Voting for the Magpie Army Player of the Year Award continues as the 2015 AFL season draws to a close.
Collingwood Media looks at some of the best performances from Friday night’s 11-point loss to Sydney at the SCG.
Collingwood’s top performers
36. Dane Swan
Statistics: 21 kicks, 18 handballs, 39 disposals, 6 clearances, 5 tackles.
149 disposals. That's been Dane Swan's last month. The Brownlow medalists from has been described and analysed in many ways, but to give a fresh concept think of this - Esteemed defender Jack Frost has had 140 possessions this year. Frost plays a different role and plays it superbly at that, but for Swan to surpass his 18-game disposal tally in four matches displays amazing form. Despite being the oldest player on Collingwoods list, the 31-year-old Swan was dominant against the Swans. 16 of his 39 disposals were contested, while he added six clearances and four inside 50s. Age doesn't seem to be an issue for this superstar.
35. Jordan De Goey
Statistics: 12 kicks, 6 handballs, 18 disposals, 12 tackles, 5 inside 50s.
After a well-deserved rest last weekend, De Goey was firing on all cylinders as he reclaimed his place in the team for the must-win clash against the Swans. While the final result dented the 19-year-olds chances of playing finals in his debut season, he produced an individual performance to which he can hold his head high. His tenacity towards the contest were clear and a game-high 12 tackles offers proof. With the Magpies pushing the Swans to the limit in the second term, Dg Goey cut the margin back to one point. Despite having his original kick smothered, he chased the ball and kicked again, this time finding the middle of the goalposts. Not bad for a kid who's only played 13 games of senior footy.
5. Jamie Elliott
Statistics: 14 kicks, 10 handballs, 24 disposals, 6 marks, 7 tackles.
In his third game back from injury, Elliott finally returned to the form that has seen him become one of the most dangerous small forwards in the competition. The livewire doubled his disposal output from the game against Carlton, finishing with 24 touches in a consistent four-quarter performance. This number surpassed Elliott’s season-high in disposals in 2015, while seven tackles was also the most he’s had in a game this year. With the Magpies giving Sydney a three-goal head start in the first quarter, Elliott was the man to get his side on the board. His major at the 24-minute-mark of the opening term marked Collingwood’s first for the day and his 100th career goal.
10. Scott Pendlebury
Statistics: 11 kicks, 20 handballs, 31 disposals, 5 tackles, 18 contested possessions.
Nathan Buckley told the media post game that “it was one of the few nights Pendles would say he lowered his colours”. And while many would agree with the coach, the statistics say otherwise. Pendlebury was still prolific against the Swans, albeit without his usual sharpness and seemingly effortless attack on the contest. He fought hard to win his disposals and was ultimately successful in doing so. The 27-year-old’s disposal efficiency was down to 61.3 per cent, yet he still managed to win the ball 31 times. 18 contested possessions was his highest total of the year and for the third week in a row he elected to handball the ball on more occasions than he kicked. Pendlebury will be looked for an improved performance against the Tigers next week, but he can still be proud of his effort and workrate on Friday night.
How the voting system works
Head to fansmvp.afl.com.au/collingwoodfc/ and register your account. Then, assign three votes to the player you deem to be the best Collingwood player for the game, two votes to the second best player and one vote to the third best.
About the Magpie Army Player of the Year Award
The Magpie Army Player of the Year Award is received by the player deemed the most influential of the season by the Collingwood supporters each year.
In 2015, two tickets are on offer to the E.W. Copeland Trophy Dinner in October for those who cast their vote during the season.
The winner, selected at random, will be afforded the opportunity to present the Magpie Army Player of the Year Award to the winning player, plus receive a photograph with the winner following the presentation.
