At one time the biggest rivalry in the VFL.
Let's hear you.
C'morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnn Maggies !!
Pre match. Pies v. Dees - All comments here
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Cannibal
- Posts: 2434
- Joined: Mon May 10, 2004 12:44 pm
- Location: Buninyong
Confronting our Demons
The upcoming game against Melbourne is looming as our biggest test of the year, especially since it will be followed by Sydney in Sydney.
We've won three on the trot, which is the major upside, but in truth none of our opponents were of the calibre of Melbourne. Further upsides are our strength in defence and the return of injured senior players has strengthened our around-the ground and stoppages play.
Downsides are that we remain pathetically slow in the middle and that we may well be missing our two key forwards - Taz if rubbed out and Rocca to an ankle injury.
There are suggestions that Bucks will be back from injury.
We will need Fraser at top form in the middle and around the ground, as Jeff White is in superlative form, and Fraser stacks up as being the only ruckman we have who can run with him all day and match his aerial strength around the ground.
Frankly, I'm not optimistic - ie I'm being realistic - as our form is not that good. We are not yet playing as well as we have done over the last two years and Melbourne are capable of ripping us to shreds. However, we seem to have recaptured our commitment and never-say-die attitude.
I suspect our best chance will come if we can shut down the Melbourne preferred gameplan of moving the ball quickly and make them earn every kick. Our defence should stand up, as it's arguably playing very close to past form and we've got a couple of new blokes in there, especially Maxwell who has some mongrel in him. We need to shut down Neitz, Bruce and Robertson; not just one of them, but ALL of them. When Neitz has been held, one of the others has stepped up and kicked a truckload.
This is going to be very, very difficult.
We've won three on the trot, which is the major upside, but in truth none of our opponents were of the calibre of Melbourne. Further upsides are our strength in defence and the return of injured senior players has strengthened our around-the ground and stoppages play.
Downsides are that we remain pathetically slow in the middle and that we may well be missing our two key forwards - Taz if rubbed out and Rocca to an ankle injury.
There are suggestions that Bucks will be back from injury.
We will need Fraser at top form in the middle and around the ground, as Jeff White is in superlative form, and Fraser stacks up as being the only ruckman we have who can run with him all day and match his aerial strength around the ground.
Frankly, I'm not optimistic - ie I'm being realistic - as our form is not that good. We are not yet playing as well as we have done over the last two years and Melbourne are capable of ripping us to shreds. However, we seem to have recaptured our commitment and never-say-die attitude.
I suspect our best chance will come if we can shut down the Melbourne preferred gameplan of moving the ball quickly and make them earn every kick. Our defence should stand up, as it's arguably playing very close to past form and we've got a couple of new blokes in there, especially Maxwell who has some mongrel in him. We need to shut down Neitz, Bruce and Robertson; not just one of them, but ALL of them. When Neitz has been held, one of the others has stepped up and kicked a truckload.
This is going to be very, very difficult.
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Nath
- Posts: 2014
- Joined: Tue May 04, 2004 10:03 am
- Location: Victoria
At the start of 2004, after sitting at Vic Park and watching the Pies get done by the Dees funnily enough in the pre season, I confirmed with family and friends a like that Collingwood would start the year at 1-5 by round 6, with the win coming against the Bullsogs. I then thought that we could turn at Round 12 at 6 and 6, well, I got that much wrong.
Melbourne is by far the biggest test we are facing this year. Bigger than Port in Port, bigger than The Gabba, even bigger than the Bombers on Anzac Day. In order for COllingwood to consider playing finals football in 2004, and lets be serious, none of us should really be considering it just yet, we have to beat Melbourne and do so convincingly.
The Dees are the 'surprise' packet of 2004 according to most sribes, Daniher has become Mr.Marketable, they have been out of the papers for the past 8 weeks (with relation to off field matters) and they are playing an awe inspiring brand of football.
The key to winning this match rests with the 22 players on the field. In stark contrast to previous years, Melbourne are unlikely to be intimidated by the Magpie Army and the band of 22 merry men. Traditionally we have had them covered on the park, but with Brad Greene becoming a quality midfielder, Chris 'Where Have You Been' Heffernan showing glimpses of regaining his Essendon form, and the excitement machine Davey kicking 20 in his debut season they have several weapons that can well put us on the downward spiral once again. Not forgetting the Norwich Rising Star winner in Rivers and the backline of Wheatley, Whelan, Nicholson and Brown and Yze providing the rebound, these guys are a quality outfit.
