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- Jul 15, 2014
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- Collingwood
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We’re off to Perth on a Thursday night to play the Cats, in what might be the most anticipated match of the season since the Tigers-Magpies game back in round two. Both these teams are going to be right up there at the end of the season, and this game promises to be a barometer for where both teams are truly at. Both the Cats and the Magpies are coming into this game off impressive wins. The Magpies knocked off top eight hopefuls in the Hawks with ease, while the Cats knocked off one of the premiership favorites in the Brisbane Lions in emphatic fashion. Both these sides have been inconsistent, and lost games they perhaps should have won, but when they’re at their best, they play some of the best football in the competition. Hopefully both sides are able to bring their best to the table for this clash.
The last time these two sides met was in that qualifying final last year. In front of a huge crowd of more than 95,000, the Magpies got off to a fast start, suffocating the Cats possession game. However, the Magpies ran out of gas, and pivoted to a defense first strategy, and managed to hold off a resilient Cats outfit.
Collingwood
After weeks of inconsistent performances, the Magpies put forth perhaps their best performance to date against a relatively fancied Hawks side. The Magpies were rarely challenged throughout the match, with the Hawks recording their lowest score under Alistair Clarkson. Jamie Elliott in the midfield was a masterstroke by Buckley, with the small forward able to have more of an impact on the game. Once again, the Magpies defense shone bright, with the Hawks simply unable to generate any meaningful scoring opportunities. Atu Bosenavulagi was also a highlight for the Magpies. Relatively unknown to many fans outside Collingwood, Atu was able to show poise and slick skill with the ball, and also had quite a bit of pace.
De Goey makes his return to the Magpies, after he was ruled out last week for some off-field indiscretions. Daicos is also brought back in for Scharenberg, as well as Will Kelly who is unfortunately out for the rest of the season.
Where the Magpies can win the game
This game will most likely be wet weather footy. And the Magpies need to be weary of that. Last year in the Preliminary Final, the Magpies did not adapt well. They persisted with their marking game, and it obviously did not work out well for them. The Magpies started to get going when they started to play a scrappy game, and focused on territory. The Magpies have shown they can play the territory game this season, and that will be key to them winning this game.
Player to watch
Jaidyn Stephenson is the one to watch for Collingwood this week. Stephenson has had a patchy season to say the least. He’s struggled to make his mark, and trade rumors are beginning to grow. However, last week he was moved to a more half back role, to try and get him into the game. While he didn’t stand out, he showed some potential in that role. Expect Buckley to throw Stephenson back there, to see what he can produce. Perhaps he can become another tool for the already strong Collingwood defensive backline.
Geelong
Ah Geelong… One of the true enigmas of the competition. The Cats have continued to show that they are one of the best teams in the competition. However, they have also continued to show that they still continue that nasty habit of producing the occasional stinker. This was shown in their matchups against the Giants and the Blues. In both those games, the Cats became completely stagnant. Their slick ball movement stopped, and they weren’t able to get any meaningful momentum. However, those stinkers are still relatively few and far between, and the Cats are able to consistently produce that consistent football that has been a joy to watch over the past 13 years.
The Cats flexed their muscle last week, handling a highly rated Brisbane side. The Cats looked in control from halftime, and their third quarter was truly something to marvel at. Dangerfield was his electric self that we’ve all grown to know and love, while Hawkins showed he still had something to give with a strong performance in the forward line.
Where the Cats can win the game
This game will be low scoring. That’s pretty much a guarantee when it comes to not only the patterns of the 2020 season, but how the Magpies play as well. The Magpies have a tendency to shut the game down, setting up camp in their defensive half. The Magpies have also shown their ability to nullify any high kicks, as shown against the Hawks last week. Therefore, the Cats need to use that high possession game to generate piercing inside 50 opportunities. This may mean that Hawkins may be ineffective, but Collingwood are simply too good with stopping those long entries.
Player to watch
Jack Steven is the man to watch for the Cats. Steven has come across to the Cats, after leaving the Saints, and his time has been somewhat eventful. Steven was stabbed, which has cloudied his run into the season, and it shows. Steven has struggled to have an impact on the game, and has had long stretches where he has gone missing. Steven has a good track record of performances against the Magpies, and could be the difference for the Cats.
