Collingwood has three weeks to perfect a new-look attacking setup in time for finals, but statistics show losing key target Mason Cox could be a blessing in disguise.
Damning numbers show the season-ending injury to underperforming Mason Cox could be a blessing in disguise for Collingwood as coach Nathan Buckley prepares to unleash a smaller and more dynamic forward line.
The Magpies have three weeks to perfect a new-look set-up inside 50 before the finals, with Brody Mihocek to spearhead a forward mix of mostly smaller forwards.
He will be flanked by Jamie Elliott, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Travis Varcoe, Josh Thomas and Callum Brown against Melbourne tomorrow, while key pillars Jordan De Goey (hamstring) and Jaidyn Stephenson (suspension) should return for the finals.
Cox, who had been out of form before his eye injury, had been Collingwood’s main forward target this season, attracting 21.4 per cent of the ball going inside 50, but was rated only average for marks inside 50 (1.6 per game) and below average for groundball gets inside 50 (0.6).
It means the Magpies will be less predictable and forced to look for other options, including De Goey and Stephenson who are both rated elite for marks inside 50, while Stephenson is also rated elite for ground ball gets.
Mihocek, Elliott and Hoskin-Elliott are all rated above average for marks inside 50.
“We think we’ve picked a side that we can be pretty adaptable with,” Buckley said.
“The position we were in last year is exactly the same spot on the ladder with more guys unavailable and we were able to look after the last six or seven weeks of the season last year and give ourselves a real shot at it.
“We don’t see ourselves in too dissimilar a situation, really. It’s on us to make the most of the situation, to bring our best to the table.
“We’ll get some guys back, but with feel that whatever team we present is capable of getting the job done.”
The Magpies also need to find a support act for ace ruckman Brodie Grundy.
Midfielder Rupert Wills was used as the second ruckman last week but Buckley will use the final home-and-away rounds to find the best option.
“We want to win this game of football and we want to execute our football but we have a couple of weeks to work out what is going to be best for us to prepare for the rest of our campaign,” Buckley said.
“We have a few different ideas on what that looks like but we’ve got to explore that, we’ve got to chase it. We’re not just going to sit back and think that things are going to fall into place.
“We need to be proactive to find a balance that may even be better than one we’ve had in the past.”
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RECAP ALL TODAY'S FOOTY NEWS IN THE BLOG BELOW
ST KILDA v FREMANTLE
Saints – in: Steven, Hannebery, Acres, Newnes, Paton; out: Gresham, Langlands, Brown, Parker, McKenzie
Dockers – no changes
RICHMOND v CARLTON
Tigers – in: Nankervis, Stack; out: Soldo, Butler
Blues – in: Jones, Kreuzer, Thomas, McGovern; out: Goddard, Kennedy, Phillips, Schumacher
WEST COAST v ADELAIDE
Eagles – in: Cripps, Hutchings; out: Masten, Cameron
Crows – in: Jacobs, Out: O'Brien
Alastair Clarkson has taken his 'no long sleeves' rule to a new level in Canberra.
The temperature is forecast to drop below freezing later tonight as the Hawks battle GWS, with the possibility of snow during the match.
If any of his players were thinking of donning the long sleeves, he sent them a message during today's training run, running laps shirtless in remarkable footage captured by Channel 7.
– Damien Ratcliffe
Geelong premiership player Mitch Duncan says the feeling of a successful grand final week is something he wants his teammates to enjoy.
Duncan, who notches game 200 against North Melbourne tomorrow, reflected on a career to date full of luck, which has included plenty more wins than losses and a 2011 flag, albeit in a green vest.
Duncan was the Cats’ substitute player on that last Saturday in September against Collingwood, but made an early entry into the game when James Podsiadly’s afternoon was cut short.
“Obviously, it was a bad situation for Pods but I was probably pretty rapt to get on just before half-time, being able to get a full half in,” he said.
“I think it was only the second time I actually wore the sub vest. It was a shocking rule, I’ve got to say that, but being able to be there on the day was very special, probably something I take for granted a little bit looking back at it.
