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Sorry Apple, Windows 8 ushers in the post-post-PC era

By: Zach Epstein | Sep 13th, 2011 at 03:25PM

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Filed Under: Featured, Opinions

Microsoft executives took to the stage at the annual BUILD developer conference on Tuesday to give the world its first real look at the future of the Windows operating system. The reception, as you’ve likely read by now, has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, Apple bloggers were apparently so flustered by the platform that they resorted to bombarding Twitter with jokes about cooling fans and Silverlight instead of stopping for a moment to realize that Microsoft is showing us the future of computing. The PC was the future, and it let people perform functions they never thought possible. Then the tablet was the future, and it let people interact with content in ways they never thought possible. Now, the future means all things to all people. Read on for more.

I’ve mentioned it before on several occasions, but the point is much easier to make now that Microsoft has given the world a better look at its vision of the near-term future of computing. PCs are not going away. They will continue to be the primary means of computing for business and consumers alike. Tablets are not going away, either. They will continue to provide a much more intuitive way to interact with a consumer electronics device. Microsoft’s vision, however, unifies these devices.

One platform to rule them all. The technology exists to enable users to carry a single device that is as portable and usable as a tablet, but also as powerful and capable as a PC. It has a battery that can last all day, but it can also run Photoshop, Excel and Outlook. It can weigh next to nothing and slip into a slim case, but it can also power two monitors and run proprietary enterprise software.

When Windows 8 is finally bestowed upon the masses, each and every user will have Apple to thank. Windows 8 as we’re seeing it today would never have existed if competition from the iPad — and the iPhone before it — had not illuminated a giant light bulb over all of our heads: platforms can be both capable and intuitive. Apple’s iOS is the most fluid, logical, user friendly mass-market platform in the world, and it has forced the competition to look at products in a new light. Companies have been incredibly slow to adapt, however, and that is why Apple is currently the biggest tech company in the world.

But the iPad was only the beginning.

Apple paved the way but Microsoft will get there first with Windows 8. A tablet that can be as fluid and user friendly as the iPad but as capable as a Windows laptop. A tablet that can boot in under 10 seconds and fire up a full-scale version of Adobe Dreamweaver a few moments later. A tablet that can be slipped into a dock to instantly become a fully capable touch-enabled laptop computer. This is Microsoft’s vision with Windows 8, and this is what it will deliver.

People debate it all the time, but the simple fact is that “real work” is significantly more difficult to do on the iPad or on an Android tablet than it is on a Windows or Mac PC. Debate all you want. Android and iOS apps are dumbed down and infinitely less capable, typing is on a tablet is a pain in the ass unless you carry a Bluetooth keyboard, and the experience as a whole is severely limited.

We are not living in a “post-PC” era today any more than we were on January 26th, 2010, the day before Apple unveiled the magical iPad. Apple would love a post-PC era, of course, since personal computers no longer represent the bulk of the company’s revenue, but Microsoft is showing us that there is a better way. And that better way, as it turns out, is a PC.

Down the road, Mac OS and iOS will merge into a single platform or OS X will adopt enough iOS-like characteristics that Apple will finally be comfortable with slapping it on a touch-enabled device. Lion is the beginning of this process, though I sincerely hope future iterations offer less resistance. At that point in time, Apple will be able to offer a computing solution that is infinitely more versatile and capable than the company’s current solutions. A solution like Windows 8.

If the iPad ushered in the post-PC era, then welcome to the post-post-PC era.

A POSTCARD from Dane Swan, received this week by his coach.

Dear Mick,

First up I want to thank you for this tremendous opportunity to fly to the US. While I know people like to say that the Pies never travel, this was one heck of a way to shatter that myth.

Probably our first win was getting out of Melbourne airport before that Chilean volcano kept the flights grounded.

I saw that Richmond and Essendon got stuck in Sydney and Perth but given the way the Bombers played, I'm sure their fans are quite content to leave them on the other side of the country.

Anyway, you're no doubt keen to hear about this altitude camp in Arizona that myself, Darren Jolly, Brent Macaffer and Nathan Brown are undertaking. First thing I can tell you is that it certainly beats running up the Dandenongs in winter!

I was hoping it'd mainly involve tours of old-school western towns and playing Duelling Banjos with Browny but our sports scientist has had us training almost every day in blazing heat. Not exactly something I'm accustomed to in the middle of June.

I saw you mention we'd been in contact while I was away via the "power of the Internet" which was nice. Hope that Skype chat wasn't took spooky for you but you're welcome to follow me on Twitter if you'd prefer the conversation to be a bit more concise.

In the meantime, given we'll be out training again tomorrow, I was hoping you could see if I've kept my spot in Greatest Team of All. I know I'm on a bit of an extended break from real AFL action, but my numbers were still very much in the elite level until last week.

Speaking of numbers, can you believe the vein of form that Gary Ablett is in? So much for the idea that he'd cop a brutal tag each week given the thinner spread of talent in the Suns' midfield.

If his opponents are sending numbers at him to slow the little master down, it isn't showing. An injury-free Gazza is just carrying on doing what he does best, racking up a ton of quality possessions. Someone told me he's averaging more than 35 touches a game in the past month.

I heard his old teammate Joel Selwood got four weeks for that swipe at Brent Guerra from Hawthorn. Four weeks is a fair break so I guess Joel's likely to get a rest from Greatest Team of All and may be in doubt for All Australian selection.

I'm trying not to feel too hurt by the fact that our boys looked like they didn't miss my midfield drive at all in Monday's demolition of the Demons. Tell Sharrod Wellingham not to get too comfortable. Myself and Dale Thomas will be back in that midfield straight after the bye and you know how good our record against the Swans is in Sydney.

I saw that Harry O got to meet the Dalai Lama, which must have been fantastic for our favourite defender. I guess the protocols for paying a due sense of respect and deference to a spiritual figure were probably pretty similar to the ritual our boys undertake when they meet Eddie McGuire.

Anyway, must sign off now. Macaffer's just come up with yet another LeBron James choking joke and I'm keen to hear it.

Thanks in advance for checking Greatest Team of All for me - even a spot on the bench would be fantastic.

Cheers

Dane Swan

 

One for the Pie Fans.

Collingwood (2nd, 1st)

WHAT'S GONE RIGHT: The Andrew Krakouer experiment, along with Leon Davis's move to defence. Travis Cloke is kicking straight (29.17), Dale Thomas continues to improve and Scott Pendlebury churns along at the same, high level. Heath Shaw, too, has had an outstanding season.

WHAT'S GONE WRONG: Nathan Brown's knee injury, along with the long-term absence of captain Nick Maxwell after a serious internal injury, left the Magpies a little softer at the back. Dane Swan, who sets such high marks for himself, has not been at full tilt.

THE COACH: Mick Malthouse has a chance to go out with a bang in his final year with a fourth AFL premiership. The only question to be answered is whether he has a move to another club in him?

SURPRISE: That Leon Davis could be dropped for the replayed grand final last year led to many drawn conclusions about his future. Davis, 29, went away and got himself fit, accepted the club's suggestion of a move to a running defender's spot, and thrived.

DISAPPOINTMENT: Alan Didak played out the finals last year with a torn pectoral muscle and his slightly subdued form was excusable. Six months on, he hasn't been the game-breaking player he can be.

THE STAT: The Magpies have won the contested possession count in all 11 games — recording a +10 differential in all but one match.

THE DRAW: A testing run home with four road trips after this round's bye and six games against top-eight teams.

From todays Age.

IT HAS been 30 years since Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon and Richmond truly constituted ''the big four''. In the pivotal season of 1981, Carlton and Collingwood played off in one of their storied grand finals, while the Bombers began their revival under a determined ex-Richmond back pocket.

Richmond was the reigning premier that year, yet somehow missed the finals - triggering the sacking of 1980 premiership coach Tony Jewell. The Tigers would rebound to reach the grand final in 1982, but a self-destructive impulse was in train; by the time Jewell was exhumed to coach the Tigers in 1986, they'd buried a further three coaches.

Collingwood fans celebrate another victory. Photo: Craig Sillitoe

Today, Collingwood is the titleholder, having finally become the behemoth everyone feared. Carlton and Essendon are taking flight after uncharacteristic stints in the ladder's lower reaches. Even the Tigers are on the road to respectability after the best part of three decades in the gutter.

''In the end, I think Collingwood have set a real benchmark for the other clubs,'' said AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, when asked about his old club Carlton's brand strength. ''I think all the other clubs basically have fallen a bit behind them, and they've all got to look at that and say you know, 'Why aren't I in that position. What do I have to do to get there?'''

Fitzpatrick captained the Blues in the 1981 and 1982 premierships; his Carlton teams conquered Collingwood in grand finals twice and Richmond once. The AFL chief knows first-hand what the competition feels like when the bigger clubs rumble, albeit he played in an era of packed suburban grounds and standing room. ''And they hadn't limited the drinking at that stage either [for spectators],'' he said of his formative years.

