Collingwood took the points on ANZAC Day, but can Essendon turn the tables a day later in the VFL as the two teams go head to head in the ABC TV game? Steve O’Brien previews the Essendon vs Collingwood VFL battle.
Collingwood young gun Marley Williams heads a myriad of big name players included in the Magpies’ lineup for Round 4, as they head to Windy Hill to face Essendon for the Blue Star Cup .
Both clubs have two wins from their three matches thus far, and the Magpies have named an impressive side showcasing the depth at the club. Paul Seedsman, a regular in the AFL side last year, has recovered from hip surgery and will play his first game for the year, and will be joined by Tim Broomhead, who has overcome a broken wrist suffered in the NAB Challenge .
Nathan Brown plays his second game back and will hold down centre half back, and he will have Tony Armstrong and Marty Clarke alongside him on the back flanks. A half forward line that boasts Kyle Martin, Quentin Lynch and Patrick Karnezis would be the envy of all other VFL clubs.
Throw into the mix , Taylor Adams ,Sam Dwyer, Tom Couch and Ben Hudson and one wonders if any VFL side can look as strong on paper . The 23rd player will be Jake Williams who won the Amateurs League Best and Fairest whilst playing for De La Salle in 2013.
Essendon also have some welcome additions with Patrick Ambrose to return after a quad injury, while Dylan Van Unen , Leroy Jetta and Fraser Thurlow come back into their side.
Big man Tom Bellchambers plays his second match back and his battle with Hudson in the ruck will be pivotal in the outcome of the match.
Tayte Pears will need to quell Lynch to give the Bombers any chance of victory.
It is harder to get a gage on the Essendon side as Ambrose, Bellchambers , Van Unen , Jetta,Travis Colyer and Lachie Dalgleish have all be named on the interchange bench. VFL listed players Ben Duscher , Daniel Coghlan ( who has been averaging 24 disposals a game this season ) Josh Freezer and Jacob Thompson will have to play out of their skins to give the Red and Blacks a chance of victory .Kurt Aylett, recruited in the off season for Greater Western Sydney, has adjusted well to the VFL and twice been named in the Dons best so far.
On SEN on Thursday night, Essendon veteran utility Wayne Schultz, who is enjoying his stint at the Dons, stipulated the importance of being at three wins after four matches, and that the club would be looking to get off to a fast start on their home track. Schultz is relishing his role, fast tracking some of the Essendon youngsters.
Pies Player Ben Moloney hinted that coach Dale Tapping would tap into the ANZAC spirit and stress the importance of the day. In a poignant comment Moloney also said no Collingwood person at any level ever wants to lose to Essendon, so the VFL side will be wanting to continue the good work of the AFL side.
Collinwood currently hold the Blue Star Cup with a hard fought nine point win last year when the clubs battled at Victoria Park.
VERDICT: Going against all common sense I think Essendon may be a little quicker than their counterparts , with former Australian track champion Johnny Rayner , Colyer , Jetta, Orazio Fantasia and Terang gift winner Dalgleish all possessing explosive pace I think the Dons can get up by less than a kick.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 25/04/2014 23:23