In 2012, collingwoodfc.com.au has again enlisted the help of David Natoli, aka DaVe86, who has shot to internet fame for his in-depth Magpie tactical 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.

Collingwood hosts West Coast at the MCG this Saturday afternoon in a top of the ladder battle between two of the powerhouse sides of the competition. Many experts are predicting these two teams to square off again in the Grand Final, meaning that the victor of this match will be the outright premiership favourite at the conclusion of the round.

Both sides have won 10 games and lost two. The only other side to match this is Adelaide who sits between West Coast and Collingwood on the ladder.

The fact that these two sides sit equal top of the ladder is a massive achievement considering that injuries have been a big factor throughout the year. The Magpies have played at times with as many as 12 senior players on the sidelines and still have up to 10 players on the injury list who I consider would fit in the top 22.

But West Coast has also been hit with some massive injuries to core players such as Kennedy, Nicoski, Embley and Le Cras. Depth will be a decisive factor leading into the finals series, and both West Coast and Collingwood will welcome back key players in the second half of the year.

Both sides will also be really fresh considering Collingwood had a bye in round twelve, whilst West Coast played on Thursday night and had a bye the week before.

Recent History
Collingwood has won the previous six encounters against West Coast. In fact, the Eagles have not managed to defeat the Magpies since round two, 2007. The last time these two sides squared off was in the qualifying final last season where a tiring and undermanned Collingwood managed to get across the line by 20 points. Dane Swan had 43 disposals, and Scott Pendlebury 38. Sharrod Wellingham was influential with 3 goals, while Heath Shaw and Leon Davis dominated across half back with 30 and 33 disposals respectively.

At the Selection Table
The bye came at a critical time for the Magpies who had a number of players on the sidelines. The good news is that Heath Shaw, Alan Toovey and Ben Reid could all potentially return to the side, which will leave a massive dilemma for Nathan Buckley to decide who misses out. Reid in particular will shake the side up considering Nathan Brown and Chris Tarrant have also returned in recent weeks. Cameron Wood may also come into the selection framework with Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui to deal with.

West Coast Eagles will be forced to make at least one change with defender Will Schofield out for two weeks with a hamstring injury. Beau Waters is eligible for selection this week after serving his suspension. Worsfold may elect to simply make the one change with Waters coming in to replace Schofield.
The other option for Worsfold is to bring into the side Mitch Brown as a like for like replacement for Schofield who may fill the defensive void. It will also give him the opportunity to square off against his brother. Other options for Worsfold are to bring more run into the side with a player such as Koby Stevens or Sam Butler.

Focus on Collingwood
The Magpies are on an eight game winning streak. Unfortunately, every time the side has seemingly returned to something resembling full strength, another key player has fallen over with injury. Despite this, the side that will take to the field on Saturday will be one of the stronger line-ups Collingwood has fielded in the past two months. When Pendlebury returns, the Magpies will have a very formidable line-up.

Collingwood has been really impressive in recent weeks in contested footy and its forward pressure continues to improve as the season wears on. The Magpies will be tested this week against one the competition’s biggest bodied sides in West Coast.

Dane Swan - After a few weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring complaint, ‘Swanny’ returned to the squad in round eleven as if he had never left. He had 42 disposals and kicked two goals in a best on field performance against Melbourne. With the bye in round twelve, Swan has had a good rest following his return from injury and should be primed for another big game. His effort against Melbourne was crucial considering Pendlebury was out of the side. He has a good record against West Coast, and loves playing on the MCG. Expect West Coast’s best tagger Scott Selwood to get the job.

Nick Maxwell - The skipper does not get much praise from my previews but gets his just rewards this week. With all the key talls down back experiencing injuries, Maxwell has been forced to step up and marshal an unsettled defence. His job has not been made an easier in recent weeks with key smaller defenders such as Shaw, Toovey and Ben Johnson also missing. I feel Maxwell is returning to his best and most reliable form and has re-established himself as a crucial player in the Magpies line-up. He had his critics after last year, but has gone about his business in typical fashion in 2012.

Ben Sinclair - Sinclair finally earned a Rising Star Nomination following his three goal effort against Melbourne. His opening quarter in particular helped to set the game up and put Melbourne on the back foot from the outset. I feel as if there is still improvement left in Sinclair as he needs to give more consistent four-quarter efforts, but his development in 2012 has been one of the bigger success stories. He will play a crucial role on Saturday because more focus will be on him without Alan Didak in the side and he needs to help lock the ball inside the forward 50.

Focus on West Coast
The Eagles were challenged by Carlton last week but responded with a solid last quarter effort. West Coast has impressive midfield depth and possesses the most damaging ruck combination in the league. Considering Collingwood has been using Chris Dawes as the back-up ruckman, the Eagles will surely look to work Darren Jolly into the ground. Naitanui in particular could prove far too agile for Jolly to deal with. Dean Cox is spending the majority of his time as a forward in the absence of Josh Kennedy but will also assist in the ruck.

As mentioned above, the Eagles are a big-bodied side and have no real flaws anywhere on the field. Shannon Hurn is a massive weapon across half back as he can boot the ball well over the zone and hit a target on the chest. The Magpies need to shut him down if they plan to implement the forward press with any effect. Jack Darling has also really stood up as a key position player in the absence of Kennedy. The Collingwood defenders may be concerned by the height and strength of the West Coast forward line, which will be a factor if the Eagles can move the ball quickly inside forward 50. 

Scott Selwood - He is likely to get the job on Dane Swan, but will also find himself on Dale Thomas, Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom as the Magpies often rotate their midfield. Selwood’s job on Chris Judd in round 12 was terrific as he limited the Carlton skipper to 12 disposals whilst notching up 33 of his own. He leads the club for disposals and tackles highlighting his improvement as a player this season. He will be tested by the depth of the Collingwood midfield this round, but remains one of the keys on Saturday.

Matt Priddis - Priddis is one of the most underrated players in the competition. He is a ball magnet and a clearance machine. With guys like Naitanui and Cox putting the ball down his throat, Priddis is a genuine match-winner and is near impossible to stop when he gets going. He was again brilliant against Carlton with 30 disposals. Twenty three of these disposals were handballs, but this is not a disadvantage considering how creative he can be in close. He also plays within his limitations and is important at feeding the more skilful players such as Kerr and Shuey.

Josh Hill - When Le Cras injured his knee in the pre-season, many football experts considered West Coast’s flag hopes were dashed. However, one man’s loss is another man’s gain as Josh Hill slotted straight into the side and is potentially in All-Australian form as a small forward. His career was hanging by a thread following his trade from Western Bulldogs. Since the trade, he has addressed all his key deficiencies and he is now a consistent and hard-working player. He has shown more courage and defensive attributes as well. Heis a chance to face Harry O’Brien as a potential opponent.

The Wrap Up
It should be a fierce and hotly contested game. The winner will sit clear in the top two and will be in the box seat for a home final.

The Magpies have a difficult draw over the next month with games against Fremantle, Carlton, Geelong and Hawthorn to come. The Pies will also play Eagles at Patterson’s Stadium in round 22.

This will be a massive test for the Magpies, but it is also a huge test for the Eagles who have still not established themselves on the MCG against the big sides. In fact, this is the first time the Eagles have played on the MCG in 2012. A win against Collingwood would give West Coast huge confidence.

You have to stick with the Magpies following nine consecutive wins and playing on their home ground.

Pies by 15 points.

By David Natoli
Aka DaVe86