Ludovico
Team Captain
- Jul 28, 2017
- 354
- 1,619
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
I thought this could be a good time to do a bit of a review of our season so far, what has gone right, what we are seeing, and a look forward to the rest of the season.
The numbers
At the top line the numbers tell a story. 11 wins 2 losses and a percentage of 134.
On pure numbers we are almost identical to our equivalent position in 2023. I dont think it is that simple though, and I feel we are better placed than we were in 2023.
What's different
Our system, particularly defensively, seems to have developed to a stronger degree and is harder for opposition teams to break down. We have more tall options in our forward line, giving us flexibility, and run from defence is improved with our ins.
We seem mostly able to keep opponents at arms length more effectively, with a pleasing decrease in heart attack finishes (tough wood).
Its notable this has come while often losing clearances. The mantras of the past seem to have been abandoned and it works for us so far.
Improvers
One thing that stands out for us is how many I see in this category who are older players. Collingwood (at least in the Malthouse and Buckley years) were renowned for players falling off a cliff once their ages got that 3 at the start. Now we seem capable of renewal and reinvigoration well into the 30s'.
Unless we have found a deposit of the Spice Melange, you have to give a huge thumbs up to conditioning and coaching here.
Sidey
I thought he was gone a few years ago. Now he looks like a young greyhound tongue out running around to empty every other dogs food bowl before they can catch him.
Howe
An intercept marking behemoth, seemingly unbothered by his former leg issues and in some ways taking the lead in this which covers for some challenges for Darcy.
Billy
Having a career defining year. After all his injury worries through his career, this one tastes especially sweet. My favourite Magpie.
Add to this some players new or not as new finding a new level or refinding a high level.
Ned Long
Not much needs to be said. Changes out inside midfield dynamic and still with significant room for growth.
Issac Quaynor
One who had a poor year last year for mine but has bounced back strongly.
Darcy Cameron
Would be in AA consideration and his marking around the ground is a barometer of our play.
Ed Allan
HAs stepped up to deliver AFL level performance and as he gains confidence I think can be a weapon on the wing.
Where can we improve?
Well, two names stand out for mine. One is JDG - has been essentially nonexistent this year. If he can get his body right has the potential to be a difference maker in the late season.
The second is Darcy Moore. Patchy form nor helped by his injury. I felt he was getting there right when he copped the shoulder injury and is now back down the hill trying to climb.
Both could add an extra dimension to our play if they get it in place by finals.
What could go wrong?
Injuries remain the known unknown but apart from Darcy Cameron or our key backs, I am confident we can cover.
The crystal ball.
At the moment the side that really scares me, and the only one that does, is Geelong. I feel we can take the others but the Cats have the abaility to pick through our system and has the forward firepower to make their forward entries hurt enough.
So, what are your thoughts? Anything you disagree with? Agree with? Pineapple on pizza?
The numbers
At the top line the numbers tell a story. 11 wins 2 losses and a percentage of 134.
On pure numbers we are almost identical to our equivalent position in 2023. I dont think it is that simple though, and I feel we are better placed than we were in 2023.
What's different
Our system, particularly defensively, seems to have developed to a stronger degree and is harder for opposition teams to break down. We have more tall options in our forward line, giving us flexibility, and run from defence is improved with our ins.
We seem mostly able to keep opponents at arms length more effectively, with a pleasing decrease in heart attack finishes (tough wood).
Its notable this has come while often losing clearances. The mantras of the past seem to have been abandoned and it works for us so far.
Improvers
One thing that stands out for us is how many I see in this category who are older players. Collingwood (at least in the Malthouse and Buckley years) were renowned for players falling off a cliff once their ages got that 3 at the start. Now we seem capable of renewal and reinvigoration well into the 30s'.
Unless we have found a deposit of the Spice Melange, you have to give a huge thumbs up to conditioning and coaching here.
Sidey
I thought he was gone a few years ago. Now he looks like a young greyhound tongue out running around to empty every other dogs food bowl before they can catch him.
Howe
An intercept marking behemoth, seemingly unbothered by his former leg issues and in some ways taking the lead in this which covers for some challenges for Darcy.
Billy
Having a career defining year. After all his injury worries through his career, this one tastes especially sweet. My favourite Magpie.
Add to this some players new or not as new finding a new level or refinding a high level.
Ned Long
Not much needs to be said. Changes out inside midfield dynamic and still with significant room for growth.
Issac Quaynor
One who had a poor year last year for mine but has bounced back strongly.
Darcy Cameron
Would be in AA consideration and his marking around the ground is a barometer of our play.
Ed Allan
HAs stepped up to deliver AFL level performance and as he gains confidence I think can be a weapon on the wing.
Where can we improve?
Well, two names stand out for mine. One is JDG - has been essentially nonexistent this year. If he can get his body right has the potential to be a difference maker in the late season.
The second is Darcy Moore. Patchy form nor helped by his injury. I felt he was getting there right when he copped the shoulder injury and is now back down the hill trying to climb.
Both could add an extra dimension to our play if they get it in place by finals.
What could go wrong?
Injuries remain the known unknown but apart from Darcy Cameron or our key backs, I am confident we can cover.
The crystal ball.
At the moment the side that really scares me, and the only one that does, is Geelong. I feel we can take the others but the Cats have the abaility to pick through our system and has the forward firepower to make their forward entries hurt enough.
So, what are your thoughts? Anything you disagree with? Agree with? Pineapple on pizza?
