In 2012, David Natoli, aka DaVe86, collingwoodfc.com.au has again enlisted the help of David Natoli, 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.


The 2012 season is shaping up to be a very competitive and open race, with a number of teams improving drastically over the preseason. To add to the drama, both of last year’s Grand Final sides lost their round one games and sit outside the top eight.

The round two matchup against Richmond becomes quite an important and tricky match considering the tough draw the Magpies have and the slow start to the year thus far.

Richmond had a disappointing round one result against Carlton after a big build up. Nevertheless, the truth is that the Tigers played quite well but were just exposed for class and depth on the night. I think Damien Hardwick would take a lot out of the match and would be pleased with the intensity the Tigers displayed.

I think Collingwood can also take some positives out of its loss to Hawthorn in round one. The Magpies at times dominated play and were good around the stoppages. Inaccuracy and an undermanned defence cost Collingwood significantly, but overall it was a high quality match between two top four sides.

The four points on offer this Saturday night becomes very important for both Collingwood and Richmond. Starting the season with two losses will put either side on the back foot immediately. So let’s delve into the analysis.

Recent History
Collingwood has won the previous four encounters against Richmond by an average of 72.5 points. The more mature and experience bodies of the Magpies have proved destructive against the Tigers.

However, these two sides have not met since round four 2011 and the Tigers have developed a lot since that time. In this match, Dane Swan polled three votes with a 33 disposal and four goal game. Dale Thomas polled two votes with 26 disposals and two goals, whilst Deledio snuck in for a vote with 33 disposals. Cloke and Sidebottom each chipped in with three goals each.

Where the Game can be won and lost
After watching both sides play in their respective round one matches, the biggest difference between these two sides is defence.

Despite Richmond’s obvious improvement, the defence still looks out of its depth. Carlton’s big men were able to take numerous marks and its dangerous small forwards were dominant. Debutants Morris and Ellis were forced to take key matchups on Betts and Garlett, whilst Rance, Grimes and Post competed strongly but are often out-muscled by the talls.

The task does not get easier for the young Tigers defence as they will face Cloke, Dawes and Jolly, along with exciting youngster Jackson Paine. Cloke is on fire at the moment and is proving too strong for all defenders.

Nonetheless, Richmond’s forward press and midfield pressure was impressive. The team is defending much better as a whole.

The Tigers were also quite impressive at times out of the centre and around the stoppages. Martin, Cotchin, Deledio and Foley are a terrific on-ball unit and can get on top. The Tigers will consider that their best chance of winning will be by winning the contested footy. This is a tough ask against one of the best midfields in the competition.

If Richmond  can get the momentum out of the middle, Jack Riewoldt and the dangerous small forwards will get an opportunity to kick a winning score.

However, this will count for very little if Cloke and Dawes are able to monster the Richmond defence as Collingwood will simply pump it long and expose mis-matches. With Tarrant and Maxwell potentially returning, the Magpies will feel that its defence will be able to hold Richmond to a greater extent than the Tigers can contain the monster Collingwood forwards.

Key Players

Collingwood
Chris Dawes - Dawes looks fitter in 2012 and will again play the important buffer role for Travis Cloke. He is also being asked to assist in the ruck when required. However, his marking needs significant improvement. His goal-kicking was also off on Friday night against Hawthorn. He had the chance in the first quarter to get Collingwood to an early lead but failed to convert. Dawes is still a vital component of the Magpies structure, but I feel he can take his game to another level if he can improve his marking.  It is a good chance for him to gain confidence. A firing Chris Dawes makes the whole Collingwood side a lot better.

Scott Pendlebury - Scott rarely gets a wrap in my previews. Simply put, his output goes without saying. However, he was incredible against Hawthorn in round one and is now the outright favourite for the Brownlow Medal in my eyes. What was noticeable was his contested overhead marking. Nathan Buckley has always commented that the one area of his game that needed work was his contested marking, and the early signs are promising. At 190cm tall, he is taller and stronger than most midfield opponents. He is incredibly difficult to tag because his work-rate is so high and he gets good supply from Ball and Swan, as well as having an ability to win his own ball. He has become the complete player.

Steele Sidebottom - Many are tipping this to be the year where Steele establishes himself as an A grade player and a core component of the Collingwood midfield. He is nearly there, and his pre-season has been good. He was against good against Hawthorn, but his game still has another level to go to in my opinion. He missed three gettable opportunities against Hawthorn which proved costly. Sidebottom is one of the fittest and hardest working players on Collingwood’s list and he is on the verge of really becoming a match-winner. Watch for him to impress this weekend.

X-Factor - Jarryd Blair
Blair was one of Collingwood’s better players in round one with 20 disposals and three goals. I felt as if he stagnated a bit towards the end of 2011, but he looks ready to really take his game to a new level in 2012. He has an important role in the Collingwood side considering the absence of Macaffer and Krakouer, as well as Alan Didak. He is therefore required to play as a small forward and also assist in the midfield rotations.

Richmond
Trent Cotchin - Cotchin was the dominant player in the opening half against Carlton last weekend. So much so that Carlton was forced to switch the Carrazzo tag from Martin onto Cotchin. Cotchin was able to respond by moving forward and kicking two goals.  He has the opportunity to really set the game alight. He rarely makes a mistake by foot and wins a lot of contested footy. His work in tandem with Dustin Martin provides the future for the Richmond football club.

Ivan Maric - The man with the mullet has had an immediate impact at Tigerland. He is far from the most talented ruckman in the competition, but he has a red hot go and he gives his talented midfield a chance of winning clearances. His match-up against Darren Jolly on Saturday night will be a telling contest considering both rucks have genuine star midfielders around them. Maric will need to be accountable as Jolly is one of the best at pushing forward for a goal. His return of 25 hitouts and 18 possessions in his debut game for Richmond was a solid return and he will need to do much of the same this weekend.

Brett Deledio - With the recruitments of Brandon Ellis and Steven Morris, Deledio will spend the majority of 2012 in the midfield as opposed to across half back. It is a role many have been waiting for as he is a damaging player and his leadership is required on the ball. He has an ability to kick a long goal and the speed to break a game open. He has been solid across half back for years now, but the Tigers need their best players in the action as he will allow Martin and Cotchin more time to rotate forward to keep fresh.

X-Factor - Jack Riewoldt
It is hard to preview a Richmond game without putting some emphasis on the Tiger champ. He had a quiet opening game yet still managed four goals and was instrumental in keeping Richmond in the game. With Tarrant likely to return this weekend, Riewoldt faces a tough match-up. He gets greater assistance now from Vickery and Miller, but is still the main hope up forward and is still the core target going inside 50. Nonetheless, Riewoldt is showing a greater willingness to move higher up the field to provide a target. If Tarrant does return, Riewoldt would be well advised to work him high up the ground to try and expose a lack of match fitness. Jack had every injury known to man in 2011 but has returned much fitter in 2012.

The Wrap Up
Collingwood will not be overly fazed by its round one defeat to Hawthorn. However, a loss to Richmond in round two may send some early alarm bells. Richmond fans on the other hand were very disappointed after the loss to Carlton, but will be quick to forgive if the Tigers can cause an upset on Saturday.

It is too early in the year to declare a game an eight point match, but the stakes are fairly high already. Richmond in my opinion is closing the gap quickly, but the Magpies should still prove too strong and eventually overrun a spirited Tiger outfit.

I think Travis Cloke will be the decisive factor. Richmond will undoubtedly have periods of the match where it gains momentum. Its midfield is very talented and is able to get a run on. However, Collingwood’s defensive structures are well equipped to stem the tide and then counter attack.

By David Natoli
Aka DaVe86