Your Pre-Season Report

[Lonie_from_50]

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Lonie_From_50
Collingwood
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Best 22
B: J.Clement - S.Wakelin - S.Prestigiacomo
HB: B.Johnson - T.Walker - R.Cole
C: S.Woewodin - N.Buckley (c) - J.Rowe
HF: L.Davis - A.Rocca - T.Lockyer
F: B.Caracella - C.Tarrant - S.Burns
Foll: J.Fraser - P.Licuria - B.Holland
I/C: A.Didak - C.Morrison - G.Richards - R.Shaw
Em: (from) R.Lonie - S.O'Bree - A.Williams - N.Maxwell - D.King - C.Cloke - J.Cloke - D.Swan - D.Fanning
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Most Improved: Julian Rowe, after playing 8 of the last 9 games in his debut season, he has done well to fit and perform consistantly into the midfield. Has had a great Pre-Season including performance in Wizard Cup and Practice Matches. Looked to be a long-term wingman for the Pies and now looks 100% to reach that statement.

Most Suprised: Tristen Walker, I thought the kid would have struggled as he has finally found a home position, we think. Known as a Key Position, he played out of the goalsquare in the first Wizard Cup game against Richmond and booted 2 goals when vital. Went to play in defence the next week when Tarrant was out of the side. Held Tredrea in a Practice Match, but played in the forward line against Sydney.

Player under the chopping block: Matthew Lokan and Jason Cloke. Matthew Lokan has had success in the last two seasons by actually playing at a rate of 6-10 touches a game while he has no impact on the game. Main position is Full Forward, we have got enough of those, he is useless. Jason has got to contend with the likes of Maxwell and Walker coming through and these two have had match practice and are performing, it seems to look he is losing out. May start the year in the side, due to restricted players, mainly due to height.
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Casualty List:
Josh Fraser (knee, 6-8 weeks)
Alan Didak (knee, 4-8 weeks)
Tom Davidson (archilies, 6-8 weeks)
Guy Richards (knee, 2-6 weeks)
Nathan Buckley (hamstring, test)
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Pre-Season News
* Nathan Buckley injured his hamstring in a intra-club match in Sydney in February. He missed the Wizard Cup and was a chance to miss early rounds, but faces a test and most likely will play Easter Monday.
* Alan Didak faced knee surgery which put him out of the Pre-Season, and to add more damage, the surgery being unsuccessful has forced him onto the sidelines for another month.
* Ruckman Guy Richards did his PCL in his knee and faced 8 weeks on the sidelines, know should be ready around Round 5.
* Tom Davidson after recovering from a second knee reconstruction has injured his archillies and will be out for atleast 2 months, and know has been put on a long-term injury list.
* David Fanning has been promoted off the rookie-list, with Davidson on the long-term injury list. Fanning is a ruckman who has had plenty of experience in this years Pre-Season. He is a former NBL Basketballer.
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Pre-Season
Wizard Cup - Round One - Richmond - Win
Wizard Cup - Round Two - WC Eagles - Loss
Wizard Regional Series - Port Adelaide - Win
Wizard Regional Series - Sydney Swans - Win
Record 4-3-1
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Collingwood Crystal Ball
Best And Fairest
1. Anthony Rocca
2. James Clement
3. Paul Licuria
4. Nathan Buckley
5. Scott Burns
6. Julian Rowe
6. Shane Woewodin
7. Benny Johnson
8. Chris Tarrant
9. Brodie Holland
10. Josh Fraser
Club Stats
Kicks : Nathan Buckley
Handballs : Paul Licuria
Disposals : Paul Licuria
Tackles : Brodie Holland
Marks : Anthony Rocca
Goals : Anthony Rocca 54, Chris Tarrant 41, Blake Caracella 32
Inside 50's : Nathan Buckley
Rebound 50's : James Clement
Spoils : Shane Wakelin
Awards
Most Improved : Julian Rowe
Best First Year Player : David Fanning
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AFL Crystal Ball
Ladder (H&A)
1. WC Eagles
2. Port Adelaide
3. Melbourne
4. Geelong
5. Brisbane Lions
6. Carlton
7. St. Kilda
8. Kangaroos
9. Collingwood
10. Essendon
11. Adelaide
12. Fremantle
13. Sydney
14. Richmond
15. W Bulldogs
16. Hawthorn
Awards
Brownlow Medal: Daniel Wells (Kang)
Coleman Medal: Brendan Fevola (Carl)
Rising Star: Julian Rowe (Coll)

 

[the_mighty_pies_3733]

Impressive

 

[guess_who]

Most Improved: So far Jules, I reckon Cam Cloke will take a step up this year.

