- Jun 23, 2004
- 13,497
- 39
- AFL Club
- Adelaide
A variation of LF50's top work. 
Collingwood: 4.1, 8.5, 12.9, 15.10 (100)
St Kilda: 321, 3.4, 7.5, 7.10 (52)
Goals – Collingwood: Fraser 4, Thomas 2, H.Shaw 2, Cloke 2, Davis, Medhurst, Pendlebury, O’Bree, Burns.
St Kilda: Milne 3, Gehrig, Birss, Brooks, Jones.
Best – Collingwood: Fraser, Cloke, H.Shaw, Maxwell, Wakelin, O’Bree, Prestigiacomo, Iles.
St Kilda: Ball, Milne, S.Fisher, Baker.
Injuries – Collingwood: ******** (knee), Medhurst (leg)
St Kilda: Nil.
Player Review:
Leon Davis: Worked hard for his kicks, and gave the side a real edge in the midfield with his zip and attack on the football and the ball carrier. His goal in the second term was as slick as they come, and the manner in which he stood up for his fallen teammate ******** was heartening. 6/10
Ryan Lonie: Ducked in and out of the play well, used the pill with his usual effectiveness and returned to some of his form of his early days, with his run and carry from halfback, streaming through the middle of the ground. 6/10
Paul Medhurst: Attacked the football with vigour early, creating the play and snapping a cleverly worked goal from a throw in, before appearing to injure his leg when running at full pelt for a mark late in the first term. Will be fit for round one. 4/10
James Clement: Jogged out to joint he quarter time huddle in training attire, before returning to the fray for the halftime break in his full kit, playing out the second half in defence without showing any ill effects from his foot injury. 4/10
Scott Pendlebury: Continued on in the same vein as his silky skilled performance at Carrara against the Kangaroos last week, and although not as prolific on the wing as he was seven days prior, he again reaffirmed why he will be a major player, not only this season, but in the decade to come. His fancy footwork resulting in a goal in the third quarter was undoubtedly a highlight. 6/10
Shane O’Bree: There are no doubts that with O’Bree in the senior team, Collingwood gain 50% more hunger, tenacity and general know-how in and around the packs and stoppages, the 28-year-old playing a key role in yesterday’s triumph. 7/10
Shannon Cox: Flashed in and out of the play, stationed in defence. Showcased a clever piece of ball handling, snatching the ball out of the clutches of a St Kilda forward with one hand. 2/10
Dale Thomas: Floated in and out of the match, goaling twice from some perfect crumbing, and working hard when the Saints attacked. 6/10
Shane Wakelin: The consummate professional deep in defence, rumours of Wakelin’s demise are greatly exaggerated. The veteran, rising 32, showed his younger opponents a clean pair of heels with his run out of the back half, and his ability to effect the vital spoil was again on show. 7/10
Scott Burns: Following up from a 32 possession match last week, Burns’ impact was felt in the midfield, again winning plenty of leather and using it accordingly. 6/10
Paul Licuria: Reportedly received a late call up from a Williamstown practice match to play, and was perhaps a tad rusty, although plenty of the summer cobwebs were swept aside as the match wore on. 4/10
Ben Reid: Showed some real promise, stationed in attack for most of the day. Beginning at full forward, the club’s first choice at the 2006 National ‘Super’ Draft displayed an excellent leap and a safe pair of hands, and will, in time, also bring along with him the confidence to convert in front of goal. Showed flashes of his potential and senior selection this year may not be out of the question. 4/10
Guy Richards: A key to the side’s hopes this winter, Richards impressed more and more as the game wore on, working his way into the contest around the ground, his tapwork certainly to effect. Still needs to create more of a presence around the ground when not in a ruck contest, be that as a loose man in defence or even in attack, where he spent some time yesterday. 5.5/10
Tarkyn Lockyer: Quietly slipped back into the senior side yesterday, going about his business with a minimum of fuss, spending much of the day on the bench. Applied a clever knock on during the first term, thwarting a St Kilda attacking sortie. 3/10
Josh Fraser: The star yesterday afternoon, Fraser’s return to the senior line up was welcomed by all. Sliding marks on his knees, plucking grabs with strength overhead, and all class below his knees, Fraser could well be set to produce a breakout season at league level. 8.5/10
Nick Maxwell: Another set to lift this season, on the evidence provided, anyhow. A clear onfield leader, Maxwell appears to have stepped up a cog or two in his preparation and work ethic both on and off the field, and is now leading from the front down back. Now creating more than ever off the halfback line, the former rookie listed St Joseph’s boy held some strong overhead grabs in the line of fire, and set the side up for a number of attacking forays. Vastly underrated, and will only get better. 7/10
