Preview: ANZAC Day - Collingwood vs. Essendon | Thebigtip

This week’s preview is dedicated to a true Collingwood supporter Brent who was known on the Internet by his alias ‘Didaka’. Brent passed away after a long fight with cancer this week. During his fight, he always made the time to discuss all things Collingwood and was a regular user of Collingwood discussion boards where I first started writing these previews. I hope Didaka that you get a front row seat from above to watch your beloved Pies take on the Bombers this ANZAC Day.


Sixteen years ago, my mum took me to the ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon. We sat in the very last row, on the top tier of the old Olympic stand. I got a nose-bleed from the height. I was nine and was really beginning to fall in love with footy. Little did I realise that I was witnessing the beginning of one of footy’s greatest traditions. The game ended a draw and Collingwood and Essendon would go on to foster, grow and sustain an ANZAC day tradition which has now built into the greatest day on the AFL Home and Away calendar.

ANZAC Day has truly become one of the most important days for Australians. I have no doubt that these two proud football clubs have played a leading role in developing this. Every year I go with my uncle to the Shrine for the dawn service and it is amazing to see so many football scarves. All players are well educated on the significance of the day, and the deathly silence during the performance of the Last Post is evidence of the appreciation football fans have for our veterans and those still fighting today.

This year, I am particularly up-beat because it has been some time since both clubs have entered ANZAC Day in such good form. Collingwood sits undefeated on-top of the AFL ladder, whilst Essendon has made an amazing transformation over the off-season into a competitive and skillful unit which will test the Magpies this week.

It is true to say that this game is still only worth four premiership points and the occasion should not get the better of players. Nonetheless, I consider a good guide as to how strong each side is in a particular year. Essendon simply rolled over last year and offered little resilience. In-turn, they finished towards the bottom of the ladder. The year before, the Bombers were able to pull off one of the greatest ANZAC Day comebacks to win against a more fancied Collingwood side. As a result, Essendon went on to make the top eight.

Such a big occasion deserves an in-depth and comprehensive preview, and that’s what I aim to deliver this week. So let’s get stuck into the analysis.


The Formline

It says something about how strong Collingwood is when an opponent is praised following a 71 point loss. Richmond was genuinely good last week and the Magpies only played two good quarters of football. Yet it was enough for the Magpies to register such a comprehensive victory.

Nonetheless, it is also true to say that Collingwood has not been truly tested yet. Carlton offered a strong resistance, but had too many holes up forward and down back to really challenge the Magpies. Other victories have been against lowly ranked sides, and the Magpies have really only had to play in second gear to get the job done.

On the other hand, Essendon sits in sixth spot on the ladder despite having a tough fixture to start the year. The Bombers have already faced four of last year’s finalists (including two top four sides), and this week face the reigning premiers. So to get two and a half wins to date is an impressive start and Essendon is well placed to set up its season with a few easier matches to come.

The Bombers played in a thrilling draw last week against arch rivals Carlton. The general consensus is that Essendon showed a lot of character to scrape a draw following two serious injuries in the first quarter. How Essendon bounces back from such a bruising and taxing game will be a point of interest this week. Fortunately however, this week’s game is played on a Monday so the Bombers get a good break.


Recent History

Collingwood dominates recent history between these two sides, having won the previous three encounters by an average margin of 66 points. Travis Cloke has been dominant, having kicked 13 goals in these matches. Pendlebury, Swan and Didak have also been dominant. Pendlebury polled all six brownlow votes available in the two matches these sides played last year.

Typically, I would go into greater analysis into previous encounters. However, it is unnecessary this year as Essendon is a completely different side, with a new coach and a totally new game-plan. The best form of analysis can be taken from this year’s NAB Cup Grand Final in which Collingwood eventually won quite comfortably, but were tested right throughout.

Essendon threw absolutely everything at Collingwood after getting jumped early. It came back to be within a kick early into the last quarter. However, the Magpies ran out the game much stronger. The match showed that in order to beat Collingwood, you need to win the clearances and match it in the intensity stakes.


At The Selection Table

Essendon coach James Hird has a bit to think about leading into this week’s ANZAC Day clash after Jason Winderlich and Courtney Dempsey both ruptured their ACL in the first quarter of last week’s match. Mark McVeigh is also nursing a hand injury which could see him sidelined.