But Carlton did have a specific drinking prohibition, as the then young ruckman and Rhodes Scholar discovered in his first season. ''When I got there in '75, the team to beat that year was really the Tigers … the policy then was not to drink with them after the game, because of the [Neil] Balme incident a couple of years before. And that was the only club we didn't drink with, and which I found out because I got hauled out of the drinks with the Richmond guys. One of the blokes came and got me and said, 'We don't drink with them'.

''All the other clubs [were] not a problem but the Balme incident had really sort of impacted on them, because [Geoff] Southby was held in such a high regard at Carlton.''

The relevant incident was the felling of champion full-back Southby by Balme, now a genial football operations manager at Geelong, in the 1973 grand final, won by a revved-up Richmond.

In Fitzpatrick's 150-game career at Carlton, the Blues never missed the finals. The Bombers, underwhelming in the '70s, began their transformation into an '80s superpower under Kevin Sheedy in '81. Fittingly, it is a tough ex-Bomber back pocket and Sheedy graduate who has been commissioned with the Richmond revival project.

After failing with outsiders as coach, both Essendon and Carlton have looked inward, the Blues to Brett Ratten, an ex-teammate of president Stephen Kernahan. The Bombers managed to persuade a dual premiership coach (Mark Thompson) to accept a supporting role to James Hird, plunging millions into their coaching panel in the club's version of a fiscal stimulus package. Sean Wellman, Dean Wallis and Danny Corcoran were others with Essendon pedigrees enlisted by Hird.

''It wasn't just a matter of bringing Essendon people back,'' observed club great Tim Watson, a Hird and Thompson confidant whose son Jobe has been instrumental in Essendon's restoration. ''It was bringing the right people back.''

Essendon, the last big four club to be humbled by football's socialism, has played finals just once since 2004. Carlton fell on far harder times in the noughties, severely weakened by a third world debt and draft penalties, while the Tigers have twice risen like a souffle to preliminary finals in 1995 and 2001, but otherwise been mired in ineptitude since an '80s recruiting war with Collingwood sent them (and the Pies) broke.

Despite these recent struggles, Fitzpatrick says he never lost confidence in the capacity of the big Melbourne clubs. ''You'd have to say in a couple of cases, it's been longer than one might have expected. But they're big clubs with a lot of support and in the end there's enough good people who are supporters and so on who in the end are going to help drive the club to improve.

''So, I've got to say, they tend to be less of a problem for us than the poorly supported clubs.''

Fitzpatrick's alma mater became a serious problem for the AFL in the mid-2000s. History's judgment is that the AFL commission's 2002 decision to strip them of draft picks - starting with Brendon Goddard and Daniel Wells - for salary cap cheating set them back years. Fitzpatrick, who was not on the commission when the tough call was made, was not surprised the Blues were slow to recover.

''I thought given the scale of the penalties, it was going to take a long time,'' said the chairman.

In a sense, the big four is a false construct, since it is based only upon the perceived size of clubs' supporter bases, rather than results. The Blues, Pies, Dons and Tigers have not participated in the same finals series since 1973. Hawthorn, which has 50,000-plus members (8500 or so in Tasmania), has won 10 flags in 50 years and can bring decent crowds to the MCG, has strong grounds for inclusion in the big four.

That said, that the Tigers have managed to retain box office appeal, despite seeing only five minutes of September sunshine over 29 years, is testament to their underlying support.

Watson has detected more excitement and interest in SEN talkback this year, as the bigger clubs stir. ''It seems to have risen to another level.'' He felt that it was Richmond, the long dormant volcano, that had cranked up the callers most. ''I'm astounded by the support that they have.''

Had Damien Hardwick's team beaten Port Adelaide in Darwin, then each of the four foes would have held a position in the eight at the end of round 10. While the Tigers couldn't keep their part of the bargain, their victory over Essendon seven days earlier before 83,000 was a potent portent of what happens when all of the big four are up and about.

The AFL, certainly, won't have to worry about ticket sales or ratings this September, given that Collingwood is a lock for the top four, the Blues look likely to join them and the Bombers are well positioned. The less mature Tigers mightn't make it, but if they could bring the yellow and black ''beehive'' to the stands this spring, Melbourne truly would buzz.

On present trends - and little can be taken for granted in an equalised competition - Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon and Richmond should be in the top half the ladder simultaneously soon. This should be a boon for the league's coffers and welcomed by the television networks.

Eddie McGuire reckons the success of Melbourne's bigger clubs could not have been better timed, since it will help bankroll the AFL's expansion in Queensland and New South Wales.

''The knock-on effect of the big clubs turning up with big crowds is absolutely enormous and for the long-term future of the competition,'' said McGuire, whose Magpies have generated $13 million in membership revenue alone this year. ''For the next five years that the Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney are bedding down, it just gives the AFL almost another fund to be able to keep the rest of the competition going. The media rights and the ratings all going through the roof - in the right direction at the very least - and, you know, underwrite the competition.''

McGuire said ''you can chuck Hawthorn in as the fifth Beatle in recent times'' with Geelong and St Kilda also enabling strong crowds. He observed that when ''all the big sides are going and attendances are up'', the stadium returns improve and then ''there's a drink for everybody''.

Well, not necessarily everybody. If the cycle favours the better-supported Melbourne clubs, the pressure for equalisation - for the Doggies, Demons, North and Port in particular to receive greater assistance - will only intensify. Fixturing becomes increasingly political.

Just five years ago, Andrew Demetriou voiced a fear that what ailed Victorian clubs might not be just cyclical. ''When I first came on the commission, a couple of years in, there were virtually no Victorian sides in the top four,'' said Fitzpatrick. ''Victoria had only two or three in the eight. I do think it's quite cyclical. I think the moment Andrew said that we were starting to get worried about that uneveness, from really that moment on the Victorian sides started to perform well. It's just a matter of looking at it at a point in time.''

At this point, in year one of the Suns, it is the Victorian giants - roused or rampaging - that are having their moment in the sun.

It's always going to be this way when the big Victorian teams are at the top.

This will be my last preview for six weeks while I take a mid-season holiday in Europe. I’m leaving on Friday, so will not get to see the game, but I will be listening to it online from a hotel room in London.

Fresh from a 123-point thumping of the Western Bulldogs, the Eagles are full of confidence and run. In the round prior, West Coast also disposed of Fremantle by 33 points in the Western Derby. Credit must be given to John Worsfold who was under the pump at the beginning of the year but has galvanised his team. Worsfold endured a tough time, having to rebuild his side and change its culture. I get the feeling that he has ridden the tough waves and is now coaching freely with a side that has plenty of potential.

Any side that runs out a game with momentum generally carries that into the next round. If that is the case, then Sunday’s game is a mouth-watering prospect. Collingwood kicked 11 goals in the last quarter, whilst the Eagles kicked 10. It shows that both sides are extremely fit and have the ability to score heavily and quickly.

Collingwood needs to start playing four quarters of footy. Perhaps the second half of last week was an indication that the Magpies have now flicked the switch and will revert back to their dominant best. If Collingwood does not come out with greater intensity this week, it may be in for a real wake-up call from a side that is tackling and pressuring with urgency.

Recent History
Collingwood has won the previous four encounters between these two sides. The last clash was in round fourteen last year where the Magpies won by a whopping 83 points. It was perhaps Darren Jolly’s real breakout game for his new club, rucking pretty much solo against Cox and Naitanui and kicking four goals. He polled the three votes. Alan Didak blew the roof off Etihad stadium with three thrilling back-to-back goals to go along with a 28-possession game. His efforts polled him the two votes. Dane Swan polled one vote with a lazy 38 disposals and two goals. For West Coast, Matthew Priddis had 30 disposals and Mark Le Cras kicked three goals.

A Look at Collingwood
It was a tale of two halves last week for Collingwood. There is no doubt that the Magpies are suffering from a few injuries to key players. Malthouse is also experimenting with the interchange bench as well as trying players in different positions. Nevertheless, the tackling pressure has been well down for a few weeks now. Last year, Collingwood was clearly the best tackling side in the competition. This year, it is ranked twelfth for total tackles. West Coast is currently ranked fifth.

Running Hot - Dale Thomas
It is the third week in a row I’ve paid tribute to the form of Dale Thomas. He was the spark last week when the side was losing, and he was also the player who got the Magpies back into the game against Geelong. Last week, Thomas played a complete game, picking up 24 disposals, 8 marks, 7 tackles and 2 goals. His torpedo from outside 50 was a sign that he is full of confidence in his own ability. With Pendlebury and Swan slightly down over the past fortnight, it has been Dale Thomas who has taken charge in the middle. He may get the matchup on Adam Selwood this week.

Back in Form - Luke Ball
In last week’s preview, I made comment that Luke Ball’s output was slightly down against Geelong and that he would be looking to bounce back against Adelaide. He didn’t disappoint either, picking up 25 touches and two goals. Importantly, he also laid 7 tackles. This week, he will go head to head with Priddis around the stoppages and will have a vital role considering Collingwood is short in the ruck stocks and he will have to crumb a lot to Dean Cox.