The game will be won and lost in two key posts. The ruck contest as far as I'm concerned is crucial. We are in a predicament where Richards has been fantastic all year but at the same time, rarely wins the hitout and allows us first use of the ball. Jeff White is in career best form and his work as almost a ruck rover around the ground is a vital cog in their machine. When White is allowed to roam the ground, picking up possessions at will, Brown and Yze take the HFF too school and run off them, when White is down, these guys are far more %$^%$. Josh Fraser is the likely match up for him, with his around ground ability outweighing that of Richards at this point in time, however as last week at Colonial exemplified, Fraser is a touch player and is a little out of form as we speak. My ideal would have Richards contest the ruck contests and then run Fraser with White around the ground. At this time, Richards pulls a Dean Cox and fills the whole in front of Neitz, hopefully stopping the midfield from pin point passing into the forward 50.
Second key to the game is for Rocca and Tarrant, on the basis they are both in, to beat Nicholson and Rivers early. Should they get the better of their opponents, we have the upper hand. Melbourne are partially deprieved of key position players in defence. They are likely to promote Ben Holland to their starting 22 and should Taz and Pebbs get early touches and goals, I'd be licking my lips at Holland going back. Wheatley is another possible match up for Taz should things go pear shaped for the Demons, however Tarrant's leading ability would trouble him significantly. Starting Cam Cloke up forward would also stretch the Demon for height, but hurts our tackling and pace inside the forward 50.
Foremost in this battle though, is quelling Yze, Brown, Green and Bruce. The need for their direct opponents to be accountable is paramount. I'd imagine that Yze would go to Didak or vica versa, and much like the North game, this is liekly to have a positive effect for the Pies with Didak being taken to the ball, rather than having him create. I'd effectively tag Brown off the half bank flank, although ridiculous, might be the job for Rhyce Shaw again, see how he can go with it. Both players run a similar game, so the style of play would suit more than Judd's impact running. Green and Bruce are likely to have Licuria as one and no surprise would be to see Holland if picked, come back in and pick one up in a run with role. Should Buckley play, one of the afore mentioned or Peter Walsh are likely to get him, the tactic, take them straight to the square and clear out the 50. Should Buckley not get a touch, and his opponent stick with him like glue, it removes one of their key midfielders from the equation.
In essense, this is the game that decides our fate. A good win has us riding high on the Sydney trip and with a good break in between we hit them refreshed and renewed. A loss see's us miss a week of football with the bye week and have us stew on the loss. Given the Swans will have a fully fit Goodes by then and Hall in All Australian form on a good deck, I don't like the chance of rolling them
Melbourne is by far the biggest test we are facing this year. Bigger than Port in Port, bigger than The Gabba, even bigger than the Bombers on Anzac Day. In order for COllingwood to consider playing finals football in 2004, and lets be serious, none of us should really be considering it just yet, we have to beat Melbourne and do so convincingly.
The Dees are the 'surprise' packet of 2004 according to most sribes, Daniher has become Mr.Marketable, they have been out of the papers for the past 8 weeks (with relation to off field matters) and they are playing an awe inspiring brand of football.
The key to winning this match rests with the 22 players on the field. In stark contrast to previous years, Melbourne are unlikely to be intimidated by the Magpie Army and the band of 22 merry men. Traditionally we have had them covered on the park, but with Brad Greene becoming a quality midfielder, Chris 'Where Have You Been' Heffernan showing glimpses of regaining his Essendon form, and the excitement machine Davey kicking 20 in his debut season they have several weapons that can well put us on the downward spiral once again. Not forgetting the Norwich Rising Star winner in Rivers and the backline of Wheatley, Whelan, Nicholson and Brown and Yze providing the rebound, these guys are a quality outfit.
The game will be won and lost in two key posts. The ruck contest as far as I'm concerned is crucial. We are in a predicament where Richards has been fantastic all year but at the same time, rarely wins the hitout and allows us first use of the ball. Jeff White is in career best form and his work as almost a ruck rover around the ground is a vital cog in their machine. When White is allowed to roam the ground, picking up possessions at will, Brown and Yze take the HFF too school and run off them, when White is down, these guys are far more %$^%$. Josh Fraser is the likely match up for him, with his around ground ability outweighing that of Richards at this point in time, however as last week at Colonial exemplified, Fraser is a touch player and is a little out of form as we speak. My ideal would have Richards contest the ruck contests and then run Fraser with White around the ground. At this time, Richards pulls a Dean Cox and fills the whole in front of Neitz, hopefully stopping the midfield from pin point passing into the forward 50.
