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Pies, Dockers ready for lift off |
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by Matthew Nogajski | behindthegame.com.au
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Match details
Collingwood V Fremantle at MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Recent history
Round 10, 2007: Collingwood 15.13 (103) def Fremantle 13.16 (94) @ MCG
Betting
Collingwood $1.68
Fremantle $2.10
Last time they met
Collingwood ran out nine point winners in a close battle at the MCG. Dane Swan was bets afield with 35 disposals and two goals. Other key players were Paul Haselby with 34 disposals and Anthony Rocca who kicked five goals. Matthew Pavlich had an up and down hit out, collecting 25 disposals, but kicked 4 goals and 7 behinds.
Key match-ups
- Travis Cloke vs. Luke McPharlin
Whilst Travis Cloke is generally considered to be a superstar in his own right after his outstanding 2007 season where he won Collingwood’s Best and Fairest award, Luke McPharlin has the capabilities to hold him. Possibly one of the most under rated backmen in the game, McPharlin possesses great pace and athleticism and will definitely be Fremantle’s best chance of keeping the up and coming centre half forward quiet. This will be an important battle to determine the winner.
- Matthew Pavlich vs. Harry O’Brien
Much similar to the above match up, this will be a major factor on the outcome of the game. Mick Malthouse has a history of trusting Harry O’Brien with the big jobs, and O’Brien has rewarded the faith much of the time. Last time these teams met Pavlich ran the Magpie defence ragged, only his wayward kicking stopped him being more damaging. Pavlich will obviously be the go to man for Freo, and this match up will also be one to watch.
Wildcard
- Chris Egan
After a season ending injury in 2007, Egan is now under pressure to perform. A first round draft pick in 2004, he has shown tremendous improvement in the pre-season. Egan has been criticized in the past for his seemingly laid-back approach to the game and lack of intensity, but his work ethic in 2008 so far cannot be questioned. Malthouse obviously has great faith in Egan, as he has been selected in the starting 22 for the round 1 clash.
Verdict
Fremantle have a surprisingly good record against Collingwood at the MCG. They also have plenty of talent in their line-up, but unfortunately have been perennial under achievers. With a relatively unknown coach at the helm in 2008, Fremantle could either stay an average side, or excel to the top. Round 1 will be a good test for them, as they come up against Collingwood, a potentially top 4 side. |
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