MICHAEL MALTHOUSE
2010: 24 games, 19 wins at 79%
Finals: 45 games, 23 wins at 51%
Grand finals: 5 games, 2 wins
Career: 637 games, 363 wins at 57%

Incredibly, this is Malthouse's 27th consecutive season as a senior coach. He joined Collingwood in 2000 - ironically, as a player with Richmond he won a flag against the Magpies in 1980. During his reign, the team has lost two grand finals and two preliminary finals. This season, Malthouse has drawn the absolute most from an inexperienced and under-appreciated playing group. Having won two flags as coach of West Coast, Malthouse deserves another with the Magpies, before Nathan Buckley takes over in 2012.

5. NICK MAXWELL
Height: 193cm
Weight: 90kg
Born: 3/6/1983
Debut: 2004
2010: 20 games, 0 goals
Finals: 11 games, 2 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 138 games, 26 goals

What a journey it's been for Maxwell, who started on Collingwood's rookie list, and is now captaining the club in a grand final. The courageous defender became skipper in 2009, the season in which he made the All Australian team for the first time. Missed four games this year with a calf injury, but has been building up form and fitness. One of the AFL's best at cutting off opposition forward thrusts and providing significant drive on the rebound.

1. LEON DAVIS
Height: 177cm
Weight: 78kg
Born: 17/6/1981
Debut: 2000
2010: 19 games, 26 goals
Finals: 14 games, 13 goals
Grand finals: 2 games, 1 goal
Career: 203 games, 262 goals

The mercurial Davis could not recapture his dominant 2009 form, when he averaged 20 disposals in a midfield/half-forward role, and earned his first All Australian selection. That said, Davis has played as a more traditional small forward in his 19 games this season, booting 26 goals and setting up many more. Was left out of the preliminary final and will be under pressure to fight his way back into a Collingwood side that is flying.

4. ALAN DIDAK
Height: 184cm
Weight: 85kg
Born: 15/2/1983
Debut: 2001
2010: 22 games, 38 goals
Finals: 15 games, 17 goals
Grand finals: 2 games, 3 goals
Career: 180 games, 253 goals

Didak's 10th AFL season has been his best. A regular midfielder, he racked up 25 disposals a game, led Collingwood for goal assists and was second for inside 50s. Remarkably, the deadly left-footer also tops his side with 38 goals - including some trademark snaps and a memorable torpedo against Carlton - and reached a career-high for tackles (58), a testament to his work rate. Made the All Australian team.

6. TYSON GOLDSACK
Height: 193cm
Weight: 90kg
Born: 22/5/1987
Debut: 2007
2010: 10 games, 0 goals
Finals: 8 games, 1 goal
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 55 games, 5 goals

In his fourth season with the Magpies, Goldsack has played just 10 games in a backline full of depth. However, the athletic 23-year-old played all of those in the second half of the season, establishing himself as a reliable defender on all types of opposition forwards. Goldsack is a willing rebounder, and a crowd favourite for his thumping torpedos from the kick out. Gained a last-minute reprieve in the preliminary final but no certainty this week.

8. HARRY O'BRIEN
Height: 188cm
Weight: 90kg
Born: 15/11/1986
Debut: 2005
2010: 24 games, 4 goals
Finals: 10 games, 2 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 109 games, 12 goals

O'Brien is a dashing, dependable half-back who can shut down small forwards and key position players. Selected as a rookie at the end of 2004, he has become a highly valued player, for both his defensive efforts and his attacking instincts. Finished second at the club for rebound 50s and third in the AFL for bounces, a testament to his willingness to run and carry the ball. Was one of four Magpies selected in the All Australian team.

10. SCOTT PENDLEBURY
Height: 191cm
Weight: 91kg
Born: 7/1/1988
Debut: 2006
2010: 24 games, 17 goals
Finals: 8 games, 6 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 100 games, 60 goals

In 2010, Pendlebury stamped himself as one of the AFL's truly elite midfielders. Playing every game, the 22-year-old averaged a career-high 27 touches and was second at Collingwood for contested possessions and clearances; he also ranked 11th in the AFL for tackles. The tall, athletic midfielder uses the ball precisely and is a highly regarded leader. Has played every game and was chosen on the interchange bench in the All Australian side.

12. LUKE BALL
Height: 183cm
Weight: 84kg
Born: 25/5/1984
Debut: 2003
2010: 22 games, 7 goals
Finals: 11 games, 4 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goal
Career: 164 games, 65 goals

After leaving St Kilda at the end of 2009, Ball has settled as a reliable and unobtrusive contributor with his new club. He is the midfield workhorse, who attacks the ball relentlessly and feeds the side's silkier outside players. Finished fourth in the AFL for tackles and averaged almost 22 touches in his best season since 2006. Came off in last week's preliminary final but will be keen to make amends for last year's loss with the Saints.

13. DALE THOMAS
Height: 185cm
Weight: 85kg
Born: 21/6/1987
Debut: 2006
2010: 24 games, 16 goals
Finals: 11 games, 6 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 109 games, 84 goals

A coming-of-age season for Thomas, who played his 100th game in round 15. Given a more consistent midfield role, he has relished the additional responsibility, averaging 23 possessions. Spent his early years in the forward line, developing two key traits: a ferocious approach to pressuring the opposition ball-carrier, and a flair for the extraordinary. Can lift the crowd with a high-flying mark or a magical goal.