Ryan Cook: Coming on and off the ground, Cook was never able to settle across half forward, although his attack on the ball was certainly not lacking. Missed a golden opportunity to stamp his name on the match with an opening goal beckoning on the run from 45m out, but unfortunately attempted a cute checkside snap across his body, only to miss the big sticks, a lesson the Dandenong boy will keep locked away in the memory bank for future outings. 2/10
Travis Cloke: Another of the bright lights in attack, Cloke looks set to help fill the void left by Chris Tarrant’s departure to Fremantle, and on yesterday’s performance is the man to watch intently in 2007. Led strongly, marked extremely well and showed excellence presence of mind, and is now beginning to exert a physical presence. 8/10
Brad ********: The West Australian looked sharp on a half forward flank in the first half, showing an Aaron Davey-like ability to run down an opponent from behind, nailing the much larger Brendan Goddard in the first term. Unfortunately, his day was curtailed by a cruel Steven Baker blow on the halftime siren, leaving the field to a rousing applause from the largely Collingwood based crowd. 3/10
Alan Toovey: Looked to be a real livewire in the opening half before fading slightly in the second. Employed across halfback, Toovey’s pace was a real highlight of the match, showing a real willingness to run and create from the back half. Though he may lack the profile of a number of other youngsters, Toovey may surprise in 2007. Will need to add muscle to his frame, but looks to have something different about him, and is prepared to take risks in order to run the ball out of halfback, in a similar vein to Harry O'Brien and, to a lesser extent, Heath Shaw in his first season of league football in the latter stages of 2005. 6/10
Simon Prestigiacomo: A no frills performance by Prestigiacomo, who alternated with Wakelin and Clement as to who took on the size of Fraser Gehrig at fullback. Did all you expect from a player nearing the 200 game mark, and will again prove a cornerstone of the team in 2007. 5/10
Dane Swan: Did not have a major input on the game, and will benefit from the match practice as he approaches full fitness. 3/10
Sam Iles: A real shining light down back, the Taswegian contributed run, carry and a willingness to the back six, and should come close to selection in the first round on that effort. Beginning to back himself more and more, enjoying his best outing in the Black and White todate. Possesses a terrific work ethic, and his continued ability to be where the ball was yesterday will hold him in good stead. 6/10
Heath Shaw: Now a real team leader in every sense, Shaw the younger outshone all comers off halfback in a blistering first term, and solid efforts in the subsequent three quarters, although spending time on the pine as the rotation system kicked into full swing. On the basis of his first two outings this season, he will only get better as his career wears on. Showed an ability to push into attack and kick goals, too, prepared to run extremely hard off his man to create scoring opportunities. 7.5/10
Chris Byran: Showed promising signs in the ruck and in attack, particularly in the opening and final quarters, with some supporters able to detect the sign of a hidden football brain inside the ex-Blue ruckman’s head with some clever tapwork and a general willingness to compete around the ground. It will be interesting to see how Malthouse and co go about squeezing the quartet of Rocca, Fraser, Richards and Bryan into the one line up. 5/10
Danny Nicholls#: The blond nugget was unable to go on with his promising showing in the NAB Cup clash last Friday, but showed plenty of intensity when the ball was at ground level. A fierce competitor. 2/10
Players absent: Sean Rusling (Williamstown), Alan Didak (knee), Nathan Buckley (general soreness), Brodie Holland (suspension), John Anthony (neck), Chris Egan (Williamstown), Nathan Brown (Williamstown), Ben Davies (Williamstown), Rhyce Shaw, Anthony Rocca, Ben Johnson, Danny Stanley (Williamstown), Harry O'Brien (ribs), Chris Dawes (knee), Tyson Goldsack (Williamstown), Sharrod Wellingham (Williamstown), Martin Clarke (Williamstown), Brent Macaffer (Williamstown).
Collingwood – first quarter team:
B: Wakelin, Prestigiacomo, Toovey.
HB: Lockyer, Maxwell, Iles.
C: H.Shaw, Davis, Pendlebury.
HF: Thomas, Cloke, Medhurst.
F: ********, Reid, Bryan.
R: Richards, Burns, O’Bree.
INTER: Cox, Lonie, Nicholls, Cook, Fraser, Swan.
Match ups of note:
Travis Cloke vs Sam Fisher
Leon Davis vs James Gwilt
Heath Shaw vs Stephen Milne
Ben Reid vs Matthew Ferguson
Dale Thomas vs Steven Baker
Nick Maxwell vs Clinton Jones#
Chris Byran vs Sam Fisher (who was moved from Cloke)
Paul Medhurst vs Aaron Fiora
Brad ******** vs Jason Gram
Scott Burns vs Andrew McQualter
Sam Iles vs Stephen Milne (moved from Heath Shaw).
