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 we are already in the last fortnight of the 2017 home and away season, as Collingwood prepares to face the third-placed Geelong at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies’ slim finals hopes were finally quashed last week by the Power, but Collingwood’s leaders have vowed to fight the season out until the very end. On the other hand, Geelong is fighting for that all-important top two position and a home final. There’s no doubt the Cats have plenty to play for this weekend, but the Magpies have a very strong record of late against the Cats, including an impressive victory in round six this season. The Magpies have been in good form over the past five rounds, having won three, drawn one and lost one.

Geelong was written off last week, with injuries and suspensions leaving the side weakened against an in-form Richmond line-up. The 14-point win really cemented Geelong’s top four position, and now leaves it with a big chance to host a home Qualifying Final. The Cats will be a formidable opponent this week, with plenty to play for.

Collingwood is playing for pride, but is also battling an ever-growing injury list. But the Magpies know that they can be a key player in shaping the top eight, and it is a real opportunity for younger players to make a mark. The Magpies always seem to lift against the Cats, and will enjoy playing in a traditional Saturday afternoon timeslot at the MCG.


Recent History
Collingwood has won the previous three encounters between these two sides. The most recent was earlier this season in round six, where the Magpies caused a big upset against the undefeated Cats to the tune of 29 points. Taylor Adams was huge with 36 disposals, while Scott Pendlebury will likely poll the three Brownlow votes for his 33 disposals, a goal and nine tackles. For the Cats, Zac Tuohy had 36 disposals and generated a lot of play off half back.

At the Selection Table
Collingwood suffered another season-ending injury last round, with Jordan De Goey sent for surgery on his hip. He is joined on the sidelines by Alex Fasolo (shoulder) and Tyson Goldsack (soreness).

Their replacements are Tim Broomhead, Josh Smith and debutant Josh Daicos. Each has been rewarded for their performances in the VFL against North Ballarat last week.

Meanwhile, Geelong has recalled Wylie Buzza and Mitch Duncan, who replace Rhys Stanley (calf) and Brandan Parfitt (omitted).

Defenders turned Forwards
A big dilemma for both Geelong and Collingwood this year has been whether to play their star defenders as key forwards to help with team balance. Harry Taylor and Ben Reid are both All-Australian and premiership defenders, but for structural reasons have been required up forward.

Arguably, both players remain better defenders than they are forwards, but both were enormous last week, with Taylor stepping in for the absent Hawkins to boot four goals, and Reid sparking a Collingwood resurgence with four goals of his own.

The thing about both Taylor and Reid is that they are strong contested marks and at a minimum have an ability to ensure that marking contests are halved. They both require good opponents, and this helps to bring other forwards into the game. There’s no doubt that both will play predominantly forward again this week.

Focus on Collingwood
Collingwood was again brave last week against a strong Port Adelaide outfit. The game looked lost at half time, but the Magpies unleashed the shackles in the second half to storm back into the game. In the end, inefficiency again cost the Magpies, and the Power eventually proved too strong to run out 27-point victors.

Yet again, the Magpies had opportunities, and yet again they were gallant in defeat. There have been very few games all season where the Magpies have not been competitive, but 2017 will go down as a season of missed opportunities. Crucial skill errors, inaccuracy and inefficiency have cost Collingwood many games, which is why they currently sit in 13th spot on the ladder.

It will be a huge challenge this week for a very undermanned side. In particular, there is a lot of muscle missing from the midfield with Pendlebury, De Goey, Levi Greenwood, Brodie Grundy and Rupert Wills all missing. This will leave Collingwood’s midfield a little shorter and a little skinnier than usual.

Last week, the Magpies tried to retain possession and try to take Port Adelaide’s run away. This week, with a lighter but quicker midfield, it may be an opportunity to throw caution aside and play with flair. It may also be an opportunity to try a bigger bodied player like Brayden Maynard or Jack Crisp in the middle.


Focus on Geelong
Geelong is preparing for yet another finals campaign, and games such as this Saturday will be crucial if it wants to make the top two. The Cats have battled through a few injuries and suspensions in recent weeks, but their win last week against Richmond was a truly character building one. It was proof that the side isn’t just reliant on Selwood, and can also win without Hawkins as the spearhead. It was also proof that Taylor can play a huge role as a forward.

The pleasing thing to come out of last week’s clash was the form of Steven Motlop. He has spent time in the spotlight this year, and he has clearly been battling a few injury niggles. After some time on the sidelines, he was back to his best last week and his work-rate was really high. He was particularly important late in the game as Richmond was mounting a challenge. Cam Guthrie, Sam Menegola and Scott Selwood also stepped up in the absence of Joel Selwood and Mitch Duncan. Zac Smith is also starting to hit top form in the ruck.

The Cats line-up has been somewhat unsettled at times this year, and they haven’t been able to find the consistent mix. But with a fortnight remaining in the home and away season, things might just be falling into place nicely now. This is a danger game for the Cats, though, against a side that has been somewhat of a bogey in recent years.

The Wrap Up
There is so much riding on this game for Geelong. But the Magpies have competed in just about every game this year, and clearly have a style that troubles the Cats. Both sides look somewhat different to what they normally do, with a few injuries and suspensions meaning the structures will be changed to some degree.

Typically, Collingwood has troubled Geelong for run and depth through the midfield. With so many key midfielders out, it will be interesting to see how a younger Collingwood side stands up to the more experienced and bigger bodied Geelong unit. I think it’s an opportunity for the Magpies to play with complete freedom and try to bring real pace into the game. Collingwood’s midfield is still quite deep, but it could struggle if the game becomes a real slog. There are a number of players in the Collingwood side trying to cement their spot, so there is still plenty to play for despite finals no longer being a possibility.

By David Natoli
Aka DaVe86