Fremantle vs Collingwood, Thursday Night 7:50pm, Domain Stadium
Despite some quality performances and patches of games, a lot still don’t rate Collingwood. Perhaps it’s fair, as they are yet to really defeat anyone of significance. This changes on Thursday when they travel to Perth to take on the ladder leaders’ Freo, in what should be not only an entertaining game, but one where we learn a lot more about Nathan Buckley’s pet project.
Everyone has tried to write and re-write the history Malthouse/Buckley’s transition (even more so considering Malthouse’s sacking from Carlton), pointing fingers and lamenting lost chances. It was a risk that Collingwood and Eddie took, pulling the plug on a team that won an absurd amount of games in 2010 and 2011. Now that’s all said and done, the medium term looks okay for Collingwood.
They’ve unearthed some decent footballers (Elliot, Frost, Oxley, Grundy, Seedsman) to assist the older hands (Pendles, Swan, Cloke) in playing some fairly disciplined football. They still lack polish, but that’s something that comes in time.
Their test is one where the Dockers also have something to prove. Freo’s near capitulation to the Gold Coast a few weeks ago had classic ‘mid-season slump game’ written all over it. A team who took their foot off the gas knowing they have a fair lead on the rest of the pack. It can be done, but it’s perhaps a little too early with the Swans breathing down their necks.
Lyon won’t let them out there on the big stage merely looking to get over the line. He’ll be after ruthlessness, and the week break will do them the world of good.
Key Match Ups
Alex Fasolo vs Cam Sutcliffe
After some positive football early on his career, Fasolo has had a bumpy ride holding a spot in a transitioning team due to form and injury issues. Considering the lockdown and numbers behind the ball which will impede the Pies big forwards from getting space, Fasolo and the other Pies smalls have to hit the scoreboard.
Adam Oxley v Stephen Hill
Both players will know that speed is the key in this game as both teams have decent defensive set ups. Oxley’s drifting role will see him get wide and use a kick down the ground to advantage, whereas Hill will run and carry.
Result
Freo’s pressure and willingness to grind out a result will probably play havoc with Collingwood’s ability to move the footy freely. If the Pies want any chance, they have to play on at all costs and slow the game down late in quarters.
Dockers by 21.