Match transcript:
Travis Cloke a behind, shows a great attack on the footy, one touch play.
Pies moved it well by hand, youngsters do nicely, Bryan marks well yet kicks poorly, out of bounds in the forward pocket.
Bryan makes up for his below par kick with a top tap to Medhurst from the throw in, flicked over the back into space, Medhurst runs onto the ball, goal.
Heath Shaw some great hard running rewarded with a goal from 45m on the run.
Toovey’s pace great off halfback.
Maxwell, Prestigiacomo and Wakelin combining well in defence.
Medhurst marks, opts to pass, a bad move.
Dicky! Brad ******** nails Brendan Goddard in a great chase and tackle from behind, saving a score.
Iles attacks the ball and it pays off, a left foot to Fraser, a sliding mark on his knees on the left forward pocket, plays on, swings onto the right boot from 40m out on the boundary, goal!
Cloke showing great anticipation.
Lonie runs it out to Reid, left foot ball great to ********, lovely ball inside forward fifty, marked strongly overhead by Fraser in a one-on-one contest, goal. 25 vs 1.
Maxwell great work, will be a key this year.
Barry Brooks (StK) too tall, goal. 25 vs 7.
Shane Birss (StK) marks from the resultant bounce, and goals. 25 vs 13.
Quarter time:
Collingwood: 4.1 (25)
St Kilda: 2.1 (13)
Goals – Collingwood: Fraser 2, Medhurst, H.Shaw.
St Kilda: Brooks, Birss.
Best – Collingwood: H.Shaw, Maxwell, Fraser, Iles, Toovey, Medhurst, Wakelin, Prestigiacomo.
2nd Quarter:
Clement arrives in kit at the huddle
Heath Shaw starts off with a chest mark 40m out dead in front, goal. 32 vs 13.
O’Bree behind, receives from a Thomas one handed mark handball.
Cook behind – snap.
Reid mark, behind.
Milne vs Iles, dodgy in-the-back call results in a point.
Harvey snap – point.
Gehrig goal, Wakelin slipped. 34 vs 21.
Milne behind.
Maxwell a brilliant mark, triggers an offensive (Heath Shaw put down as he kicks), leads to a Davis poster.
Thomas a brilliant, crunching tackle.
Leon ever so magical, classy and smooth – goal.
Pies hard tackling and in close pressure lead to an O’Bree goal from 45m.
Sloppy marking leads to a Burns mark, and goal from 50m out. And for his efforts heads off to the bench. 53 vs 22.
Shocking new in the back rule comes into play as Travis Cloke outbodies his man and holds a strong mark Wayne Carey would have been proud of – “in the back”. Coaxes brother Jason to crack a smile watching on with father David in the stands.
Baker – you lowlife coward (edited!). Puts Brad ******** down with an elbow, helped off the field. Sparks a push and shove – Maxwell, you gun, flies the flag.
Clement has kick-to-kick at half time.
Half time:
Collingwood: 4.1, 8.5 (53)
St Kilda: 2.1, 3.4 (22)
Goals – Collingwood: H.Shaw 2, Fraser 2, Medhurst, O’Bree, Davis, Burns.
Best – Collingwood: Burns, Maxwell, Fraser, Cloke, Davis.
Third quarter:
Clement in the side for the second half.
******** not out there – “he’s alright” (MM).
Bryan, O’Bree, Burns and Davis start in the midfield.
Fraser paid the grab from the first bounce (O’Bree clearance) – goal. 59 vs 22.
Reid a speccy from Iles’ attacking run – behind.
Wakelin crunched from a pack fly, but merely winded.
Reid push in the back (fair), inside the fifty, Thomas crumbs in textbook fashion, goal!
Birss point.
Pendles! You legend! Basketball style goal – dances around all comers, scores a goal from 37m out. 72 vs 23.
Milne snap – goal. 72 vs 29.
Cloke marks Cook’s pass – goal. 78 vs 29.
Milne snaps another goal – 78 vs 35.
Milne wins the free again – goal – 78 vs 41.
Iles now playing on Milne.
Lonie on the long range, the ball is touched on the line, a behind.
Clinton Jones (East Fremantle, has a blond mop of hair not unlike Clive Waterhouse with the Dockers) nails a goal from the pocket. 79 vs 49.
Cloke a point from the pocket.
Cook – oh dear – tries to banana bend it, misses a golden opportunity to score the goal.
Cloke gives Brooks an almighty spray. Well, not really, but strong enough nevertheless – “Hurry up, f***head!”