Head to Head odds
Collingwood: $1.74
Geelong: $2.10
Changes
Cats
IN
J.Steven, J.Clark
OUT
M.Duncan (hamstring), Q.Narkle (hamstring)
Collingwood
IN
J.De Goey, J.Daicos
OUT
M.Scharenberg (ribs), W.Kelly (elbow)
TV
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Live on Channel Seven, National
Radio
MMM
3AW
ABC
SEN
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
Kayo Sports
Tip
This is going to be tight. Expect a scrappy battle, with Collingwood getting the four points. Just.
Magpies by 3 points.
The last time these two sides met was in that qualifying final last year. In front of a huge crowd of more than 95,000, the Magpies got off to a fast start, suffocating the Cats possession game. However, the Magpies ran out of gas, and pivoted to a defense first strategy, and managed to hold off a resilient Cats outfit.
Collingwood
After weeks of inconsistent performances, the Magpies put forth perhaps their best performance to date against a relatively fancied Hawks side. The Magpies were rarely challenged throughout the match, with the Hawks recording their lowest score under Alistair Clarkson. Jamie Elliott in the midfield was a masterstroke by Buckley, with the small forward able to have more of an impact on the game. Once again, the Magpies defense shone bright, with the Hawks simply unable to generate any meaningful scoring opportunities. Atu Bosenavulagi was also a highlight for the Magpies. Relatively unknown to many fans outside Collingwood, Atu was able to show poise and slick skill with the ball, and also had quite a bit of pace.
De Goey makes his return to the Magpies, after he was ruled out last week for some off-field indiscretions. Daicos is also brought back in for Scharenberg, as well as Will Kelly who is unfortunately out for the rest of the season.
Where the Magpies can win the game
This game will most likely be wet weather footy. And the Magpies need to be weary of that. Last year in the Preliminary Final, the Magpies did not adapt well. They persisted with their marking game, and it obviously did not work out well for them. The Magpies started to get going when they started to play a scrappy game, and focused on territory. The Magpies have shown they can play the territory game this season, and that will be key to them winning this game.
Player to watch
Jaidyn Stephenson is the one to watch for Collingwood this week. Stephenson has had a patchy season to say the least. He’s struggled to make his mark, and trade rumors are beginning to grow. However, last week he was moved to a more half back role, to try and get him into the game. While he didn’t stand out, he showed some potential in that role. Expect Buckley to throw Stephenson back there, to see what he can produce. Perhaps he can become another tool for the already strong Collingwood defensive backline.
Geelong
Ah Geelong… One of the true enigmas of the competition. The Cats have continued to show that they are one of the best teams in the competition. However, they have also continued to show that they still continue that nasty habit of producing the occasional stinker. This was shown in their matchups against the Giants and the Blues. In both those games, the Cats became completely stagnant. Their slick ball movement stopped, and they weren’t able to get any meaningful momentum. However, those stinkers are still relatively few and far between, and the Cats are able to consistently produce that consistent football that has been a joy to watch over the past 13 years.
The Cats flexed their muscle last week, handling a highly rated Brisbane side. The Cats looked in control from halftime, and their third quarter was truly something to marvel at. Dangerfield was his electric self that we’ve all grown to know and love, while Hawkins showed he still had something to give with a strong performance in the forward line.
Where the Cats can win the game
This game will be low scoring. That’s pretty much a guarantee when it comes to not only the patterns of the 2020 season, but how the Magpies play as well. The Magpies have a tendency to shut the game down, setting up camp in their defensive half. The Magpies have also shown their ability to nullify any high kicks, as shown against the Hawks last week. Therefore, the Cats need to use that high possession game to generate piercing inside 50 opportunities. This may mean that Hawkins may be ineffective, but Collingwood are simply too good with stopping those long entries.
Player to watch
Jack Steven is the man to watch for the Cats. Steven has come across to the Cats, after leaving the Saints, and his time has been somewhat eventful. Steven was stabbed, which has cloudied his run into the season, and it shows. Steven has struggled to have an impact on the game, and has had long stretches where he has gone missing. Steven has a good track record of performances against the Magpies, and could be the difference for the Cats.
Head to Head odds
Collingwood: $1.74
Geelong: $2.10
Changes
Cats
IN
J.Steven, J.Clark
OUT
M.Duncan (hamstring), Q.Narkle (hamstring)
Collingwood
IN
J.De Goey, J.Daicos
OUT
M.Scharenberg (ribs), W.Kelly (elbow)
TV
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Live on Channel Seven, National
Radio
MMM
3AW
ABC
SEN
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
Kayo Sports
Tip
This is going to be tight. Expect a scrappy battle, with Collingwood getting the four points. Just.
Magpies by 3 points.