15. LEIGH BROWN
Height: 194cm
Weight: 102kg
Born: 23/2/1982
Debut: 2000
2010: 17 games, 21 goals
Finals: 7 games, 6 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 221 games, 115 goals

At 28, the veteran big man is enjoying a remarkable rejuvenation, having crossed from North Melbourne before last season. Brown has primarily served as Collingwood's back-up ruckman behind Darren Jolly; he tackles strongly and has the mobility to compete hard at ground level. Can relieve his teammates in defence, or push forward and present as a marking target. Has been excellent in both finals.

16. NATHAN BROWN
Height: 195cm
Weight: 97kg
Born: 17/12/1988
Debut: 2008
2010: 11 games, 0 goals
Finals: 4 games, 1 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 48 games, 6 goals

Brown is just 21, yet he has the strength and power of a much more experienced player. The rugged centre half-back has played 11 games this season, appearing six times in the past seven games after recovering from a shoulder injury. Regularly excels with the responsibility of manning one of the opposition's power forwards. Brown can hold his ground in a one-on-one, and has enough speed to go with his man on the lead. Shouldn't be overawed.

17. DAYNE BEAMS
Height: 186cm
Weight: 80kg
Born: 12/2/1990
Debut: 2009
2010: 23 games, 26 goals
Finals: 4 games, 1 goal
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 41 games, 40 goals

The tough midfielder was given the opportunity to be a foundation player with Gold Coast, but elected to enter the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, where he was selected by Collingwood. Beams played 18 games in his debut season and has appeared 23 times this year. His statistics are impressive: just over 21 disposals a game, to go with 26 goals and the third-most goal assists by a Magpie. Can win his own ball and is a classy finisher up forward.

18. DARREN JOLLY
Height: 200cm
Weight: 106kg
Born: 6/11/1981
Debut: 2001
2010: 24 games, 22 goals
Finals: 14 games, 3 goals
Grand finals: 2 games, 1 goal
Career: 190 games, 92 goals

Collingwood's other prized recruit started the season slowly and finished as the in-form big man in the AFL. The ex-Sydney Swans ruckman was fifth in the AFL for hit-outs and has built good chemistry with the Magpies' midfielders. Jolly recorded career-best figures in disposals and goals. Can be damaging when he floats forward and is the only Magpie with premiership experience, having played in the Swans' 2005 flag-winning side.

20. BEN REID
Height: 195cm
Weight: 99kg
Born: 29/4/1989
Debut: 2007
2010: 19 games, 0 goals
Finals: 2 games,0 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 27 games, 3 goals

Drafted at pick eight in 2006 as a rangy key forward, Reid has reinvented his career as a mainstay of Collingwood's backline. Spent much of last season down back in the Magpies' VFL side, and has been given the opportunity to play 19 senior games this year - having played just eight in his first three seasons. Uses his strong frame intelligently in marking contests. Reid's mobility and powerful left foot also make him a capable rebounder.

21. SHARROD WELLINGHAM
Height: 185cm
Weight: 85kg
Born: 7/7/1988
Debut: 2008
2010: 22 games, 13 goals
Finals: 4 games, 3 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 50 games, 23 goals

Possibly Collingwood's most improved player, the 22-year-old has injected excitement into the side's midfield, with a willingness to use his pace and break the lines. Wellingham has averaged nearly 21 disposals a game and uses the ball with precision. He reads the play well at stoppages and has become a strong tackler. Can be used as a tagger in the midfield, but is dangerous if allowed time and space.

22. STEELE SIDEBOTTOM
Height: 180cm
Weight: 83kg
Born: 2/1/1991
Debut: 2009
2010: 23 games, 22 goals
Finals: 5 games, 5 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 34 games, 25 goals

The development of the second-year midfielder has been crucial to Collingwood's continued growth in 2010. Given a variety of roles, the classy Sidebottom has played 23 games and collected 17 touches an outing. Can push forward and become a dangerous option, as he showed with five goals against North Melbourne. Sidebottom's silky skills are meshed with a blue-collar determination; he is fifth for tackles for the Magpies.

24. TARKYN LOCKYER
Height: 178cm
Weight: 78kg
Born: 30/10/1979
Debut: 1999
2010: 11 games, 6 goals
Finals: 12 games, 6 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 1 goal
Career: 227 games, 149 goals

One of Collingwood's most experienced campaigners but the 30-year-old has played just 11 games this year, his least since an injury-marred season in 2003. Played every match in 2009 and kicked a career-best 32 goals. Has not played since round 20 when the Magpies thrashed Essendon and it appears his papers have been stamped in this finals campaign. Would probably need an injury to a teammate to force his way back.