Three quarter time:
Collingwood: 4.1, 8.5, 12.9 (81)
St Kilda: 2.1, 3.4, 7.5 (47)
b]Best – Collingwood:[/b] Cloke, Burns, Iles, Richards, Fraser.
Fourth Quarter:
Bryan hits the post
Fraser – marks and goals. 88 vs 51.
Thomas marks and goals. 94 vs 51.
Ball movement terrific, Travis Cloke a goal. 100 vs 52.
Game Over – Collingwood defeat St Kilda by 48 points, keeping the Saints goalless in the final term.
Final scores:
Collingwood: 4.1, 8.5, 12.9, 15.10 (100)
St Kilda: 321, 3.4, 7.5, 7.10 (52)
Goals – Collingwood: Fraser 4, Thomas 2, H.Shaw 2, Cloke 2, Davis, Medhurst, Pendlebury, O’Bree, Burns.
St Kilda: Milne 3, Gehrig, Birss, Brooks, Jones.
Best – Collingwood: Fraser, Cloke, H.Shaw, Maxwell, Wakelin, O’Bree, Prestigiacomo, Iles.
St Kilda: Ball, Milne, S.Fisher, Baker.
Injuries – Collingwood: ******** (knee), Medhurst (leg)
St Kilda: Nil.
Match thoughts:
Loved our work ethic throughout. All players worked extremely hard in conditions which, early, were quite humid, although the sun was not blazing down.
Onball division received a touch of class in the form of Davis and Pendlebury, who added plenty to the silk factor and with their ‘one-touch’ abilities, really rammed home the advantage.
Pendlebury will be a key player this year, fitness providing. Uses the ball like a seasoned veteran, and will often pluck the ball out of a pack with one hand. Early days yet, but looks on exposed form to be an inspired choice with the fifth selection of the 2005 National Draft, when many expected him to be chosen in the mid 20s. So far, very good and very Dal Santo-like in his movements, his basketball background obvious.
Hard to read too much from the result, as the Saints lacked players such as Aaron Hamill, Xavier and Raphael Clarke, Andrew Thompson, Leigh Fisher, Lenny Hayes, Max Hudghton, Leigh Montagna, Nick Riewoldt, Michael Gardiner, Justin Koschitzke, Matthew Clarke and Matt Maguire from their main group. However, extremely positive to see all the young players put up their hands to help lead us to victory.
Should we go anywhere this year, Travis Cloke and Josh Fraser will play major roles in what we do, for their ability to use their agility (for their height) is so crucial, and if, it is quite an if on previous seasons, Guy Richards and Chris Byran are able to hold their own in the ruck, Fraser effectively becomes the Travis Cloke (albeit a far more experienced and developed version) and Cloke the Chris Tarrant, which really does help our cause.
Many have slammed the club’s decision to re-sign Mick Malthouse with still a year running on his current term, however on the basis of yesterday’s effort, the future is certainly quite promising, and our drafting of the past three years has been, again, on exposed form, more than useful.
Buckley did not play, the word is general soreness, and I can dispel the hamstring rumours, for he was walking with ease around the boundary line towards the coaches’ box.
I still think that, until he fills out, Dale Thomas will remain a crumbing, Akermanis-like forward, where his attack on the ball and the man are second to none.
Another thing important to note is that I cannot see why many have written Shane Wakelin off. Sure, his 2006 campaign was underwhelming, however he is not lacking in pace or reaction time – he will be fine this season, certainly.
I honestly don’t think that we can expect Leon Davis to ever be a ‘match winner’ of sorts, more the type of player who will have a quarter in which he owns, and three consistent yet not devastating other terms. Great to see he is now beginning to recognise himself as a leader.
An interesting question to come out of the match is whether we can fit all of Rocca, Cloke, Fraser and Rusling (provided Richards and Bryan hold up) into the one forward line? To add to that, we already have the likes of Medhurst, Davis, Thomas, ********, Egan, potentially Buckley and Holland, Didak when he returns, and even Shannon Cox at ground level. How can we fit all of them into 6-7? My ideal forward set up (sans Didak, with Buckley and Holland in the midfield) is as follows:
HF: Cloke, Rocca, Thomas.
F: Medhurst, Fraser, Davis.
Not easy to choose from, that’s for sure.
To conclude, an excellent outing, and yes, only a pre-season contest with no meaning nor likely baring on our season, but certainly promising, and aside from ******** and Medhurst’s injuries (both will be on deck for round one), we gained all we possibly could from it. Youngsters, especially the big names, shining and the veterans doing all asked of them. Toovey, too, could be the darkhorse this season, he has something, as does Iles, who began to work into his own as time wore on.
