Collingwood 2008

[Rik E Boy]

Many people are pumping up the Pies for 2008 given a better than expected performance in 2007 and two competitive efforts against the reigning premier Geelong (that felt good writing that LOL). However I reckon the Pies of 2007 might turn out to be like Geelong of 2005. We thought perhaps we were better than we actually were because we lost by a kick to the eventual premiers, Sydney. The mental attitude and fitness levels were all wrong for 2006 and even though we didn't have many injuries we bottomed out badly.

Next year Collingwood will go in without Clement who has retired and it appears that an announcement from Nathan Buckley is immenent also. Other senior players such as Wakelin, Rocca and Burns don't look like they have much more to give, even though they might all eventually play on. The ruck division is woefull and even a fully fit Fraser doesn't quite match up with the ruck set ups of Sydney, Port and Geelong. Despite the outside running ability there doesn't appear to be a lot of inside grunt in the midfield. Players like Davis and O'Bree continue to be momumentally mediocre.

I reckon this year's Collingwood best and fairest should go to Mick Malthouse, a coach I admire enormously. The kids have come on a treat but the more senior blokes look to be on their last legs. Even more will be asked of guys like Pendlebury and Thomas next year. There has been a lot of positives to come out of 2007 for Collingwood but 2008 might turn out to be a very tough year for the Magpies.

regards,

REB

[Hondo]

If they get another 17-18 games at the MCG they should make the 8 again as the AFL want for crowds in finals ...... um did I say that ...... I mean as they deserve

[Dutchy]

couldnt agree more REB, very well put...

they finished equal on wins with Hawks and half a win ahead of Sydney and only one and a half wins ahead of Saints with the 10th best percentage in the league, all this on a favourable draw....

I think they are very well prepared and coached and get the maximum out of their list but it will only take a few injuries and losses in close games for them to miss the 8 next year....plus expect some 2nd year blues to hit some of their kids...

[Punk Rooster]

If they get another 17-18 games at the MCG they should make the 8 again as the AFL want for crowds in finals ...... um did I say that ...... I mean as they deserve

cry cry cry....

[mal]

CO seemingly gets the easiest draw of all Victorian clubs MOST of the time
If they had the KA draw of 2007 they probably would have misssed the 8

They got the MCG final in front of the higher ranked HW this year, because of higher crowds
I still cant work out how the WC V CO [Perth] final was not transferred to the MCG
After all the MCG would hold more of crowd.....

BUT they did do well in 2007..... + 2008 should do OK

[the joker]

TWO WORDS F#*K COLLINGWOOD

[Dogwatcher]

Your opinion's noted.
And disregarded.
Thank you.

[silicone skyline]

I hope they crash and burn.
But their finances are too good, i think they'll still avoid bottom four and thus have a chance at the eight.
And yes Joker, yes yes indeed.

[Hondo]

I think their efforts in the last 2 finals have got their supporters excited for 2008 and to some extent rightly so ..... but that needs to be balanced with the realities Dutchy & REB raised

They had a good season and then things fell their way in the finals leading to a great Prelim final performance ... but 1 game doesn't make a season

Still, I feel they will be around the 8 next season and pushing the top 4 they definitely looked promising in the finals

The thing to remember about Pies (and the Power) is that simply playing good young kids won't get them there by itself - those guys need 3-5 seasons under their belt to really be a chance to win a GF as Geelong proved this year

[Blue Boy]

I rekon there coach works teams out real quick - look how he pushed Geelong wide in the prelim this year and he has had great results against Sydney / West Coast and Adelaide over the last few years !!!

But they do seem to drop some easy games !!!

They have obviously have some coin to play with so lets wait and see what they come up with in trade week !!!

[Dogwatcher]

Definitely do drop some easy games. You're very right.

[Dirko]

Will make the eight but will not have a year like 2007.

[sydney-dog]

REB - Excellent post, best footy post for 2007

I totally agree, I said may times this year that in my view Collingwood were punching above their weight...

Looking at their list, their appears to be gaps all over the place, lack a quality ruck combination, midfield appears to be a little slow, they look thin in defence.

Looking foirward, 2008 will certainly be a huge challenge for the Pies to maintain their top 4 status. In my opinion, they certainly need a quality ruckman, another big body down back, bit more depth and speed in the midfield........

This year, the Pies had huge success with their first year draft picks, next year, opposition clubs will take more notice of these kids when planning against the Pies, so a huge challenge for these boys to avoid the 2nd year blues...

2007, well played Mick, 2008 - will be a bigger challenge

[Pup]

I rekon there coach works teams out real quick - look how he pushed Geelong wide in the prelim this year and he has had great results against Sydney / West Coast and Adelaide over the last few years !!!

But they do seem to drop some easy games !!!

They have obviously have some coin to play with so lets wait and see what they come up with in trade week !!!

Only because they very rarely play WCE at Subiaco. The finals win was the first win at Subiaco since 91. But i do agree they do go up a notch against good sides. I agree with Dutchy and REB on this one. Interesting year ahead for the Pies

[sydney-dog]

Paul Licuria has also announced his retirement

[devilsadvocate]

Paul Licuria has also announced his retirement

Confirmed:

http://news.realfooty.com.au/licuria-jo ... -12rl.html

So, with Bucks, Licker and Clement out, how does this change eeryone's appraisal of the Pies for 2008?

I think they'll struggle to make the 8 now. Mick will need miracles.

[the wonder elephant]

anyone know who collingwoods 2nds are going to be aligned with now that williamstown have hooked up with the western bulldogs ?

[Wedgie]

anyone know who collingwoods 2nds are going to be aligned with now that williamstown have hooked up with the western bulldogs ?

I've heard a rumour that the Port Power will be Collingwood's 2nds at the moment but Collingwood aren't happy with the deal as they want a club that shows a bit more heart in important games.

[the wonder elephant]

gold again wedgie your on fire must be the bundy !!any real ideas though ?

[Wedgie]

gold again wedgie your on fire must be the bundy !!any real ideas though ?

Nup, no real ideas from me tonight.

PS Bundy just ran out, too late to go back to beer, could be sleepies time.