2014 SC Team Profile - Collingwood

[dmac07]

This will be the first in a series of team profiles, will attempt to do more later but starting with Collingwood as this is the team I know the most about. Starting with the likely rnd 1 side, followed by previews of all the players, will upload this in a few parts.

Rnd 1 Line Up
FB -    MAXWELL  -  BROWN - WILLIAMS
HB -   Toovey    -     REID     -    Young
C -       Adams   -     BALL   -   LUMUMBA
HF - SIDEBOTTOM - White -   BEAMS
FF -  Goldsack   -   CLOKE   -   ELLIOT
R -    GRUNDY   -  SWAN    -    PENDLEBURY
INT - Macaffer - Keefe - Blair - Fasolo

Emg - Dwyer - J.Thomas - Karnezis

Team line up:
Players in capitals are those whole will be automatic selections both rnd 1 and ongoing throughout the season, those not in capitals are my picks for rnd 1, but could be changed week to week based on form and team structure.

Small/Medium Flankers/Mids
Ten pies players fit this category but I have them competing for 3-5 spots in the pies line up playing mostly off the fwd flanks and as secondary midfield rotation players.
Currently in the starting side I have Blair, Elliot, Fasolo, Macaffer. Next in line for these spots are Dwyer and Thomas who will definately get games throughout the year.
Sinclair, Martin, Broomhead, Karnezis all likely to get games at some point, but more likely based on form or injuries.

Small/medium defenders
Six players in this category for 3-4 spots as small to medium lock down or rebounding defenders. With the departure of Shaw it opens up about 95 points a game for these guys to snap up. Williams has secured an automatic starting position with a breakout year in 2013. Maxwell will also be given every chance, at least in the first half of the season to show he can fight off challenges for his spot in the team.
This leaves Toovey, Young, Seedsman and Scharenberg fighting for like 2 spots. With a hip injury set to sideline Seedsman for 6 weeks, putting him in doubt for the opening few rounds, Toovey and Young should snap up these spots. Young could be a good pick up early but if not firing will be quickly replaced by Seedsman when fit, with Seedsman, whilst needing to work on some areas of his game, having huge upside and potential for the future. Scharenberg will definately get a run at some point, and if firing in his first two games will provide a good downgrade option.

Key Position
Reid, Brown, Cloke and Grundy will all play every week barring injury. Cloke likely to be inconsistant again, but is one of the top 2-3 key forwards in the afl, with the new marking rule interpretation likely to help him gain a few extra points. Grundy is a star of the future and well worth a look for your team. That leaves White, Lynch and Keefe fighting it out for 2 spots, with Keefe and White likely to get first crack, especially with Keefe recently being promoted to the leadership group I cant see him missing out. Witts and Hudson likely to get the odd run as well as back up rucks, especially if Grundy tires as the season goes on.

[Dayze]

Great write up mate well done.

Absolutely spewin about seedsman.
Was really confident he was going to b my breakout smokie.

[dmac07]

Defence Profiles

Overview The main difference with the pies defense this year will be the absence of Heath Shaw, who has been settled back there for many years. Brown, Reid and Keefe will occupy the key positions, while 'Lumumba' will likely end up on the wing, this leaves plently of Shaws 95ppg to be spread around the rebounding defenders, the most likely players to benefit are Williams, Seedsman and Young (only available as a mid), with Toovey back into the side but probably only scoring 50ppg, that leaves 40-50 points to be spread between these guys. Im predicting 90 points for both Williams and Seedsman but both are an outside chance of ending up as a keeper if one can go 100 and the other 80, both these guys are young and have the room for improvement. Lumumba also worth a look if he permanently plays on the wing, with the pies utilizing his run and carry.



Harry Lumumba $474,700
The man formally known as Harry O, had his best SC year last year with a move onto the wing, he is at his best attacking the ball, has great speed and power and likes to kick long, which is great for SC. On the downside can go missing or get dragged into defense where his scores suffer. Averaged 88 last year and should score similar this year, maybe even slightly higher if he can keep his mind on the game.
Pre-season Report Reports from pre-season say he is flying, with Collingwood putting a huge focus on transition running, Lumumba is excelling in match similation drills with his running and lock kicking.
Prediction & Final Word 90-95 - Worth a look as a POD for your backline, probably going to be 5 ppg short of a keeper but keep an eye on his role throughout the preseason.


Ben Reid $435,400 -D/F
Scoring potential varies greatly as his role changes from week to week. Can play both lock down, or be locked down when he plays fwd, greatly decreasing his scores. Also can get off the leash at times kicking goals or as a great intercept mark.
Prediction & Final Word 80-85 - A quality player at both ends of the ground, but as with many key position players, not a great SC pick.


