We seemingly cracked the code against on trouble-side in Brisbane last year, and it’s time to do likewise against the Bombers. It won’t be easy, they always lift for us (but don’t 14 other clubs do likewise?). And unfortunately, it’ll have to be done without the aid of some of our finest, in Buckley, Licuria and Holland.
Yet ANZAC Day is the day in which the eyes of a nation are upon the returned servicemen, and also, from 2:40 until 5:10, the footballers from suburban Collingwood and Essendon. Rise, and the crowd rise with you.
Quietly, I’m tipping that Wednesday won’t be as difficult as my fellow brethren believe. Granted, we are forced to wash the mud off and hit refresh with only four days rest. But where would any footballer rather play? The rockhard, undercover Telstra Dome, or a boggy MCG in real football conditions? I’m sure you’ll find a number would support the latter option.
Of that team, through injury only Paul Licuria is a definite to miss. The rest are right to go. With that in mind, as well as Alan Didak and Paul Medhurst possibly back in the side, we’re ready to roll. A win sees us out to 3-2, with genuine hope in mind. Let’s go.
The Match Ups:
Although spending much of his career in the shadow of Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas is finally receiving the recognition he deserves, for he has been a star tall forward for many years now. I’m one of those who believe that he, currently, is more of a danger than Lloyd, and with that in mind, a fit Simon Prestigiacomo is a must to tackle the boy from Camperdown.
Expect Simon Prestigiacomo, if fit, to take on the in-form Scott Lucas the way he did so efficiently 12 months ago, and James Clement to frustrate Lloyd at fullback, and Nick Maxwell, or potentially Shane Wakelin (what depth!) to cover Courtney Johns.
Ground level is more of a concern, as Alwyn Davey has played such a pivotal role in the Bombers return to form. Like brother Aaron, Alwyn is able to create goals from sheer pressure and hard work, and will require attention. Can Heath Shaw stop the mature-aged recruit, or will he be the one to tag Andrew Lovett, leaving Rhyce Shaw to hold Davey?
Mal Michael and Fletcher are Sheedy’s defensive lynchpins. Michael is likely to take the inform Anthony Rocca, and Fletcher Travis Cloke. The key in this regard is Josh Fraser. Should Guy Richards or Chris Bryan stand up in David Hille’s absence in the ruck, it allows Fraser into attack to truly stretch the Bombers defence.
The form guide:
The Woods seemed to have all the answers against Port Adelaide until midway through the final quarter on a wet and miserable Saturday afternoon at the MCG, when the Power finally broke away to record a three goal victory.
Essendon, meanwhile, announced that they are the real deal in 2007 with their imposing win over St Kilda, clash jumper and all. Paddy Ryder in the ruck showed that he is the real deal, whilst Damien Peverill (32 disposals) once again snuck under the guard to rule the centreline.
Head to Head since 2000:
Collingwood: 3
Essendon: 12
When football in the new millennium began, Collingwood and Essendon were at opposing ends of the footballing spectrum. The Magpies were hurting after a Wooden Spoon ended their 20th century campaign on a sour note, whilst the Bombers were smarting in the wake of their demoralising loss to Carlton in the 1999 Preliminary Final.
It took Collingwood five attempts before they were able to conquer the the Dons in the new millennium, but did so in style. On a wet, cold but downright memorable ANZAC Day in 2002, Mick Malthouse’s baby Magpies announced to the football world that they were up to speed. Second gamer Mark McGough was outstanding en route to an ANZAC Day Medal, while Jason Cloke and Scott Burns were terrific in piloting the Pies to their third win of the season.
The Woods were to win only one of their next seven meetings with the men from Windy Hill, forced to wait until round four of last year to record our most recent win over the red and black. With the MCG once again open for business, Collingwood staved off Essendon to take home the ANZAC Day crown for the first occasion since ’02, this time Ben Johnson was the lead man in the victory, winning the ANZAC medal.
Collingwood do have some unfinished business with the Bombers, however, with Essendon’s unexpected third win of the season arising in round 19 last year, a match which effectively popped the Magpies top four aspirations.
Broadcast guide:
TV: Channel 10, 12:00pm.
Radio: 3AW, 3MMM, SEN, ABC 12:00pm.
The tip: ANZAC Day is about adversity. It’s about courage, and it’s about embodying the Australian spirit made famous on the battle fields of Gallipoli. For if you cannot lift yourself to greater deeds, as a footballer donning the Black and White stripes, linking arms with 21 of your closest mates opposing another 22 in the Red and Black in front of 100,000 spectators as the last post is played, you will never amount to anything. There is such thing as magic, and I’m tipping this Collingwood outfit won’t let us down. Collingwood in a nailbiting 2 point victory.
Please note: the views expressed in the above article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Collingwood Football Club or employees of the club. The Collingwood Football Club would like to acknowledge the tireless work of its supporters who contribute to collingwoodfc.com.au.