Second key to the game is for Rocca and Tarrant, on the basis they are both in, to beat Nicholson and Rivers early. Should they get the better of their opponents, we have the upper hand. Melbourne are partially deprieved of key position players in defence. They are likely to promote Ben Holland to their starting 22 and should Taz and Pebbs get early touches and goals, I'd be licking my lips at Holland going back. Wheatley is another possible match up for Taz should things go pear shaped for the Demons, however Tarrant's leading ability would trouble him significantly. Starting Cam Cloke up forward would also stretch the Demon for height, but hurts our tackling and pace inside the forward 50.
Foremost in this battle though, is quelling Yze, Brown, Green and Bruce. The need for their direct opponents to be accountable is paramount. I'd imagine that Yze would go to Didak or vica versa, and much like the North game, this is liekly to have a positive effect for the Pies with Didak being taken to the ball, rather than having him create. I'd effectively tag Brown off the half bank flank, although ridiculous, might be the job for Rhyce Shaw again, see how he can go with it. Both players run a similar game, so the style of play would suit more than Judd's impact running. Green and Bruce are likely to have Licuria as one and no surprise would be to see Holland if picked, come back in and pick one up in a run with role. Should Buckley play, one of the afore mentioned or Peter Walsh are likely to get him, the tactic, take them straight to the square and clear out the 50. Should Buckley not get a touch, and his opponent stick with him like glue, it removes one of their key midfielders from the equation.
In essense, this is the game that decides our fate. A good win has us riding high on the Sydney trip and with a good break in between we hit them refreshed and renewed. A loss see's us miss a week of football with the bye week and have us stew on the loss. Given the Swans will have a fully fit Goodes by then and Hall in All Australian form on a good deck, I don't like the chance of rolling them
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freddie foxx
- Posts: 339
- Joined: Thu May 08, 2003 11:46 am
If the Pies can lead by more than two goals at quarter time, i think we will win. In the past we have crushed Melbourne, and a good start will a) put the nerves/memories in Melbourne, b) give the pies a lot of confidence.
Correct me if Im wrong, but I can't remember us winning a first quarter of footy this year. If we do that, we will win.
Buck's is not vital (yet), licuria and Woewodin have been solid, as has burns last week. However if we are without Tazza and Rocca, we will be up against it.
Correct me if Im wrong, but I can't remember us winning a first quarter of footy this year. If we do that, we will win.
Buck's is not vital (yet), licuria and Woewodin have been solid, as has burns last week. However if we are without Tazza and Rocca, we will be up against it.
practice makes perfect but perfect practice makes a champion-peter daicos
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PiesFan
- Posts: 487
- Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2003 2:51 pm
How under-rated are the demons? They have been the quiet achievers this year, but they have a very balanced line up. This will be tough. Everyone has added some very valid points, ill just add a few more.
I dont think McGough should be dropped. We need to do well in clearances and he has a knack of getting them. White will most probably win most of the tap outs so we are going to have to revert to our old tactic of reading oppostion tap outs - something we did very well last year. Melbourne have a very good running midfield, however i think if we could match it with the Weagles midfield, we can do it here. The Weagles arguably have the best running midfield in the comp. Woey will lift for this game against his old club. Burnsy will be 100% fit and as always will win the hard contested balls. Licca has been great in the past few weeks and needs to do the same. I'd like to see Woey and Licca matched up with Bruce and Green.
Hopefully, we will play dids in the centre for at least half the game. It might be depending on matchups where he ends up on the ground. Nath suggested dids on Yze in an above post, which i think is a good idea.
Our forwards will stretch them, if all available. It is probably the only part of the ground where we hold sway against them. Taz always plays well against the demons. Bux may be back and that might take the pressure of Pebs - without the captaincy role he might be more focused to play his own game. C2 was great last week, lets hope he does the same. Where do we play Josh? Do we take a risk and run Stretch with White all day? I think if we are struggling for goals, we might have no choice. Leon needs to lift, he has shown glimpses in the last few weeks, but needs a more consistent effort. If holland gets a game, Lokan might be played up forward again.