Paul Seedsman $425,400
An exciting player with undoubted potential. Possesses explosive speed and plenty of talent but his all round game still needs work to prevent quiet patches when he is prone to go missing. Strengths in running and kicking long which is supercoach gold, can also find the ball but needs to work on his defensive play to avoid getting shut out of the game at times. Was looking primed for a possible break out year with the departure of Shaw, but a recent injury may delay his start to the season.
Pre-season Report A recent hip surgery is likely to keep him sidelined for up to six weeks. The pies hopeful he will be right for rnd1 but this is no gurantee.
Prediction & Final Word 90-95 - Would have been worth a look as a POD if he had hit round 1 flying. Anything other than a perfect preparation means you should probably avoid as may have to play a few games in the VFL to push out players like Young for a spot in the starting side. Keep an eye on him as he cones back though, probably the only def listed pies player with the potenial to break into the top 10 defenders for the year.


Marley Williams $404,000
Had a breakout season last year, cementing himself a permanent spot in the pies defense and averaging 75 in supercoach. Proved himself very strong and tough for his size, regularly taking on older and bigger bodied players and coming out on top. Had games where he was able to rebound more as well, picking up 25+ possessions on a few seperate occasions. His biggest weakness was his at times poor disposal letting him down and limiting his SC output, could also get dragged deep into defense at times lowering his output. Along with Seedsman the most likely beneficiary of Shaw leaving, likely to pick up extra points rebounding from defense, alongwith Tooveys return to play more of that specialist shut down role on the oppositions best small fwd.
Prediction & Final Word 90-95 - Likely to increase his output with the departure of Shaw and return of Toovey, can see Williams pushing a liw 90s average, his biggest challenge will be to improve his disposal to add those extra 10 points per game or so. Could do worse as a POD but watch the nab for Collingwoods defensive structure.


Marty Clarke $361,000
A bit part defensive player, playing as a tagger or along half-back. Has good speed and fitness but lacking in disposal and game sense at times. Probably needs an injury to get a game and has pretty poor job security, also has a low ceiling when he does play.
Prediction & Final Word 60-65- Can't see Clarke playing more than 6-8 games for the season and wont score well when he does, do not consider.


Nick Maxwell $361,000
Much maligned, Maxwell has recently stepped aside as captain to be replaced by Pendlebury. Gets an A+ for effort but not the most talented guy around, has never been a great SC scorer and in what will probably be his last season that is unlikely to change.
Prediction & Final Word 65-70 - A good servant to the Collingwood football club, but never has been, and never will be a SC consideration.


Tyson Goldsack $357,000
Goldsack is almost the definition of 'utilty', playing anywhere from 3rd tall froward/defender, defensive forward or even on the wing at times. Has good size and athletic ability, and usually plays his role well. Not a great attacking player however and his comstant changing of roles hurts his output as well. Has played injured in the past and with full fitness would expect some small improvement in output.
Job Security Goldsack is still a automatic pick for round 1, his versatility being his greatest strength. However, if he is underperforming come mid year he is one who may make way for younger talent like Scharenberg.
Prediction & Final Word 70-75 - Not a good scorer and no value, not worth a look.


Lachlan Keefe $327,000
Was a recent surprise inclusion in tne Collingwood leadership group, outlining just how highly they think of him. I think this elevation shows he is a required member of the 22 every week when previously there may have been some doubt as to his place in the side. At 200cm+ and very agile for his size, Keefe usually plays as a key defender but can also doubke as a back up ruck when needed. Has a good mark but prefers to handball off rather than kick.
Prediction & Final Word 70-75 - Generally never pick a key defender, and Keefe is no exception, might get the odd better score if asked to roam the ground as second ruck, but generally a defensive player first. Not a good pick.
Vest Chances High - as the player to be subbed off.


Alan Toovey $303,000
The pies will be happy to have Toovey returning from a major knee operation this year, with reports saying he is on track for a round 1 return. Has great speed and agility for his size, generally taking the oppositions best small forward but can also play larger when required. His disposal is average at best however so he is not regularly used as a rebounding player and this limits his scoring output.
Prediction & Final Word 65-70 - The pies will be happy to have Toovey back to steady up the backline, but with others used as rebounding defenders not a SC option.


Ben Sinclair $299,000
Changed from a small fwd to small defender last year and started getting more regular games as a result. This coming year with the return of Toovey, and emergance of Williams and Seedsman he will likely struggle to get a game.
Prediction & Final Word 50-55 - Can't see him playing more than a handful of games and not a great scorer when he does. Don't touch.
Vest Chances Medium - if he gets a run could be sub.


