The Collingwood premiership window is still open, but can the Pies capitalise?
Collingwood’s first season under Nathan Buckley probably did not go as well as many Pies faithful would have expected, but in saying that, a preliminary final finish is certainly not a failure.
The 2011 runners-up slightly dropped off the pace in 2012 with Buckley recently admitting to defensive woes which led to conceding big scores to quality opposition which he has addressed during pre-season training.
Collingwood has a supremely elite midfield at its disposal including prime movers Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury. In addition, there is the emergence of Dayne Beams, the class of Steele Sidebottom and the flair of Dale Thomas.
These are the players that the Pies will rely on to help kick big scores in 2013, hopefully offsetting their shortcomings in the back half. Add to that the return of Luke Ball and things look fairly comfortable in the middle of the ground.
Again the goalscoring burden lies with Travis Cloke, but the inclusion of Quinten Lynch – a more than apt replacement for Chris Dawes – will be of great benefit. The capability of attacking midfielders like Beams, Swan and Thomas plus the scoring nous of Alex Fasolo will have the forward 50 in a steady state.
The return of knee-injury victim Brent Macaffer as well as Andrew Krakouer could also be a major plus for the Pies.
The thought of former Hawk Clinton Young pumping the ball to Cloke one-out in the forward line is mouth-watering and this could be a key strategy in the Pies’ hopes for 2013. The powerful forward can often be too commanding for his opponent, especially close to goal where defenders tend to exude nervousness.
Ben Hudson is a great addition to the ruck stocks where he will work in tandem with Darren Jolly, giving the aforementioned midfield elite first use where they could really hurt the opposition, especially if they get their tails up.
Without adequate back up for Jolly, the Pies won fewer centre clearances last year, resulting in less opportunities to contain sides in their own half and limiting their scoring capability.
This prompted them to target big men in the offseason, bringing in Hudson, pushing NSW scholarship holder Jarrod Witts towards senior footy and picking up Brodie Grundy who slipped down the draft.
This shows the Pies identified their weakness in order to give themselves every chance of obtaining a 16th flag.
The relative ease in which Premiers Sydney ended their season in the Prelim was a truer indication of where Collingwood sat in the 2012 pecking order.
With their more deliberate and slower approach, the 2010 Premiers were unable to adequately respond to teams with exceptional skills or pace, something Buckley has looked to rectify during the offseason as mentioned.
There is a lot of positivity again surrounding the Magpies and it is for the right reasons as they have a group of players proficient enough to figure deep into September in 2013.
Key players
Scott Pendlebury oozes class. He is a smooth mover who seems to have acres of space and plenty of time.
Dane Swan is the possession king who continues to get his hands on the ball. He will be primed for another big season.
Dayne Beams has become an A-grader which was reflected by his best and fairest win last year. He will help form Collingwood’s midfield weaponry.
Break out potential
Speedy midfield/forward Ben Sinclair played 20 games last season which has him ready to provide more of an impact in 2013.
Some could say Alex Fasolo had a breakout 2012 but I’m backing him to top his 37 goals and become a class small forward if he can overcome pre-season stress fractures.
Sam Dwyer is a mature-age recruit who starred in the 2011 flag campaign with Port Melbourne and will be used as an attacking wingman.
Promising youngsters
The physical nature of ruckman Brodie Grundy has the Pies coaching staff licking their lips.
Agile and quick, Ben Kennedy will impress when he can break his way into the seniors. The midfielder who can push forward was taken with pick 19 at the 2012 draft.
Marley Williams played six times last year and could be used more in midfield rotations in 2013.
Key inclusions
Former West Coast star Quinten Lynch will more than fill the void left by Chris Dawes.
Jordan Russell has a fair amount of ability but had fallen off the radar at Carlton in recent seasons.
Ex-Hawk Clinton Young’s penetration from the wing will suit the Pies well.
Ben Hudson is mainly at the club to help the young big men improve but will be vital in assisting Darren Jolly.
Notable departures
Chris Dawes – Melbourne
Sharrod Wellingham – West Coast Eagles
Chris Tarrant – retired
Predicted finish: fourth
Worth a punt
Dane Swan to win Brownlow into Collingwood to make Top 4 – $33
Collingwood Top Victorian team – $6 (the Hawks are the obvious danger…)
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