Neitz was their key in the past. If he kicked a bag they went well. That hasnt been the case this season, as others have stepped up when he has been shut down. However, he is still their most important forward. If we keep him to about 2 goals, i think we will be satisfied with that. Ritchie Cole should play on Davey, and let Johnno move up the ground and provide us with some run. Wakes will probably get Neitz, Clemmo will get Robertson if he is up forward. Our backline has been great in our 3 wins, if they can do the same this week, we're in with a chance.
There are many reasons why we wont win, but lets look at some of the reasons why we will. Assuming taz, pebs and bux play - We have a good record against the Dees in the past few years. This is extremely valid because it seems as if our players like playing against them and match up well against them. Furthermore, we have beaten them (i think the last 2 times) without bux, this year we might have bux in the side. The most important point of all is that i believe our best is better then their best. If we play close to our best...... i think we can get there. Although, we are not even close to our best.............maybe it will be this week where we turn it around.
I dont think McGough should be dropped. We need to do well in clearances and he has a knack of getting them. White will most probably win most of the tap outs so we are going to have to revert to our old tactic of reading oppostion tap outs - something we did very well last year. Melbourne have a very good running midfield, however i think if we could match it with the Weagles midfield, we can do it here. The Weagles arguably have the best running midfield in the comp. Woey will lift for this game against his old club. Burnsy will be 100% fit and as always will win the hard contested balls. Licca has been great in the past few weeks and needs to do the same. I'd like to see Woey and Licca matched up with Bruce and Green.
Hopefully, we will play dids in the centre for at least half the game. It might be depending on matchups where he ends up on the ground. Nath suggested dids on Yze in an above post, which i think is a good idea.
Our forwards will stretch them, if all available. It is probably the only part of the ground where we hold sway against them. Taz always plays well against the demons. Bux may be back and that might take the pressure of Pebs - without the captaincy role he might be more focused to play his own game. C2 was great last week, lets hope he does the same. Where do we play Josh? Do we take a risk and run Stretch with White all day? I think if we are struggling for goals, we might have no choice. Leon needs to lift, he has shown glimpses in the last few weeks, but needs a more consistent effort. If holland gets a game, Lokan might be played up forward again.
Neitz was their key in the past. If he kicked a bag they went well. That hasnt been the case this season, as others have stepped up when he has been shut down. However, he is still their most important forward. If we keep him to about 2 goals, i think we will be satisfied with that. Ritchie Cole should play on Davey, and let Johnno move up the ground and provide us with some run. Wakes will probably get Neitz, Clemmo will get Robertson if he is up forward. Our backline has been great in our 3 wins, if they can do the same this week, we're in with a chance.
There are many reasons why we wont win, but lets look at some of the reasons why we will. Assuming taz, pebs and bux play - We have a good record against the Dees in the past few years. This is extremely valid because it seems as if our players like playing against them and match up well against them. Furthermore, we have beaten them (i think the last 2 times) without bux, this year we might have bux in the side. The most important point of all is that i believe our best is better then their best. If we play close to our best...... i think we can get there. Although, we are not even close to our best.............maybe it will be this week where we turn it around.
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Nath
- Posts: 2014
- Joined: Tue May 04, 2004 10:03 am
- Location: Victoria
Great Posts all round thus far.
Interestingly, I can't see Lokan being picked in the 22 this week. On the assumption that Bucks, Presti and Brodie are to return, I don't think he'll get a game.
I read during the week that it was Woewodin who ran with Kerr for the final three quarters on Friday night, but from my vantage point it was definately Matty. No offence to the guy, cos I think he can play and will be half decent when we leave him in one freaking position on the ground, but he was below ordinary on Friday night.
He had a run with role on Embley on Friday night in the first quarter, he picked up 12+ touches. Then had Kerr for three quarters and he had another 16 or so for the three quarters. He was really off last week....I haven't seen anyone else mention it during the week, but I think Matty might benefit from a game at Pt. Gellibrand.
Interestingly, I can't see Lokan being picked in the 22 this week. On the assumption that Bucks, Presti and Brodie are to return, I don't think he'll get a game.
I read during the week that it was Woewodin who ran with Kerr for the final three quarters on Friday night, but from my vantage point it was definately Matty. No offence to the guy, cos I think he can play and will be half decent when we leave him in one freaking position on the ground, but he was below ordinary on Friday night.
