Preview: Collingwood v Richmondafl.com.au
By Nathan Schmook Thu 26 February, 2009
PRE-SEASON FORM GUIDECollingwood: The Magpies are through to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2006. Heavy losses to Adelaide (81 points) and North Melbourne (51) have sent them packing in the first round in recent years. However, this campaign was started in the best possible fashion – a strong Collingwood outfit smashed West Coast by 62 points at Subiaco Oval.
Richmond: The Tigers have also broken a recent NAB Cup drought, getting past the first round with a nail-biting three-point win over Fremantle at Subiaco. Losses to St Kilda (40 points), Geelong (43) and Hawthorn (10) have seen Richmond make a first-round exit the past three years.
PREPARATIONCollingwood: There's no doubt Collingwood was in great early-season shape against West Coast after three gruelling intra-club matches to kick off its campaign. Alan Didak and Heath Shaw should get the chance to back up their stunning returns in Perth, while Scott Pendlebury and Tarkyn Lockyer showed they are well and truly ready for the season proper.
Richmond: The Tigers probably got a better preparation than they bargained for when they travelled to Perth a fortnight ago. The victory brought out the best in Matthew Richardson, Nathan Foley and Brett Deledio – all top performers over the pre-season. And with Richardson up the ground, Jack Riewoldt and Nathan Brown made telling contributions on the scoreboard. High-profile recruit Ben Cousins was never going to play that game but he watched from the stands – adding to the build-up for this one.
PLAYERS TO WATCHCollingwood:Leon Davis: Dangerous wherever he went against West Coast, Davis read the ruckmen's work better than anyone (seven clearances) and pushed forward for two goals.
Scott Pendlebury: It's hard to believe it's so early in the year when you watch this gun midfielder play football. Of his 31 possessions against West Coast, Pendlebury missed the target just twice in a supreme performance.
Nick Maxwell: The great bump debate isn't over, but Maxwell is free to captain the Pies after escaping a four-week ban. His physical approach is an integral part of his leadership and he won't be discouraged from playing that way against the Tigers.
Richmond:Ben Cousins: It seems like the champion midfielder's every step has been watched since his time expired at West Coast. Finally football fans can watch the Brownlow Medallist doing what he does best on the football field.
Daniel Jackson: Flying under the radar thanks to some of his big-name midfield teammates, Jackson managed 29 possessions against Fremantle while keeping an eye on NAB AFL Rising Star Rhys Palmer.
Adam Thomson: Port Adelaide fans were disappointed to lose this former first-round draft pick, but greater opportunities led the inside midfielder to Tigerland. It will be interesting to see what he offers in this clash with Collingwood and beyond.
SUMMARYBoth sides have named strong squads and Jackson says the Tigers are set on hitting round one in good touch. They'll run out against the Pies without Trent Cotchin and Kayne Pettifer, while Collingwood is still missing Anthony Rocca (ankle) and Paul Medhurst (foot). Collingwood's pre-season form coupled with the health of its list suggests a semi-final appearance against either Essendon or the Brisbane Lions. However, expect the Tigers to push the Pies on emotion alone as Cousins resumes his career.
PREDICTIONCollingwood by 15 points
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