Most Suprised: Crazy mattew lokan john...why is he still on the list....

Player under the chopping block: same ones that are under the pump everyother year. Obree, Williams and Lokan. If things turn sour for as soonish in the season then i suspect that.... Buckley will come under fire, as will Dids, Tarrant and Rocca.

 

[Jabso]

Most improved: David Fanning
Best First Year Player: B.Shaw
Biggest Suprise: Walkers impressive form up forward. IMO our next CHB but will prove to be very handy as a flexible option.
Under the pump: Cam Cloke showed us a fair bit last but still needs to improve. With B.Morrison kicking 5/6 goals albeit in a prac match for Willy maybe he will lift with some selection pressure.
O'Bree and Davis are possibly on thier last chances. Lockyer also needs to contribute.

 

[you idiot sheehan]

I'll do my one these in a couple of days, but LF50, how can't you fit us in the 8 ahead of the Kangaroos, and how can Lonie not be in the best 22?

 

[Lonie_from_50]

I'll do my one these in a couple of days, but LF50, how can't you fit us in the 8 ahead of the Kangaroos, and how can Lonie not be in the best 22?

Lonie was in my best 22, before the Wizard Cup, despite him performing in the Richmond match, he didn't play anymore Practice Matches, and he wasn't injured either. I noted at the start of the year that Lonie is one of those players who will have to perform better than last year to keep his spot or he will be in and out of the side. With him not playing any practice matches it quite simply opened the door for Maxwell, who had a great pre-season. Suprisingly, Maxwell isn't in the side either. I seriously rather Maxwell ahead of Cole, but Cole had such a good season in 2004, that you reflect on that. Now with Caracella and Morrison, I decided to put Morrison ahead of both Maxwell and Lonie, because I have seen what he is capable of, yet he did struggle to make the side, but it is the fact that he also had a great 2004 aswell. I guess it adds controversy but on a serious note, Lonie has played below par of what he is capable. It did look like he showed more leadership in the Wizard Cup, but he has to put it in performance wise. Another factor was Julian Rowe and Tristen Walker. Each of these players have slotted there way into the best 22 after each having a terrific pre-season.

As for the Pies in at number 9, i was a bit harsh, but the Kangaroos and Collingwood will fight it out. It was hard, but...I am not a bias supporter to my beloved Collingwood. I think we are going to finish in the 6-10 mark at the end of the season.

 

[Rod Stroker]

No Johnson in your top 10 ? He's gotta at least be ahead of Fraser with a one month head start on him ?

 

[Lonie_from_50]

No Johnson in your top 10 ? He's gotta at least be ahead of Fraser with a one month head start on him ?

Big Mistake, yet he was in there, just that he changed his name to T.Lockyer for a week It is back to BJ, (7th)

I knew I would forget something or someone.

 

[you idiot sheehan]

As for the Pies in at number 9, i was a bit harsh, but the Kangaroos and Collingwood will fight it out. It was hard, but...I am not a bias supporter to my beloved Collingwood. I think we are going to finish in the 6-10 mark at the end of the season.

Me may well finish around that mark, but we won't be fighting it out with the Kangaroos. I'll give you all my ladder, C'wood B&F, goalkicking etc tomorrow. I know there was time capsule done over at TMN, but have we done one here? Let's all put in our submissions.

 

[hotpie]

Now with Caracella and Morrison, I decided to put Morrison ahead of both Maxwell and Lonie,

Thats what a bit of depth does for a side. Players have to force their way into the 22. If they dont perform, they are out. Lonie's had it too easy in the past two years. Playing for Willy will be a big learning experience for him, he will know his career is on the line and he will have to pull his finger out.

