After reviewing Simon Prestigiacomo’s case for selection last week, this week’s installment will feature two Magpie contenders for the illustrious award.
Harry O’Brien
In his fifth season since arriving at the club via the 2004 rookie draft, Harry O’Brien has established himself as a leading versatile defender in the AFL.
The 22-year-old has contributed in every game this season and is a key reason why Collingwood has allowed the second lowest points against this season.
O’Brien has lifted his work rate this year and is averaging 17 disposals a game (career high) and is second at the club in rebound 50s with 65 (behind Heath Shaw with 83).
The most impressive aspect of the young defender’s game is his ability to defend against a wide range of opponents.
His opponents have include Essendon’s 173 centimetre forward Alwyn Davey, 2003 Brownlow medalist Adam Goodes (Sydney) and established goal kicker Daniel Bradshaw (Brisbane).
O’Brien is enjoying a purple patch of football starting with his dominant performance on Brett Ebert, holding the forward goalless, in the round 10 win over Port Adelaide.
From rounds 10-20 the defender has had a goal difference of -8 while holding his direct opponent goalless in seven of the 11 matches.
O’Brien’s opponents during purple patch
‘+’ indicates O’Brien had more disposals and/or goals, ‘0’ indicates O’Brien matched his opponent in the category.
Round 12: Adam Goodes ( -1d, +1g, 67% game time)
Round 13: Hayden Ballantyne (+8d, +1g, 57% game time)
Round 14: Alwyn Davey (+5d, -1g, 85% game time)
Round 16: Cyril Rioli (0d, 0g, 46% game time)
Round 17: Eddie Betts (+5d, 0g, 64% game time)
His has proven to be a valuable member to Collingwood’s back six and has played a key role in the club’s second half success.
Nick Maxwell
In his first year as captain of Collingwood, Nick Maxwell has elevated his game to a level where he is now considered one of the best leaders in the competition. His role as a loose man in defence has provided the Magpies with the ability to force their opponent to turn the ball over inside their forward 50.
In 18 matches this season Maxwell is averaging career highs in disposals (17.7) and marks (6.4) per game.
A key feature to Maxwell’s game is his ability to constrict his opponent in front of goals while managing to continue to zone off his opponent to assist a teammate or act as the loose man.
The 26-year-old has conceded 14 goals in his 18 matches including holding his opponent(s) goalless in six matches.
Below is a table comparing Maxwell against four defenders considered in the running for this year’s All-Australian side. ‘Marks from opp’ indicates how many marks a player has taken from a direct opponent’s kick.
| Player | G | Goals against | Av. Disposals | Marks from opp |
| Nick Maxwell | 18 | 14 | 18 | 47 (3rd) |
| Brian Lake | 20 | 35 | 18 | 65 (1st) |
| Dale Morris | 20 | 36 | 11 | 37 (4th) |
| Sam Gilbert | 17 | 16 | 22 | 30 (8th) |
| Matthew Scarlett | 17 | 22 | 17 | 19 (42nd) |
The last Collingwood defender to receive All-Australian status was 230 game legend James Clement. The former Magpie vice captain was selected for the All-Australian team in 2003 and 2005.
The 2009 Four’N Twenty All Australian team will be named on Monday September 14.
Last week's "Magpie for All-Australian" featured veteran defender Simon Prestigiacomo.
Next week’s “Magpie for All-Australian” will highlight the 2009 efforts of Alan Didak.
