Our best team for 2005

[siralandidak]

C. Morrison S. Presti S. Wakelin
J. Clement J. Cloke R. Cole
B. Johnson P. Licuria S. Burns
S. Woewodin G. Richards L. Davis
N. Buckley A. Rocca J. Fraser
B. Caracella C. Tarrant A. Didak

Inter; R. Lonie T. Lockyer B. Holland S. O'Bree
Emerg; C. Cloke T. Davidson J. Rowe N. Maxwell

My main worries are Cloke at CHB, but i couldn't think of a better alternative. I know some people have mentioned Tex could go there but I am not convinced. Davis in the midfield is a bit of a gamble, but I felt we needed more legspeed in the guts and he showed glimpses of midfield prowess when he was given a chance. He could always switch positions for Didak. C. Cloke missed out purely because of team balance. With Richards Rocca Tarrant and Fraser I wouldn't want to be too top heavy. In regards to the emergencies I went for what I consider to be our best emerging tall (C. Cloke), forward (Davidson), midfielder (Rowe) and backman (Maxwell). I didn't consider any of this years young draftees because they are still much of an unknown quantity and will most likely be playing for Williamstown for much of the year.

What do you all think?

 

[jefffff34]

I'd prefer Caracella not to be ruck.

 

[siralandidak]

ok. you know what i meant.

 

[tarrant]

C. Morrison S. Presti S. Wakelin
J. Clement J. Cloke R. Cole
B. Johnson P. Licuria S. Burns
S. Woewodin G. Richards L. Davis
N. Buckley A. Rocca J. Fraser
B. Caracella C. Tarrant A. Didak

Inter; R. Lonie T. Lockyer B. Holland S. O'Bree
Emerg; C. Cloke T. Davidson J. Rowe N. Maxwell

My main worries are Cloke at CHB, but i couldn't think of a better alternative. I know some people have mentioned Tex could go there but I am not convinced. Davis in the midfield is a bit of a gamble, but I felt we needed more legspeed in the guts and he showed glimpses of midfield prowess when he was given a chance. He could always switch positions for Didak. C. Cloke missed out purely because of team balance. With Richards Rocca Tarrant and Fraser I wouldn't want to be too top heavy. In regards to the emergencies I went for what I consider to be our best emerging tall (C. Cloke), forward (Davidson), midfielder (Rowe) and backman (Maxwell). I didn't consider any of this years young draftees because they are still much of an unknown quantity and will most likely be playing for Williamstown for much of the year.

What do you all think?

presti chb..waklin fb...........cloke bf or bench...davis son and maxwel in the side..then u may b on the right track..and s obree. can not play football anymore he is a disgrace

 

[MarkT]

If we don't start with Cameron Cloke at CHF I'll scream. I can't see Caracella as a ruckman but he wouldn't get less quality hitouts than the blokes that have generally done it over the last 5 years.

If we are aiming for a premiership - which is non negotiable IMO - the C. Cloke has to play CHF, Richards has to ruck and Rowe and Maxwell have to start the season in the side to see if they can improve the best 22. I'd love to see Lonie on a wing and I can't see J. Cloke as a starter. Wakelin has to be CHB with Presti FB. Cloke would be a third tall defender and at this stage I'd rather give that gig to Maxwell.

Until Walker proves he can play the game he has to be used at CB and CHB at Willi. Unless O'Bree and Williams are not in our best 22 we are in trouble so they may as well start the season at Willi. Davidson has to be a Willi player until he proves otherwise and that he can see out games. If he fires in the pre season then he'd be a bonus but that would have to be unlikely. I am yet to be convinced that C. Morrison is a starter.

 

[Pedro]

Rowe and Maxwell have to start the season in the side to see if they can improve the best 22.

I'm surprised that not many other share this view. Plenty of people have Maxwell in the side, but not as many with Rowe. I think Rowe should be a starter and I genuinely think he will progress to be clearly in our best 22.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I'm surprised that not many other share this view. Plenty of people have Maxwell in the side, but not as many with Rowe. I think Rowe should be a starter and I genuinely think he will progress to be clearly in our best 22.

