Essendon and Collingwood clash in this weekend’s ANZAC Day weekend Peter Jackson VFL match of the round on Channel 7 this Sunday.
With the Magpies claiming the points at AFL level in the ANZAC Day blockbuster, the Bombers will be keen for revenge at VFL level on their home turf at Windy Hill. Stephen O’ Brien previews the game.
A win is vital to both clubs after both failed to record a win in the opening round of the season. Essendon fell agonisingly short of a win, after leading their match against Sandringham they were defeated by a point after the final siren.
Collingwood on the other hand travelled to North Ballarat and were on the end of inclement weather synonymous with the region. Despite being within 11 points at three quarter time the Pies failed to score in the final quarter eventually suffering a 35-point defeat at the hands of the Roosters.
At selection Essendon has brought in Jason Ashby, former Cat and J.J. Liston trophy winner Jordan Schroder in his 1st VFL game for the red and black along with former Bendigo Gold star Sam Heavyside . Courtenay Dempsey and Will Hams have been promoted to the AFL side while Lauchie Dalgleish will miss with a hamstring injury.
The Pies despite losing Ben Reid with a quad injury have brought in three experienced additions with Clinton Young , Patrick Karnezis and captain Jack Hellier all returning.
The battle through the midfield will be enthralling , the Dons boast class players in captain Marcus Marigliani , Daniel Coghlan , Jackson Merrett , Orazio Fantasia and Schroder . Collingwood’s strength will be on show in this area with Tony Armstrong ,Jeremy Taylor , Nathan Freeman , Alex Fasolo and ultra impressive Jordan DeGoey all likely to have a run on the ball.
The ruck contests will also be worth the price of admission with the Bombers newcomers Johnathon Giles and Shaun McKernan pitting themselves against Pies giants Jarrod Witts and Mason Cox. Witts and Cox had 50 hitouts credited to them last week and Witts also laid 7 tackles in an outstanding effort by the big man. Giles had 18 hit outouts and kicked 2 goals for the Bombers last week.
Tayte Pears has moved forward this year at VFL level and kicked three goals last week. Along with Kyle Langford , James Polkinghorne and small midfielder Fantasia the Bombers will need to find these players up forward if they are to kick a competitive score . At the other end of the ground DeGoey and Karnezis will be matched up against seasoned defenders James Gwilt and Ariel Steinberg , with the Magpies to find goal kicking assistance from the likes of Fasolo and other midfielders to hurt the Bombers.
The 23 rd man for each side will be James Ferry for the Bombers who looked very assured down back for the club last week while young Gus Borthwick was oustanding for the pies collecting 17 possessions and laying 6 tackles.
VERDICT: Depth is the key in this clash, and I think the Bombers will get over the line by 10 points.
Last Modified on 25/04/2015 22:58