Nathan Brown $261,000
A solid key position defender, taking the oppositions best key forward most weeks. Doesnt get much of the ball and never scored well.
Prediction & Final Word 45-50 - You never pick this type of player as a fantasy option and Brown is no exception.


Jack Frost $239,000
A young key defender prospect. Played 2 games last year but unlikely to add to that without a few injuries.
Prediction & Final Word 50-55 - Unlikely to play, and if he does, wont score.


Matthew Scharenberg $192,000
A highly talented youngster once described by Mark Williams as the best school boy footballer he had seen since Carey. A tall but mobile rebounding defender with great skills, foot injuries caused him to miss the last three months of the past year but Collingwood are confident they can get his body right. Has taken it easy in the preseason and unlikely to play rnd1 at this stage.
Prediction & Final Word 70-75 - Unlikely to play over the first few rounds, but almost certain to be given a shot at some stage of the year, if he looks good over his first few games a good downgrade target.
Vest Chances High in his first few games.


Corey Gault $123,000
Back up key position player, likely to spend the season in the VFL.
Prediction & Final Word 0 - Chances of getting a game very slim.


Jackson Ramsay $123,000
Will spend the season in the VFL.
Prediction & Final Word 0 - Chances of getting a game very slim.


Peter Yagmoor $123,000
A small rebounding defender with a good kick, has been passed by the likes of Williams and Seedsman
Prediction & Final Word 0 - Chances of getting a game very slim.


Tom Langdon $117,000 D/M
Considered a bit of a steal as a late draft pick up. Wont play early but if he shows some good form in the VFL may be given a chance at some stage. Possible downgrade option.
Prediction & Final Word 65-70 - Keep an eye on if given a call up at some stage.
Vest Chances - High: if given a go likely to be eased in through the sub vest.

[reesbr]

Thoughts on Marley Williams? He is in my team at the moment

[dmac07]

Thoughts on Marley Williams? He is in my team at the moment

Will be in my next 3-4 profiles, likely up tonight.

[colmullet]

Really thinking bout taking Harry as a unique in defence this year

[Dayze]

Really thinking bout taking Harry as a unique in defence this year

Yeh but he is such a tool....

[dmac07]

Williams, Clarke, Maxwell, Goldsack, Keefe and Toovey profiles added.

[BB67th]

Great writeup dmac,  are you going to do these for all clubs?

[dmac07]

Great writeup dmac,  are you going to do these for all clubs?

Probably wont get time to go through all clubs but will try and do a few before the season starts.

[dmac07]

Rucks


Hudson $411,000
The 35 year old Hudson was again retained on the pies rookies list as back up for the younger Witts and Grundy. A tough as nails ruckman who can score when he plays, but struggles to run out games at times. Likely to contribute 5-10 games again this year and be in and out of the side as required.
Prediction & Final Word 80-85 - when he plays will score ok but not a fantasy option.


Brodie Grundy $363,000
Grundy was a revelation in his first season, holding the experienced Jolly out of the pies line up after only a handful of games. At 19 probably the most impressive ruckman for his age we have seen in quite a few years. Has very good size, strength and athleticism for his age, rarely being outmuscled by his much older opponents, has a good game sense with his tapwork, and a good abilility to follow up at ground level where he is super aggressive.  The big question mark over Grundy at this stage, is with only 7 AFL games under his belt, how will he carry the burden of being the number 1 ruck, and does he have the tank to run out games.
Pre-season Report They say he has been working on his tank and has completed all training asked of him without incident.
Prediction & Final Word 90-95 - This kid may well be one of the best ruckman in the game in a few years, questions remain though over whether it will take a few more preseasons to get there. May tire as the season goes on and is also a risk of being rested. However, $363k for a number 1 ruck, with great midfield support and undoubted talent. Must be seriously considered for your team.


Jarrod Witts $310,000
Witts is a monster, at 208cm he is the second tallest man in the competition.  Long seen as a project player, Witts has steadily improved over the past 3-4 seasons. His strengths are his tapwork, and also a decent mark and good kick for goal. His biggest weakness is his ground work, with all of the agility of a semi-trailer. Behind Grundy at the moment and not good enough forward to spend a lot of time there.
Prediction & Final Word 65-70 - Will play his share of games but not a high scorer, would need an injury to Grundy to get consistent games.

[CrowsFan]

Great work so far mate, but why no profile for Tony Armstrong in the defense?

[sammy123]

http://m.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/collingwood-recruits-jesse-white-tony-armstrong-shine-in-intraclub-practice-match/story-fni5f6hd-1226816021139

Collingwoods intra club match report

[dmac07]

Great work so far mate, but why no profile for Tony Armstrong in the defense?

must have missed that one, will add soon, been too busy but starting to add midfielders now.