“Stevie (Johnson) had his injury he did in the prelim. Pretty early in the week I was told I was playing, but I didn’t know if I was going to be the sub or not. Scotty was really good like that. I think it was the Tuesday I found out I was going to play.
“I can’t really remember too much of the day to be honest, so it drives me to get there again for the likes of a Jordan Clark, Gryan Miers, Zach Tuohy or a Patrick Dangerfield, to get these blokes to experience the whole week, really.”
Duncan sits sixth in the competition for winning strike rate at 72.11 per cent, behind Harry Taylor, Daniel Menzel, Joel Selwood, Tom Barrass and Tom Hawkins, having won nearly three of every four games he’s played since 2010.
It’s played a major part in stopping the 28-year-old from ever wanting to return home to Perth.
“That success does help you stay around because it makes footy so much more fun I reckon, winning,” he said.
“I look at someone like a Nathan Jones compared to a Joel Selwood at the same time and the luck that you need as well.
“Falling at a club that’s a great organisation with great people and being able to string those wins together is crucial to your mental state sometimes as well.”
Duncan said he would reflect on his career milestones at a later date, but feels “indebted” to the club.
“Not many people play 200 games; I think it’s about 45 at this footy club that have done it and I’m not sure amongst the whole AFL world, but to be able to live my dream for as long as I have so far has been awesome and I thank the footy club for giving me that opportunity,” he said.
“I hope I can repay them in some way but I’ll always be indebted to them.”
– Damien Ratcliffe
Geelong premiership player Mitch Duncan says the feeling of a successful grand final week is something he wants his teammates to enjoy.
Duncan, who notches game 200 against North Melbourne tomorrow, reflected on a career to date full of luck, which has included plenty more wins than losses and a 2011 flag, albeit in a green vest.
Duncan was the Cats’ substitute player on that last Saturday in September against Collingwood, but made an early entry into the game when James Podsiadly’s afternoon was cut short.
“Obviously, it was a bad situation for Pods but I was probably pretty rapt to get on just before half-time, being able to get a full half in,” he said.
“I think it was only the second time I actually wore the sub vest. It was a shocking rule, I’ve got to say that, but being able to be there on the day was very special, probably something I take for granted a little bit looking back at it.
“Stevie (Johnson) had his injury he did in the prelim. Pretty early in the week I was told I was playing, but I didn’t know if I was going to be the sub or not. Scotty was really good like that. I think it was the Tuesday I found out I was going to play.
“I can’t really remember too much of the day to be honest, so it drives me to get there again for the likes of a Jordan Clark, Gryan Miers, Zach Tuohy or a Patrick Dangerfield, to get these blokes to experience the whole week, really.”
Duncan sits sixth in the competition for winning strike rate at 72.11 per cent, behind Harry Taylor, Daniel Menzel, Joel Selwood, Tom Barrass and Tom Hawkins, having won nearly three of every four games he’s played since 2010.
It’s played a major part in stopping the 28-year-old from ever wanting to return home to Perth.
“That success does help you stay around because it makes footy so much more fun I reckon, winning,” he said.
“I look at someone like a Nathan Jones compared to a Joel Selwood at the same time and the luck that you need as well.
“Falling at a club that’s a great organisation with great people and being able to string those wins together is crucial to your mental state sometimes as well.”
Duncan said he would reflect on his career milestones at a later date, but feels “indebted” to the club.
“Not many people play 200 games; I think it’s about 45 at this footy club that have done it and I’m not sure amongst the whole AFL world, but to be able to live my dream for as long as I have so far has been awesome and I thank the footy club for giving me that opportunity,” he said.
“I hope I can repay them in some way but I’ll always be indebted to them.”
Brisbane Lions star Harris Andrews says Brayden Crossley’s drug controversy that has embroiled Gold Coast will galvanize the Suns ahead of Saturday’s AFL derby.
Third-placed Brisbane is hot favourite to notch its eighth straight win when it lines up against dead-last Gold Coast at the Gabba.
