My biggest concern really. It started with the Hawks game when they completely destroyed our confidence in the game plan, punching holes out of our defence easily and getting the ball to their forwards without a single magpie defender being able touch it. I immediately posted here that unless we came up with something different, opposition coaches will use the same counter strategies as the hawks did and up to a point, they have done this. I would love to believe that our coaches have a good method to help us with this problem but we won’t show our hand until the finals. The answer will be evident then.LaurieHolden wrote: it's what happens when their run and carry is negated by good opposition coaches and disciplined opponents.
Post Match. Lions beat Pies. All comments.
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lazzadesilva
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I term the current Collingwood attack based strategy “Unceasing Waves” like on a stormy and windy day with rough seas. A Perfect Storm 
I watched the presser again. I think fly’s got it all worked out. I think he always has. He’s actually playing with the press. I’m sad we have another dead rubber, and am inclined to play a Nick’s 18 next week - all I want for Christmas is no more injuries. Our style of play stacks up in big matches. As long as we don’t lose by more than 5 goals, next week is completely irrelevant. I look forward to two weeks of discussing our starting line up for the QF.
Dispatches from a foreign land
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perthmagpie
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The last team to be so far in front of the fifth team and the third team (home final) on the ladder a few weeks out from first final is St.Kilda in 2009. Our holding pattern has been incredibly long. All other teams with any chance of finals, top four or top two have needed every win. There was pressure on us to beat Port five weeks ago and we scraped in. Then after a couple losses the pressure came back on against Geelong. Now it’s off for one more week. I think we were in a unique position ladder wise. We have not established ourselves as a team that consistently thrashes teams and steamrolls all and sundry. Since early last year we have developed a culture of never giving up when it’s all on the line. Playing games right out and being great in the small moments that really matter. We are not yet the ruthless professionals who will lift to the same intensity when circumstances do not dictate it.
If you look at our last few weeks they look like our game style. Play to scoreboard. Surge and conserve where needed. Perhaps we are playing out the last few weeks of the season subconsciously based our DNA established over the last 35 games. Have we become a team that needs a bigger challenge to lift to our best footy? This dynamic of being lengths in front around the home turn since round 19 is something the players and coaching staff have no experience with. I honestly think Fly is not sure what to make of it.
If you look at our last few weeks they look like our game style. Play to scoreboard. Surge and conserve where needed. Perhaps we are playing out the last few weeks of the season subconsciously based our DNA established over the last 35 games. Have we become a team that needs a bigger challenge to lift to our best footy? This dynamic of being lengths in front around the home turn since round 19 is something the players and coaching staff have no experience with. I honestly think Fly is not sure what to make of it.
Magpies love pies(Lol)
Anynoe here have some thoughts on Adams and Mitchell lining up over and over again in the centre bounce? Makes it incredibly difficult to win when you arent getting a 50:50 out of the middle - especially when the oppo has a couple of tall blokes up front (especially like Bris have).
I thought we looked better out of the middle when Cox came on in the second half - presents some more dilemmas around what the best line up of talls is. Perhaps (when players are fit) we go back to Cox + Cameron, drop Frampton and play Howe, Moore and Murph down back, Checkers and McStay up front? I think the reason they picked Cox as the sub was to potentially give him and Cameron half a game each - until Ryan got injured.
I liked the earlier snippet about our gap over fifth on the ladder and how that might be playing on our minds. Dont know what you can do about it. Clearly you would rather bank wins earlier in the season.
I thought we looked better out of the middle when Cox came on in the second half - presents some more dilemmas around what the best line up of talls is. Perhaps (when players are fit) we go back to Cox + Cameron, drop Frampton and play Howe, Moore and Murph down back, Checkers and McStay up front? I think the reason they picked Cox as the sub was to potentially give him and Cameron half a game each - until Ryan got injured.
I liked the earlier snippet about our gap over fifth on the ladder and how that might be playing on our minds. Dont know what you can do about it. Clearly you would rather bank wins earlier in the season.
It's never as good/nor bad as it seems...
2 weeks in a row you’ve snubbed Freckles Murphy?JC Hartley wrote:In a clash of the heavyweights and a potential finals preview next month, Collingwood failed to get going against the Brisbane Lions who had all the answers at the right time and key moments to record a victory by 24 points at Marvel Stadium. In the first quarter, the Magpies did not generate any significant ball movement from clearances, where the Lions won the ball first more often than not, and were razor-sharp at goal with 6 majors to open up a lead of 12 points at quarter time. The second term was tougher for both sides to score goals, with Brisbane taking a 16-point-lead into half time. The third quarter finally saw Collingwood get busy in the midfield by winning clearances out of the middle a bit more often and scoring from them. The major concern was that every time the Pies scored goals, the Lions would respond just as swiftly to retain their lead, which was reduced to 12 points at three quarter time. In the final term, Brisbane shut the game down with early goals in the last quarter to put the game beyond Collingwood's reach, before the Woods scored consolation goals to reduce the losing margin to 24 points, which was respectable under the circumstances.
