games ago as a forward, but has been forced to the backline due to the injury of Dunn. While the Magpies are fortunate that Daniher is not playing, it will be important that Mihocek can gain experience and confidence in his new role until more reinforcements arrive back from injury.
Essendon
After losing to Collingwood on ANZAC Day, the Bombers fell into a downward spiral, hitting rock bottom with a loss to Carlton. Many were scrutinized, including their coach and their captain. However, Essendon have managed to turn their form around, becoming one of the in form teams in the entire competition. This sets up an enticing matchup with Collingwood. Part of the reasoning why Essendon has returned to such excellent form is their willingness to take the game on. Too often in the middle parts of the season, Essendon were too reluctant to take the game on, and were relying on chipping the ball around until a play opened up. This minimal risk play style has caused the Bombers to turnover the ball all too often. In addition to this, the injury to Joe Daniher has caused the Bombers to look for different options in the forward line, not choosing to rely on one single player. This creates an unpredictable setup, and is much more difficult for teams to plan around.
The man to watch for the Bombers is Shaun McKernan. McKernan has benefitted from the injury of Joe Daniher, as he has been able to slot right back into the side. However, his form was patchy at best up until recent weeks. This all changed with an excellent four goal performance against North Melbourne. It’s quite possible the inexperienced Mihocek will matchup on McKernan, creating an intriguing matchup to watch.
Changes
Collingwood
In: Greenwood
Out: Dunn
Essendon
In: Ben McNiece
Out: Matt Dea
Head to Head Odds
Collingwood: $1.63
Essendon: $2.30
TV
Live on Channel 7. Excluding QLD, NSW, WA.
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Radio
MMM
3AW
ABC
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
Congratulations Steele Sidebottom
It’s the 200 games milestone for the talented midfielder. In his 10 seasons, Sidebottom has never lost that trademark smile. He has enjoyed a consistent career, highlighted with a premiership in 2010. He is currently enjoying his best season in his career.
Here’s his 10 goals from that TAC Cup final all those years ago:
Tip
Like ANZAC Day, this is a tricky game to tip. The Bombers are in good form, and the Magpies are injured. However, on paper, Collingwood is still the better team.
Collingwood by 10.
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