> Watch Mick Malthouse address the media in his weekly press conference
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse says the Western Bulldogs’ ability to maintain their pace and skill – while matching their rivals in the clinches – is what has helped them become a genuine contender for the AFL premiership.
Malthouse is under no illusions as to the task his fourth-placed team faces when it goes head-to-head with the Bulldogs at Docklands on Friday night.
The Bulldogs are third on the ladder and coming off an 88-point drubbing of reigning premier Hawthorn.
Malthouse says the success of Rodney Eade’s side should come as no surprise to footy fans, with 2009 the culmination of hard work from everyone at Whitten Oval.
“I think it’s just not a year; it’s been over several years that they’ve been able to perform at a fairly high level and generally that means that the side is maturing all the time,” Malthouse said after Collingwood training on Thursday.
While the Bulldogs’ quick ball movement and band of runners have long been an asset, their strength over the ball has also developed, allowing them to match teams that perhaps once might have had a distinct edge on them.
“What I’ve seen about the Western Bulldogs is the maturity of their players coming through,” Malthouse said.
“Now they’ve got the bigger bodies and they’ve maintained their skill level, so now they’re able to compete more often against the bigger sides and have a better outcome.
“So that’s what makes them dangerous, that they’ve still got that level of skill but they’re highly competitive in close.”
Just how good the Doggies – and indeed the Magpies – are remains a point of discussion.
While many in the football world still believe St Kilda and Geelong rate above many of their rivals, Malthouse knows not to get too carried away with records.
“Well I try not to get caught up in length of runs,” he said.
“If you look at the last month … their [the Bulldogs’] form is as good as anyone.”
As for his own side, the veteran coach was pleased with his men whom he said were “building”. But he knows further improvement must come.
“You’re never totally satisfied; if you’re satisfied in this game you’ve got a few problems,” he said.
The coach gave nothing away regarding team selection ahead of the round 15 blockbuster but hinted he and his coaching team were considering changes.
Asked whether star forward Paul Medhurst, who has struggled with injury and game time this year, had done enough to retain his place in the side Malthouse offered: “We’re weighing up our options at the moment.
“We’ll pick our best side as we always do and what gets picked gets picked and what falls out, falls out,” he said.
Irishman Marty Clarke is another believed to be in contention after displaying good form at VFL level.
