I took the opportunity to watch the qualifying match at home as I had the night off from my radio commentary duties.
The key aspect of Collingwood’s game that I was looking for on Saturday night was its temperament. They have proved they have the skill and the physicality for the game, as they finished the season on top of the ladder, but do they have the temperament?
Heading into the finals with a batch of young kids, this aspect was always going to be the unknown.
I am a non-player but I have had to field questions over the last six weeks about this team winning the flag. If I am feeling the pinch a little bit, what are the players having to go through?
After the win, considering the conditions and the lead up, the Pies proved they have the temperament to make the right decisions in tough situations. They were smart in their thinking of when to carry it, when to kick it, they made all the right decisions.
Everyone to a man came through as they have done for the majority of the season.??
I thought the coaching strategy with regards to rotations should be applauded. Being able to free players causes mass confusion on the ground and inevitably someone will be cut loose.
This was highlighted before the opening bounce when Mick had several of the better players off the ground including Scott Pendlebury and Alan Didak. Naturally teams would prepare to put the brakes on these players at the opening bounce.
That’s very unsettling for teams.
I was surprised the Dogs, like a lot of teams this year, didn’t make Maxwell accountable. In most cases Maxy is the guy the Pies always try to free up. For the majority of the season he hasn’t had a man. A lot of us in the media are surprised he has been left alone.
To leave Maxwell alone is just plain silly. I think I would be going man on man collectively around the ground.
The scoreboard is always a good indication of how you are going. You always have to concede a few positions on the ground. If their backman is getting 30 touches but we are four goals up, I will leave it as it is.
The win entitles the club to a week off which needs to be managed. I think a lot of the aspects for this week’s preparation won’t be as intense. I would imagine most of their plays and strategies would be set. It’s about keeping it together and not going over the top.?
You don’t need to tweak what’s being done. Take them away for the weekend? I don’t think it will hurt them. Take them away as couples and let them enjoy a weekend off.??
Not looking too far ahead but I think the way it’s shaping up, the granny will be played the week prior when they go in to face Geelong. It will be a brutal affair. If they are able to get over Geelong without too many casualties, then they should be in the driver’s seat.