Collingwood: 4.1, 8.5, 12.9, 15.10 (100)
St Kilda: 321, 3.4, 7.5, 7.10 (52)
Goals – Collingwood: Fraser 4, Thomas 2, H.Shaw 2, Cloke 2, Davis, Medhurst, Pendlebury, O’Bree, Burns.
St Kilda: Milne 3, Gehrig, Birss, Brooks, Jones.
Best – Collingwood: Fraser, Cloke, H.Shaw, Maxwell, Wakelin, O’Bree, Prestigiacomo, Iles.
St Kilda: Ball, Milne, S.Fisher, Baker.
Injuries – Collingwood: ******** (knee), Medhurst (leg)
St Kilda: Nil.
Player Review:
Leon Davis: Worked hard for his kicks, and gave the side a real edge in the midfield with his zip and attack on the football and the ball carrier. His goal in the second term was as slick as they come, and the manner in which he stood up for his fallen teammate ******** was heartening. 6/10
Ryan Lonie: Ducked in and out of the play well, used the pill with his usual effectiveness and returned to some of his form of his early days, with his run and carry from halfback, streaming through the middle of the ground. 6/10
Paul Medhurst: Attacked the football with vigour early, creating the play and snapping a cleverly worked goal from a throw in, before appearing to injure his leg when running at full pelt for a mark late in the first term. Will be fit for round one. 4/10
James Clement: Jogged out to joint he quarter time huddle in training attire, before returning to the fray for the halftime break in his full kit, playing out the second half in defence without showing any ill effects from his foot injury. 4/10
Scott Pendlebury: Continued on in the same vein as his silky skilled performance at Carrara against the Kangaroos last week, and although not as prolific on the wing as he was seven days prior, he again reaffirmed why he will be a major player, not only this season, but in the decade to come. His fancy footwork resulting in a goal in the third quarter was undoubtedly a highlight. 6/10
Shane O’Bree: There are no doubts that with O’Bree in the senior team, Collingwood gain 50% more hunger, tenacity and general know-how in and around the packs and stoppages, the 28-year-old playing a key role in yesterday’s triumph. 7/10
Shannon Cox: Flashed in and out of the play, stationed in defence. Showcased a clever piece of ball handling, snatching the ball out of the clutches of a St Kilda forward with one hand. 2/10
Dale Thomas: Floated in and out of the match, goaling twice from some perfect crumbing, and working hard when the Saints attacked. 6/10
Shane Wakelin: The consummate professional deep in defence, rumours of Wakelin’s demise are greatly exaggerated. The veteran, rising 32, showed his younger opponents a clean pair of heels with his run out of the back half, and his ability to effect the vital spoil was again on show. 7/10
Scott Burns: Following up from a 32 possession match last week, Burns’ impact was felt in the midfield, again winning plenty of leather and using it accordingly. 6/10
Paul Licuria: Reportedly received a late call up from a Williamstown practice match to play, and was perhaps a tad rusty, although plenty of the summer cobwebs were swept aside as the match wore on. 4/10
Ben Reid: Showed some real promise, stationed in attack for most of the day. Beginning at full forward, the club’s first choice at the 2006 National ‘Super’ Draft displayed an excellent leap and a safe pair of hands, and will, in time, also bring along with him the confidence to convert in front of goal. Showed flashes of his potential and senior selection this year may not be out of the question. 4/10
Guy Richards: A key to the side’s hopes this winter, Richards impressed more and more as the game wore on, working his way into the contest around the ground, his tapwork certainly to effect. Still needs to create more of a presence around the ground when not in a ruck contest, be that as a loose man in defence or even in attack, where he spent some time yesterday. 5.5/10
Tarkyn Lockyer: Quietly slipped back into the senior side yesterday, going about his business with a minimum of fuss, spending much of the day on the bench. Applied a clever knock on during the first term, thwarting a St Kilda attacking sortie. 3/10
Josh Fraser: The star yesterday afternoon, Fraser’s return to the senior line up was welcomed by all. Sliding marks on his knees, plucking grabs with strength overhead, and all class below his knees, Fraser could well be set to produce a breakout season at league level. 8.5/10
Nick Maxwell: Another set to lift this season, on the evidence provided, anyhow. A clear onfield leader, Maxwell appears to have stepped up a cog or two in his preparation and work ethic both on and off the field, and is now leading from the front down back. Now creating more than ever off the halfback line, the former rookie listed St Joseph’s boy held some strong overhead grabs in the line of fire, and set the side up for a number of attacking forays. Vastly underrated, and will only get better. 7/10