 

[Cosmic Starchild]

Thats what a bit of depth does for a side. Players have to force their way into the 22.

You guys might be disappointed with Morrison.

He's OK as an outside flanker, or loose-checking defender, but he doesn't like to get his own ball, and his skills are not as good as those required of his type.

 

[hotpie]

He's OK as an outside flanker, or loose-checking defender,

Exactly what we are looking for. We need outside players with a bit of creativity. We have plenty of grunt already. If he forces Maxwell and Lonie and Cole and Shaw to fight harder for their position in the 22, he's done his job.

 

[grayza]

Exactly what we are looking for. We need outside players with a bit of creativity. We have plenty of grunt already. If he forces Maxwell and Lonie and Cole and Shaw to fight harder for their position in the 22, he's done his job.

yeah, we have Cole, Johnson, who have that grunt and hardness down back...with Chad coming in he will add some toughness but also some class to the back-line

ive liked what i have seen so far

 

[jefffff34]

Lonie was in my best 22, before the Wizard Cup, despite him performing in the Richmond match, he didn't play anymore Practice Matches,

Who was the guy named Lonie that played against West Coast - and kicked a super goal for that matter.

 

[Lonie_from_50]

Who was the guy named Lonie that played against West Coast - and kicked a super goal for that matter.

I said Practice Matches. The thing is, he did do quite well in the Wizard Cup, according to all feedback at TMN from supporters who turn up to training a couple of times a week, he was not on the injury list.

I am a fan of Lonie (as you can tell from my user name) but he hasn't provided us with a good career after what was a very classy debut year in 2001. Someone mentioned he has had it too easy the past two seasons, and I totally agree. He should play on Monday, but with a much better backline concerning on all fit players, he has to step up and show the leadership he has, and has to perform as an experienced player.

Chad Morrison is a top class half-back flanker, and a certain pro to the list with his way of playing the game. Richard Cole had a decent season last year, and was rewarded after consistant performances with a placing near the top in B&F and also a Most Improved award. Nick Maxwell has had a fantastic pre-season and should have a great season, and Tristen Walker is one player that shouldn't be left out of the side also after a big pre-season. He may be tall along with Wakelin and Prestigiacomo, yet Jason Cloke was in Walker's position in our recent successful seasons. Ben Johnson and Tarkyn Lockyer also fit into the frame of Half-Back flankers. Despite Tarks as a non-genuine half-back, he is in our best 22, and now is fit, so he adds onto the list aswell. Julian Rowe suprised everyone with an all of a sudden burst, and now fits onto the Wing, leaving one more player out of the side. Rhyce Shaw, I might be a fan, but he is looking into the most important part of his career. He has found a new role, as a defensive midfield option, and has performed against Brownlow Medallists Chris Judd (twice) and Jason Akermanis, when taken on that role. He has also had a comprehensive Pre-Season, but he is in the bottom quarter of players to fit in the side.

 

[jefffff34]

I am a fan of Lonie (as you can tell from my user name) but he hasn't provided us with a good career after what was a very classy debut year in 2001. Someone mentioned he has had it too easy the past two seasons, and I totally agree. He should play on Monday, but with a much better backline concerning on all fit players, he has to step up and show the leadership he has, and has to perform as an experienced player.

2002 finals series ********house was it?

 

[Lonie_from_50]

2002 finals series ********house was it?

His 2002 Finals Series was absolutely brilliant, yet, the fact that I mentioned in the last two years - meaning seasons 2003 and 2004. He has never had a real decent game since the 2002 Grand Final.

His best game since the GF was in Round 22 against Carlton last year. He ran well and also provided that leadership and experience, and he put that into is performance. Unfortunately we lost it in the end by 1 point, and the match before he finished with 3 goals playing at Half Forward/Forward Pocket.

All I am really saying is, that Lonie also has more pressure on him, and if he can't cut it he won't be in Black and White, instead he will be in Blue and Gold. He just couldn't fit inside my best 22. Everyone has different opinions Hoggy. Why don't you do your own Pre-Season report!!!!!

BTW - Ryan Lonie only averages 11.07 disposals per game in his 86 game career, with his past two season down 6% on his first two seasons. In total, he is 3% down on his career average.

