Collingwoodfc.com.au has published a summation of the key points of interest to arise from the press conference.
Dane Swan’s wrist
Swan underwent a wrist reconstruction at the conclusion of last season. He told journalists that while his wrist “will never be 100 per cent” again, it is still “good enough to play footy”. He has been doing more strengthening exercises and is now able to lift weights again in the gym. Swan said he “will never get full range” in the flexibility of his wrist ever again, but it has improved during the past two to three weeks.
What Swan has noticed in new captain Scott Pendlebury
“Pendles is his own captain,” Swan says, citing his professionalism and work rate around the club as reasons he hasn’t needed to change his style. “He’s doing what he’s always done.”
How Collingwood is placed on the eve of the new season in comparison with the injury issues it faced 12 months ago
“We’re better prepared this time,” said Swan. “We’ve had a great pre-season with no interruptions...the main bulk of the squad is injury free. We think we’ll give it a pretty big shake next Friday.”
Pendlebury responds to four AFL captains nominating him as the likely Brownlow Medallist of 2014
“I can’t do anything about it,” said a modest Pendlebury. “I just want to win a premiership.” The skipper said he does not “go out there to please people” but instead wants to earn the respect of his teammates and coaches.
What are the merits of staying in Melbourne to complete the pre-season instead of flying overseas?
“We don’t know as we haven’t played a full season yet. There are both positives and negatives,” said Swan, who noted the benefits include having weekends to himself and seeing more of his family and friends. Swan mentioned a lot of players ran personal bests during the pre-season.
Is playing against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium instead of the MCG a disadvantage?
“We haven’t looked at it like that,” said Pendlebury. “We’ve gone pretty well at Etihad also.”
Will Collingwood be handballing more this year than in previous campaigns?
“It was one thing we tinkered with during the NAB Challenge,” Pendlebury admitted. “In the second half (against Gold Coast) we went back to last year where we kicked long and deep to Travis Cloke (and other key forwards).” While conceding that practice matches are for trialling new styles of play, Pendlebury finished by admitting the idea of handballing more “was not on the scrap heap”.
One last question: Where to for Ben Reid this year?
“Maybe on the wing,” said Pendlebury. The new captain isn’t one to give anything away.
