Keys
Looking for a cloud to yell at
- Moderator
- #1
That game is a fair way way off in the rear view mirror now as only eight West Coast players from that side will line up against Collingwood. Remarkably, the pies will have just seven
Now it’s a battle between the reigning premiers and wooden spooners respectively albeit both sides aren’t quite looking like repeating those accomplishments in 2024 at the present time
West Coast haven’t been the easy pushover they were in 2022/23 (thank heck) whilst Collingwood have spluttered into their premiership defence as 9th takes on 15th
Can we cause an upset like we did the last time we played we met Collingwood in Melbourne (also at Marvel) when our ridiculously accurate kicking saw us home 14.3(87) to 10.14(74)
Probably not but we can hope
Injuries to Collingwood see almost all their starting front 6 in the stands along with DeGoey and Mitchell from the midfield. That said they still have 16 players from their 2023 premiership side so let’s not cry too much for them
Unfortunately, we also have injuries to key players of our own including two players (Yeo and Waterman) who have been a driving force in our mini resurgence this year. Allen, Flynn, Long and Hewett will also be missing
It leaves us light on for midfield power and a lack of scoring threats up forward
What needs to go right for us to win?
We are at essentially full strength down back. McGovern has been in AA quality form and Brady Hough has been a revelation. Expect Hough to take the dangerous Hill whilst Barrass should be able to lockdown on Cameron/Cox to allow McGovern to play his intercept role. Duggan, Cole and the improving Rotham will provide support
In the midfield we need to somehow quell the influence of Nick Daicos and hope Pendlebury and Sidebottom have games reflective of their age. A lot will rest on Kelly’s shoulders whilst we will also be praying for another impactful game from Harley the boy wonder. Be nice if Sheed could somehow rediscover his 2018 GF form as well. Hunt returns to give us some drive on the wing and hopefully Ginbey and Chesser can continue their development
As usual, our mids are likely to have to resort to sharking an oppo rucks taps as the forever undersized Williams takes up the battle against Cameron and Cox. He needs to be competitive and take a few clunks around the ground
Our main problem, however, will be finding enough strike power up forward to kick a winning score. Darling needs to step up as our main marking target with support from Jack Williams (who had his best game against Essendon with 3 goals) and Maric. Cripps owes us a big game after his brain fade late against the bombers potentially cost us the game. Now would also be a good time for Ryan to find some touch
Maybe Dewar can have an Andrew Tranquilli style debut and return a long overdue favour
Prediction
Hard to see us winning so it’ll be resorting to looking for small wins and green shoots. Keeping the margin under the line betting of 39.5 would be an acceptable result
Danger game
West Coast by 5 Dee-wahs and a jubilant Johnston
Think we are in for a special game!
