Collingwoodfc.com.au has listed the established players who were not selected to play against the Dockers but who may be considered to take on the undefeated Geelong on Saturday night.
Luke Ball
The universally respected midfielder has made a seamless return to senior football at VFL level. He won 26 possessions in his first game back against Bendigo three weeks ago (in addition to three tackles) before backing it up with 34 touches and five tackles in the shootout against Williamstown. His trademark intensity and ability to clear a path for his teammates gave the VFL team an immediate boost.
Past Two Games
(VFL) Round Five v Williamstown: 14 kicks, 5 marks, 14 handballs, 34 possessions, 5 tackles
(VFL) Round Four v Bendigo: 13 kicks, 5 marks, 13 handballs, 26 possessions, 3 tackles
“He’s prepared and ready,” – Defensive Development Coach Mitch Hahn following Luke Ball’s 34 possession display against the Seagulls.
Alan Didak
Having missed the entire NAB Cup due to a hamstring injury, Didak was itching to make his mark at VFL level. He has started the year well, gathering a season-high 31 possessions against Bendigo in round four and averaging 23 disposals per game. He has improved his match fitness with each passing week as evidenced by his six tackles against the Seagulls and in recent times has been playing higher up the ground as opposed to deeper inside 50 where he managed three goals in the loss to Frankston in round four.
Past Five Games
(VFL) Round Five v Williamstown: 14 kicks, 1 mark, 8 handballs, 22 possessions
(VFL) Round Four v Bendigo: 20 kicks, 11 marks, 11 handballs, 31 possessions
(VFL) Round Three v Frankston: 13 kicks, 6 marks, 3 handballs, 16 possessions
(VFL) Round Two v Werribee: 20 kicks, 6 marks, 5 handballs, 25 possessions
(VFL) Round One v North Ballarat: 13 kicks, 4 marks, 6 handballs, 21 possessions
“He’s putting real pressure on to play senior football,” – Midfield Development Coach Tarkyn Lockyer talks up Alan Didak’s chances of a senior recall after the 116-point win over Bendigo.
Jackson Paine
The second-year key forward has kicked 13 goals in five VFL outings so far this year. He has also managed eight behinds, so while he is kicking accurately he is receiving plenty of opportunities in front of goal. Although he has not been named in the best yet this year, he has kicked at least one goal in every game and took a season-high eight marks against Werribee.
Past Five Games
(VFL) Round Five v Williamstown: 6 kicks, 3 marks, 9 handballs, 15 possessions, 2 goals
(VFL) Round Four v Bendigo: 9 kicks, 7 marks, 3 handballs, 12 possessions, 3 goals
(VFL) Round Three v Frankston: 7 kicks, 5 marks, 4 handballs, 11 possessions, 3 goals
(VFL) Round Two v Werribee: 9 kicks, 8 marks, 6 handballs, 15 possessions, 1 goal
(VFL) Round One v North Ballarat: 12 kicks, 7 marks, 7 handballs, 19 possessions, 4 goals
“Painey’s GPS results were huge. His work rate was enormous, and was in the elite bracket of AFL work rate,” – Development Manager Craig McRae on Paine’s performance against Werribee.
Jordan Russell
Made a solid start to his Collingwood career, averaging 13 possessions and a career-high four tackles in his first five senior games. Lost his place after the 46-point loss to Essendon on ANZAC Day but made his mark in the VFL when he gathered 33 possessions, laid three tackles and blanketed his opponents in the back pocket against Williamstown. Offers a mature body and plenty of senior experience should Nathan Buckley be looking to bolster his defensive stocks.
Past Five Games
(VFL) Round Five v Williamstown: 19 kicks, 3 marks, 14 handballs, 33 possessions
(AFL) Round Five v Essendon: 8 kicks, 4 marks, 7 handballs, 15 possessions
(AFL) Round Four v Richmond: 8 kicks, 8 marks, 2 handballs, 10 possessions
(AFL) Round Three v Hawthorn: 7 kicks, 1 mark, 7 handballs, 14 possessions
(AFL) Round Two v Carlton: 10 kicks, 5 marks, 5 handballs, 15 possessions
“He was certainly a class above for mine,” – Mitch Hahn on Russell’s 33 possessions in the VFL against Williamstown.
Ben Sinclair
Bagged two important goals against Carlton in round two but has found the going tougher in the weeks since. Did not register double-figure disposal numbers in rounds three-five and was substituted out of the match against Essendon during the third quarter. Returned to the VFL for the first time since 2011 and was one of the best on ground in the opening quarter in a new role as a small defender. Tapered as the match wore on after copping a heavy knock but typically did not shirk a contest and added pace off the half back line.
Past Five Games
(VFL) Round Five v Williamstown: 3 kicks, 3 marks, 8 handballs, 11 possessions
(AFL) Round Five v Essendon: 1 kick, 1 mark, 4 handballs, 5 possessions
(AFL) Round Four v Richmond: 4 kicks, 2 marks, 5 handballs, 9 possessions
(AFL) Round Three v Hawthorn: 2 kicks, 3 marks, 7 handballs, 9 possessions
(AFL) Round Two v Carlton: 9 kicks, 3 marks, 5 handballs, 14 possessions
“There’s certainly an opportunity at senior level for small defenders after losing ‘Tooves’ to a knee injury,” – Defensive Development Coach Mitch Hahn on Ben Sinclair’s new role.
Marley Williams
Made some cameo appearances in the NAB Cup but was absent from Collingwood’s first VFL game against the Roosters. Returned with 18 possessions against Werribee the following week and has since settled into a smooth rhythm at half back while taking occasional turns in the midfield. His strength over the ball and willingness to make his presence felt has made him one of the VFL team’s most valuable players. His kicking also continues to improve and has again displayed his ability to play a shut-down role while still winning enough of the ball himself. Was named as an emergency against both Fremantle and St Kilda.
Past Four Games
(VFL) Round Five v Williamstown: 16 kicks, 1 mark, 3 handballs, 19 possessions
(VFL) Round Four v Bendigo: 15 kicks, 4 marks, 4 handballs, 19 possessions
(VFL) Round Three v Frankston: 16 kicks, 9 marks, 7 handballs, 23 possessions
(VFL) Round Two v Werribee: 15 kicks, 4 marks, 3 handballs, 18 possessions
“He’s an offensive weapon coming from half back and is doing a pretty good shut down role at the minute,” – Offensive Development Coach Anthony Rocca on Williams’ 23 possessions against Frankston.