Collingwood only won a handful of statistical categories from the loss to Brisbane. The Magpies were able to win handballs by +11 (141 - 130), +4 for hit-outs (47 - 43), centre clearances were won by +2 (17 - 15), while tackles had a margin of +16 (76 - 60), and Marks Inside 50 had an advantage of +5 (17 - 12). Brisbane won all of the other major statistical categories of the contest, starting with disposals by +10 (345 - 335), kicks were won by +21 (215 - 194), contersted possessions were gained by +9 (135 - 126), +13 for uncontested possessions (204 - 191), intercept possessions had a gap of +5 (59 - 54), with a deficit of -4 for turnovers ( 54 - 58 ). Stoppage clearances were up by +2 (24 - 22), Tackles Inside 50 were won by +4 (9 - 5), marks had an advantage of +23 (96 - 73) with uncontested marks won by +21 (83 - 62), +2 for contested marks (13 - 11), while intercept marks had a margin of +5 (59 - 54), and Inside 50s were claimed by +8 (55 - 47). Both teams won the same number (39 each) of clearances.
Scott Pendlebury (31 disposals @ 68%, 517 metres gained, 13 contested possessions, 18 uncontested possessions, 20 kicks, 11 handballs, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 2 goal assists, 10 score involvements, 12 clearances, 7 centre clearances, 5 stoppage clearances, 9 Inside 50s & 1 goal) was exemplary with his will to win clearances constantly and pumping it forward so his forwards could take marks or compete in marking contests. Pendlebury had the ball on a dime in the third quarter when he read Mason Cox's hit-outs to perfection, while being the key instigator of creating scoring chains elsewhere on the ground.
Tom Mitchell (31 disposals @ 74%, 252 metres gained, 10 contested possessions, 21 uncontested possessions, 3 intercept possessions, 5 kicks, 26 handballs, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal assist, 7 score involvements, 3 clearances, 2 centre clearances & 6 Inside 50s) spent most of his time distributing the football by hand to teammates while he was beneath packs or dishing off handpasses to teammates who could run and carry the ball whilst the team were transitioning the ball from the back half.
Josh Daicos (26 disposals @ 69%, 609 metres gained, 7 contested possessions, 19 uncontested possessions, 2 intercept possessions, 17 kicks, 9 handballs, 6 marks, 1 goal assist, 8 score involvements, 3 clearances, 2 centre clearances, 4 Inside 50s, 2 Rebound 50s & 1 goal) was terrific on the wing once again where he impacted the scoreboard early and contributed to scoring chains on a regular basis. Due to the depleted nature of the team, Daicos got to spend some minutes in the middle and did not look out of place while he was in there.
Jack Crisp (24 disposals @ 79%, 365 metres gained, 6 contested possessions, 18 uncontested possessions, 4 intercept possessions, 9 kicks, 15 handballs, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 8 score involvements, 3 clearances, 3 stoppage clearances, 4 Inside 50s & 2 Rebound 50s) alternated with Josh Daicos on the wing, while spending considerable minutes in the midfield. Crisp ran and tackled hard, while accumulating possessions with aplomb to create scoring opportunities for his teammates up forward.
Steele Sidebottom (17 disposals @ 59%, 324 metres gained, 7 contested possessions, 10 uncontested possessions, 10 kicks, 7 handballs, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal assist, 7 score involvements, 3 clearances, 2 stoppage clearances & 5 Inside 50s) accumulated his possessions that were rushed and lacked composure under pressure, while his tackling and score involvement numbers were commendable.
Darcy Cameron (17 disposals @ 47%, 216 nmetres gained, 20 hit-outs, 12 contested possessions, 5 uncontested possessions, 6 intercept possessions, 11 kicks, 6 handballs, 4 marks, 2 contested marks, 5 tackles, 3 score involvements, 5 clearances, 4 stoppage clearances & 1 goal) had a challenging night where he didn't start well against Oscar McInerney at centre bounces where the Lions won the ball first on a frequent and regular basis in the first half, especially in the opening term when a hot start was required. Cameron was reasonable around the ground where he did most of his good work. Mason Cox as the substitute gave greater service in the middle, which did not bode well for Darcy's prospects going forward. The team needs him to respond with great intent and impact next weekend.
Brayden Maynard (20 disposals @ 90%, 469 metres gained, 5 contested possessions, 15 uncontested possessions, 3 intercept possessions, 15 kicks, 5 handballs, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 3 score involvements, 2 clearances, 2 stoppage clearances & 6 Rebound 50s) had a crack on a tough night, and had the added responsibility of being captain in Darcy Moore's absence.
John Noble (15 disposals @ 93%, 203 metres gained, 5 contested possessions, 10 uncontested possessions, 6 intercept possessions, 8 kicks, 7 handballs, 5 marks, 6 score involvements, 2 Rebound 50s & 1 goal) had his impact and influence reduced, but he still intercepted the ball, created ball movement and scoring chains, while Noble kicked an excellent running goal in the opening term in an attempt to lift his side.