I agree with you. However Maxwell is a tall defender where Rowe is a short defender.

 

[Pedro]

I doubt that you'll see Rowe as a short defender. He will develope as a winger/midfielder.

 

[siralandidak]

i see what you are saying about c.cloke, rowe and maxwell. my problem is who do you omit to fit them in. o'bree fair enough but he is supposedly in good nick and has been serviceable...who else? l. davis maybe. c. morrison is playing in a position that cloke, rowe and maxwell cannot fill. i see morrison as the replacement for a. williams. and if you are going to play c. cloke at chf, where does rocca play? i also can't see wakelin holding down chb consistently.

 

[eddiesmith]

B.Johnson S.Wakelin J.Clement
J.Cloke S.Prestigiacomo C.Morrisson
S.Woewodin S.Burns T.Lockyer
A.Didak C.Cloke C.Tarrant
J.Fraser A.Rocca B.Carracella
G.Richards N.Buckley P.Licuria

B.Holland J.Rowe N.Maxwell R.Lonie

 

[siralandidak]

thats pretty good eddiesmith, but don't you think the forward line is too tall. i notice your ommissions from mine were o'bree (fair enough), l. davis (fair enough) and r. cole (thats a bit harsh).

 

[mdogau30]

Backline : S.Prestigiacomo S.Wakelin J.Clement
Half Back: C.Morrisson J.Cloke R. Cole
centre: S.Woewodin S.Burns T.Lockyer
half full: A.Didak C.Cloke C.Tarrant
farward: J.Fraser A.Rocca B.Carracella
Ruck: G.Richards N.Buckley P.Licuria

Interchange : N. Maxwell R. Lonie T. Lockyer C. Cloke
Emerg; R. Shaw T. Davidson J. Rowe & 1st Draft pick

 

[siralandidak]

you have lockyer and c.cloke in twice.

 

[guess_who]

How can you possibly name our best side now. We have no idia who will stand up and drop off, who will do a Richards and come from now where, and Will Didak finally live up to his massive rep. Will Burns, Lica and Woey continue on their consistency. Will Tarrant Learn how to kick. Will Lonie grow some balls, who knows. I'd like to think it would be much the same as last year exept the injured players to come in. I also think that Maxwell/Richards/C.Cloke will push for regular senior selection.

 

[twaters]

What a year ahead. I think MM has both kept members of his defensive core team and recruited (thank heaven) for transition to an offensive team. Off went the in-betweeners.

Now, will he field in 05 his specialty talent for defence, or try the more adventurous concotion? What a choice. I hope he does the later and we get off his back if it doesn't all happen at once.

Other than Morrison and Cara, I'd bet defence out front and then slowly introduce the impact players as results allow.

Anyone else new besides these in round one?

 

[guess_who]

Morrison struggled to get a game in the VFL seniors, what makes people think he will play round one. I think showing form in the VFL would be a better goal for morrison.

 

[twaters]

Yes, agree, for Billy Morrison, I think his time is up at the end of 05. Can the sick, injured outsider get up within 2 years? Baldwin is gone at Willi. If this Morrison cannot make CHF or FF his with this gaping sore, then agree adios amigos.

However, the stand up, walk in, Morrison referred to earlier is the Chad variety from Eagles. Not sure who he'd threaten for a place, but seems likely to do so. Any thoughts?

 

[eddiesmith]

thats pretty good eddiesmith, but don't you think the forward line is too tall. i notice your ommissions from mine were o'bree (fair enough), l. davis (fair enough) and r. cole (thats a bit harsh).

Richard Cole missed out on team balance. Lonie and Rowe are similar position players and push him off the bench as Morrisson pushed them all off the starting team. Leon missed out as I believe we need a tall team

Our forward line is good, but not great. We need to gain every advantage we can and that means height. Rocca cant run so confine him to the goal square, Cam Cloke can take the CHB whilst Fraser and Taz can run around and probably be manned up by smaller players. Its creates problems for the opposition yet doesnt get to crowded as Taz will be up the wings. This means they have to put a quicker player on Taz but one Taz could beat in marking contests as they wont want a smaller player on Fraser or Cam.