But Andrews says complacency won’t be an issue.
He expects the Suns to come out firing after news broke on Thursday that Crossley had reportedly tested positive to cocaine and faces a four-year ban. The Suns on Thursday confirmed 19-year-old Crossley had produced an “adverse analytical finding” in a test that was believed to be taken after an NEAFL match in May.
Crossley has not played senior football this year after 10 matches for the Suns in his 2018 debut season, but Andrews expected the teenager to be firmly on the Gold Coast’s minds on Saturday.
“I am sure it will galvanize them, if anything,” Andrews said.
“I imagine they will be extremely united and bringing their best game. They will be coming hard against us.”
The Suns failed to offer a player to the media on Friday despite initially scheduling a press conference before the Crossley news broke.
Meanwhile, Andrews has confirmed Dayne Zorko will overcome hamstring tightness and lead the Lions on Saturday.
Deputy Andrews had been set to take over the Lions reins, even consulting Zorko on what he should say in his captain’s address.
However, his plans were scuppered when Zorko let him know in no uncertain terms that he would be running out against the Suns.
Asked if he would be captain, Andrews said: “Unfortunately not, I got stitched up.
“Zorks is right to go. I will have to wait for that day to come. "
– AAP
Brisbane Lions star Harris Andrews says Brayden Crossley’s drug controversy that has embroiled Gold Coast will galvanize the Suns ahead of Saturday’s AFL derby.
Third-placed Brisbane is hot favourite to notch its eighth straight win when it lines up against dead-last Gold Coast at the Gabba.
But Andrews says complacency won’t be an issue.
He expects the Suns to come out firing after news broke on Thursday that Crossley had reportedly tested positive to cocaine and faces a four-year ban. The Suns on Thursday confirmed 19-year-old Crossley had produced an “adverse analytical finding” in a test that was believed to be taken after an NEAFL match in May.
Crossley has not played senior football this year after 10 matches for the Suns in his 2018 debut season, but Andrews expected the teenager to be firmly on the Gold Coast’s minds on Saturday.
“I am sure it will galvanize them, if anything,” Andrews said.
“I imagine they will be extremely united and bringing their best game. They will be coming hard against us.”
The Suns failed to offer a player to the media on Friday despite initially scheduling a press conference before the Crossley news broke.
Meanwhile, Andrews has confirmed Dayne Zorko will overcome hamstring tightness and lead the Lions on Saturday.
Deputy Andrews had been set to take over the Lions reins, even consulting Zorko on what he should say in his captain’s address.
However, his plans were scuppered when Zorko let him know in no uncertain terms that he would be running out against the Suns.
Asked if he would be captain, Andrews said: “Unfortunately not, I got stitched up.
“Zorks is right to go. I will have to wait for that day to come. "
– AAP
The Teague Train is gathering momentum
– Jay Clark
St Kilda is closing in on a deal to land Hawthorn champion Jarryd Roughead in a key off-field role for next season.
The Saints have circled Roughead since February and are prepared to offer the premiership great a long-term deal.
Roughead, 32, recently toured the Saints’ Moorabbin facilities and met key officials in preparation for next year.
The Saints want Roughead to perform a multi-faceted role in the football department including coaching, welfare, leadership and list management duties.
While the Saints are officially remaining tight-lipped about his commitment, officials are excited about the prospect of securing one of the most respected players in the competition after a tumultuous year.
The Herald Sun revealed in June that St Kilda led the race for Roughead after flagging their strong interest in his services with his manager Craig Kelly in February.
Other clubs have also registered their interest but St Kilda has gone hard, believing he can make a strong impact on a young playing group under a new coach as part of a fresh start in 2020.
Gold Coast has also targeted teammate Shaun Burgoyne, while Western Bulldogs’ beloved veteran Dale Morris is also weighing up his options for next season.
Roughead’s premiership experience and relationship-building skills are being highly sought across the league and would be a massive boost for the Saints.
