Coming off 20 AFL matches in the 2008 season playing for Brisbane, Anthony Corrie struggled to add to his career match total in his first year at Collingwood. Drafted by the Magpies with pick 93 at the end of 2008, Corrie showed strong form in the opening three VFL matches before receiving a call up to the seniors. Three consecutive games in the AFL were all the 25-year-old could manage before seeing out the rest of the season in the VFL.
Corrie’s form wavered throughout the year, showing he was capable of racking up big numbers (23 possessions in round nine and 29 possessions in the preliminary final), yet was unable to maintain his impact over successive weeks.
His ability to break the lines and deliver the ball inside 50 with his powerful right boot combined with a larger fitness base could prove potent next year.
After six seasons in the system, Corrie will be just one of a handful of Magpies vying for a spot in the opening round of the AFL season.
2009 highlights
Round six v North Melbourne: In his first senior game for his new club, Corrie looked at home collecting 20 possessions, six marks and booting two goals including a running shot from the boundary line at Etihad Stadium. He used the ball with a staggering 95% efficiency with 38% of his possessions deriving from a contest.
Preliminary final v North Ballarat: Up against an experienced premiership side, Corrie provided leadership to a young Magpie outfit by his direction and play. He finished the match with a team-high 29 possessions and two goals in the season-ending loss.
Gavin Brown: Started off fairly slowly and then finished off the year really strongly. He played on the wing and a little bit at half forward and his finals series was fantastic. He needs to get himself fitter and he is already doing a bit of work now. His effort and intensity was fantastic.
2009 AFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | G | B | T | C |
| 3 | 8.0/79.2 | 5.0100% | 13.0 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 2.3 | 0.3 |
2009 VFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | T |
| 18 | 10.6 | 7.1 | 17.7 | 3.4 | 4.9 |