Welcome Back - John McCarthy & Dayne Beams
Beams and McCarthy have been fighting for selection in the VFL for a few weeks now and got their chance to impress last week. Both figured prominently, picking up 21 and 20 disposals respectively. Both also kicked a goal and laid four tackles. Malthouse will be very keen to continue to play McCarthy in particular as the team needs players who are desperate to impress and will bring a really intense mindset into matches. Fresh faces can liven up the team, and McCarthy has done the hard yards at VFL level to earn his spot. He was a late inclusion last week for Leigh Brown and I hope he maintains his spot.

The Destroyer - Dane Swan
Dane Swan has particularly feasted on the West Coast Eagles in recent years, picking up 38, 36, 36 and 38 disposals in his last four games. However, he has had a quieter fortnight and also picked up a corky last week against Adelaide. He loves playing at the MCG and should again figure prominently this week.

Beginning to settle in - Andrew Krakouer
Krakouer’s last few games have been impressive. His match last week in particular was very good considering he kicked three goals which all came at a time when Collingwood needed them. He really lifted his work-rate and ran out the game well. He will continue to prove a handful for all opponents this year.

The Swingman?? - Chris Tarrant
Malthouse experimented with Tarrant up forward last week. It proved successful as he kicked two goals and also had a hand in a third. I would expect him to go back into defence this week, considering the form of the West Coast forward line

A Look at West Coast
Watching the Eagles last week was like watching the Magpies in the preliminary final against Geelong last year. Tackling has been a feature, as has been the run and spread from turnovers. Despite winning by 123 points last week and dominating possession, the Eagles still out-tackled their opponent, finishing the game with 81 tackles. However, it is still very early in the season and West Coast has a lot of young players in the side. The real test for the Eagles will be sustaining this level of intensity for the rest of the year.

This is particularly the case when the Eagles travel to Melbourne. West Coast has only played in Victoria once this year, at Etihad Stadium for a loss against Essendon. It also lost to Hawthorn at Aurora stadium. The only interstate win this year was at AAMi Stadium against Port Adelaide. I suppose it is going to take a win in Victoria to convince the football public that the Eagles are the real deal in 2011. Nonetheless, West Coast possesses one of the most dangerous forward lines on paper and the forward press Worsfold has employed in 2011 suits the team perfectly.

10 of the Best - Josh Kennedy
When a player kicks 10 goals against a side, which has made three preliminary finals in a row, he gets a write up in my weekly article. However, what has impressed me most about Kennedy is his willingness to tackle and defend, and also sacrifice his game to make contests or lead high up the ground to provide a target. Along with Chris Dawes, Kennedy would be one of the best inside 50 tacklers in the competition and his work rate sets the tone for the team. This week, he will face a tougher test against Chris Tarrant who will likely swing back into defence to take the match-up.

The Ruck Advantage - Dean Cox & Nic Naitanui
Considering Collingwood is without Darren Jolly, the Eagles will consider the ruck to be a huge area of advantage this weekend. The Pies were again smashed in the hitouts last week 63-29. Naitanui is limited in the amount of ruckwork he can do due to a shoulder injury, however his influence around the ground has still been telling. Dean Cox is back to his absolute best form and he is partnering up beautifully again with Daniel Kerr. He had 23 disposals, 33 hitouts and boated two goals last week. Winning out of the centre is the crucial component when trying to set up a forward press, and Dean Cox gives his team first use more often than not.

Return of the Veterans
I’ve already alluded to Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr, but their form alongside Darren Glass and Andrew Embley has been a major reason why the Eagles have been so resurgent in 2011. I think everyone forgot how good these four can be. Embley in particular has been brilliant this year and must be in All Australian contention playing in a variety of roles around the ground. He is averaging 25 disposals a game and nearly two goals as well which is impressive considering he is often used across half back. Darren Glass has also regained his touch and has been marshalling a young defence well. He is still one of the toughest players to move in a one on one contest.  Also, don’t underestimate the value of Quentin Lynch who was seemingly out of favour last year but has re-established himself as a real force in the forward line.

The Shuey fits - Luke Shuey
Sorry for the lame heading, but I am a huge Luke Shuey fan. I have been for a few years now and have been disappointed to see him receive so many injuries at the start of his career. However, he is finally fully fit and is reaping the benefits of been able to play consistent footy. He was magical last week, picking up 27 disposals, 8 tackles and kicking 5 goals. His delivery inside 50 was really good and he gives his side a Thomas-like spark. I was amazed to see on Footy Classified on Monday night that only Garry Lyon rated Shuey as the favourite for the NAB Rising Star Award. I would have thought that he would be the favourite. He is definitely one to watch this week, and may go head to head with Sharrod Wellingham who is also coming off a three goal game.

The Miracle Return - Mark Le Cras
It looked as if his season was over earlier in the year after he suffered what looked like a serious groin injury. However, he returned quickly and is now back to his damaging best. He kicked three goals last week, but what was most notable was the fact that he started the game in the midfield. He picked up 29 disposals along with six tackles. It shows that he is fully fit and ready to take his game to a new level.

The Star Rookie - Jack Darling
Darling has been such a surprise packet in 2011 and has already established himself as a vital component of the West Coast forward line. Despite concerns over his attitude, height and form in the under 18’s, Darling’s strength and work rate make him a real force. He is not afraid to hit experienced players, nor does he shy away from any marking contests. There is no doubt that if last year’s draft was redone now, he would be a top five pick.

The Wrap-Up
I’m going to stick with Collingwood this week purely because it plays the MCG better than anyone. If West Coast wins this game, then I will definitely start tipping them in Victoria, but for now I have to stick with the reigning premiers at home.

The ruck is a huge concern. If the Eagles can continually win the centre clearances and stoppages, their forward press is good enough to really concern the Magpies. Cloke and Dawes may concern the Eagles defence, along with the endless supply of goal-kicking options. I still think Collingwood has a much deeper midfield and a more solid defence. However, momentum and confidence is a marvellous thing and the Eagles bring plenty of it across this week.

Pies by 15

By David Natoli
Aka DaVe86

Collingwoodfc.com.au has enlisted David Natoli aka DaVe86 to write this year's match previews.  David writes what are arguably, the most popular Magpie previews published on the internet.  This is his second season writing for the club website.  Please note his views are not of the clubs but of a passionate, knowledgeable member of the Magpie Army.

My round nine preview this week focuses on the Sunday afternoon clash between Collingwood and Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.

Much has been said about Collingwood’s first loss against Geelong on Friday night. Many believe it is ‘the loss it had to have’. Others saw it as a positive that the Magpies came so close to winning despite playing below their best. A few even looked it at as a sign that there are holes in the armour.

Personally, Geelong outplayed Collingwood on the night. Although there was a controversial decision late in the game which may have influenced the result, the Magpies were beaten all over the field and a win under those circumstances was probably not in the team’s best interests. At least Collingwood knows that it can’t afford to play inconsistent footy against the better sides and needs to lift its intensity. It gives Malthouse the chance to highlight a few areas of the game where the Magpies are falling down at the moment and may just re-ignite the hunger a little bit. Victory against the second best side in the competition, playing a brand of football far from its best, may have given Collingwood a false sense of security.

Neil Craig and his coaching panel will be highlighting the areas where Geelong was able to expose Collingwood. You can analyse so many statistics and tactics, however the most telling factor on the night was Geelong’s dominance from the clearances. Simply put, Geelong was able to get first hands on the footy, get it inside 50, and then lock it in. In fact, the Cats beat the Magpies at their own game. Collingwood relies on winning the stoppages and setting up its feared forward press. If it cannot get the ball forward, then it can’t set up the press. It is not an easy task to beat Collingwood around the stoppages with guys like Ball, Swan and Pendlebury in there.

Turning attention to Adelaide now, and 20 minutes into the game last week I thought it would be Neil Craig’s last as the head coach. The Gold Coast jumped out of the blocks and kicked the first four goals, led by Gary Ablett who kicked three of them. However, the Crows responded and ended up winning by 57 points. It was a convincing victory, albeit against a young side. Adelaide really lifted its intensity and won the contested footy. What would have been most pleasing for Neil Craig was the form of some of the younger players in the side. The Crows have a few big injuries, but have unearthed a few really good kids who look to be fantastic long-term prospects.

Last week, Collingwood became the ninth team to suffer a loss following the bye. One of the other curses in the AFL this year has been failing to perform after playing the Gold Coast. I suppose players anticipate their teammates are going to win contested footy and begin running ahead of the play for easy possessions. The Crows will have to be conscious of this as they will be playing one of the better contested sides in the competition.

Despite the victory last week, it has been largely a disappointing season for Adelaide. The Crows have a really good draw and many experts had them locked in the top eight at the beginning of the season. Nonetheless, Adelaide has won two of its last three games and will be looking to take its first big scalp of the season.

