In 2017, David Natoli, aka DaVe86, returns to Collingwood Media to file his famous, in-depth tactical match previews.

Since publishing his first report on Nick's Bulletin Board in early 2005, DaVe86 has become a weekly favourite among the passionate online Magpie Army receiving thousands of views for each article.

The articles are lengthy and have been published in their entirety as the club did not want to hinder DaVe86's creativity during the writing process.

The views expressed in DaVe86's previews are solely of the author and do not reflect the views of the Collingwood Football Club.

The Magpies host the Brisbane Lions at the MCG this Sunday afternoon.

It’s hard to believe that we are already nearing the half way mark of the year, and the ladder is well and truly taking shape.

Collingwood’s come-from-behind victory against Hawthorn has seen it jump from second last to 13th on the ladder. Its opponent this week is Brisbane, who is currently on the bottom of the ladder with one solitary win.

With the bye rounds approaching, Collingwood has the opportunity to rectify its slow start and prepare for a big finish to the season. Finals are definitely still well within its grasp, although every match from now on carries importance. Collingwood has been an enigma this year, terrific one week and poor the next. It has competed against some of the top teams, then completely fallen away against lower ranked opponents. This is an opportunity against the bottom side of the ladder to notch consecutive wins for the first time this season and breathe life back into the year.

But given Collingwood’s inconsistent form, it’s impossible to predict how it will fare this week. Brisbane has been competitive through large chunks of the season, but has fallen away in recent weeks as the younger players begin to feel the stress of a long season. The Lions will know though that the Magpies remain vulnerable and will sense an opportunity for an upset victory.

Quite simply, Collingwood’s form in the last three quarters of the match last week against Hawthorn demonstrated how good it can be. But the first quarter was as poor as the Magpies have played all season. Again I’m left scratching my head as to who is the real Collingwood, and whether it can bridge the gap between its best and worst football.

Recent History
These sides last met in round eight last year, where the Magpies travelled to the Gabba to record a resounding 78-point victory.

Adam Treloar was adjudged the best on field with 36 disposals and three goals, while his partner in crime Scott Pendlebury was given two votes with 34 disposals. Rounding out the votes was Mason Cox with four goals and 11 hitouts.

At the Selection Table
Matthew Scharenberg is set to play his first game since 2015 following his second knee reconstruction. With Henry Schade and James Aish out of the side, Scharenberg should slot in nicely across half back after his dominant 41 possession game at VFL level last week. Also into the squad is Tim Broomhead.

The Lions have rung the changes this week. Coming into the side are Ryan Bastinac, Tom Cutler, Dan McStay, Archie Smith and Rhys Mathieson. Omitted from the side are Ryan Harwood, Josh Walker, Claye Beams and Tom Bell. Former skipper Tom Rockliff remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Focus on Collingwood
A quarter time bake from coach Nathan Buckley served as the catalyst for a remarkable turnaround against the Hawks last week. Trailing by 43 points, the Magpies threw caution to the wind and played some of their best footy for the year. The second half in particular was brilliant, booting nine goals to one.

The leaders took real control of the game, with Scott Pendlebury deemed best afield with 36 disposals, and Taylor Adams acting as a battering ram in the middle. Treloar and Sidebottom also really lifted after quiet starts, while Jeremy Howe had 13 marks across half back to control the defence.

Could this be the start of something special? Collingwood had a difficult draw to start the season off, but should enjoy some winnable games in the next month. But before getting too ahead of itself, Collingwood simply needs to focus on carrying the same form into this week’s game against Brisbane. The Magpies are yet to win consecutive games this year, so the first step needs to be notching up the four points this week.

Player Focus – Collingwood
Tom Phillips – After a consistent year to date, Tom Phillips was rewarded with the league’s Rising Star nomination for round nine following his 24-disposal game against Hawthorn. After a really strong pre-season where Phillips dominated all the endurance criteria, he is starting to translate that into some really solid football. He is averaging a healthy 20 disposals a game, and he provides some good outside run. We all know Phillips is an endurance athlete, but we are now seeing him apply that to his game. The Magpies lack some outside run, so Phillips really fills that hole.

Brayden Maynard – Maynard is the youngest player in the Collingwood 22, but has really cemented his spot in the backline. But I felt his first quarter against Hawthorn last week was one of his poorer quarters of his career. He made some errors that resulted in goals and gave away some silly free kicks as well. Many players would have dropped their heads, but Maynard buckled down and turned his match around. He kicked Collingwood’s opening goal in the second quarter, and started running off half back with real gusto. His foot skills were elite, and he didn’t take any backward steps. It is a real sign of maturity in a young man to not let the mistakes of the first quarter bring him down.

Focus on Brisbane
After winning their opening game, the Lions have lost their next eight. The last month in particular has been quite poor, losing by an average of 63 points. New coach Chris Fagan will be keen to turn this trend around, particularly as the Lions have a bye next week. This is an opportunity to throw caution to the wind, in the knowledge that they have a two week break to recover.

Despite the poor showings in the last month, the Lions are beginning to develop a nice spine. Eric Hipwood has been somewhat of a revelation this year up forward, while Harris Andrews has really stood up in defence. The midfield is competitive enough with the likes of Beams, Rich, Zorko and Rockliff remaining very dangerous. The loss of Rockliff has been a big blow, but Dayne Beams has returned from injury and picked up 40 disposals last week.

At its best, Brisbane has an ability to take the game on and score freely. But with such a young side, the Lions have faded away in second halves this year, and haven’t been able to put together four quarter efforts. I have no doubt that Brisbane will put up a good showing on Sunday afternoon, but the question will be whether it can maintain its intensity.

Player Focus – Brisbane
Eric Hipwood – Hipwood’s form has dropped off a bit over recent weeks, but he has shown plenty in 2017. Standing at 202cms, with incredible agility for a player of his size, Hipwood is proving a handful for all defenders. Collingwood has a very short defence this week, with Tyson Goldsack the tallest player at 193cm. Hipwood is the future of the Brisbane forward line, and as he fills out he should become one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition.

Stefan Martin – One of the most intriguing battles on Sunday will be the battle between Martin and Brodie Grundy, who are two of the in-form ruckmen of the competition right now. After a difficult season last year, Martin has returned to form, averaging 42 hitouts a game and just under 20 disposals. It makes him one of the more damaging ruckmen because he has the ability to win a lot of the footy around the ground. Although he stand under 200cm, Martin is really strong in the contest and rarely loses a hitout. He has a decent midfield at his feet, so his role will be crucial on Sunday.

The Wrap Up
This is a game the Magpies must win if they have any chance of making the finals last year. Last week’s remarkable come from behind victory will count for little if the Magpies can’t knock off Brisbane who currently sits last on the ladder.

But with wet weather forecast, nothing is for certain, and the Magpies need to come with the right mindset. The Magpies have a much deeper list on paper, but the Lions still have some talent in the midfield. Ex-Magpie Dayne Beams is in good form. The start will be crucial, as I think Brisbane is going to start with a lot of enthusiasm. If the Magpies can withhold an early onslaught, they should have enough talent to get over the line comfortably.

By David Natoli
Aka DaVe86