I take this from the Saints this year, their forward line was a nightmare in height and who gets which defender.

None of our forwards are capable of winning a Coleman but instead of one kicking 90 and the other 70. If one can kick 50 (Rocca) and the others 30-40 then that makes up for it. Its the one strength which most opposition supporters cant see.

 

[Johnson#26]

B: Clement, Prestigiacomo, Wakelin.
HB: Cole, J.Cloke, Johnson.
C: Lonie, Buckley, Woewodin.
HF: Didak, Rocca, Fraser.
F: C.Cloke, Tarrant, Caracella.
R: Richards, Licuria, Burns.
INTER: Holland, Walker, Lockyer, Morrison.
EMERG: Maxwell, Rowe, Davidson.

All season, Collingwood have been unable to put their best team on the park at the one time. Injury, suspension and poor form have all been the main causes for grief at the selection table.

When fit and firing, there aren’t many better teams then the Magpies. After two seasons at the top of the tree, Collingwood have come back to earth with a loud thud, with a disappoint season in 2004. Many players suffered injury or a loss of form, and many will find themselves victims of a cleanout from Coach Mick Malthouse. Many seasoned names, such as O’Bree and Williams may come under fire, while young guns Nick Maxwell and Julian Rowe will attempt to win their spot in the team.

The defence is the one aspect of the Magpies game that has stood up this season. Despite many injuries, it stood tall against the best of teams, and many players had perhaps their best season of AFL football.

James Clement is the defensive general, and tonight should be named an All-Australian defender for the first time. Simon Prestigiacomo and Shane Wakelin have both suffered injuries this season, but stood up well when the pressure was on. Both have little or no trade value, although the Bulldogs may be slightly interested in Prestigiacomo.

Richard Cole and Ben Johnson have been the Magpies two most improved players in season 2004, with their pace and attack on the ball from half back a feature. Both will look to make the move to the midfield in the next two years.

Jason Cloke had a solid 2004, but there is much room for improvement in his game – such as manning up and field kicking. With Tristan Walker and Nick Maxwell both knocking on the door for a permeant spot, there is healthy competition in the defence.

The midfield is where a few troubles lie. Stars such as Nathan Buckley, Scott Burns, Paul Licuria and Shane Woewodin have been the envy of many sides, as all four players have the ability to win the ball 25 times or more and use it well.

However, in 2004, all four struggled with injury, and in Buckley and Burns’s case, age. They are not getting any younger, and the run in their legs is evaporating. Time is running out for the first two to bring home that coveted premiership that both dearly desire. Time is against them, but both have one, possibly two good seasons left to squeeze out of their bodies. A full pre-season without injury could possibly see them play 90% of the season in the middle, but only if Malthouse allows them. Malthouse has to find able replacements for them, as they are both keys to the Collingwood side.

Licuria and Woewodin are solid footballers, if not spectacular. Both had injury interrupted pre-seasons in 2004, and were solid performers all season – if not at their best. The replacements could be any of Brayden Shaw, Luke Shackleton, Mark McGough, Heath Shaw, Dane Swan or Julian Rowe. Brodie Holland and Tarkyn Lockyer are willing footballers, who win much of the ball and have good skills, but neither will ever be midfield match winners.

Alan Didak and Leon Davis are both talented footballers, with pace and skill but have constantly lacked consistency over their careers. Both made a start to the midfield transition in 2004, and will see more action in the middle in 2005.

Ryan Lonie played well as a forward, and will this season be used as a wingman. In the ruck, the Magpies are finally developing a solid set up, with Guy Richards and Josh Fraser set to become a fine rucking duo, with Steven McKee as able support. Brent Hall is a young prospect who will take time while Justin Crow is a 50/50 chance of staying on the list.

The attack has been inconsistent and enigmatic in 2004, after a stellar 2003. Spearheads Chris Tarrant and Anthony Rocca were hampered by injury all season and never really got going. Every football watcher knows that when these two fire, Collingwood wins.