He had a run with role on Embley on Friday night in the first quarter, he picked up 12+ touches. Then had Kerr for three quarters and he had another 16 or so for the three quarters. He was really off last week....I haven't seen anyone else mention it during the week, but I think Matty might benefit from a game at Pt. Gellibrand.
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PiesFan
- Posts: 487
- Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2003 2:51 pm
Yeh Matty did have an off game, and i think it was him that went on Kerr at the end. Remember in the 3rd quarter when Kerr kicked that goal and MM gave Lokan a huge spray at 3/4 time?
I dont think that Brodie is certain of a spot in the team, we'll see how that pans out.
It is going to be hard to see who misses out on a game this week.
I dont think that Brodie is certain of a spot in the team, we'll see how that pans out.
It is going to be hard to see who misses out on a game this week.
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Nath
- Posts: 2014
- Joined: Tue May 04, 2004 10:03 am
- Location: Victoria
I'd say on the basis of last weeks game that Lokan, McGough and Swan are the three that would miss shoulf the obvious three return.
However, Swan and McGough would be stiff to miss. Swan given that he has provided some drive from the HBF and midfield and can play as a leading forward when required as well as fulfil a crumbing role.
There are pro's and con's to dropping McGough, but the one thing I see is that we have played our last three at the Dome. The Dome in itself is notorious for causing havoc on the legs of players who play there over a given period of time. Now a guy who has suffered from OP wouldn't exaclty enjoying pounding away on some turf with little give. I think back at the G, he may look a little more fluent, well as fluent as MCG gets anyways, because I thought last week that he just didn't look like he could stride out in decent fashion.
That said though, should Presti return, I'd be surprised if they carried him, Maxwell, Rocca (if fit), Richards, Fraser, Cameron and Jason into the game and the stiff one of that lot would be Maxwell if Rocca comes up.
However, Swan and McGough would be stiff to miss. Swan given that he has provided some drive from the HBF and midfield and can play as a leading forward when required as well as fulfil a crumbing role.
There are pro's and con's to dropping McGough, but the one thing I see is that we have played our last three at the Dome. The Dome in itself is notorious for causing havoc on the legs of players who play there over a given period of time. Now a guy who has suffered from OP wouldn't exaclty enjoying pounding away on some turf with little give. I think back at the G, he may look a little more fluent, well as fluent as MCG gets anyways, because I thought last week that he just didn't look like he could stride out in decent fashion.
That said though, should Presti return, I'd be surprised if they carried him, Maxwell, Rocca (if fit), Richards, Fraser, Cameron and Jason into the game and the stiff one of that lot would be Maxwell if Rocca comes up.
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CHF
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:35 pm
Some interesting thoughts on this thread.
From what has been posted it appears that you are trying to matchup on a lot of our runners in a negitive fashion to tag them rather than run with them and beat them in a contest.
We have a couple of players that I think are used more in a run with role than as negitive taggers. It seems that this season we are more positive in our play in that we tend to start running with who ever they are given and then attack the ball to win it in our own right. I would class Heffernan in this group as well as McDonald. Heffernan played on Pavlich last week and more than broke even in the first half, was beaten in the third quarter and then in the last, Pavlich and his mates may as well not been there.
In our attacking 50 we have a well drilled 6 that have been playing well. Last week because of Subiaco we did not play Holland, but played Green in a forward pocket instead. It still worked for us but the conditions may have had a lot to do with it. Neitz has had an interesting year to say the least. Hurt his back early and then regained fitness and form and kicked a couple of bags. Seems to have slowed a little over the last couple of weeks maybe due to a leg injury, but no word about that. However, as has been noted, others have been standing and delivering when required. Another pleasing asspect of the forward play has been the pressure they have been exerting when trying to keep the ball in their area.
In the midfield we have had a group that has been hardened by the coaching of Ratten. Thompson has been great for us as have all the others. again the big thing that has stepped up for them is the pressure that they put on the ball when either trying to win it or turn it over. really intense and they can run all day.
I noted a comment about your performance against WC midfield. Remember that we also closed down the WC midfield, the only difference being that we did it on the wide open spaces of the 'G'.