Roughead’s brilliant 282-game career is coming to an end, with the respected Hawk still waiting to hear whether he will be given a farewell game against Gold Coast next weekend at Marvel Stadium.
There will be outcry from Hawthorn’s fan base if the four-time premiership goal kicker isn’t given a final send-off game after spending the bulk of the season in the VFL.
Hawthorn’s board faces key talks with coach Alastair Clarkson at season’s end about the direction of the club including key list management decisions.
Some key figures at Hawthorn believe the club must be prepared to replenish the list with young players through the national draft after years of topping up with mature-age players through the trade and free agency periods.
Carlton is known to have a strong interest in Clarkson, but the premiership mastermind has said repeatedly he is not interested in a move.
Hawthorn champion Jason Dunstall said on Thursday he would be staggered if Roughead wasn’t given the chance to pull on the brown and gold one more time at the top level.
Roughead said he wants to stay in club land after he retires and has a strong interest in football operations and recruiting roles.
“I like that (space). I’m not a keen (senior) coach, I wouldn’t have thought,” Roughead said.
“For me the administration side of things, with my knowledge of American sports, with free agency and trading and trading of future picks, and stuff like that.
“I’ve done some footy administration and management courses though the AFL.”
Roughead’s signature would be a massive coup for St Kilda football manager Simon Lethlean, who has led the chase for the Coleman medalist after securing Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater last year.
– Jay Clark
St Kilda is closing in on a deal to land Hawthorn champion Jarryd Roughead in a key off-field role for next season.
The Saints have circled Roughead since February and are prepared to offer the premiership great a long-term deal.
Roughead, 32, recently toured the Saints’ Moorabbin facilities and met key officials in preparation for next year.
The Saints want Roughead to perform a multi-faceted role in the football department including coaching, welfare, leadership and list management duties.
While the Saints are officially remaining tight-lipped about his commitment, officials are excited about the prospect of securing one of the most respected players in the competition after a tumultuous year.
The Herald Sun revealed in June that St Kilda led the race for Roughead after flagging their strong interest in his services with his manager Craig Kelly in February.
Other clubs have also registered their interest but St Kilda has gone hard, believing he can make a strong impact on a young playing group under a new coach as part of a fresh start in 2020.
Gold Coast has also targeted teammate Shaun Burgoyne, while Western Bulldogs’ beloved veteran Dale Morris is also weighing up his options for next season.
Roughead’s premiership experience and relationship-building skills are being highly sought across the league and would be a massive boost for the Saints.
Roughead’s brilliant 282-game career is coming to an end, with the respected Hawk still waiting to hear whether he will be given a farewell game against Gold Coast next weekend at Marvel Stadium.
There will be outcry from Hawthorn’s fan base if the four-time premiership goal kicker isn’t given a final send-off game after spending the bulk of the season in the VFL.
Hawthorn’s board faces key talks with coach Alastair Clarkson at season’s end about the direction of the club including key list management decisions.
Some key figures at Hawthorn believe the club must be prepared to replenish the list with young players through the national draft after years of topping up with mature-age players through the trade and free agency periods.
Carlton is known to have a strong interest in Clarkson, but the premiership mastermind has said repeatedly he is not interested in a move.
Hawthorn champion Jason Dunstall said on Thursday he would be staggered if Roughead wasn’t given the chance to pull on the brown and gold one more time at the top level.
Roughead said he wants to stay in club land after he retires and has a strong interest in football operations and recruiting roles.
“I like that (space). I’m not a keen (senior) coach, I wouldn’t have thought,” Roughead said.
“For me the administration side of things, with my knowledge of American sports, with free agency and trading and trading of future picks, and stuff like that.
“I’ve done some footy administration and management courses though the AFL.”
Roughead’s signature would be a massive coup for St Kilda football manager Simon Lethlean, who has led the chase for the Coleman medalist after securing Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater last year.
– Jon Ralph and Jay Clark
The move that could get Stephen Coniglio to Carlton, suitors circle a North Melbourne star, will rivals pick of Tigers' depth players again plus more.
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