Collingwood is expected to field a much more competitive side in this year’s Peter Jackson VFL with a rejuvenated list boasting a substantial increase in depth.
The injuries to key personnel at AFL level last year left the Magpies’ VFL squad undermanned and struggling to compete with the best in the competition.
But despite just four victories the club was able to fast track the development of both their AFL and VFL lists, an advantage they carry in to 2013.
Marley Williams, Jackson Payne and Paul Seedsman all enjoyed time in the AFL side last year but will need to be at their peak to receive the call up this season.
Also likely to be at coach Dale Tapping’s disposal is first round draft picks Ben Kennedy, Brodi Grundy and Tim Broomhead, along with rookie selections Jack Frost, Kyle Martin and Sam Dwyer.
Frost and Dwyer both made their AFL debuts in Round 1 and despite being desperate for regular AFL action, are likely to be pillars of strength if they remain available to Tapping.
“Our primary objective is to develop guys to play AFL footy and it’s about striking the balance between winning games of footy and making sure they’re ready for the AFL when they get their chance,” Tapping said.
“We’ve managed to retain about 15 guys from last year’s VFL list and they will be better for the experience.”
Jack Hellier and Nick Riddle are two that have impressed over the pre-season and have been rewarded with the position of co-captains.
The VFL list has also been bolstered by the signing of Tim Allen from Port Melbourne and Ben Moloney from the Werribee Tigers, giving Tapping some experience to call on.
Nick Gray, a former star at Mansfield in the Goulburn Valley league, is another tipped for a big year after some blistering practice-match form.
The Magpies take on North Ballarat at Victoria Park in Round 1 on Saturday, hoping to kick start a far more fruitful campaign in 2013.
Collingwood
Coach: Dale Tapping
2012 ladder position: 12th (4 wins, 14 losses)
2012 best and fairest: Kris Pendlebury
Key recruits: Jack Frost, Sam Dwyer, Kyle Martin (All AFL Rookies), Tim Allen (Port Melbourne)
Key losses: Kris Pendlebury, (Werribee Tigers) Luke Rounds (Port Melbourne), Cameron Wood (Williamstown).
Last Modified on 03/04/2013 15:41