Ryan Cook: Coming on and off the ground, Cook was never able to settle across half forward, although his attack on the ball was certainly not lacking. Missed a golden opportunity to stamp his name on the match with an opening goal beckoning on the run from 45m out, but unfortunately attempted a cute checkside snap across his body, only to miss the big sticks, a lesson the Dandenong boy will keep locked away in the memory bank for future outings. 2/10
Travis Cloke: Another of the bright lights in attack, Cloke looks set to help fill the void left by Chris Tarrant’s departure to Fremantle, and on yesterday’s performance is the man to watch intently in 2007. Led strongly, marked extremely well and showed excellence presence of mind, and is now beginning to exert a physical presence. 8/10
Brad ********: The West Australian looked sharp on a half forward flank in the first half, showing an Aaron Davey-like ability to run down an opponent from behind, nailing the much larger Brendan Goddard in the first term. Unfortunately, his day was curtailed by a cruel Steven Baker blow on the halftime siren, leaving the field to a rousing applause from the largely Collingwood based crowd. 3/10
Alan Toovey: Looked to be a real livewire in the opening half before fading slightly in the second. Employed across halfback, Toovey’s pace was a real highlight of the match, showing a real willingness to run and create from the back half. Though he may lack the profile of a number of other youngsters, Toovey may surprise in 2007. Will need to add muscle to his frame, but looks to have something different about him, and is prepared to take risks in order to run the ball out of halfback, in a similar vein to Harry O'Brien and, to a lesser extent, Heath Shaw in his first season of league football in the latter stages of 2005. 6/10
Simon Prestigiacomo: A no frills performance by Prestigiacomo, who alternated with Wakelin and Clement as to who took on the size of Fraser Gehrig at fullback. Did all you expect from a player nearing the 200 game mark, and will again prove a cornerstone of the team in 2007. 5/10
Dane Swan: Did not have a major input on the game, and will benefit from the match practice as he approaches full fitness. 3/10
Sam Iles: A real shining light down back, the Taswegian contributed run, carry and a willingness to the back six, and should come close to selection in the first round on that effort. Beginning to back himself more and more, enjoying his best outing in the Black and White todate. Possesses a terrific work ethic, and his continued ability to be where the ball was yesterday will hold him in good stead. 6/10
Heath Shaw: Now a real team leader in every sense, Shaw the younger outshone all comers off halfback in a blistering first term, and solid efforts in the subsequent three quarters, although spending time on the pine as the rotation system kicked into full swing. On the basis of his first two outings this season, he will only get better as his career wears on. Showed an ability to push into attack and kick goals, too, prepared to run extremely hard off his man to create scoring opportunities. 7.5/10
Chris Byran: Showed promising signs in the ruck and in attack, particularly in the opening and final quarters, with some supporters able to detect the sign of a hidden football brain inside the ex-Blue ruckman’s head with some clever tapwork and a general willingness to compete around the ground. It will be interesting to see how Malthouse and co go about squeezing the quartet of Rocca, Fraser, Richards and Bryan into the one line up. 5/10
Danny Nicholls#: The blond nugget was unable to go on with his promising showing in the NAB Cup clash last Friday, but showed plenty of intensity when the ball was at ground level. A fierce competitor. 2/10
Players absent: Sean Rusling (Williamstown), Alan Didak (knee), Nathan Buckley (general soreness), Brodie Holland (suspension), John Anthony (neck), Chris Egan (Williamstown), Nathan Brown (Williamstown), Ben Davies (Williamstown), Rhyce Shaw, Anthony Rocca, Ben Johnson, Danny Stanley (Williamstown), Harry O'Brien (ribs), Chris Dawes (knee), Tyson Goldsack (Williamstown), Sharrod Wellingham (Williamstown), Martin Clarke (Williamstown), Brent Macaffer (Williamstown).
Collingwood – first quarter team:
B: Wakelin, Prestigiacomo, Toovey.
HB: Lockyer, Maxwell, Iles.
C: H.Shaw, Davis, Pendlebury.
HF: Thomas, Cloke, Medhurst.
F: ********, Reid, Bryan.
R: Richards, Burns, O’Bree.
INTER: Cox, Lonie, Nicholls, Cook, Fraser, Swan.
Match ups of note:
Travis Cloke vs Sam Fisher
Leon Davis vs James Gwilt
Heath Shaw vs Stephen Milne
Ben Reid vs Matthew Ferguson
Dale Thomas vs Steven Baker
Nick Maxwell vs Clinton Jones#
Chris Byran vs Sam Fisher (who was moved from Cloke)
Paul Medhurst vs Aaron Fiora
Brad ******** vs Jason Gram
Scott Burns vs Andrew McQualter
Sam Iles vs Stephen Milne (moved from Heath Shaw).
