WHILE we wait for play to resume, and with the little bit of knowledge we've gleaned from round one, we're taking this opportunity to put the microscope on every club.
THE PRESSURE GAUGE Which coach is under the most heat?
This is Collingwood's Shutdown Report Card. >> LISTEN IN THE PLAYER BELOW
The biggest lesson from round one was …
The Magpies were dominant against the much-hyped Western Bulldogs in a 52-point victory that reminded everyone they are a leading premiership contender. Collingwood has the best ruckman in the game, a stellar midfield and match-winners at either end, with a great deal of experience. Just as impressive was how well drilled they were defensively to shut down the Dogs' ball movement.
What's their weapon in 2020?
It all starts in the middle for the Pies, with dual All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy giving his star midfielders an armchair ride. They haven't always capitalised on him, slumping from No.1 in clearance differential in 2018 to No.13 last year, but continued to score well from this source. Collingwood's been top four in contested possession differential since 2018 and its 'keepings off' style is well entrenched and effective.
What could be their downfall?
Apart from the potential distractions of re-signing Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore, Collingwood needs to find a way to produce more goals against the best sides. The Pies kicked more than 11 majors just three times in 13 dates with top-eight teams last year – partly because of errant goalkicking – including a combined 16 in two finals. They opened this season with 13 goals against the Western Bulldogs.
Who missed out on round one and what does it mean for them?
Jaidyn Stephenson, ruck recruit Darcy Cameron – who impressed in the pre-season – Rupert Wills and aerobically gifted draftee Jay Rantall were the Pies' four emergencies. Stephenson (hand/glandular fever) and another young gun, Isaac Quaynor (hip), had interrupted lead-ins, the reason Nathan Buckley gave post-match for the former being left out. Brayden Sier has work to do to climb out of the fringes, while teenager Trent Bianco was exposed in the Marsh Community Series.
Which players could benefit from the break between games?
There are a few options here. Adam Treloar (hamstring/illness), Lynden Dunn (knee), Travis Varcoe (shoulder), Ben Reid (ankle/foot) and Matt Scharenberg (hip) should all be fit to play on resumption, as could Tom Langdon (knee) and maybe, just maybe Dayne Beams, who is out indefinitely to focus on his mental health.
Who looked set for a breakout season?
Sons-of-guns Tyler Brown and Josh Daicos. Brown's composed and skilful debut excited the Collingwood faithful, particularly his dish to set up big brother Callum for a first quarter goal. Daicos was stuck on the fringes previously but gave Buckley no choice but to play him with a strong pre-season that culminated in a pair of goals among 14 possessions in round one.
The market place
Out-of-contract stars Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore are the priorities, with Brodie Grundy locked away for another seven years and Scott Pendlebury signed through 2021. De Goey is yet to find a new manager to start negotiations, while Moore's had interest from Richmond and the Western Bulldogs – among others – in the past 12 months. The Pies also need to re-sign players such as Brody Mihocek and Josh Daicos, with Mason Cox reportedly close to triggering an extension into 2021.
