As you grab your morning coffee, cast an eye over collingwoodfc.com.au to see where the Pies are popping up in the papers. ‘Pies in Print’ will keep the Magpie Army informed on what is being written about what the club in the major media outlets around the country.
Return of Reid bolsters Pies for showdown with Sydney and resurgent Franklin
The Age – 23/03/16
Collingwood’s Ben Reid is ready to take on Sydney on Saturday night but coach Nathan Buckley says it won’t be up to the fit-again defender to curb the brilliance of Lance Franklin on his own.
Reid, 26, has been nursed through pre-season training with a calf issue but has put his hand up for selection in round one as he attempts to put two injury-riddled seasons behind him.
Buckley said he was planning for Buddy’s best based on his pre-season form and that Reid would be one of a number of Magpies defenders charged with curbing the forward’s influence.
Swans refreshed by young blood
The Age – 23/03/16
Andrew Wu
Sydney could as many as five fresh faces for their season-opener against Collingwood, as part of a vastly different side to the one that crashed out of last year’s finals series.
The perception the Swans are an ageing side on the brink of taking a tumble is off the money. The club may yet fall, but not necessarily on the count of being too old.
The side that runs on to the SCG on Saturday night will include at least seven changes from the semi-final defeat – possibly eight if veteran defender Ted Richards does not prove his fitness.
Coach pressure index
Herald Sun – 23/03/2016
Jon Anderson
By Buckley’s own admission, when you coach the Magpies you encounter pressure for breakfast. In his fifth year, and with his desired list, he knows that playing finals is imperative given a reasonable run with injury.
Pies on Buddy alert
Herald Sun – 23/03/16
Lauren Wood
A team defence approach is the key to quelling Sydney star Lance Franklin is his return to football, according to Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley.
Franklin is set to line up for the Swan for the first time since round 23 last year, having missed his team’s finals campaign as he battled mental health issues.
Buckley was conscious a multi-pronged defence would be needed to Saturday night at the SCG.
“The idea of one-on-one footy is a bit archaic,” Buckley said yesterday.
Who will take on Buddy? Buckley: "The best defences have the capacity for all of the back six to get the job done." #sidebyside
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) March 22, 2016