Match transcript:
Travis Cloke a behind, shows a great attack on the footy, one touch play.
Pies moved it well by hand, youngsters do nicely, Bryan marks well yet kicks poorly, out of bounds in the forward pocket.
Bryan makes up for his below par kick with a top tap to Medhurst from the throw in, flicked over the back into space, Medhurst runs onto the ball, goal.
Heath Shaw some great hard running rewarded with a goal from 45m on the run.
Toovey’s pace great off halfback.
Maxwell, Prestigiacomo and Wakelin combining well in defence.
Medhurst marks, opts to pass, a bad move.
Dicky! Brad ******** nails Brendan Goddard in a great chase and tackle from behind, saving a score.
Iles attacks the ball and it pays off, a left foot to Fraser, a sliding mark on his knees on the left forward pocket, plays on, swings onto the right boot from 40m out on the boundary, goal!
Cloke showing great anticipation.
Lonie runs it out to Reid, left foot ball great to ********, lovely ball inside forward fifty, marked strongly overhead by Fraser in a one-on-one contest, goal. 25 vs 1.
Maxwell great work, will be a key this year.
Barry Brooks (StK) too tall, goal. 25 vs 7.
Shane Birss (StK) marks from the resultant bounce, and goals. 25 vs 13.
Quarter time:
Collingwood: 4.1 (25)
St Kilda: 2.1 (13)
Goals – Collingwood: Fraser 2, Medhurst, H.Shaw.
St Kilda: Brooks, Birss.
Best – Collingwood: H.Shaw, Maxwell, Fraser, Iles, Toovey, Medhurst, Wakelin, Prestigiacomo.
2nd Quarter:
Clement arrives in kit at the huddle
Heath Shaw starts off with a chest mark 40m out dead in front, goal. 32 vs 13.
O’Bree behind, receives from a Thomas one handed mark handball.
Cook behind – snap.
Reid mark, behind.
Milne vs Iles, dodgy in-the-back call results in a point.
Harvey snap – point.
Gehrig goal, Wakelin slipped. 34 vs 21.
Milne behind.
Maxwell a brilliant mark, triggers an offensive (Heath Shaw put down as he kicks), leads to a Davis poster.
Thomas a brilliant, crunching tackle.
Leon ever so magical, classy and smooth – goal.
Pies hard tackling and in close pressure lead to an O’Bree goal from 45m.
Sloppy marking leads to a Burns mark, and goal from 50m out. And for his efforts heads off to the bench. 53 vs 22.
Shocking new in the back rule comes into play as Travis Cloke outbodies his man and holds a strong mark Wayne Carey would have been proud of – “in the back”. Coaxes brother Jason to crack a smile watching on with father David in the stands.
Baker – you lowlife coward (edited!). Puts Brad ******** down with an elbow, helped off the field. Sparks a push and shove – Maxwell, you gun, flies the flag.
Clement has kick-to-kick at half time.
Half time:
Collingwood: 4.1, 8.5 (53)
St Kilda: 2.1, 3.4 (22)
Goals – Collingwood: H.Shaw 2, Fraser 2, Medhurst, O’Bree, Davis, Burns.
Best – Collingwood: Burns, Maxwell, Fraser, Cloke, Davis.
Third quarter:
Clement in the side for the second half.
******** not out there – “he’s alright” (MM).
Bryan, O’Bree, Burns and Davis start in the midfield.
Fraser paid the grab from the first bounce (O’Bree clearance) – goal. 59 vs 22.
Reid a speccy from Iles’ attacking run – behind.
Wakelin crunched from a pack fly, but merely winded.
Reid push in the back (fair), inside the fifty, Thomas crumbs in textbook fashion, goal!
Birss point.
Pendles! You legend! Basketball style goal – dances around all comers, scores a goal from 37m out. 72 vs 23.
Milne snap – goal. 72 vs 29.
Cloke marks Cook’s pass – goal. 78 vs 29.
Milne snaps another goal – 78 vs 35.
Milne wins the free again – goal – 78 vs 41.
Iles now playing on Milne.
Lonie on the long range, the ball is touched on the line, a behind.
Clinton Jones (East Fremantle, has a blond mop of hair not unlike Clive Waterhouse with the Dockers) nails a goal from the pocket. 79 vs 49.
Cloke a point from the pocket.
Cook – oh dear – tries to banana bend it, misses a golden opportunity to score the goal.
Cloke gives Brooks an almighty spray. Well, not really, but strong enough nevertheless – “Hurry up, f***head!”