26. BEN JOHNSON
Height: 183cm
Weight: 84kg
Born: 5/4/1981
Debut: 2000
2010: 21 games, 6 goals
Finals: 12 games, 6 goals
Grand finals: 2 games, 0 goals
Career: 206 games, 61 goals

The hard-running left-footer is one of Collingwood's most experienced and reliable contributors. Johnson missed two months with a broken leg during 2009, but has played 21 games this season. Plays across the half-back line and through the midfield and is often given the responsibility of a run-with role. He shadows his opponent relentlessly, yet still manages to average 21 possessions a game and did a fine job in the preliminary final.

30. BRENT MACAFFER
Height: 187cm
Weight: 90kg
Born: 29/2/1988
Debut: 2009
2010: 19 games, 13 goals
Finals: 4 games, 1 goal
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 24 games, 17 goals

Another ex-rookie, Macaffer has quietly become a regular in Collingwood's best 22. He started 2010 with just five senior games to his credit, but has appeared in 19 matches, averaging 15 possessions. A tough and powerfully built utility, Macaffer has settled as a defensive forward in the latter half of the season; he is ranked sixth at the club for tackles, and can work off his direct opponent, having booted three bags of three goals since round 16.

31. CHRIS DAWES
Height: 193cm
Weight: 101kg
Born: 16/5/1988
Debut: 2008
2010: 18 games, 28 goals
Finals: 4 games, 5 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 28 games, 38 goals

Drafted by Collingwood in 2006, Dawes did not play a game in his first season as he recovered from a knee reconstruction, and managed only 10 in his next two years. However, the powerfully built key forward has appeared 18 times in 2010, securing his place at full-forward with excellent form. Has kicked 28 goals, and has ranked second at Collingwood for contested marks and marks inside 50. A key to the Magpies' chances.

32. TRAVIS CLOKE
Height: 196cm
Weight: 101kg
Born: 5/3/1987
Debut: 2005
2010: 22 games, 36 goals
Finals: 10 games, 14 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 122 games, 153 goals

Many have focused on his inaccuracy in front of goal - Cloke has booted 36 goals and 37 behinds - but he is perhaps Collingwood's most valuable player. Led the AFL for contested marks and recorded more inside 50s than any other key position player, a testament to his work rate up the ground, and the presence he has across half-forward. Took 16 marks and kicked 5.5 against Essendon in round 20 and has been dangerous in both finals.

34. ALAN TOOVEY
Height: 189cm
Weight: 86kg
Born: 23/3/1987
Debut: 2007
2010: 24 games, 2 goals
Finals: 5 games, 0 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 65 games, 8 goals

Another rookie list success story, Toovey arrived at Collingwood at the end of 2005, and has missed just one match in the past two seasons. The rangy left-footer plays predominantly on opposition small forwards, but can run with a player through the midfield, and has even been trialled as a defensive forward. Toovey is ranked third at Collingwood for tackles. Did a fine job on Steve Johnson last week in the preliminary final.

35. SIMON PRESTIGIACOMO
Height: 193cm
Weight: 96kg
Born: 31/1/1978
Debut: 1996
2010: 13 games, 0 goals
Finals: 11 games, 0 goals
Grand finals: 2 games, 0 goals
Career: 233 games, 3 goals

After playing a career-best 25 games last season, the Magpies' oldest player has made just 13 appearances in 2010 because of injury. Nevertheless, he remains a cult favourite with fans and can shut down most full-forwards with his suffocating pressure and tenacious spoiling. Missed the qualifying and preliminary finals with a corked thigh, but would love to wrap up his career with a flag if he can force his way back into the line-up.

36. DANE SWAN
Height: 185cm
Weight: 90kg
Born: 25/2/1984
Debut: 2003
2010: 24 games, 23 goals
Finals: 11 games, 12 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 149 games, 100 goals

Swan makes a compelling case to be recognised as the AFL's best midfielder: during the home and away season, he led the league for possessions with nearly 32 a game, topped everyone for clearances, finished fifth overall for inside 50s and sixth for contested possessions. Indeed, Swan won nearly every major individual award in 2010, including the AFLPA MVP, and was an All Australian. Uses his running power to push hard in attack.

39. HEATH SHAW
Height: 184cm
Weight: 86kg
Born: 27/11/1985
Debut: 2005
2010: 21 games, 5 goals
Finals: 9 games, 0 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 113 games, 25 goals

Shaw started the season with 36 possessions and 14 marks against the Bulldogs, a fine way to celebrate his inclusion in Collingwood's leadership group. The running defender played his 100th game during 2010, and has matured greatly. Recorded the most rebound-50s by a Magpie and led the AFL in bounces, typifying his ability to read the play and drive Collingwood forward. Is an excellent kick, making him a vital playmaker.

47. JARRYD BLAIR
Height: 174cm
Weight: 77kg
Born: 14/4/1990
Debut: 2010
2010: 10 games, 6 goals
Finals: 2 games, 0 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 10 games, 6 goals

A real surprise packet for Collingwood, Blair was elevated off the rookie list before round 14, and has since played 10 of a possible 11 games. He is the shortest man at the club, but has an exciting turn of pace and attacks the ball fearlessly. Has become a consistent ball-winner in the midfield and across half-forward, and dominated with 28 touches and two goals against Essendon in round 20. Blair is the only Magpie to make his debut this season.

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