Recent History
Collingwood has won the previous three encounters against Adelaide. However, the contests have always been really close. The most recent battle was in round 21 last year in a scrappy and low scoring affair where the Pies eventually held off a gallant Crows side to win by three points. Collingwood was terribly inaccurate, kicking 18 behinds and only six goals. Pendlebury polled the three votes with a 30-possession game, while Scott Thompson polled the two votes with 29 possessions. Dale Thomas picked up one vote with 26 possessions and two goals. 

At the Selection Table
Starting with Collingwood, and Malthouse undoubtedly has a few decisions to make this week. He commented that the Magpies have been relying on its top end players far too much and needs a more even performance. Malthouse also would’ve noted the form of McCarthy (40 possessions) and Beams (32) in the VFL last weekend against Geelong.

Alan Toovey will miss at least one week after his sickening collision last week with Tom Hawkins. The news is positive in the sense that Toovey has no broken bones or facial fractures; however he did suffer bruising to his chest. Ben Johnson and Nick Maxwell are the obvious choices to replace him. Darren Jolly is also another week away meaning Wood is likely to hold up the ruck division again. Goldsack was a late replacement for Maxwell last week and his spot in the side may rely on the availability of the skipper.

Turning to the Crows, and the real interest will be whether Taylor Walker is recalled to the side. He kicked seven goals in the SANFL after been dropped. However, the forward line did operate well last week with guys like Gunston really stepping up. I definitely think there is a spot for Taylor Walker and I think he’ll return.

The Crows are a bit short down back with Otten, Talia, Davis and Stevens all on the sidelines. Otten is probably a week or two off returning from his knee trouble and will probably have to earn his spot in the SANFL. Bernie Vince is also still on the sidelines with a hamstring injury as is Porplyzia with another shoulder injury.

A Look at Collingwood
As I mentioned previously, Collingwood was smashed around the stoppages last week, and has been generally inconsistent in this area all year. Tackling pressure was also down, with the Cats out-tackling the Pies 82-60. Generally, this is one area Collingwood always wins, so I think the focus this week will be on winning the contested ball and lifting the tackling intensity. The ruck is a concern without Darren Jolly. Ottens beat Wood last week and gave his midfielders an arm-chair ride. Total hitouts were 44 to 24.

Buckley takes charge
I am not talking about Nathan and his coaching future. I am talking about Simon Buckley. He played his best game for the Magpies last week and really stood up in the absence of a number of key defenders. He has terrific foot-skills and can pinpoint a target over 50 metres. He was directly responsible for a number of goals, which came from booming kicks over the zone. His decision-making has been a question mark, but he didn’t make too many errors in a 26-possession game last week. He perhaps has to tighten up a little bit more defensively, but generally beat his opponent on the night. He could take Dangerfield this week or even Matthew Wright, both who are coming off good games. 



In Form - Dale Thomas
Daisy yet again stood up on the big stage on Friday night with 26 possessions, 5 tackles and a goal. Most importantly, he was asked to stand Joel Selwood in the second quarter and actually helped turn the game. I have noticed Malthouse use him in a variety of roles this year, whereas last year he was given much more freedom. In essence, he has become a real utility player, often asked to plug holes in defence, generate run on a wing or off halfback, or go into the midfield to stand a dangerous opposition onballer.

The Trump Card - Travis Cloke

The Crows are thin down back with a few major injuries, so Travis Cloke becomes the potential match winner for Collingwood. His form continues to be good and he is coming off a two goal game last week which was telling in a low-scoring affair in conditions that did not suit talls. Considering conditions will be perfect at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, his contested marking should be on show.

Looking to bounce back - Luke Ball

Luke is having a terrific year but was a bit down last week with only 13 possessions and 6 tackles. (He is averaging 20 disposals and 7 tackles). Nonetheless, with a greater emphasis on contested footy, expect Luke Ball to absolutely dominate this weekend and bounce back in trademark fashion. He is perhaps suffering a bit from the absence of Darren Jolly who he combines with very nicely.

X-Factor - Steele Sidebottom
He was one of Collingwood’s better players in the loss last week with 22 disposals and two goals. He is really becoming a vital component of the Collingwood forward line and will continue to sneak under the radar with guys like Didak, Swan and Pendlebury in the side. His stats this year are very impressive, averaging 21.4 disposals a game, 6 marks, 1.6 goals and 2.6 tackles.

A Look at Adelaide
Adelaide still has a real habit of over-possessing the footy. At times, the Crows handball far too much and play on far too recklessly. On the other hand, when the Crows are on song they can score quickly and now have some real pace through the middle. More importantly, the Adelaide side is much younger than it has been for quite some time. The average age of the playing group last week was under 23 years and 8 months, with an average games tally of 64. This would make them over a year younger on average than the Magpies, and 40 games less experienced.

The Raging Bull - Patrick Dangerfield
Dangerfield is quickly becoming one of the real stars of the competition. He is coming off a six goal game against the Gold Coast, but has generally been a real stand-out for Adelaide all year. He is lightning quick and plays with real intensity, making him almost impossible to stop at times. He is still not a massive possession winner, but has improved this year to be averaging 18 disposals and 1.6 goals a game. I get the impression that he is only going to get stronger and learn to win more of the footy to become one of the elite players in the AFL. As it stands, he is Adelaide’s match-winner already and will need a big game on the weekend if the Crows are to stand a chance.

Rookies on the Rise - Rory Sloane, Matthew Wright & Jack Gunston
Wright has played four games now but had his breakout game last week against the Gold Coast with two goals from 24 possessions.  Gunston has played three games but played his first for the year last week and did not disappoint with a goal from 16 possessions along with five tackles. Both will be tested this week against a more experienced quality outfit in Collingwood. Sloane is the more senior of the three having played 18 games. I have been really impressed by him as he has pace and endeavour. He puts his head over the ball and breaks the lines. He is hard to miss with his long blonde hair as well. He is just the sort of player that can often get under Collingwood’s guard.

The Prized Recruit - Sam Jacobs
Jacobs was third in line for a ruck role at Carlton, but made the move to Adelaide for more opportunities. After a delayed start to the season, he has taken his chance at Adelaide and has cemented the number one ruck role. He is averaging 28 hitouts and is moving around the ground quite well also averaging 12 disposals. Jacobs will have seen Collingwood’s ruck division struggle last week and could be a decisive player for Adelaide this weekend.

The Rock - Ben Rutten
Two years ago, it seemed the big one-dimensional full back was a thing of the past. Now, with the long kick to contests back in vogue, guys like Ben Rutten have become vital once more. With such a young defence around him at the moment, Rutten will take responsibility for all the Collingwood key position forwards when they stay near goal. The Magpies may look to drag him up the field, however Rutten will try to stay in defensive 50. This means he’ll have responsibility for Cloke, Dawes and Leigh Brown at different stages of the game.

Graham Johncock
Johncock’s role in the side is crucial. He shuts down small forwards and sets up a lot of play across halfback. Last week, he gave young Matera a real lesson, whilst also racking up 31 disposals. This week, he is likely to get Krakouer as an opponent, but may also switch onto Sidebottom. Collingwood has to be wary of his effectiveness as an attacking defender.

The Wrap-Up
I would expect Collingwood to come out breathing fire this week after experiencing its first loss in round eight. Adelaide is a young side with plenty of potential, but I doubt it has the strength to match Collingwood in the contested footy all match. Nonetheless, Collingwood needs to be mindful of the star players in Scott Thompson, Van Berlo and Dangerfield.

I’d like to see the Magpies come out with the ‘hunters’ mentality again and really look to put a lot more forward pressure on its opponent. Last week’s loss will not be such a bad thing if the Pies are able to bounce back quickly from it.

Pies by 32

The round three match of the round is at the MCG this Friday night between traditional rivals Collingwood and Carlton. There are certain matches every year that I look forward to that little bit more, and this match is certainly one. There is no rivalry quite like the Collingwood and Carlton one and this year’s clash is a battle between first and second on the ladder. To add to the rivalry this week, Collingwood will be unveiling its premiership flag in front of a capacity crowd. Undoubtedly, it is going to be a party atmosphere for all Magpies fans and all will take great pleasure in displaying it in front of thousands of Carlton fans. However, it does provide the Blues with an added incentive to play well and spoil the party.

Irrespective of the bitter rivalry, the game does carry significant importance. The winner will sit on top of the table and remain undefeated across the opening three rounds.

I think it is particularly important for Carlton who is fighting to announce itself as a genuine contender in 2011. The club has boldly declared the intention of winning two premierships in the next five years. When this statement was read on The Footy Show, the majority of the audience broke out into laughter.

It is clear the football public does not consider the Blues the genuine article just yet and therefore a win against the benchmark side of the competition would really begin to change this perception.

The good news for football fans is that the game will also be broadcast live into Melbourne on Channel 7. It will start at 7:50. You would also expect a bumper crowd, with the majority of the 65,000 Collingwood members coming out in force this Friday night. The weather forecast is also good. I’m expecting upwards of 85,000 fans.

