Collingwoodfc.com.au has enlisted David Natoli aka DaVe86 to write this year's match previews.  David writes what are arguably, the most popular Magpie previews published on the internet.  This is his second season writing for the club website.  Please note his views are not of the clubs but of a passionate, knowledgeable member of the Magpie Army.

Another home-and-away season is about to come to a close with the final round of football now upon us.

Despite the lack of meaning to the final round of season 2011, I am quite looking forward to it. I think it’s a great opportunity for all sides to play some good attacking footy, with the focus on finishing the year on a high note and playing for the love of the game.

In particular, Friday night’s clash between Collingwood and Geelong is a battle between the top two sides in the competition, and what looms as the likely Grand Final match-up. Both sides have been a clear notch above the rest of the competition, with the Magpies having only lost one game, and the Cats dropping three. Collingwood’s percentage is a whopping 181.7, whilst Geelong’s is 153.2.

To put my Collingwood hat on for a second, all I really care about this week is an injury-free match and no suspensions. Although a win will make Collingwood’s 2011 season one of the most successful in history, ultimately the minor premiership is already secure and finals preparation is of more importance.

Mick Malthouse has indicated that the Magpies will be treating this game with importance and as a finals tune-up. The Magpies only loss this season was to Geelong, and they will not want to lose twice to the Cats in the one year. Player management will still be at the forefront of both coaches’ minds.

Given the fact that Geelong was shock losers to Sydney in round 23, it is likely that it will look to bounce back this week. I have found it strange that so many media experts have jumped off the Geelong bandwagon following its loss. Ultimately, the Cats have had little to play for and have had a number of easy games over the last month. They were likely to be a bit flat at some stage.

I’m expecting a very free flowing, attacking match. I think both coaches will look to open the ground right up to avoid large numbers around the packs and avoid injuries.

What we can learn in the final round

1. For the Cats, the key concern at the moment is finding out what is the best forward line and ruck setup. With Vardy out injured, Geelong is likely to continue to trial Trent West working in tandem with Brad Ottens.

However, Cameron Mooney is available to return which is going to put pressure on Tom Hawkins to retain his spot. Hawkins had a quieter game against Sydney, as did Podsiadly. It seems unlikely that Brad Scott will elect to play two ruckmen and three tall forwards, so someone has to go.

It would seem wise to give Mooney one last chance to break back into the side given the fact he is a three-time premiership player. It would also seem wise to give West a real opportunity to ruck against Darren Jolly to see if he can nullify his influence. This could mean that Hawkins is squeezed out.

2. Collingwood has a similar dilemma. Cameron Wood had a terrific game last round against Fremantle and deserves a spot. However, with Chris Tarrant likely to return, Leigh Brown is likely to move back into the ruck, which will leave Wood without a position.

Further, Chris Dawes looked out of touch last week when he returned to the side after a seven-week layoff. He is such a vital component to the side and Malthouse will give him another week to work his way into form. He will be much better for the run and claims to be pain free. However, if he is unable to develop match fitness quickly, then his position may become vulnerable considering Leigh Brown and Wood are useful forwards as well.

Either way, Dawes’ form is crucial to Collingwood as he will provide a good buffer to Travis Cloke who is in career best form. He has kicked over 60 goals so far this season and is looking unstoppable. Cloke is Collingwood’s most important player; so having Dawes in the side to work with him really completes the puzzle.

At the Selection Table
Geelong is likely to recall Corey, Mooney and Milburn. It seems as if the Cats have settled with Milburn or Christensen as the likely finals substitute, so it will be interesting to see how this is tested this weekend. The Cats also need more out of Varcoe and Christensen as they are quicker players through the midfield.

The Magpies will be without Dale Thomas, and still have to wait until next round to regain Heath Shaw. Thomas will also miss the first week of finals after receiving a two-match ban. It is a massive blow for the Magpies as Thomas has been the real spark through the midfield all season. However if Collingwood is able to win its first finals match, it will mean Thomas has a full month to sharpen himself up for the preliminary final. He’ll add a real spark to the side if that’s the case.

Sharrod Wellingham should push for selection this week to replace Thomas, whilst Tarrant and Luke Ball should also return to the side. This will put the squeeze on Wood, Sinclair and Tom Young.

On a side note, don’t be surprised to see both coaches rest a key player this week. First of all, it will be important to freshen up any players with any niggling injuries, but it also acts as a psychological tactic telling the opponent that there is more firepower left in store for finals.

Player Focus:
Dane Swan: Swanny looks incredibly fresh. His trip to Arizona has undoubtedly rescued his season after he was struggling with injury issues mid-year. He actually seems to have gained a bit of pace and his renowned acceleration is well and truly back. His form since round fourteen is amazing, averaging a tick over 35 disposals in this time and kicking 14 goals. Cameron Ling has struggled against Swan in the past but may still be handed the job on the Collingwood star. Either way, it is a real bonus for the Magpies to have Swan in such good nick before finals.

Leon Davis: He has probably sealed his All-Australian position now and will definitely receive attention this week from the Cats. The beauty of this for Collingwood is that Heath Shaw is still to return and must still be considered its most damaging half back flanker. This means all opponents will now have to make the impossible to decision to try and shut down Davis or Shaw. Davis’ foot skills are sublime and his clean hands at ground level make him so dangerous. Collingwood’s run off half back looms as the most telling factor in the finals

Cameron Ling: Many thought Ling’s career would come to a sudden halt after he was exposed for pace in last year’s finals series. He has bounced back in the second half of this year and has answered his critics. He is still an important player to the Cats and is still capable of shutting down star opposition midfielders. Ling was brilliant in a losing side last week, winning 26 disposals and kicking three goals. He also had the tagging job on Kennedy and held him to 10 touches. I have my doubts about Ling’s capacity to run on the quicker Magpie midfielders such as Swan, however there are no doubts he will have responsibility for him during stages of Friday night. It is likely he’ll move onto Pendlebury or Ball who are also in career best form.

Matthew Scarlett: Scarlett has had another terrific year and is the favourite to win the All-Australian full back position. He has had a few niggling injuries towards the end of the year, but is seemingly fit now and will be the vital component of the Geelong defence in the finals series. It is unlikely Scott will elect to use Scarlett on Travis Cloke as Harry Taylor typically gets that match-up. However, Scarlett is likely to get Chris Dawes who he should be well suited to.

The Wrap-Up
Although each coach will claim the importance of Friday night’s game, ultimately the result counts for very little. The key is that no players get injured.

The style of game is unlikely to reflect what we’ll see in September. The Magpies will play a far more open style of game this Friday night than it typically would. However, it is a real chance to send a few messages and also run some match fitness into the legs of key players.

I’m really excited. Typically I’d be nervous about a game like this, but this Friday night I go to the game only hoping to see a good spectacle. The nerves will kick in next weekend though.

Collingwood by 7 points

By David Natoli
Aka DaVe86