What feels like an eternity between seasons is finally over, with the Hawks taking on the Pies in a game that didn’t disappoint.
There was action aplenty and the intensity was high for the first hit-out due to the fact both teams went in with relatively young sides.
Hawthorn were without a host of stars and basically played a reserves and up-and-comers side, with the main exception being Sam Mitchell to general the troops.
The Pies were missing arguably their best four players in Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, Travis Cloke and Ben Reid, but fielded much of their senior side. They also had the advantage of three weeks extra off season.
Collingwood pulled away in the second half to register a pretty comfortable win, but what did we learn from the game for a Pies perspective?
1. Preseason form doesn’t mean much
The Hawks got beaten comfortably but would have been pretty happy with the performance of a few of their youngsters. Come the season proper, after injecting their stars, the Hawks will be a much more formidable unit.
2. The Pies are still in a rebuilding phase
Sure they won comfortably, but the Pies really were playing against inferior opponents. Still, the intensity was pleasing and they strung some nice plays together.
What there wasn’t enough of was standout performances from some of the 50-100 game players – those who are getting to that point where they really need to take the next step and elevate their game or are in danger of finding themselves on the footy scrapheap.
Are they future 200-game AFL players or just making up the numbers? Collingwood needs a few of these guys to really stand up to have any hope of finals in 2015.
3. Jordan De Goey looks the goods
Not huge numbers from the Collingwood number 35 in his first game for the club, but what he did he did well, notching up 12 possessions, 11 of which were effective, and a goal. What Pies supporters will have liked most was his ferocious attack on the ball, highlighted by a strong mark very early in the game and some really strong tacking which helped set up scoring shots. The fact that he took his set shot on the right would have had some supporters scratching their heads as all his previous kicks were on his non-preferred left foot. Possible starter for Round 1.
4. Jesse White is frustrating
With eleven kicks, five marks and two goals for the former Sydney big man, Jesse looks to have all the attributes, but rarely seems to play out a whole game. If he could put his first half form on the table for 90 per cent of a game in 90 per cent of games plays he would be a match-winner and exactly the foil Travis Cloke needs. Sadly I just don’t think this will happen.
Time will tell and for Jesse’s sake I hope he proves me wrong.
5. Recycled players a mixed bag
Former Kangaroo Levi Greenwood had 15 touches and a goal, and did some really hard work in and under. He will slot straight into Luke Ball’s old position in Round 1.
Jack Crisp was lively early without being amazing. He shows strong potential but I didn’t see enough to make a judgement from that performance alone.
Patrick Karnezis appears to be exactly the type of player the Pies need – a mercurial, inventive forward who can weave a bit of magic and should play Round 1.
Travis Varcoe lacked that zip he is known for and didn’t attack the contest with any really intensity. I’m afraid he may become the Pies supporters’ new whipping boy if his performances don’t improve. The Pies have a history of turning on players that come from other clubs who don’t perform, just ask Clinton Young. Thankfully Varcoe has played good footy in the past. For his sake I hope we get to see the best of it in the future.
6. Tom Langdon is a quiet achiever
Only in his second season, the kid plays like a seasoned veteran. Arguably the Pies’ best on ground, Langdon just keeps knocking up those intercept possessions which are so valuable in modern footy.
He had 20 touches and 5 marks. If he can improve his disposal the Pies have a future All Australian in the ranks.
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