Collingwood vs Brisbane: Match Preview:

[Johnson#26]

Collingwood vs Brisbane: Match Preview:
My Team vs Brisbane:
B: Maxwell, Prestigiacomo, Wakelin.
HB: Cole, J.Cloke, Clement.
C: Lonie, Buckley, Johnson.
HF: Lockyer, Rocca, Davis.
F: Holland, Tarrant, Woewodin.
R: Fraser, Burns, Licuria.
INTER: Walker, McGough, McKee, Rowe.
EMERG: B.Shaw, H.Shaw, Swan.

IN: Walker, McGough.
Out: Swan, O’Bree.

With their finals dreams over, Collingwood takes on the most challenging task in football – the might of the Brisbane Lions. With nothing to play for but pride, the Pies will to give Brisbane a real run for their money. In the Qualifying Final less then a year ago, Collingwood defeated the Lions in a hard slog, with many football followers saying that the match was the ‘changing of the guard’, with Collingwood expected to become the 2003 premiers and with that the throne as the best team in the league. However, three weeks later, the Lions smashed the Pies in the Grand Final to the tune of 50 points. This is the first time the two sides will meet at the MCG since the fatal day in September. The Magpies will be out for revenge, and without star forward Jonathon Brown, the Lions will have a tough task. Extra spice has been added to the match by Brisbane motermouth Jason Akermanis. Akermanis claimed that Collingwood players were over weight compared to Brisbane. The comments will have thrown fire into the Magpies belly.

In defence, James Clement has been the form defender of the league, picking up many possessions as well as defeating some of the competitions best forwards. He will pick up Martin Pike, who will be forced to play forward in the absence of Brown. Star skipper Michael Voss will push forward when the opportunity allows. When he does, Clement is the ideal man to take him. Lion veteran Alistair Lynch will play his 300th match on the weekend. Lynch loves nothing more then a game against the Pies, having mauled the Maggies in the 2003 Grand Final. Pies defender Shane Wakelin has been forced to pick up Lynch in recent times, and will have clear memories of what happened last time the two sides met. In round three, Lynch struck Wakelin in the jaw, causing the Magpie defender to have surgery on his injured cheekbone. Wakelin will be out for revenge on Saturday evening. Lions little man Craig McRae has proved a danger against Pies, with his pace and skill burning the team on occasions. Rugged defender Richard Cole has stepped up to the plate in 2004, and will be asked to do it again on the Lions danger man. Simon Prestigiacomo will also have a big job – taking on Daniel Bradshaw. Jason Cloke will get the opportunity to play as a loose man, a job he plays to a tee.

In the midfield, Collingwood will have to take on the ‘fab five’ – Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis, Simon Black, Nigel Lappin and Luke Power. All five have the ability to destroy the opposition, and will again have to be watched. Pies skipper will go head-to-head with Voss, in a battle of two of the best players of the modern era. Scott Burns will take on Black, while Paul Licuria will have the job on Lappin. Akermanis will be followed by Ben Johnson, who quelled Akermanis’ form in the 2002 Grand Final. Ryan Lonie will play on the dangerous Power, who has the ability to run off his man. Lonie will hurt Power offensively, with his run and skill a feature. In the ruck, Josh Fraser and Steven will be pitted against Jamie Charman and Dylan McLaren. Fraser, who did so well in the 2003 Grand Final, will have a huge job against two of the inform ruckmen in the competition.

Up forward, Chris Tarrant and Anthony Rocca are again the keys to a Magpie victory. Tarrant struggled against Tom Harley last week, and at times looked frustrated. Tarrant will be followed by Justin Leppitch, who has again been one of the best defenders in the competition. Rocca, who is underdone by an injury, will be manned up by former Magpie Mal Michael. Rocca has performed well against the Lions in recent times and will be asked to do so again. At ground level, the absence of Alan Didak will add extra weight on the shoulders of goalsneek Leon Davis. Davis, who has underperformed against the Lions in recent seasons, will have a huge weight on his shoulders. Midfielders Shane Woewodin and Tarkyn Lockyer will have to play as forwards, to change the mix in an attempt to throw the Lions game plan out of the water. Tristan Walker may also get an opportunity. Walker has been disappointing this season, after a promising debut season in 2003. He needs to be given a chance to see if he can cement his position in the side for next season.

In a final prediction, Collingwood will win in an upset, causing a major boilover. COLLINGWOOD BY 2 POINTS.