Rocca, Shaw likely returns

[#1 pies]

ANTHONY Rocca and Heath Shaw look set to return to Collingwood's team to take on St Kilda this Monday, while Paul Medhurst has overcome an injured ankle and Alan Didak is still at least a week away from returning.

Didak is still battling to recover from a hamstring injury while Medhurst missed most of the second half of last week's win over North Melbourne with an injured ankle.

"Dids will miss. He definitely won't play. Medders would be a pretty good chance. The 10 days helps him a lot," skipper Nick Maxwell said on Thursday.

He said he had confidence that Collingwood could cover whatever injury problems were thrown at it.

"We're pretty comfortable at the moment with the depth we've got. We showed last week when (Anthony) Corrie and (Sharrod) Wellingham came in at the last minute that there are a lot of VFL guys knocking on the door," Maxwell said.

Maxwell said Shaw had progressed well from a hamstring strain and there was still plenty of time until Monday night's clash.

"He's a really good chance. We've still got two training sessions to go, so to be honest we haven't really talked about a team or what we're doing. We'll go through that tomorrow and he'll train tomorrow. I'd expect him to [play]," he said.

Maxwell said he was happy to be playing on Monday night and said it would not disrupt the team's usual weekend.

"A couple of our guys were a bit sore from the weekend and it gives them a chance to heal a bit better," he said.

"There is no real difference for us. It's probably more different for the supporters who wouldn't be used to something like this."

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/76385/default.aspx

 

[half_back_flank]

Good news, just a shame we can't have all 4 back...

 

[Quicky]

Bringing in Rocca would be a big mistake against the Saints IMO. One of their biggest strengths is their ability to run the ball out of defense. Rocca just won't be able to apply the defensive pressure needed in the F50.

 

[Old Spice]

Bringing in Rocca would be a big mistake against the Saints IMO. One of their biggest strengths is their ability to run the ball out of defense. Rocca just won't be able to apply the defensive pressure needed in the F50.

'xactly. In against Carlton, but not Saints defense. If Medders doesn't get up, then Reid and possibly Rus - but no point rushing the Rus man.

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

Bringing in Rocca would be a big mistake against the Saints IMO. One of their biggest strengths is their ability to run the ball out of defense. Rocca just won't be able to apply the defensive pressure needed in the F50.

We need someone that can compete at FF. The truth is, we've lost Jack Anthony for this week, and it's really down to either Anthony Rocca, Chris Bryan or Chris Dawes, and Dawes has been out of touch in the VFL so far this year, while Bryan offers no more in terms of defensive pressure than Rocca.

It'd be great if Rusling was good to go, but he isn't.

 

[Snag Breac]

We need someone that can compete at FF. The truth is, we've lost Jack Anthony for this week, and it's really down to either Anthony Rocca, Chris Bryan or Chris Dawes, and Dawes has been out of touch in the VFL so far this year, while Bryan offers no more in terms of defensive pressure than Rocca.

It'd be great if Rusling was good to go, but he isn't.

On SEN today Eddie said that Rusling would play this week, but didn't specifice in which team. VFL, I presume.

 

[Territory Magpie]

On SEN today Eddie said that Rusling would play this week, but didn't specifice in which team. VFL, I presume.

Excellent to hear that Snag, especially as I'm travelling down to Melbourne this weekend, and I plan to watch the VFL side play on Sunday at Princes Park (as well as being there for Monday night of course!). It will be interesting to see first hand how Rus goes in the VFL; also, I'm hoping J-Mac returns from injury in the VFL game.

 

[Quicky]

We need someone that can compete at FF. The truth is, we've lost Jack Anthony for this week, and it's really down to either Anthony Rocca, Chris Bryan or Chris Dawes, and Dawes has been out of touch in the VFL so far this year, while Bryan offers no more in terms of defensive pressure than Rocca.

It'd be great if Rusling was good to go, but he isn't.

I think it's a good idea to put N Brown forward, bring in Reid and re-shuffle the defense. If Nathan Brown doesn't work out up forward you can switch Cloke to FF, Reid to CHF and put Brown back in defence.

 

[Dogs_Playing_Poker]

I think it's a good idea to put N Brown forward, bring in Reid and re-shuffle the defense. If Nathan Brown doesn't work out up forward you can switch Cloke to FF, Reid to CHF and put Brown back in defence.

So Reid will be playing on either Riewoldt or Kosi? Dunno if Id be confident in that. Wow imagine rusling played in the afl this week and kicked 6! as if haha good to dream! I wouldnt be playing rocca this week but...

 

[Quicky]

So Reid will be playing on either Riewoldt or Kosi? Dunno if Id be confident in that. Wow imagine rusling played in the afl this week and kicked 6! as if haha good to dream! I wouldnt be playing rocca this week but...

I was thinking more like this:

FB: Presti > Kosi
CHB: Harry O > Reiwoldt
BP/HBF: Reid > Blake if forward or the resting ruckman (or as a loose man in defence or forward utility)

Utility: Maxwell > Goddard

CHF: Cloke > Fisher
FF: N Brown > Dawson

It's an idea considering Anthony is out, Rusling isn't match fit and StKilda probably isn't the best team for Rocca. I can see the Saints murdering us on the rebound with Rocca in the team, he just doesn't suit them. We could go in with those match ups without Reid if we wanted another running player but Reid does add some flexibility if the match-ups aren't working.