 

[twaters]

Lonie from 50,

wouldn't change your call-sign just yet to Lonie-from-the bench, or Lonely-at-Willy. At least to start off Morrison is a PR must at half back; as is Caracella from 50. It doesn't leave Lonie much with any third defensive tall spot also being raffled between Cloke/Maxwell/Walker and Lonie. The vague term "wing" is being contested by Lonie and about 30 thousand other Collingwood presently listed and wouldn't it be nice players. It's crowded on our wings.

Still, keep the moniker; because players that inspire us with their making a difference to a game, well they do make a difference to how we all feel. He may not play each game this year, but when he does may he play them now where he can best make a difference - from 50.

 

[grayza]

i agree with what you are saying about Ryan....i feel this is a real big year for him this one, really needs to pull his finger out in some respect and start pumping those legs on a wing and giving us some real run

also about rhyce shaw, i am a fan, and i would be surprised if he isnt playing next monday because he has found his niche in the squad now as our defensive midfielder as LF50 mentioned.......the Eagles didnt want Judd in the middle up in Darwin so he could avoid Rhyce

and if Rhyce can take that role, it could release Brodie into a more attacking midfield option who can run forward more and kick more goals

solid preview for the season LF50.....the only thing i disagree with was the crystal ball prediction of Pies finishing 9th....i'll be tearing my hair out if that happens LoL

 

[Lonie_from_50]

Lonie from 50,

wouldn't change your call-sign just yet to Lonie-from-the bench, or Lonely-at-Willy. At least to start off Morrison is a PR must at half back; as is Caracella from 50. It doesn't leave Lonie much with any third defensive tall spot also being raffled between Cloke/Maxwell/Walker and Lonie. The vague term "wing" is being contested by Lonie and about 30 thousand other Collingwood presently listed and wouldn't it be nice players. It's crowded on our wings.

Still, keep the moniker; because players that inspire us with their making a difference to a game, well they do make a difference to how we all feel. He may not play each game this year, but when he does may he play them now where he can best make a difference - from 50.

I dont think you are getting with the picture. Ryan Lonie, as I said, is a favourite of mine but get of the bandwagon for one minute and think. Is Lonie a player that is safe at half back, or the Wing for that matter. He is our third tall along with Clement and provides run, yet what I am clearly saying is that with Morrison at Lexus Centre, he, in my opinion has pushed into Lonie's position on the Half Back flank. Also, we can't leave Johnson, Cole out of the frame - and the inclusion of Rowe and Caracella it also adds another dimension. Walker should play, and Mick loves the kid, and has spent alot of time with him this pre-season, and in result, Walker who has been persisted with, has taken full control as out main Key Position Player who can rotate from FF/CHF - to a FB/CHB role. Wakelin and Presti also can't be left out - yet I made a thread about the Presure that is going to be on Presti this season with Walker in the side, and over the Pre-Season, has been worked on and has put all that training into matches and has played very good. You just got to look at my best 22 and realise where I am coming from. There is 3 talls in defence - if Walker goes out, Lonie most likely the recipiant, but remember - Maxwell, similar to Walker has had a great pre-season and is probably also edging out Lonie in a defensive way. Maxwell is more suitable as a defender than Lonie is. Lonie is more a dashing Half Back Flanker, and we now got two better dashing half back flankers in Morrison and Benny Johnson. Blake Caracella fits into the 22, and as mentioned before so does Rowe, as a midfield option. Tarkyn Lockyer was hard, but he finds his way on the bench with his eligant skills of ball use and his expert spearing low effective passing. What you got to remember is that this is a (best 22) and not (proper 22), there is always one of those players who will be out injured or suspended, and Ryan Lonie is quite simply, the first man in for any non key player who comes out - ie Didak, wheras probably Maxwell comes in if the likes of Walker comes out as has height and plays on the third or fourth tall. Walker's inclusion most likely gives Clement a more free role to run out of defence and create options outside tehe defensive arc.

Also, from your comments on TMN, refering to Mick Malthouse comments in Sunday's Herald Sun, saying that "he doesn't know where Lonie's improvements are going to come from, which was one of a small amount of negative comments." I guess, it sort of makes sense.