It will also be interesting to see the impact Gavin Brown has at the Blues. He was vital in developing Collingwood’s younger players and was privy to all of Malthouse’s game plans. Therefore, he will bring a lot of trade secrets to Carlton and this could give a significant edge.

On the flip side, Collingwood snared former Carlton player/coach Matthew Lappin who will also bring a few secrets to the table this week.

Such a blockbuster game deserves a blockbuster preview, and that’s what I aim to provide this week. So let’s get into it.

The Formline
Both sides are coming off two convincing wins to open the season.

Collingwood in particular has looked almost invincible to date and nearly machine like in the manner it has destroyed its opponents. Carlton is backing up from a 119 demolition job of the Gold Coast Suns which has served as a massive percentage boost.

However, there is the perception that neither side has been truly challenged yet. Collingwood’s first two wins came against Port Adelaide and North Melbourne, both underwhelming on the day. Carlton was dominant against Richmond in round one in all areas other than the scoreboard due to terrible accuracy from set shots. They could consider last week’s game against the Gold Coast as no more than a training run.

There is the school of thought that such an easy and bruise-free game will act as a hindrance to Carlton in terms of preparation for the match against Collingwood who is clearly playing at the highest intensity of any club going around at the moment. I think Port Adelaide experienced this after playing GWS in its final practice match and then facing the Magpies in round one. I’m sure Brett Ratten will be putting his players through an intense week of training in preparation for Friday night’s game.

Collingwood has also had a bruise free opening to the year and will also have to lift their intensity against a fired up Carlton side. It would be a concern for Mick Malthouse to see both Port Adelaide and North Melbourne pierce the zone at times over the last two rounds. It has been an irregular occurrence, however it will provide opponents with some hope that the Collingwood structures can be penetrated.

Recent History
Collingwood has won the previous three encounters against Carlton quite convincingly. The last clash was in round 18 last year where the Magpies ran out 48 point victors. Pendlebury polled the three votes with a 34 possession and seven-tackle game, whilst Didak polled the two votes with 31 possessions and two goals. Dayne Beams took the one vote with three goals along with 28 disposals. Kade Simpson was Carlton’s best with 33 disposals.

The prior encounter in 2010 was in round six, Collingwood again won convincingly by 53 points. Chris Judd was voted best on ground with 37 disposals, whilst Swan could’ve considered himself unlucky not to get the three votes with his 31 disposals and eight tackles. Luke Ball polled the one vote with a rare three-goal game. O’Hailpin kicked five goals for the game, whilst Betts, Murphy and Chris Dawes all kicked three as well.

At the Selection Table
Despite such smashing victories last week, expect both sides to make one or two changes. Both sides will particularly be bolstered by significant inclusions to the defence.

Carlton look set to regain their best full back Michael Jamison from suspension. Paul Bower will also push for selection for his first game of the year after an injury interrupted start. Carlton has looked short in defence to open the year, but has been fortunate to come up against second rate attacks. They will need their best two defenders this week against a Collingwood forward line which is basking in terrific form from its twin towers Cloke and Dawes.

Simon White is likely to be the player to make way for Jamison. If Bower is declared fit, then Matthew Watson is potentially the other player to be omitted. It would be a tough call on Watson who had a good debut last week. However, the opposition was second rate and he will not be physically big enough to match Cloke or Dawes.

Turning to Collingwood, and the Magpies look set to regain their skipper Nick Maxwell who is returning from a kidney injury sustained in the NAB Cup. It was thought he would probably miss at least another week, but there seems little chance Maxwell will miss the unveiling of the premiership flag this round. Leon Davis will also come into contention after he was best afield in the VFL on the weekend.

Finding room for both is near impossible, but expect Malthouse to swing a few changes over the next month to ensure the depth in the list is kept fresh. Simon Buckley was good against North Melbourne, but seems the most likely candidate to make way for Maxwell. Brent Macaffer was also far from disappointing, but still looks far from full match fitness and may make way for Davis.

Again, Lachlan Keeffe will come into contention to perhaps play on Shaun Hampson who has been too big for his opponents to date.

Where this game will be won
In 2011, it is clear that the midfield has become more vital than ever. All sides are looking to gain the ascendency through the middle, and then aiming to lock the ball in their own forward half. The midfield battle will be crucial this week as Carlton’s midfield is clearly its strength. The Blues forward and backline still have question marks over them, so if they are any hope of winning they need to get on top through the middle. I have been impressed with the increased depth through Carlton’s midfield this year as well.  Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs have really started the year well, whilst rookie Ed Curnow has added a lot as an in and under midfielder.

Collingwood also possesses a star-studded midfield, and it is also far more disciplined and battle hardened. Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury are the two leading disposal winners in the AFL to date, whilst Dale Thomas continues to impress.

The real area of concern for all of Collingwood’s opponents this year is the fact that Chris Dawes and Travis Cloke have improved. Cloke shares the lead on top of the goal-kicking table with seven, whilst Dawes sits equal second with six. On the flip side, Cloke shares this lead with two Carlton players in Andrew Walker and Jeff Garlett who also have seven goals each for the year.

For Carlton to win this game, they need to be able to break the lines and get the ball in space. Last year, Collingwood was able to lock the ball inside 50 with ease and prevent the Blues from getting their running game going. Considering Carlton relies on their small forwards to kick a large chunk of their goals, they need to move the ball quickly. Otherwise, the Magpies will get numbers back and pick off the incoming ball with ease.

Potential Match-Ups & Player Notes

Carlton Forward Line:
Jarrad Waite v Chris Tarrant - I expect Waite to play forward as it gives Carlton its best structure and he will draw an opponent towards him unlike other Carlton forwards can. Tarrant is his best match-up due to his agility and speed off the mark. Size-wise it is also an even battle.

Shaun Hampson v Ben Reid - Hampson has been impressive to date acting as a back-up ruckman and tall forward. His strength and aerobic capacity will worry Ben Reid. However, Hampson needs to be more consistent and clunk more marks. Then he needs to convert. Ben Reid continues to develop into one of the most valuable centre half backs in the competition and his booming left foot is becoming a real weapon in the Magpie defence.

Eddie Betts v Harry O’Brien - Collingwood has been using Simon Buckley on the dangerous small forwards and allowing Harry a bit more freedom. With Nick Maxwell back, expect Harry to go back to playing accountable football on dangerous small forwards, and there are none more dangerous than Eddie Betts. Betts missed the boat last week, only chipping in with two goals. He tends to play his best on the big stage however.

Jeff Garlett v Alan Toovey - Garlett is fast becoming one of the most underrated players in the competition. He would be my tip for the quickest player in the competition as well, and he has kicked seven goals in two weeks (five coming last week). Toovey is probably Collingwood’s fastest and tightest checking defenders so is likely to get this vital match-up.

X-Factor - Heath Shaw - Shaw is playing devastating football at the moment, and has relished the opportunity to take extra responsibility in the absence of Maxwell. He was subbed in the third quarter last week so will be fresh and firing. He always lifts for big games as well.

X-Factor - Andrew Walker - A fit and firing Andrew Walker has really been the missing link for the Carlton side. He is playing without any strapping on his shoulders and is relishing playing a small forward role. He has also really improved his goal-kicking accuracy as well, which has been a criticism throughout his career to date. I also expect him to lift for the big game. Expect him to play on Heath Shaw and aim to make him accountable, whilst also trying to snag a few goals.

Midfield
Dane Swan v Andrew Carrazzo - Swan has started 2011 in devastating form and continues to run around as if no opponent is near him. Carrazzo tagged Ablett last week with great success, and I think he’ll ask for the Swan match-up this week. He is the only player with the aerobic capacity to keep with Swan. Carrazzo attempted to tag Swan last year and started well, however was eventually burnt off. It is critical for Carlton to get on top in the middle so this match-up will be crucial.

Scott Pendlebury v Bryce Gibbs - Despite Pendlebury’s dominant opening two rounds, I expect Ratten to use Gibbs head to head against the Magpies champion. Gibbs has been equally dominant and is relishing his permanent midfield role this year. It would be a fascinating battle between two stars of the game in great form.

Chris Judd v Ben Johnson - Although Judd polled three votes against Collingwood last year, I felt as if he was far from his best in both games. His 37 disposals against the Magpies in round six were all under pressure and his disposal efficiency was well down. He was also well held with only seventeen disposals in round eighteen. Judd has again started the year in good form and will get better as the year goes on. I expect Ben Johnson to get the job around the ground, with Luke Ball going head to head around stoppages. Although most of the hype has surrounded Swan and Pendlebury, I actually think Ben Johnson has been the highlight of the opening two rounds for Collingwood. He has been dominant playing on an opponent and generating a lot of run. He has been responsible for Pearce and Harvey in the opening two rounds.

Marc Murphy v Sharrod Wellingham - I’ve tipped Murphy to really establish himself as a champion this year and his start to the year has not disappointed. He has had 67 disposals to date (ranking fourth in the AFL) and looks fitter than ever. Wellingham on the other hand has been slightly underwhelming to date, so Malthouse may elect to play him on a dangerous opponent and play defensively to regain his touch.