[dmac07]

Midfield Profiles


Scott Pendlebury $683,100
The new Collingwood captain sits very comfortably in super premium category and shows no signs of leaving it. Has a good mix of inside and outside play to his game, can rack up possesions,  gets a lot of tackles and is also extremely efficient with the ball by hand and foot. At 25 years old, should have his best years ahead of him, never had any major ongoijg injuries, and is very durable. Will the captaincy impact him? I dont think it will impact positively or negatively as he has led Collingwood several times before in the absence of Maxwell so knows what he is in for. The only thing missing from his game is he doesnt score a lot of goals, if he can get a few more goals this year coupd well be the number 1 player in SC by years end.
Pre-season Report Reports say he is fit as ever and has been working on his strength, hopefully meaning a few more marks this year.
Prediction & Final Word 125-135 - At 25, and with Ablett entering his 30s, I feel this is the year Pendlebury may take over the mantle as the top SC scorer in competition.  Has a tough start with Crowley  round 1, but regardless of that, would be back to his top price by rnd 9 if thats when your looking tp bring him in. Last time out against his first 6 tough opponents this year Pendlebury averaged 127, so your brave if you want to wait on him. For some it is a choice between Ablett and Pendlebury (I will be starting both), but if I had to pick one I would still choose Pendlebury,  despite his tough start, as often rises to occasion and scores better in close games, where the points are more heavily favored to those who have the greatest influence.



Dane Swan $632,600
Swan had his worst SC average for about 5 years last season, but still avaraged 117 and finished 3rd in the brownlow. Very much an individual,  his commitment to training has been questioned at times, but always gives his all on game day. A running and possesion getting machine, Swan gets a lot of the ball, a lot of it contested, and regularly kicks goals, all supercoach gold! Disposal can let him down at times which can cost him a few points but over the past 5 seasons has been the clear 2nd best SC player (behind GAJ). Turning 30 this year the question will be, will he slow down? He dropped nearly 10 ppg last season. Swan rarely misses games and rarely puts in a bad performance.
Pre-season Report Swan had a wrist reconstruction post seasonthat kept him out of early contact work. It may have been a blessing in disguise though as he has slimmed down and reports say his fitness has improved, he will also have the strength in his hands to grab and hold for marks and tackles. It is a rather strange injury for an AFL footballer, but is considered a small risk of re-injury.
Prediction & Final Word120-125 - Swan enters this season arguably fitter than last, which may see him have a slight point gain, the only danger to this would be potential extra fwd time. With most people picking Pendlebury and Beams,  Swan is getting overlooked. It makes sense to go with  the other two pies midfielders, but if your looking for a POD, you could do worse than picking one of the best SC players ever, its brave to go against ther pies mids, but having seen approx 100 teams in the rate my team section, and not a single one with Swan, you could do worse than to pick a unique who has regularly proven he can post 150+ scores.


Steele Sidebottom $555,300
Very good, but not quite a top line player, yet. Has great fitness and speed and beautiful skills on both sides of the body. At only 23 has improvement in him and is ready to come into his prime. However is still not first in line in the pies midfield and as such I don't see any dramatic improvement in scores while Pendlebury, Swan, Beams and Ball are all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Pre-season Report and Games Up the front in the time trials as he is every year, one of the better players in nab game 1 with some midfield stars out of the pies lineup.
Prediction & Final Word 100-105 Will again be a strong contributor, but not much room for improvement with Swan, pendles and beams in the side.


Luke Ball $523,700
A good and very tough in and under player, doesnt posess great speed or a long kick, but wins a lot of contested ball and is a prolific tackler. Was suberb after returning from injury last year, averaging 97 and is priced at 500k+ as a result. Adams has arrived at the pies also and will be groomed to take over Balls role.
Prediction & Final Word 90-95 - Will be a solid contribuer but not a SC worthy pick.


Dayne Beams $497,200
May be the most picked player in SC this year and with good reason. Started slowly after returning from ongoing quad injuries last year and as such is very underpriced this year. An A grade midfielder who knows how to accumulate the ball, has good speed, skills and a good awareness around goals, also often escapes the tag but watch for teams too see if they can have more effect by taggibg him than swan or pendles. Just turned 24 so his best years should be ahead of him.
Pre-season Report and Games Arguably BOG in his first nab cup game with 33 touches and was the top SC scorer on the ground with 105, despite scores being low due to extra players sharing points.
Prediction & Final Word 110-115 - Its hard to find a reason not to pick him, should be the first selected in your team.