Oleg Markov (12 disposals @ 92%, 187 metres gained, 11 uncontested possessions, 3 intercept possessions, 5 kicks, 7 handballs, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 4 score involvements & 2 Rebound 50s) played a conservative brand of footy which was within his limitations, but still contributed to the team's ball movement when the opportunities presented themselves.
Taylor Adams (16 disposals @ 69%, 274 metres gained, 7 contested possessions, 9 uncontested possessions, 11 kicks, 5 handballs, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 2 goal assists, 9 score involvements, 3 clearances, 2 centre clearances & 6 Inside 50s) wasted his opportunities up forward, but created numerous score involvements that resulted in goals or scoring shots, while Adams got a look in the midfield to see if he could impact the contest.
Brody Mihocek (15 disposals @ 40%, 347 metres gained, 6 contested possessions, 9 uncontested possessions, 12 kicks, 3 handballs, 8 marks, 2 contested marks, 4 Marks Inside 50, 9 score involvements & 2 goals) was hit and miss at goal throught the entire evening, despite displaying his aerial strength and attributes in marking contests.
Daniel McStay (13 disposals @ 69%, 207 metres gained, 2 hit-outs, 7 contested possessions, 6 uncontested possessions, 3 intercept possessions, 6 kicks, 7 handballs, 4 marks, 2 contested marks, 2 Marks Inside 50, 1 goal assist, 4 score involvements, 2 Rebound 50s & 2 goals) had an impact on the scoreboard without tearing the game apart in any shape or form.
Jamie Elliott (12 disposals @ 83%, 193 metres gained, 6 contested possessions, 6 uncontested possessions, 8 kicks, 4 handballs, 3 marks, 2 contested marks, 2 Marks Inside 50, 5 tackles, 2 Tackles Inside 50, 5 score involvements & 3 goals) made the most of his chances with effective conversion.
Jeremy Howe (9 disposals @ 78%, 102 metres gained, 5 contested possessions, 4 uncontested possessions, 6 kicks, 3 handballs, 3 marks, 2 Marks Inside 50, 3 score involvements & 2 goals) had a moderate impact on the game with a couple of nice marks and finished off his work in front of goal.
Collingwood's next game will be against Essendon on August 25 at the MCG. The Magpies have a perfect opportunity to add more pain and misery to the Bombers who copped an absolute belting at the hands of the Giants. However, the Woods have not been in overly great touch recently, but will have one last opportunity to regain confidence and lock up top spot on the AFL ladder before the finals arrive in September.
Four legged animals good, two legged animals better
Even though we still remain capable of kicking scores, one of our major personnel issues is that our small forwards ( Elliot aside ) simply don’t kick enough goals. In terms of scoreboard impact, we have got very little from Ginnivan, McCreery and Hill in recent times, especially when you compare them to the Lions and Blues ( since their improvement ) small forwards.
In the last four games, we’ve kicked a total of SEVEN goals from Hill, McCreery and Ginnivan combined and most were from McCreery.
When we are at our best, our mids generate more goals than most teams but the lack of run of carry is now impacting our mids ability to hit the scoreboard and our small forwards then come under the spotlight.
I think this is all part of the Howe experiment to the forward line. Do the coaches now think Howes scoreboard impact and ability to demand respect from the oppositions best interceptor is a better option than less F50 pressure and losing a leader in defence ?
McCreery has never been a big goal kicker but his pressure is a weapon. Ginnivan is playing a slightly different role but it’s not helping him contribute on the scoreboard, while Hill looks as though the long season is taking its toll. Thankfully, Elliot is still Elliot.
Can’t help but think both our ruck configuration and the decision on where to play Howe will be two of the coaches biggest talking points leading up to the finals. And if Howe should start forward, then one of Hill, Ginnivan and McCreery will miss out as a permanent 100 min small forward.
Alternatively, McInnes as a third tall may also come into these conversations, given that he has at least been very solid in the VFL of late.
In the last four games, we’ve kicked a total of SEVEN goals from Hill, McCreery and Ginnivan combined and most were from McCreery.
When we are at our best, our mids generate more goals than most teams but the lack of run of carry is now impacting our mids ability to hit the scoreboard and our small forwards then come under the spotlight.
I think this is all part of the Howe experiment to the forward line. Do the coaches now think Howes scoreboard impact and ability to demand respect from the oppositions best interceptor is a better option than less F50 pressure and losing a leader in defence ?
McCreery has never been a big goal kicker but his pressure is a weapon. Ginnivan is playing a slightly different role but it’s not helping him contribute on the scoreboard, while Hill looks as though the long season is taking its toll. Thankfully, Elliot is still Elliot.
Can’t help but think both our ruck configuration and the decision on where to play Howe will be two of the coaches biggest talking points leading up to the finals. And if Howe should start forward, then one of Hill, Ginnivan and McCreery will miss out as a permanent 100 min small forward.
Alternatively, McInnes as a third tall may also come into these conversations, given that he has at least been very solid in the VFL of late.
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LaurieHolden
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