Luke Ball v Ed Curnow - Luke Ball continues to go about his business and has had an impressive start to the year. He is probably going to square off against Curnow who has already made a real name for himself since been promoted off the rookie list and dominating in his opening two games.

X-Factor: Dale Thomas - I still think Daisy has one more step to go before he is considered amongst the competitions elite. That is probably going to require him to kick a few more goals. However, whilst Swan and Pendlebury continue to dominate, Thomas remains one of the most damaging players in the competition and rarely gets a tight tag. This is the sort of stage he likes as well. He’ll always lift for a blockbuster.

X-Factor: Kade Simpson - Simpson probably missed the party a bit last week against the Gold Coast only picking up fifteen disposals. Nonetheless, he is vitally important for Carlton this week as he breaks the lines and is capable of kicking goals. Carlton need to get their running game going, and Kade Simpson is typically a catalyst of this when they are playing their best footy.

Collingwood Forward Line
Travis Cloke v Michael Jamison - It is Jamison’s first game back so he’ll be given the huge task of playing on an in-form Cloke who is coming off a five goal game against the Kangaroos. Jamison is such a vital player for Carlton, so they will be strengthened by his return. However, I question whether he will have the strength to play on Cloke and also whether he’ll match him around the ground. Jamison is typically more at home when in defence. Stopping Collingwood’s twin towers will be essential and Jamison holds the key for Carlton.

Chris Dawes v Paul Bower/Matthew Watson - If Bower is unable to play, then Watson is probably going to get the big job on Dawes. He’ll be far too raw for Dawes, so Carlton will be sweating on the availability of Bower. Otherwise, Waite may have to go into defence which is not what Ratten will want. Dawes has taken his game to the next level this year. He has increased confidence, is fitter and his accuracy in front of goals is impressive. He is on track for a sixty goal year. Bower will also be a tad undersized to play on Dawes, but is clearly Carlton’s best option.

Alan Didak v Jordan Russell - Didak is gradually running into full fitness and good form after an injury-interrupted pre-season. He is not getting a lot of midfield time at the moment and is mainly staying forward, so expect Russell to get the gig. Russell is also sneaking under the radar a bit and continues to be a good accumulator of the football. His decision making has also improved. However, he’ll have to play tight on Didak this week and his disposal will be under the spotlight against the intensity of the Collingwood forward press.

Andrew Krakouer v Dennis Armfield - Both players started as the sub last week, so I would expect them to get full games in round three. It will be unlikely coaches will use the same player as the sub two weeks in a row in an effort to maintain their fitness. Krakouer has already added so much to the Collingwood side, and I have been particularly impressed by his disposal efficiency. He is so crafty in congested situations and especially around goals. He had twelve disposals and a goal in around a quarter of footy last week.

Steele Sidebottom v Nick Duigan - Sidebottom has had a good start to the year, but I expect him to take his game to a new level against quality opposition. Duigan has been an impressive find for Carlton and is adding a lot of run out of half back.

X-Factor: Dayne Beams - Beams is slipping right under the radar at the moment and tearing teams to shreds. He kicked three goals last week from twenty six disposals. Along with Steele Sidebottom, both are providing a real goal-scoring options for the Magpies and are a real credit to the depth in the Collingwood side. He kicked three goals against Carlton last year as well so could be a difference again this week. May find himself matched up to Scotland.

X-Factor: Chris Yarran - Yarran has moved to half back over the pre-season and is looking extremely fit. However, his opening round was terrible, only picking up four disposals and was totally smashed by White. Nonetheless, he bounced back last week against Gold Coast and showed how dangerous he can be running off half back. He’ll be vital this week as Carlton require more run out of defence to beat the Pies. Yarran is one of those players that could break a line, which in turn will spread the Collingwood zone. Along with Duigan, the Blues have way more pace out of defence and a greater ability to generate run.

The Ruck: Jolly v Warnock
Jolly has had a quiet start to the year after a quiet pre-season. On the other hand, Warnock has been very impressive and is forming a very good partnership with Shaun Hampson. I also think Leigh Brown is still finding his best form and is giving away far too many free kicks to date. I expect Carlton to try and take ascendency in the ruck, but Jolly’s experience and ability to push forward will worry Warnock. Nonetheless, Warnock could be the difference for Carlton in 2011 as they have such a good midfield, so getting first use of the footy makes the Blue so much more dangerous.

The Wrap-Up
My nature is to be conservative; however I still think the Magpies are ahead of the Blues at this stage. No doubt Carlton is improving and closing the gap quickly. They will be looking at this game as a means of establishing themselves as a genuine contender. I just think the Magpies are still far stronger in defence, and will be too tall in attack. Regardless, if the Carlton midfield gets on top then they will worry Collingwood.

I wouldn’t write off the Blues, and I expect a really tight contest. However, when push comes to shove, I think Collingwood will be a bit too strong and that big game experience will shine through.

Collingwood by 18 points

By David Natoli
Aka DaVe86

Dave's previews are always good reading.

AFTER watching two weeks of football and hearing supporters of clubs bemoan that "they don’t have a game plan to break the zone or combat the forward press", I say this to you: "Game plan, schmame plan - we are all overthinking a simple game."

  As much as it pains me to say this, all that is needed to win matches is to watch the way Collingwood goes about its business. What do they do better than any other team?

  1. Create pressure.
How is this done? The answer is simple  - work harder, present harder, run harder. The mark of this team is not what they do when they have the ball, but what they do when they don't have the ball.

The Magpies are constantly in the faces of their opponents and forcing turnovers by committing to the contest and being prepared to work harder than their opposition.

Collingwood always appear to have an extra player at the contest.

They lock the ball inside their forward zone, not by the infamous forward press, but by a superior work ethic, an ethos based on working your backside off to ensure the ball doesn't leave the forward zone.

  2. Execute skills.
When you have the ball in your hands, don't give it back. Again, this is made easier for Collingwood because their  players work harder to create space and to provide an option.

  As a Demons supporter, we constantly moan about our inability to get the ball out of our defensive half. I sympathise with our defenders when they look up and see a stagnant landscape ahead.

This is not about game plan or structure. It is about the want and desire to work harder than the opponent. Present hard to give an option and, when that option is ignored, present again.

  Why did Melbourne lose by one point and draw the other game against the Magpies last year? Watch the tapes and the answer is evident. The Demons were harder at the contest and the only thing that let Melbourne down was its inability at crucial times to execute the skills.

The work ethic however, could not be faulted.

  Any team wanting to beat Collingwood this year should remember two - and only two - important points. You can beat the feared Magpies by working harder than Collingwood and executing your skills. It's simple really.

I was looking for the sarcasm mark. The way to beat Collingwood is to work harder. There it is in a nutshell, get to it everyone.

Saints flagging

Martin Blake

March 14, 2011

ST KILDA'S tumultuous off-season has morphed into sluggish on-field form, with coach Ross Lyon saying that the Saints have a ''massive challenge'' in front of them and that he is at a bit of a loss to understand the problem.

As the Saints prepare today to welcome back the four players who were handed a six-week internal suspension after the club's training trip to New Zealand, Lyon was contemplating a 31-point defeat by Sydney in Coffs Harbour in a practice match, hard on the heels of a hammering from Essendon in a NAB Cup semi-final.

''We've got some work to do, to be frank,'' he said yesterday at the club's family day in Frankston. "We're certainly not in the form we'd like to be. We've got a massive challenge in front of us.

''Fortunately, we've got two weeks to get to work on the training track and try to get to a position where we can compete in round one.

"I am concerned. Sydney were fantastic, with great intensity, run and spread. If I knew why [the team was struggling], I wouldn't allow it to happen. We're not in great form and we're not playing with the intensity that we're renowned for. But to me, it just highlights that the past's irrelevant.''

St Kilda held its jumper presentation in front of several thousand fans at Frankston yesterday, but the four players suspended from the New Zealand trip were not part of the function.

However, Zac Dawson, Jack Steven, Paul Cahill and Rhys Stanley, who were dispatched to train with Sandringham and find work after breaking a team rule by going out drinking in Queenstown, officially rejoin their teammates today.

Lyon hinted that they would be considered for selection for the round-one clash with Geelong, despite having spent so much time away from the main group.

Lyon said he was content that the four players had done everything asked. "It wasn't a suspension. It was just an opportunity for them to recognise what they need to get their life on track and then their football careers. They've strongly bought into that and they've been training exceptionally hard.

"We've been monitoring [them]. In a lot of senses, it's been a watershed moment for them and the whole thing is, it wasn't about punishment. It's about solutions. We're welcoming them back in the fold because they've all committed to what they need to do.

"So there's no discrimination. They'll be on equal footing and they've played two games [with Sandringham] and they'll be playing their third game on the weekend and that's plenty to be able to play AFL football.''

Ruck-forward Justin Koschitzke, who had ankle surgery, is improving and Lyon said it was possible he could come up for round one if the club was prepared to gamble.

