Friday night’s encounter with Richmond presents the opportunity for the Magpies to register our first series of back-to-back victories since rounds nine and 10, and with September action only around the corner, there is no better time to hit our straps.
Though don’t write off Richmond, despite their one win for the season. The blowtorch has been applied to the Tigers over the past week, for with the futures of four other coaches now decided, the attention has turned to Wallace’s woeful Tigers, who appear to be, on their win-loss ratio alone, the worst team the game has seen since Fitzroy’s dying days in 1996. However, with the pressure mounting, discussion surrounding their underperforming draftees and players publicly stating that their futures are on the line, we must beware a team burdening wounded pride.
As the saying goes, ‘the wounded tiger is often the most savage fighter’.
All that said, at Collingwood, we have bigger fish to fry, and in order to capture that coveted rung in the top four, we must win and win well, boosting our battered percentage, which is somewhat limp in comparison to our nearest rivals.
The Match Ups:
On the surface, Richmond don’t have too many big names, though taking a look at their forward line, and you would argue that, at their best, they would have the ability to trouble any opponent.
Matthew Richardson is the obvious man to quell, however his usual opponent, Simon Prestigiacomo, will be lurking with intent after being on the receiving end of some of Brendan Fevola’s best work last week. Thankfully, we have plenty in reserve if need be, the likes of James Clement, who made a fine return to senior action last week after months on the sidelines, Shane Wakelin and Harry O'Brien all ready if the call comes.
Expect Clement to shadow the dangerous Nathan Brown for much of the night. We haven’t forgotten how Brown wrangled free in the final quarter of the meeting between the sides in round 8 of 2005 to boot five goals, handing his team victory.
With the underrated but highly effective Shane O'Bree set to give the Pies some bite around the packs, it is in the engine room where Collingwood should have the upper hand, names such as Scott Burns and Martin Clarke pumping the ball deep inside fifty, feeding the sticky fingers of Anthony Rocca and Travis Cloke.
The form guide:
The Magpies were forced to scrap hard for three quarters against Carlton last Saturday before pulling away, booting eight goals to two running out 24-point victors. Cloke again starred, firming for the All-Australian centre half forward position, and midfielders Tarkyn Lockyer and Burns on top around the packs.
Richmond, on the other hand, was fighting an uphill battle when pitted against ladder-leaders Geelong at Skilled Stadium, on this occasion going down by 75 points. A bright spot for the yellow and black was the form of draftee Daniel Connors, who added some precision around the packs by foot.
Head to Head since 2000:
Collingwood: 5
Richmond: 7
Our victory over Richmond in round three was our first since round 18 2004, and our second from our past five meetings. The win was fuelled by the Western Australian youngsters, with Alan Toovey (three goals), Brad Dick and Shannon Cox blooded with exciting results.
The rivalry between the two sides has not been as strong as it was in the early 1980s, though with the Tigers missing the eight on all bar two occasions since 1982; it’s been one which has proven difficult to ignite. However, the black blood between the two sides has been prevalent since the days of Jack Dyer, who legend has it refused to watch Black and White TV, and was claimed to have said that his first ‘sustained feeling of hatred’ was felt on the first occasion he walked in the gates of Victoria Park.
The X-Factors:
Collingwood: – Shane O'Bree: A late withdrawal last week, the Magpies suffered badly without the underrated O’Bree’s ability to extract the ball from the stoppages. His return to the side this week should be a key factor in adding bite to the midfield, particularly opposed to Nathan Foley.
Richmond: – Matthew Richardson: The lionhearted Tiger is still the main man at the Punt Road end, and should he have his boots fastened correctly, his side won’t be without a show.
Broadcast guide:
CLICK HERE for a full television and radio broadcast guide
The tip: Heart says Collingwood, head says Collingwood, and logic says Richmond is spent. But logic goes out the window in a two-horse race? Not in this case it does. Collingwood by 38 points.
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.
Though don’t write off Richmond, despite their one win for the season. The blowtorch has been applied to the Tigers over the past week, for with the futures of four other coaches now decided, the attention has turned to Wallace’s woeful Tigers, who appear to be, on their win-loss ratio alone, the worst team the game has seen since Fitzroy’s dying days in 1996. However, with the pressure mounting, discussion surrounding their underperforming draftees and players publicly stating that their futures are on the line, we must beware a team burdening wounded pride.
As the saying goes, ‘the wounded tiger is often the most savage fighter’.
All that said, at Collingwood, we have bigger fish to fry, and in order to capture that coveted rung in the top four, we must win and win well, boosting our battered percentage, which is somewhat limp in comparison to our nearest rivals.
The Match Ups:
On the surface, Richmond don’t have too many big names, though taking a look at their forward line, and you would argue that, at their best, they would have the ability to trouble any opponent.
Matthew Richardson is the obvious man to quell, however his usual opponent, Simon Prestigiacomo, will be lurking with intent after being on the receiving end of some of Brendan Fevola’s best work last week. Thankfully, we have plenty in reserve if need be, the likes of James Clement, who made a fine return to senior action last week after months on the sidelines, Shane Wakelin and Harry O'Brien all ready if the call comes.
Expect Clement to shadow the dangerous Nathan Brown for much of the night. We haven’t forgotten how Brown wrangled free in the final quarter of the meeting between the sides in round 8 of 2005 to boot five goals, handing his team victory.
With the underrated but highly effective Shane O'Bree set to give the Pies some bite around the packs, it is in the engine room where Collingwood should have the upper hand, names such as Scott Burns and Martin Clarke pumping the ball deep inside fifty, feeding the sticky fingers of Anthony Rocca and Travis Cloke.
The form guide:
The Magpies were forced to scrap hard for three quarters against Carlton last Saturday before pulling away, booting eight goals to two running out 24-point victors. Cloke again starred, firming for the All-Australian centre half forward position, and midfielders Tarkyn Lockyer and Burns on top around the packs.
Richmond, on the other hand, was fighting an uphill battle when pitted against ladder-leaders Geelong at Skilled Stadium, on this occasion going down by 75 points. A bright spot for the yellow and black was the form of draftee Daniel Connors, who added some precision around the packs by foot.
Head to Head since 2000:
Collingwood: 5
Richmond: 7
Our victory over Richmond in round three was our first since round 18 2004, and our second from our past five meetings. The win was fuelled by the Western Australian youngsters, with Alan Toovey (three goals), Brad Dick and Shannon Cox blooded with exciting results.
The rivalry between the two sides has not been as strong as it was in the early 1980s, though with the Tigers missing the eight on all bar two occasions since 1982; it’s been one which has proven difficult to ignite. However, the black blood between the two sides has been prevalent since the days of Jack Dyer, who legend has it refused to watch Black and White TV, and was claimed to have said that his first ‘sustained feeling of hatred’ was felt on the first occasion he walked in the gates of Victoria Park.
The X-Factors:
Collingwood: – Shane O'Bree: A late withdrawal last week, the Magpies suffered badly without the underrated O’Bree’s ability to extract the ball from the stoppages. His return to the side this week should be a key factor in adding bite to the midfield, particularly opposed to Nathan Foley.
Richmond: – Matthew Richardson: The lionhearted Tiger is still the main man at the Punt Road end, and should he have his boots fastened correctly, his side won’t be without a show.
Broadcast guide:
CLICK HERE for a full television and radio broadcast guide
The tip: Heart says Collingwood, head says Collingwood, and logic says Richmond is spent. But logic goes out the window in a two-horse race? Not in this case it does. Collingwood by 38 points.
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.