In better news for the Bombers, there are a number of experienced players pushing hard for selection. General Manager of football operations David Hamilton was quoted on essendonfc.com.au that “a number of guys including Alwyn Davey, Kyle Reimers, Michael Hibberd and Ricky Dyson... all made significant contributions” in the VFL last weekend. He also said that David Hille played “a good strong game which was very encouraging. He took quite a few marks and was pretty ferocious with his tackling.” My guess would be that Reimers, Hille and Davey will all come back into the senior side.

For Collingwood, Chris Dawes escaped suspension after he appealed his case to the tribunal so will be free to play this weekend. Therefore, the biggest selection head-ache for Mick Malthouse will be whether to play Darren Jolly after a minor knee injury or to give Cameron Wood another shot on the biggest possible stage. Andrew Krakouer’s form has been a bit questionable over the last fortnight, but I think he’ll be given another week to try and regain touch. The other worry for Malthouse will be the form of his skipper Nick Maxwell who has not yet regained his sharpness after a scary injury to his kidney’s in the pre-season.

Despite a terrible loss for the VFL Magpies, John McCarthy and Tyson Goldsack continue to impress, as does Lachie Keefe. All should see game-time shortly. Mick Malthouse generally pulls a selection surprise for ANZAC Day as he uses it as a measuring stick for how young players can handle big occasions. So don’t be surprised to see someone like a John McCarthy as an inclusion this week. Keefe in particular may be considered if Essendon elect to bring back Hille to stretch the Magpies defence.


Tactics & Match-ups

Essendon has clearly taken a lot out of the Collingwood game-plan of 2010 and has implemented a very strong forward press. What has been most impressive about the Bombers this year has been their ability to attack with the same speed as they did under Matthew Knights, whilst also combining a stronger defensive unit.

Essendon were fantastic around the stoppages in the last quarter last week. Led by Jobe Watson, the Bombers were able to really take ascendency in this area. This in turn allows them to get the ball forward and lock it in.

Of particular interest is that when Richmond came back on Collingwood, it was their centre-clearance work that was the most notable feature. No doubt the key battles this week will be throughout the midfield.


Essendon Forward Line

The Bombers have built a very functional forward line led by Hurley and Ryder. Both are competing strong, although Ryder was very quiet last week. What has been most impressive has been the ability to move Jobe Watson forward at times which has proved highly successful.

Hurley v Tarrant – Hurley was very good in the NAB Cup Grand Final and gave Tarrant a really hard time. He has also put together a very solid month of football and is now looking very settled as a forward. Tarrant’s form nonetheless has been getting better with every game he has played and he is now looking much more settled in the Magpies defence. Hurley needs to compete strongly because Collingwood is very good at getting numbers to cover opposition forwards and in turn run the ball out of defence.

Ryder v Reid – After a disappointing game last week, Ryder will be keen to atone on ANZAC Day, a game he has enjoyed in the past. Reid’s form has been a bit patchy so far this year. He is still a vital component of the Collingwood defence, but has been a bit exposed one out at times. Ryder has a significant height advantage, but I think both players are equally strong body on body. It could be a really telling match-up, especially if Essendon also elect to play Hille and stretch the Magpies defence.

Monfries v Shaw – This match-up often eventuates in Collingwood v Essendon games, and the honours have been pretty even. Monfries’ job will be to make Shaw accountable and try and kick a few goals. He tends to play well on big games, but has been inaccurate with his goal-kicking to date this season. Shaw on the other hand has been one of Collingwood’s best in 2011.

Crameri v Maxwell – Crameri has been a real story for the Bombers this year after getting promoted off the rookie list following a great NAB Cup campaign. I think he’ll be sent onto Maxwell to make him accountable. Crameri has proved valuable due to his work-rate and strong marking. Maxwell will have to watch him closely.

Player Note: David Zaharakis – I’ve been really impressed with Zaharakis this year. He is kicking goals and generally harassing opposition defences with his tackling. It was only two years ago where he kicked a final minute goal to give Essendon the lead in a classic ANZAC Day battle, so we all know he loves the big stage.

Player Note: Ben Johnson – Jonno’s form continues to impress. It staggers me to think people still question his spot in the side. Along with Heath Shaw, I think Johnson has been Collingwood’s most consistent player so far this year and he is pushing forward to kick goals as well. He shuts his man down and he is deadly accurate in front of the big sticks.