Mick Malthouse: The similarities and key differences between Collingwood and Adelaide ahead of MCG clash

Collingwood play a style of footy that most resembles modern English test cricket - keep throwing it around until something breaks. And it is scary to opposition teams.

In round 7 when these two sides clashed, Adelaide jumped the gun for a 22-point quarter-time lead. Collingwood got in front with seconds to go when Steele Sidebottom kicked a point, to win.

The Crows went into survival mode, spooked by the reputation of the Magpies as strong finishers, and it cost them the match.

There was no wind advantage, yet Collingwood piled on 3.6 to 1.1 in the final term with that never-say-die-we’ll-throw-everything-at-you attitude.

You can draw a parallel to the Ashes series, where “Bazball” is the Craig McRae line of thinking: we’ll keep throwing it around until something breaks. It has served the Magpies so well that opposition teams are waiting for something to happen instead of playing like Australia did against England in the last Test, where they played to their strengths and took the Bazball game on and won.

Melbourne did that against Collingwood last week. Adelaide must rue the fact they got too caught up in the Pies’ hype last time.

The Crows will know better on Sunday.

Crows captain after the round 7 loss to Collingwood at Adelaide Oval. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos

Steele Sidebottom’s last-minute behind was the difference that afternoon. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

Playing at MCG there is already a distinct advantage for the Magpies, but although they are currently second on the ladder due to the bye and the Crows are eighth, there is not a lot that separates them except for game styles.

Adelaide’s average list age is 23, Collingwood’s is 24. Average games played for Adelaide is 58, Collingwood 80.

The Crows rely heavily on Taylor Walker who is in terrific form, but will be up against the best fullback in the comp in Darcy Moore. Workhorse Brody Mihocek, who kicked 3 goals last time round, is clearly the go-to man at the Pies. The average points for favours Adelaide, 95 compared to 92.

So, the difference in consistency.

Collingwood’s game plan and structure is predictable, reliable, and highly energetic.

Adelaide, on the other hand, has some fabulous moments, but just when you think it has it all together, it gets swamped and smashed by the Western Bulldogs by falling away dramatically in the second half of the game.

Taylor Walker will have Darcy Moore to contend with on Sunday. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

The youth of both teams is very attractive. Nick Daicos, Jack Ginnivan, Bobby Hill, Beau McCreery, and Isaac Quaynor are so inspiring, it’s almost worth going just to watch them. There are no bigheads there, they just get on with the job.

I’m equally as impressed with Jordan Dawson as Crows’ captain, Darcy Fogarty, Riley Thilthorpe, Izak Rankine, Josh Rachele, Jake Soligo, Jordon Butts, and Max Michalanney, just to name a few. We know Rankine and his goal scoring capabilities, but the others are still fairly fresh to the scene.

I called Matthew Nicks a couple of years ago when the Crows were in real trouble, and he was deemed almost an interim coach until they could get all their kids together. But he has proven to be astute, well-grounded, and coaches a game style that is for finals footy.

Magpies young guns Isaac Quaynor and Nick Daicos. Picture: Michael Klein

The Crows kids, including Jake Soligo and Josh Rachele, are just as impressive. Picture: Sarah Reed

There is no bigger challenge for Adelaide than to play at the colosseum, which the Pies fans will turn the MCG into. It is not only a test of football quality, but the ability to withstand the pressure and huge expectations.

If the Crows can stand up, win, lose or draw, and the kids can revel in this top-end game on the big stage, all vies well for a fling at the eight for Adelaide this year.

The Pies will be left disappointed with last week. I thought the scoreboard was flattering because Melbourne was definitely the better team. But Collingwood don’t play to the clock, and that’s what scares most sides into submission.

The result will depend on if Collingwood can rebound, or if Adelaide can withstand the gladiatorial-type pressure coming at them. Who does best, wins.

Originally published as Mick Malthouse: The similarities and key differences between Collingwood and Adelaide ahead of MCG clash