"He's had some hiccups and it's short-term versus long-term, but maybe on a needs basis we rush him back,'' he said.

Lyon declined to make the connection between the on-field malaise and the off-field distractions.

"Our form's not great. Can you correlate it to that? I'm not sure you can. We've trained hard and remained as focused as possible. That's all to be played out. We've certainly moved forward.''

Article of interest.

2011 Kick2Kicks Collingwood Season Preview

Posted on 15 March 2011 by the_tony

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This is the third of the 2011 team previews, you will see more in the next two weeks. If you would like to write your own teams preview, send it to me and do not forget to add your comments below… So far we have previewed the Gold Coast and Hawthorn!

Leon Davis has had an encouraging pre season in the back line but will he be in the best 22?

What happened in 2010

Winning the premiership seemed a long way of at the start of the year. The first contests between the Pies and the previous year’s top 2 teams showed that Collingwood still had a long way to go. The second half of the season showed that Collingwood had learnt and took both the Saints and Cats apart when they met again, not to mention the era ending preliminary final win over the Cats and the less nervous effort in the Grand Final replay. Collingwood showed that they have the players to carry out the instructions from the coaching panel and after ten years, Mick Malthouse had the group to get him onto the winners dias. He also gave spots away from his tried and true players to his younger players who showed more hunger once given a chance.

What will happen in 2011

The loss of many experienced players shows that the future is resting on the premiership 22 and a group of youngsters that have only limited senior experience. As I heard Mike Shehan say, the only thing that will stop Collingwood this year is injuries. With the recruitment of Chris Tarrant, the pies have filled the gap left by Nathan Brown’s yearlong injury. The addition of Andrew Krakouer has added some additional life in the forward line and he is well suited to the high pressure tactic of the Pies forward line, he’s quick and tackles ferociously so he executes the gameplan well and importantly kicks goals. I would expect that Collingwood will go back to back.

Players to watch

Leon Davis – His switch to the half back line has given “Neon” Leon a new lease on life. It will be interesting to see who he replaces on the back line as the team has been settled back there and he’ll be taking either Ben Johnsons spot or Toooooveys (which will be upsetting to fans).

Lachlan Keefe – This tall defender will be interesting to watch, he’s slimmed down and plays in the similar mode to Ben Reid. It’s unlikely that he would force Reid out but he’ll provide great relief if one of the tall defenders is injured or out of form. Showing good form in the NAB cup series.

Bench warmers

Cameron Wood – The ruckman promised so much when he move from Brisbane, unfortunately he is yet to dominate a game or provide real leadership in the middle of the ground. With the new sub rule, he’s unlikely to play alongside Jolly as Brown will be asked to take the ruck while Jolly rests. Might just be on his last legs.

John McCarthy – A youngster who hasn’t broken into the side and while he can play the game as the coaches want, he is competing with Macaffer and Krakouer and other youngsters like Sinclair and Fasolo.

Need to improve

The players on the list who are rated number 23 to 40 – This group of players which last year included some 200 game veterans has now been thinned out and they are basically the babies of the team. Pressure for positions is what drove a group of youngsters into the premiership side last year but that pressure is gone now as the older players are gone and it’s up to this group to maintain pressure to drive the team through to another premiership.

Likely finish – Premiers.

Your thoughts

Having lost around 1000 games worth of experience, do the Pies have that pressure from the VFL team to force the senior players to play at their best? Will constant media speculation derail the club as it seems everyone with an opinion seems to get air time?

If the Pies did win the flag, could Buckley reneg on his part of the contract and continue to be an assistant until the golden run is over?

My take on the Pies of 2011.

AFL's success in black and white

Mark Hawthorne

March 9, 2011

WITH a new season looming for Australia's biggest sporting codes, the rush is on for clubs to land sponsors before the opening round.

The Western Bulldogs are the latest to ink a deal, re-signing Mission Foods until 2014. The uniform deal, estimated at a little over $1.5 million a year, will help the Bulldogs as they struggle under $5 million of debt. But it will also provide a marketing boon for Mission Foods, as AFL football dominates the battle for corporate dollars, crowds and viewer eyeballs.

A report into sporting media coverage has been compiled by independent firm Repucom, and it shows that Australia's home-grown football code has built a lead over the NRL, A-League and SuperRugby competitions when it comes to providing value for sponsors. Last year Mission benefited from $5.5 million of media exposure from its sponsorship of the Bulldogs, a figure helped by a much-reported spat with player Jason Akermanis.

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Bulldogs president David Smorgon was upbeat about the record sponsorship deal yesterday, but also recognised the return provided by his club.

''We believe our partnership has created great brand value for Mission,'' Smorgon said.

The AFL was the most-watched football competition on Australian television last year, with an average of 14.64 million viewers per club. That compares with 13.81 million viewers per club for the NRL.

With free-to-air television dominated by the AFL and NRL, rivals are left to the limited audience of pay-TV. As a result, A-League soccer clubs average 1.5 million viewers per season, and SuperRugby clubs just 958,000.

Repucom's 9th annual Football Benchmarking report compiles data on the exposure major club sponsors receive on television, in print and in ''peripheral'' forms of media, such as the internet.

The television data calculates the number of viewers per match, the location of brand logos in a TV screen, and the amount of time those logos can be seen.

Its latest report shows that a presence on free-to-air television and high levels of print media coverage are crucial for sponsors.

The point is demonstrated by Collingwood, among the most-watched and reported clubs of any code in the country.

Almost 28 million viewers tuned in to Collingwood matches on TV last season.

That's more than the total Australian audience of every A-League and SuperRugby match combined.

No other AFL or NRL club can make such a boast.

The most-watched NRL club was St George Illawarra, with 23 million viewers for the year.

When match attendance is included, the AFL's dominance is even greater.

The AFL averaged 918,000 spectators per club last season, and the league provided the 14 most-watched football teams in the country.

Collingwood drew almost 1.7 million fans to its matches. Four other AFL clubs - St Kilda, Geelong, Carlton and Essendon - also drew a million or more spectators through the turnstiles last season.

The average NRL attendance was 436,000 spectators, less than half that of an AFL club.

The A-League averaged 297,000 spectators per club, and the Super-15 competition 166,000.

According to Repucom, AFL clubs generate an average $3.1 million of media coverage for their sponsors, compared with $2.97 million for the NRL.

More than half that media value for AFL sponsors comes from the TV exposure, and a quarter from print media.

Such is the might of the Magpies, the club generated $6.3 million of media exposure for sponsor Emirates last year and a further $5.7 million for Aussie Home loans - ranking it No. 1 and 2 in the country. Little wonder that Emirates' head of global sponsorship and events, Boutros Boutros, said the Dubai airline was ''very happy'' with its long-term deal with the Magpies.

According to Repucom, Collingwood's jumper is also the most valuable single football asset in the country.

Fascinating article, I wonder how much more clubs could get if their games were shown LIVE? I think this article explains why the AFL is keen to get more live games and really, they should be aiming for more of them on free to air.

COULD it be that David Astbury and Jasper Pittard revolutionise the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition the same way Facebook did the internet and Matt Groening did cartoons?

Probably not, but these two youngsters, of Richmond and Port Adelaide respectively, do represent the changed nature of trading and cash cows that is Dream Team in 2011.

Due to the inclusion of Gold Coast, every club will have two byes throughout the season.  First, they take our uncontracted players and now they give us byes! The fixture of byes, though, is a little scattered itself, with no set structure apart from just having your byes when… you have your byes.

Cash cows- Dream Team players who start at a low value but rise sharply before you trade them off at their highest price- have always been important for Dream Teamers, but due to the byes this year, it is critical to think which cheap players will rise in price the most - and the quickest.

For instance, every player still needs to play three games before he either rises or falls in value. So, if you’ve got any North Melbourne players, the earliest they can rise in price is after round four, because they have the bye in round three.

Basically, cash cows will take longer than previous years to peak in price because they have two byes to get through. Which is what brings us to Astbury and Pittard.

Richmond (in round 11) and Port Adelaide (round 12) are the last two clubs to have their first bye respectively. This means that their younger players will have three uninterrupted months to mature, grow and develop in price before you think about cutting ties when they have their byes.

Astbury (DEF/FWD, $197,400) could be the perfect choice to take advantage of this strategy. Given his start in Richmond’s NAB Cup - he scored 66 against Carlton in a 40-minute game - Astbury could well be on the way to averaging close to 70 this year after averaging a notch below 50 last year.

He’s had a big pre-season, has put on weight and is ready to hold down a key position in defence. He could be a good cash cow until mid-year.

As for Pittard, it’s his second year on the Power list and he should make his debut after two promising showings in the NAB Cup. At only $97,600 as a midfielder, Pittard is fine value as your last choice.

You might think a list of others - like Shaun Atley, Isaac Smith or Mitch Wallis - are ranked ahead of him, but if you’re looking for a ninth midfielder who has the maximum time to develop as a cash cow before his club’s first bye, it’s Pittard.

