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.

It’s hard to believe it is already round 18. This week, my preview takes an in depth look at the match between Collingwood and West Coast to be held at Etihad Stadium this Sunday afternoon. Both sides are coming off solid victories last week and will head into this match with confidence.

It’s a huge match for the Eagles, who are currently clinging to eighth spot on the ladder due to percentage. The Eagles will most likely need to win four of their last six games to hold onto their finals position, so can’t afford to drop this match against the Magpies who are currently sitting in 14th spot. The Eagles will also be celebrating Josh Kennedy’s 200th game and Luke Shuey’s 150th.

Although finals are now mathematical for the Magpies, they will definitely be keen to spoil the party this weekend. The Magpies will know that the Eagles have not travelled well this season, particularly to Melbourne. Collingwood has either beaten or challenged a number of sides currently in the top eight, and will be a danger side in the final six weeks.

Despite the fact that this is a Collingwood home game, it will be only the second time this season that the Magpies will play at Etihad Stadium, having lost to St Kilda in round four in their only other game at this venue. On the other hand, it will be the fourth time the Eagles will have played at Etihad, having won two games at this venue already this season. So in many respects, it’s not much of a home ground advantage for the Magpies this week. The task will also be made more difficult by the absence of skipper Scott Pendlebury who will miss with a finger injury.

Recent History
The Eagles and Magpies have not met since round 19 last year, where the Magpies had a solid victory by 19 points at the MCG. Taylor Adams was adjudged best afield with 36 disposals and 11 tackles. The two votes went to Scott Pendlebury with 34 disposals and 14 tackles, while Steele Sidebottom polled one vote with 26 disposals and two goals. Jack Darling was good for the Eagles with 4 goals, while Andrew Gaff was prominent with 35 disposals.

Focus on Collingwood
The Magpies dominated most statistical categories against the Gold Coast last week in very difficult conditions. In particular, the Magpies had 90 more disposals and 19 more clearances. But as has been the case multiple times this season, the dominance didn’t translate onto the scoreboard. It was also concerning to see the Gold Coast score multiple times from stoppages. This has been an area Collingwood has really dropped off in recent weeks.

The Magpies don’t play at Etihad Stadium often, which is fortunate since they have only won once in their last seven matches at this venue. It is going to be a big challenge, especially considering the Eagles have a good record at Etihad.

Player Focus – Collingwood
Taylor Adams – With Scott Pendlebury out of the side, Adams will need to step up as the vice-captain, along with Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe. After a blistering start to the season, Adams stepped up again last week with 34 disposals, all of which were very effective. I get the feeling that Adams will enjoy the added responsibility of leading this side, and he will be buoyed by the fact he polled the three Brownlow votes when these sides last met in 2016.

Alex Fasolo – Fasolo was crucial in Collingwood’s win last week. His two early goals got the Magpies going, but it was his work-rate in the last quarter which drew praise from coach Nathan Buckley. Fasolo has booted 27 goals this season – one short of his career high – and remains, for mine, a barometer of this side.

Focus on West Coast
Early season form was so promising for the Eagles, but their season has taken a quite turn. Having won only three of their past eight games, the Eagles are in a real battle to maintain their top eight position. The biggest issue has been scoring, having not kicked more than 100 points in their last 10 games.

It's surprising considering the star power the Eagles have up forward. Josh Kennedy has missed quite a bit through injury, but promisingly kicked three goals last week in the 30-point win over Fremantle. In such an even season, this could be an opportunity to hit form at the right time of the season and bound into the finals with momentum. On the other hand, another loss could see the Eagles drop out of contention all together.

Player Focus – West Coast
Andrew Gaff – Gaff has had a terrific season and has really established himself amongst the competition’s best players. Averaging 31.5 disposals a week, Gaff has become a real running machine and he typically uses the ball very well. Gaff has become a very tough player to stop given his elite endurance and willingness to run all day. With Levi Greenwood coming back into the side, it will be interesting to see whether the Magpies elect to tag Gaff.

Liam Duggan – It has taken a while, but Duggan has now begun to cement his spot in the West Coast side and looks to be establishing himself as a fine AFL player. The former first round pick had one of his best career games last week with 31 disposals. Duggan will look to build on this form in the back end of the year.

The Wrap Up
This is a massive game for West Coast if it is to make the finals this season. With player milestones to motivate as well, logic says that the Eagles will be fired up this weekend. But they have not won consecutive games since round eight, and much has been written about their form on the road this season.

The Magpies played solid football last weekend and will look to build on that form. Under the Etihad roof, the Magpies need to be clean with their foot skills and capitalize on opportunities. The Eagles are a very good side from turnovers, and will feast on Magpie errors.

This is a tough game to tip, and a real test for both sides.

By David Natoli
Aka DaVe86