A group of talented young VFL-listed Magpies will look to use their experience in last year's finals series to launch into an even bigger 2016.
Coach: Dale Tapping (fourth year)
2015 finish: 6th
2015 best and fairest placings: 1. Ben Moloney / 2. Jonathon Marsh / 3. Ben Kennedy
2015 leading goalkicker: Patrick Karnezis (30)
Last premiership: 1892
Alignment: AFL standalone
The Magpies were just over one straight kick away from playing off for a VFL Grand Final berth last year. They let a golden opportunity slip against Sandringham in a semi final, leading the Zebras by 18 points at half time but eventually losing by seven. However, a comprehensive elimination final victory over Werribee will do wonders for the confidence of the club’s youngsters heading into 2016.
Lachlan Wallace (24 years old), Ash Close (24), Nick Gray (23), Jack Blair (22) and Gus Borthwick (19) all had their moments on the September stage last year, while tall forward Michael Still was cut down by injury. Their continued development might offset the loss of VFL regulars Sam Dwyer, Patrick Karnezis, Ben Kennedy, Paul Seedsman and Clinton Young who were either delisted or traded from the AFL team.
22-year-old Jake Williams, another talented youngster, has returned to the VAFA after 19 games in his only season at the club. However, tough small forward Lachlan Ferguson will return after impressing in 32 VFL games during 2013 and 2014.
Collingwood will also welcome the top two finishers in the 2015 Bendigo Pioneers best and fairest count. Lachlan Tardrew claimed the award averaging 29 disposals per game in 16 TAC Cup matches, while runner-up Marty Hore is a promising attacking defender. Other signings include half back flanker Dale Hinkley from the North Central Football League and former Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs defender Jordan Kelly.
Consistent with the strengths of Nathan Buckley’s AFL team, Dale Tapping’s VFL group thrived in the contests last year. Its highest statistical rankings were in contested possessions and clearances, and with a couple of big-name recruits added to the AFL midfield over the off-season, some unlucky on-ballers might find themselves further bolstering the VFL team’s centre line.
INS & OUTS:
Ins: Lachlan Ferguson (returning), Marty Hore, Lachlan Tardrew (Bendigo Pioneers), Dale Hinkley (Birchip-Watchem), Jordan Kelly (Western Bulldogs)
Outs: Rupert Wills (Collingwood AFL), Scott Greenhough (Deer Park), Jake Williams (De La Salle), Ben Monkhorst (Woori Yallock), Tim Allan (work)
* Photo: 2015 Collingwood VFL best and fairest Ben Moloney in action
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2016 VFL PRE-SEASON HUB
Last Modified on 17/03/2016 11:19