Round 12 Preview

[mikeod 21]

Melbourne v Collingwood

The annual Queens Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood is here, and, going on recent games between these two clubs, this could be an absolute ripper.

Melbourne had a possible season-turning win last week. Down and out after their round 10 loss to Carlton, the Demons were able to play confident, hard-hitting football to defeat Essendon by 33 points.

It was anyone’s game in the first half of the match between Collingwood and St Kilda last week. The lead changed several times as the teams wrestled for ascendancy. Collingwood managed to hit the front just prior to the main break, and then never gave it up eventually running out comfortable 57 point winners.

The return of some young but significant names was vital for the Demons last week. The ease at which Tom Scully was able to readjust to the speed of AFL football for his first game of the season was exciting yet slightly frightening for very anxious Melbourne fans.

Jack Trengove – returning from three weeks suspension – also showed his class in the win. Brad Green found some form, kicking four important goals, while young midfielders Jordan Gysberts (30 touches) and Jordie McKenzie (28 touches, 13 tackles) were brilliant across the ground.

Dane Swan was Collingwood’s leading goal scorer with against the Saints. Travis Cloke managed three goals and eleven marks as he begins to shore up his All Australian position, while Scott Pendlebury (32 touches) and Dale Thomas (31) played significant parts in the win.

Changes:

Melbourne:

IN: Bartram, Bate, Petterd

OUT: -

Collingwood:

OUT: Swan, (soreness), Thomas (suspension), Beams (foot)

NEW: Alex Fasolo (East Fremantle), Luke Rounds (Geelong U18s), Tom Young (Sydney Uni)

Last year, Collingwood beat Melbourne by a single point in their round 2 clash, while the Queens Birthday clash delivered an enthralling draw. Both were fantastic games to watch, and the football public is surely crying out for more.

On form, you would normally predict Collingwood to romp it in against 9th placed Melbourne, but Collingwood will go into the game without some huge names. Dane Swan is in Arizona, Dale Thomas has been suspended and Dayne Beams will miss with a foot injury, The beauty of the Magpies, however, is their incredibly evenness – there are so many players waiting for the opportunity to step up.

The midfield will be a massive battle - the Demons mix of youth, experience, skill and strength will be competitive against the weakened Collingwood line up. Clint Bartram is listed in the extended squad, and could come in to try to nullify the dangerous Pendlebury. The likely Cloke/Frawley contest will also be enthralling.

A weakened Collingwood side is still a very good team, but expect the Demons to come out hard in this one, searching for some consistency and smelling blood.

Player to Watch: Jordan Gysberts (MEL) joined an exclusive club last week, when he became just the eighth player to be nominated for the Rising Star award twice. The young midfielder – picked up with the draft pick the Demons received in exchange for Brock McLean – was one of Melbourne’s best last week against Essendon. He moves well, and makes good, quick decisions and will be an important part of the Demon midfield going forward.

Collingwood by 10 points

As always, you can read the rest of the previews HERE. All likes and comments get tallied, and help me win a night in the CrocMedia commentary booth. You're support is appreciated. Cheers

[Guest Artie Bucco]

Player to watch is Trengove - I think he'll be dominant in this match.

[Disco Demons 92]

the dees have a lot of unfinished business...With Garland, Tapscott soon to come off the injury list...expect all demon players to make the most of there oppurtunites.

Jack Watts has been stringing together some form. The signs are good for young jack.

With the talent that melbourne boast...who is going to be our standout? Jack Watts, Gysberts, Trengove, Scully, McKenzie? take your pick.

[mikeod 21]

The reason we missed James McDonald so much at the beginning of the year was because Jordie McKenzie was missing.

He is a brilliant replacement. So hard at it, moves well, tackles brilliantly.

Trengove has the class, Scully has the grunt.

We knew they were going to be good. McKenzie and Gysberts complement them.

[Viney Vidi Vici 116]

Anyone else get an email from Melbourne FC with a teams list, which had Jurrah named on the wing... as well as the bench?

[Chook 14,602]

Anyone else get an email from Melbourne FC with a teams list, which had Jurrah named on the wing... as well as the bench?

So they've finally done it. They've cloned Liam Jurrah.

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Anyone else get an email from Melbourne FC with a teams list, which had Jurrah named on the wing... as well as the bench?

Goddamn...your right 2 Liam Jurrahs! Surely were a chance now!!

[biggestred 4,357]

yawn

apparently this is our biggest game of the year. thanks pies

(saw on 10 news)

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Anyone else get an email from Melbourne FC with a teams list, which had Jurrah named on the wing... as well as the bench?

The interchange Marshall is in for a hard day!

[Sydney Dee 1]

I think we're a great chance. I'll be having something small on the boys at around $4.50

[Kento80 83]

The reason we missed James McDonald so much at the beginning of the year was because Jordie McKenzie was missing.

He is a brilliant replacement. So hard at it, moves well, tackles brilliantly.

Trengove has the class, Scully has the grunt.

We knew they were going to be good. McKenzie and Gysberts complement them.

Damn straight. Lot of hysteria about not having Junior earlier in the year, but I reckon had we had Jordie, noone would have been as worried.