When they are out of form, a loss is on the cards. Both need big pre-seasons to enable a finals performance for the Pies. The missing link of the third tall forward could well have been finally found, with Josh Fraser being released by Guy Richards’s emergence to the forward line, helping piece together a formidable forward setup.

Cameron Cloke showed grunt and strength in 2004 and may be asked to perform a Jarrod Molloy type role, of bullocking and pushing the opposition aside for the smaller players. Didak and Davis are a dangerous duo, and will play up forward – as well as spending some time in the midfield.

Tom Davidson is expected to return from two knee injuries in 2005 to add to an already potent combination. There is also Billy Morrison waiting in the wings – albeit, the Williamstown reserves. Despite being a raw footballer, Morrison is a chance to come from nowhere to play senior football for Collingwood in 2005.

As a conclusion, with an injury free season and a little bit of confidence, Collingwood is a chance to return to the top eight in 2005 and possibly the top four. With their stars firing, there is a chance that Collingwood will take home the premiership flag in 2005.

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

Yes, agree, for Billy Morrison, I think his time is up at the end of 05. Can the sick, injured outsider get up within 2 years? Baldwin is gone at Willi. If this Morrison cannot make CHF or FF his with this gaping sore, then agree adios amigos.

Considering his injury history, and that he was very bottom age when he was drafted, and that he was our first round draft pick, I'd think that we'd at least give him another year.

I mean, Billy is about the same age as some of the top draftees of this year.

He's actually younger than Jordan Lewis, 14 days older than John Meesen, 21 day's older than Ryan Griffen, a month older than Tom Williams, and only a few months older than Richie Tambling, Jordan Russell and our very own draftees Chris Egan and Sean Rusling. He's younger than Iacobucci too.

There is no way that those guys would get cut after their first season, so there's no way that Billy gets cut after this one on age alone, not taking into account that he missed the season we drafted him with a shoulder injury which would've set him back. Basically, we've been moulding this guy at the club since before he may have necessarily been drafted if he decided to play his second year of 18's.

He'll stick around at least until after the 2006 season.

However, the stand up, walk in, Morrison referred to earlier is the Chad variety from Eagles. Not sure who he'd threaten for a place, but seems likely to do so. Any thoughts?

I would say The Chad will be taking the place of anyone from Lokan to O'Bree to Rhyce Shaw to the countless that found themselves in the side despite a lack of form. The Chad will be the benchmark for breaking into the side; to hold a place, you have to be better than The Chad...

Okay, I just like saying The Chad... So sue me...

The Chad...

 

[Jabso]

You have to be mad to take Cole out of the side. He is a young player and if he improves like he did last year. Watch out. 6th (i think) in the best and fairest last year. He was very consistant. I am looking for a year where Cole will spend a little more time up the ground. I rate Cole on par with Didak as far as young talent goes.
Barring any serious injuries here is the side that I think should be played most of the year.

B. Jimmy, Presti, Richie
HB. Roids, Wakes, Waxxy
C: Abba (step up!), Dids, Woey
HF: Carrots, Taz, Neon
F: Carpet, Ant, CC
Fo: Rogan, Bucks, Lica
Int: Stretch, Jules, Dutchy, The Chad

I really want to fit Davo on the bench but Chad will be a more flexible option.
These players will be most rotated through the side:
Tex: Trying to mold him into our next Wakes/Presti
Brades: Should slot in nicely for a few games after the departure of McGough.
JC: Waxxy should push him out of the side, still will play a few handy games but IMO Tex should be picked as a tall defender ahead of him.
Cheesey: Cheesey is the wildcard. If he steps up he will give us an edge. More likely he won't and if not hopefully he doesn't get many games
Racer: Should get a few games
Tarkyn: Unlucky player who should miss out in favour of the young players. Another player who could step up and be a huge bonus.
Handfull of games:
Hally, Yacka, Zane(maybe).

Behind the mystory door is Rusling. Could be a real suprise packet. (As much as a 2nd round pick could be anyway).