AFL Grand Final Preview: Collingwood
Last updated: Sep 27, 2018, 7:22AM | Published: Sep 27, 2018, 5:38AM
What an incredible twelve month turn around it has been for Collingwood.
This time last year, Nathan Buckley's job was on the line, with the club undergoing a heavy internal review of the football department to figure out how to maximise it's assets on and off the field.
Fast forward 12 months, and the club is on the verge of a stunning Grand Final appearance - even going in as favourites. Jordan De Goey and Mason Cox form an unlikely yet formidable forward duo, with De Goey emerging as a true superstar of the competition in 2018.
Jeremy Howe, Tom Langdon and their defensive counterparts have battled injuries all season but held firm in defence, whilst the Magpies midfield is as deep as any in the entire competition. They've shown they can replicate Richmond's manic pressure style, and when it mattered, they bettered it.
How Did They Get Here?
Collingwood started the season with back-to-back defeats, and showed their potential only in flashes in the first half of the season, struggling for real consistency. All season long the Magpies struggled for that season-defining, signature win. Last week though, they got it.
The Pies tore apart season-long Premiership favourites, Richmond, in a blistering performance, beating them at their own game, displaying a dominating performance unlike any seen this season. The game was over at halftime, as they ran riot on the Tigers' Premiership hopes.
Key Factors and Numbers
Collingwood has been one of the most balanced outfits in the AFL, ranking 3rd in attack and 8th in defence despite their incredible tally of injuries this season.
Their midfield is one of the envies of the competition, ranking:
- 3rd in contested possessions
- 4th in disposal efficiency
- 3rd in hitouts
- 4th in clearances
- 7th in tackles
They've shown an ability to be flexible with personnel, like Richmond in 2017, abling the "next man up" to thrive despite injuries to key players.
There is a huge contrast in the Eagles run-and-gun style, compared to the Magpies manic, chaotic pressure game. If the Magpies are to win they need to make their mark on the game and force the Eagles to adjust their gameplan. If West Coast are allowed to do as they please, the floodgates will open.
Chris Mayne's defensive forward deployment on Jeremy McGovern after the first quarter of their qualifying final will be crucial, and expect the same to happen again on Saturday. McGovern had 4 intercept marks in the first quarter, but only 1 after Mayne moved onto him.
Ruckman Brodie Grundy's ability to be an extra midfielder at ground level will also play a huge part in deciding whether he can better the two-man ruck combination of Scott Lycett and Nathan Vardy. The Eagles ruckmen had their way with Max Gawn last week, and they'll have had all week to gameplan on how to do the same with Grundy.
West Coast have gotten the better of Collingwood twice already this year, but this Magpies side might have discovered it's true potential in last week's win over Richmond. If they can ride the wave of momentum that win created, it might overwhelm the Eagles and deliver the Pies first Premiership since 2010.