Three quarter time:
Collingwood: 4.1, 8.5, 12.9 (81)
St Kilda: 2.1, 3.4, 7.5 (47)
b]Best – Collingwood:[/b] Cloke, Burns, Iles, Richards, Fraser.
Fourth Quarter:
Bryan hits the post
Fraser – marks and goals. 88 vs 51.
Thomas marks and goals. 94 vs 51.
Ball movement terrific, Travis Cloke a goal. 100 vs 52.
Game Over – Collingwood defeat St Kilda by 48 points, keeping the Saints goalless in the final term.
Final scores:
Collingwood: 4.1, 8.5, 12.9, 15.10 (100)
St Kilda: 321, 3.4, 7.5, 7.10 (52)
Goals – Collingwood: Fraser 4, Thomas 2, H.Shaw 2, Cloke 2, Davis, Medhurst, Pendlebury, O’Bree, Burns.
St Kilda: Milne 3, Gehrig, Birss, Brooks, Jones.
Best – Collingwood: Fraser, Cloke, H.Shaw, Maxwell, Wakelin, O’Bree, Prestigiacomo, Iles.
St Kilda: Ball, Milne, S.Fisher, Baker.
Injuries – Collingwood: ******** (knee), Medhurst (leg)
St Kilda: Nil.
Match thoughts:
Loved our work ethic throughout. All players worked extremely hard in conditions which, early, were quite humid, although the sun was not blazing down.
Onball division received a touch of class in the form of Davis and Pendlebury, who added plenty to the silk factor and with their ‘one-touch’ abilities, really rammed home the advantage.
Pendlebury will be a key player this year, fitness providing. Uses the ball like a seasoned veteran, and will often pluck the ball out of a pack with one hand. Early days yet, but looks on exposed form to be an inspired choice with the fifth selection of the 2005 National Draft, when many expected him to be chosen in the mid 20s. So far, very good and very Dal Santo-like in his movements, his basketball background obvious.
Hard to read too much from the result, as the Saints lacked players such as Aaron Hamill, Xavier and Raphael Clarke, Andrew Thompson, Leigh Fisher, Lenny Hayes, Max Hudghton, Leigh Montagna, Nick Riewoldt, Michael Gardiner, Justin Koschitzke, Matthew Clarke and Matt Maguire from their main group. However, extremely positive to see all the young players put up their hands to help lead us to victory.
Should we go anywhere this year, Travis Cloke and Josh Fraser will play major roles in what we do, for their ability to use their agility (for their height) is so crucial, and if, it is quite an if on previous seasons, Guy Richards and Chris Byran are able to hold their own in the ruck, Fraser effectively becomes the Travis Cloke (albeit a far more experienced and developed version) and Cloke the Chris Tarrant, which really does help our cause.
Many have slammed the club’s decision to re-sign Mick Malthouse with still a year running on his current term, however on the basis of yesterday’s effort, the future is certainly quite promising, and our drafting of the past three years has been, again, on exposed form, more than useful.
Buckley did not play, the word is general soreness, and I can dispel the hamstring rumours, for he was walking with ease around the boundary line towards the coaches’ box.
I still think that, until he fills out, Dale Thomas will remain a crumbing, Akermanis-like forward, where his attack on the ball and the man are second to none.
Another thing important to note is that I cannot see why many have written Shane Wakelin off. Sure, his 2006 campaign was underwhelming, however he is not lacking in pace or reaction time – he will be fine this season, certainly.
I honestly don’t think that we can expect Leon Davis to ever be a ‘match winner’ of sorts, more the type of player who will have a quarter in which he owns, and three consistent yet not devastating other terms. Great to see he is now beginning to recognise himself as a leader.
An interesting question to come out of the match is whether we can fit all of Rocca, Cloke, Fraser and Rusling (provided Richards and Bryan hold up) into the one forward line? To add to that, we already have the likes of Medhurst, Davis, Thomas, ********, Egan, potentially Buckley and Holland, Didak when he returns, and even Shannon Cox at ground level. How can we fit all of them into 6-7? My ideal forward set up (sans Didak, with Buckley and Holland in the midfield) is as follows:
HF: Cloke, Rocca, Thomas.
F: Medhurst, Fraser, Davis.
Not easy to choose from, that’s for sure.
To conclude, an excellent outing, and yes, only a pre-season contest with no meaning nor likely baring on our season, but certainly promising, and aside from ******** and Medhurst’s injuries (both will be on deck for round one), we gained all we possibly could from it. Youngsters, especially the big names, shining and the veterans doing all asked of them. Toovey, too, could be the darkhorse this season, he has something, as does Iles, who began to work into his own as time wore on.