In defence, I must admit to shaking my head when I think of them and wondering "Where the hell did these blokes come from?". None of them are stars or household names, but as a unit they are performing wonderfully. Nicholson has beaten most that he has lined up on, Rivers is playing older than his years at CHB, Whelan has done some great work on the smaller forwards and we have rebounding, running players in Yze, Brown and Wheatley that have been standing up week in week out.
On a Tuesday afternoon and just taking into account the form of the two teams over the last 3 weeks I would think Melbourne by 3/4 goals. And we all know form is a fickle thing.
Mind you, after selection is done this thinking may change.
From what has been posted it appears that you are trying to matchup on a lot of our runners in a negitive fashion to tag them rather than run with them and beat them in a contest.
We have a couple of players that I think are used more in a run with role than as negitive taggers. It seems that this season we are more positive in our play in that we tend to start running with who ever they are given and then attack the ball to win it in our own right. I would class Heffernan in this group as well as McDonald. Heffernan played on Pavlich last week and more than broke even in the first half, was beaten in the third quarter and then in the last, Pavlich and his mates may as well not been there.
In our attacking 50 we have a well drilled 6 that have been playing well. Last week because of Subiaco we did not play Holland, but played Green in a forward pocket instead. It still worked for us but the conditions may have had a lot to do with it. Neitz has had an interesting year to say the least. Hurt his back early and then regained fitness and form and kicked a couple of bags. Seems to have slowed a little over the last couple of weeks maybe due to a leg injury, but no word about that. However, as has been noted, others have been standing and delivering when required. Another pleasing asspect of the forward play has been the pressure they have been exerting when trying to keep the ball in their area.
In the midfield we have had a group that has been hardened by the coaching of Ratten. Thompson has been great for us as have all the others. again the big thing that has stepped up for them is the pressure that they put on the ball when either trying to win it or turn it over. really intense and they can run all day.
I noted a comment about your performance against WC midfield. Remember that we also closed down the WC midfield, the only difference being that we did it on the wide open spaces of the 'G'.
In defence, I must admit to shaking my head when I think of them and wondering "Where the hell did these blokes come from?". None of them are stars or household names, but as a unit they are performing wonderfully. Nicholson has beaten most that he has lined up on, Rivers is playing older than his years at CHB, Whelan has done some great work on the smaller forwards and we have rebounding, running players in Yze, Brown and Wheatley that have been standing up week in week out.
On a Tuesday afternoon and just taking into account the form of the two teams over the last 3 weeks I would think Melbourne by 3/4 goals. And we all know form is a fickle thing.
Mind you, after selection is done this thinking may change.
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PiesFan
- Posts: 487
- Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2003 2:51 pm
Dont know which post you are referring with. But in mine i suggested Licca and Woey match up on Green and Bruce. I would hardly call Paul Licuria and Shane Woewodin negative players........ but you would know more about Woey then meCHF wrote:Some interesting thoughts on this thread.
From what has been posted it appears that you are trying to matchup on a lot of our runners in a negitive fashion to tag them rather than run with them and beat them in a contest.
Also, Nath suggested Dids on Yze, and i dont see that as a negative run with role either. Just out of interest, who would you pit against our midfield CHF? We might have woey, bux, licca, burnsy in the middle.
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Cannibal
- Posts: 2434
- Joined: Mon May 10, 2004 12:44 pm
- Location: Buninyong
Some interesting stats:
- Melbourne Collingwood
Goalkicking
Neitz 37 Tarrant 23
Bruce 24 Rocca 21
Davey 20 Didak 14
Green 17 Davis 10
Robertson 11
Marks
Wheatley 70 Clement 69
White 67 Rocca 56
Rivers 56 Johnson 55
Miller 54 Licuria 54
Thompson 54 Tarrant 53
Neitz 53
Brown 52
Disposals
Yze 257 Licuria 242
Green 202 Woewodin 221
White 200 Johnson 198
Brown 196 Clement 163
Thompson 176
Wheatley 171
Whelan 170
Bruce 164
Hitouts
White 268 Richards 109
Fraser 94
In all honesty, no matter how good he has been for us in Fraser's absence whilst injured, Richards cannot match Jeff White. In fact, I'm inclined to think we need Cam taking the centre bounces because of his terrific leap, interchanging with Fraser, with Richards starting on the bench, coming on only to give the others a rest or if we need to swing one of them permanently forward.
The more I think about this, the more crucial that centre matchup is looking.