Don't mistake this as a 'Dr Dream Team gone mad column' where I've suggested you must pick Astbury and Pittard in your sides. More than the fact they might be handy scorers, they simply represent the strategy associated with cash cows in 2011. You can no longer approach trading with any sense of blasé. You have to look ahead, anticipate and move with smarts.

The cash cow is pivotal to your Dream Team success. If you find the right guy, you can sit him on your bench and watch him grow in value. Trade a player at his highest value and it’ll be like free money. And we all love that.

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PIES v EAGLES

If Andrew Krakouer ($200,600 fwd/mid) isn't in your team, you haven't been paying attention. The Collingwood recruit was in the Magpies' best players for the third straight week, picking up 15 disposals and laying five tackles.

Scott Pendlebury ($537,900 mid) was the standout for the Pies with 34 disposals and 124 SuperCoach points.

Do you take him or teammate Dane Swan ($617,300 mid), or can you fit both in your team? Just one of the many tough decisions to make in the next two weeks.

Dale Thomas ($458,300 mid) and Sharrod Wellingham ($368,800 mid) were also prominent in the Magpies' 24-point win. The Pies again rested Alan Didak ($504,300 mid/fwd), who is yet to play this pre-season.

For the Eagles Matt Priddis ($529,400 mid) had a stack of the ball and 133 SuperCoach points. He could be a unique, and reliable, midfield pick.

Dean Cox ($428,200 ruck) continued his hot pre-season form while ruck partner Nic Naitanui ($346,400 ruck) hurt his shoulder. Of the West Coast rookies, Andrew Gaff ($173,600 mid) looked classy but only had 11 touches in limited game time, while Jack Darling ($103,600 fwd) was rested.

BOMBERS v SAINTS

The James Hird honeymoon rolled on and the Bombers are offering plenty of potential SuperCoach bargains.

Dyson Heppell ($153,500 def/mid) looks settled in the team as does VFL recruit Michael Hibberd ($103,600 def/mid), while Mark Robinson has labelled Leroy Jetta ($378,700 fwd) the player of the pre-season.

David Myers ($304,100 def) has found his spot after several frustrating seasons, and Jack Melksham ($271,800 mid) looks a star of the future - just ignore his circa 1991 haircut.

The Saints didn't have much to cheer about, even SuperCoach superstar Brendon Goddard returned just 21 points after a running war with the umpires.

An injury to Sam Fisher ($443,500 def) will have a few coaches nervous although Ross Lyon says he'll be fit for Round 1.

His absence left James Gwilt ($362,900 def) to mop up down back; he will do plenty of that this season and could be a value buy.

BLUES v CROWS

Friday's practice match at Visy Park was a disaster for Adelaide and many SuperCoaches.

Scratch mature-age recruit Ian Callinan ($91,700 fwd/mid) from your wish list, he'll be out for 6-10 weeks with a bicep injury.

Ditto young defender Brodie Martin ($281,000 mid) who had been shining through the pre-season but now seems destined for a second knee reconstruction. Kurt Tippett ($329,300 ruck/fwd) is also in doubt for Round 1 with an ankle injury.

There were some positives for the Crows.

Chris Knights ($237,500 fwd) was much better in his second hitout for the pre-season, kicking two goals, Shaun McKernan ($110,200 def/fwd) booted three and draftee Brodie Smith ($123,600 def) was good again; injuries might open a spot for him. Andy Otten ($185,100 def) was quiet but at least he didn't get hurt.

The steal at Carlton might be Chris Yarran ($300,800 fwd) who has been transformed from a goalsneak with limited opportunities to a playmaker off half-back, a great spot to rack up SuperCoach points.

Other potential bargains Jeremy Laidler ($279,300 def) and Nick Duigan ($103,600) look settled in defence. They are unlikely to produce huge scores but they should give you a solid 50-60 each week.

In the midfield Chris Judd ($586,700 mid) churned out 26 touches. Bryce Gibbs ($508,300 def/mid) played in the centre but didn't get much of it.

HAWKS v TIGERS

The big story was Cyril Rioli ($461,500 fwd) dominating as a midfielder, but Al Clarkson says he won't stay there when Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, Jordan Lewis and Chance Bateman return.

Come on, Al, think of us!

Lance Franklin ($522,900 fwd) looked menacing and did what he had to do, and David Hale ($252,200 fwd/ruck) and Kyle Cheney ($163,500 def) both seem to have cemented a spot in the Hawks' best 22.

Of the potential bargains, Paul Puopolo ($103,600 def) got a bit of it but Isaac Smith (103,600 fwd/mid) was quiet. Rookie Tom Schneider ($91,700 fwd/mid), who has had a great pre-season, was given the night off.

At Tigerland, Trent Cotchin ($384,100 mid) had another super game and from all reports ran around with a large "breakout contender" sign flashing above his head. Former Bomber Bachar Houli ($324,700 mid) was just OK, Brett Deledio ($495,900 def/mid) was subbed off at halftime in his first run for the year and Chris Newman missed again.

Top draft pick Reece Conca ($163,600 mid) played his best game of the pre-season and fellow draftee Jake Batchelor ($103,600 def) was solid down back.

An injury to Mitch Farmer improves his chances of a Round 1 start.

PORT v CATS

The Power played the Cats' thirds with 14 of Geelong's best 22 missing, but we can still prize some gold from the wreckage.

There were more rave reviews for Port rookie Jarrad Irons ($91,700 mid) who is surely in line for elevation to the senior list after a string of good pre-season performances.

Daniel Stewart ($250,800 fwd) was excellent again and seems to have sewn up the second ruck spot. And Travis Boak ($471,300 mid) dominated.

Of the young Cats, Mitch Duncan ($281,600 mid/fwd) was again the best and looks a certainty for Round 1. Injuries and departures may open up another spot or two and Taylor Hunt ($264,800 def) and Daniel Menzel ($261,100 fwd/def) are the young men most likely.

LIONS v DEMONS

There was finally some good news for Michael Voss, and SuperCoaches, out of Brisbane.

Claye Beams ($103,600 mid) and Rohan Bewick ($110,200 mid) were both great and shape as bargain bench material, while Daniel Rich ($380,400 mid) continued his red-hot pre-season.

Top draft pick Jared Polec was rested and Jonathan Brown ($475,300 fwd) is unlikely to play any pre-season matches before Round 1.

The Dees rested Jack Grimes, Liam Jurrah, Aaron Davey, Brad Green and Jack Trengove, among others.

The spotlight was on Tom Scully ($345,900) but he had just 12 disposals after copping a hard tag, something he might have to get used to.

Breakout contender Colin Sylvia ($428,200 fwd/mid) was among the Dees' best and Jack Watts ($260,500 fwd) kicked a couple of nice goals.

One to keep an eye on is Luke Tapscott ($110,200 fwd), a high draft pick in 2009 who didn't play last year and has the body to play AFL.

Recruited as a forward, he impressed on Saturday with his accurate long kicking out of defence.

DOGS v DOCKERS

The Bulldogs also rested half their team for the trip to Bunbury, with Matthew Boyd, Daniel Giansiracusa, Shaun Higgins, Lindsay Gilbee, Justin Sherman, Tom Williams and Jarrad Grant among those to miss.

That made their 30-point win even more impressive, and more worrying for the Dockers who are yet to record a win this pre-season.

Freo rested Matthew Pavlich but Aaron Sandilands ($554,700 ruck) played his first full game for the year and was his team's best. No prizes for guessing Tendai Mzungu ($110,200 mid/fwd) was also in the best players.

For the Dogs Zepheniah Skinner ($103,600 fwd) was the standout with four goals, but it's hard to see him pinching a spot in the best 22.

Draftees Mitch Wallis ($103,600 mid) and Tom Liberatore ($103,600) both played but neither were listed in the best.

Pavlich, David Mundy and Stephen Hill are all expected to return next week. Still no sign of Michael Barlow, though.

SWANS v SUNS

The Suns followed everyone's lead and left half their team in the stands when they tackled the Swans at Southport.

Josh Fraser ($237,300 ruck) was just about the only experienced player who showed up and he was the Suns' best. Top draft picks Andrew Swallow and Harley Bennell and highly-rated forward Brandon Matera were also rested.

Adam Goodes ($458,900 mid/fwd) was a class above everyone else on the ground, booting six goals, and ex-Dog Andrejs Everitt ($315,100 def) chimed in with two.

Gary Rohan ($291,400 mid/fwd) pulled out after feeling a twinge in his Achilles in the warm-up.

 
ROOS v GIANTS

This week it was North Melbourne's turn to tackle Kevin Sheedy's Giant Witch's Hats, and the Hats were better - in fact, they almost drew even with the Kangas after halftime.

Unfortunately, they were already 12 goals behind. North also played a bunch of kids but it was veteran Brent Harvey ($488,400 mid/fwd) who had a picnic at Lavington.

Sam Wright ($263,500 fwd) kicked four goals but former Eagle Ben McKinley ($302,200 fwd) struggled after kicking a couple early and is no certainty to play in Round 1.