Where and when: Docklands, Friday, May 1, 7.40pm AEST
Head to head: North Melbourne 48 wins, Collingwood 98 wins, two draws
Last time: North Melbourne 17.12 (114) d Collingwood 14.12 (96), round 16, 2008, at Docklands
MISSING IN ACTION
Collingwood
Heath Shaw (hamstring) - test
Alan Didak (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks
John McCarthy (hamstring) - 1 week
Sean Rusling (shoulder) - 2-4 weeks
Ben Johnson (broken leg) - 4-5 weeks
SUMMARY
There’s a lot at stake for so early in the season for these two teams. Both are 2-3 after five rounds and another loss would leave one side with a rather sick win-loss ratio. North Melbourne has a good recent record against the Pies but has a mounting injury toll.
Collingwood’s season has also had its woes thus far. The Pies enjoyed a gritty win against the Brisbane Lions but, after seemingly having their Anzac Day clash with Essendon won, they went to sleep. Their 2-3 return for the year could easily be far better had it not been for missed opportunities. They have the talent, but need their bigger-name players to step up. Coach Mick Malthouse is likely to get back a couple of stars this week, but he’ll be hoping for more from the likes of Travis Cloke and Dale Thomas.
Dean Laidley’s side hasn’t looked in good nick this year. Despite winning a couple of matches the Roos just haven’t clicked. They’ve lacked their usual zip, while the hope around David Hale and Drew Petrie in attack hasn’t yet come to fruition. Hale, in particular, has looked out of sorts except for the win over Essendon. Youngsters such as Jack Ziebell, Andrew Swallow and Gavin Urquhart continue to impress but the Roos desperately need to find a smoother path to goal.
QUESTION MARKS
How will Josh Fraser respond to the barrage of criticism he has copped this week?
With no Brent Harvey, Daniel Wells and Matt Campbell, will the Kangaroos be able to match Collingwood at ground level?
Travis Cloke hasn’t lived up to his pre-season form so far this season. But with impressive young Roo Lachie Hansen missing with injury, will this be the night he makes his mark on 2009?
WHAT THEY SAID
“It’s always going to be tough to play against North Melbourne. We’ve got an enormous amount of respect for Dean Laidley as a coach. He’s very shrewd, tactically, and he always comes up with a very good game style against us, so we expect a tough battle. No matter how the sides are going on the ladder it’s always tough against North.”
- Assistant coach Brad Scott
VFL
Where and when: Collingwood v North Ballarat, Saturday May 2, Visy Park, 2pm
SUMMARY
Collingwood’s VFL team is likely to have a strong list to choose from given the return of some senior stars to Mick Malthouse’s side.
The VFL team is 2-1 after enjoying good wins against Geelong (round one) and the Bendigo Bombers last week. On Saturday they meet reigning premier North Ballarat and will hope that their younger players continue to show good form.
Coach Gavin Brown says:
“Steele Sidebottom, who’s been playing in the middle, is one that’s been pretty impressive.
“Kevin Dyas, our Irish recruit, played only his second game back from his hamstring injury last week and he played a terrific game. He’s really stepping up, so he’s one to watch out for. He’s been showing some terrific signs playing down back as a small defender, picking up those small forwards.
“Johnny Bennell is back and he kicked three goals last week. He’s a very exciting sort of player, while Jarrad Blight played his first game of senior footy last week and he was terrific, so he’s another of our younger guys who looks to be coming along well.”
