TAR Story: Mighty Magpies 2006 and beyond

October 2005

Malthouse steps down
In breaking news today, Mick Malthouse has stepped down as the coach of the Collingwood Football Club. After the club finished 15th in the season just gone, following on from a bottom 4 position in 2004, he has decided it is best for him to leave. "I think it's best for me to step down, as I haven't reached not only the club goals, but personal goals, in the past two seasons." he said in his press conference today. "This is a great football club, and I have enjoyed my six years at the club, however it is in it's best interest for me to go, and let someone else get the side back to a stronger position." Malthouse was quite confident that the decision was the right one, and had no regrets.

Mick's coaching career began in 1983, following his retirement as a player, and took charge of Footscray. A move West to the Eagles saw him make 3 grand finals, winning 2 premierships in 1992 and 1994. In 2000 he coached the club out of Victoria Park, and lead the team to two consecutive grand finals, despite the results.

Crosisca appointed Pies coach
Ex-Collingwood half back Gavin Crosisca has been appointed the new coach of the Collingwood Football Club. Crosisca played 246 games with the Magpies between 1987 and 2000, including being part of the 1990 premiership side. The Queenslander who has had roles with North Melbourne and Hawthorn has been a real hit to coaches over his comittment to the lead role. He has also been head coach in the VFL for North Ballarat.

"It is a great opportunity, especially to coach the club you played for your whole career" said Crosisca today. "I've always loved to become a senior coach and this is just a dream come true." Crosisca has the task of delisting and recruiting straight up of trade week. A big job awaits.

Woewodin axed along with 6 others
Shane Woewodin has been delisted in a huge clean out of the Collingwood Football Club by the coaching staff today. The Brownlow medallist of 2000 has been axed after an ordinary 2005 season, and being labelled 'too slow'. Woewodin played 200 games in his AFL career, including 2 grand finals. In what was one of the biggest cuts in recent history, Woewodin said his AFL career is far from over "I think i've still got the required skill and hopefully can be drafted by another club" he said.

Former West Coast utility Andrew Williams, injury plagued Tom Davidson, Matthew Lokan, David King, Billy Morrison and son of Tony, Brayden Shaw were also delisted in a huge cut list at Lexus Centre. Both Ben Davies and David Fanning were elevated off the rookie list, onto vacant senior spots.

Cole a Bomber
Collingwood indigenous ball carrier Richard Cole was traded to Essendon as part of trade week. Collingwood off-loaded the 56 game player to the Bombers for second round pick, no.23 overall. Richard Cole came sixth in the Magpies best and fairest in 2003, but his form of late has been not up to standards.

November 2005

Pies snap Thomas at no.2
Drouin teenager Dale Thomas has been taken by the Magpies as their priority pick in the 2005 NAB National Draft. Thomas, a skinny kid with a giant leap and x-factor written all over him showed his brilliance in the 2005 TAC Cup Grand Final, where he kicked 4 goals and was awarded the Grand Final Medal, for the Gippsland Power.

Thomas teammate Scott Pendlebury was picked up at no.5 by the Magpies, while Danny Stanley (no.21), Ryan Cook (no.23) and John Anthony (no.37) were also picked up by the club in the NAB National Draft.

December 2005

Iles a Pie
Tasmanian youngster Sam Iles was picked up by the Magpies in today's NAB Pre-Season draft. Iles, a quick running half-back who has played in the VFL for the Devils was snapped up as the second pick, before Scott Camporeale, Chris Heffernan (both picked by Essendon) and Brent Guerra (picked by Hawthorn). Collingwood were suprised that Iles was overlooked in the National Draft and jumped right into selecting the 18 year old.

Rocca kicks 13 to kick start Pies season
Anthony Rocca kicked a pre-season cup record 13 goals today as the Pies stormed through to the second round of the NAB Cup, defeating Fremantle by 69 points at Telstra Dome.

Rocca punished the Freo defence from the first siren where he kicked 6 first quarter goals, in an opening quarter than boasted 11 goals, and a 63 point lead at the first change. Rocca kicked another 3 in the second quarter to take his tally to 9 at half time. 4 more goals in the second half topped off his day, and showed true signs of what he is capable in the season.

Rocca opened the Coleman Medal betting at $51, but sportsbet's Gary Davies said he is most likely to firm to about $8.50 within the next week, for a pro-active start to the betting season. "His amazing game today will most likely see a huge plunge in the betting" said Davies. "After playing 4 games last season, he opened with value to date, but there are signs he is set for a big year".

Dane Swan and Travis Cloke enjoyed good outings while Dale Thomas, the 2nd pick in the National Draft played the game out, with a stunning 20 touches, 5 marks and a goal in the last quarter. The Pies will play Geelong, who beat Essendon by 50 points, next week.

COLLINGWOOD 11.4 16.15 22.17 25.18 (168)
FREMANTLE 1.1 4.3 11.5 15.9 (99)

Goals: Rocca 13, T Cloke 4, Didak 2, Davis, Thomas, Clement, O'Bree, Shaw, Holland.

Disposals: Swan 27, O'Bree 26, Rocca 22, Licuria 22, Didak 21, Johnson 21, Burns 21, Thomas 20

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD
B: S Wakelin, S Prestigiacomo, T Lockyer
HB: B Johnson, J Clement, H Shaw
C: P Licuria, D Swan, S Burns
HF: D Thomas, T Cloke, C Tarrant
F: L Davis, A Rocca, A Didak
Foll: J Fraser, N Buckley, S O'Bree
I/C: B Holland, R Lonie, N Maxwell, R Shaw

Travis Cloke super in another Pies onslaught
Young star Travis Cloke showed yet again his true value as he punished the Cats today in the NAB Cup Quarter-Final. Travis Cloke had 22 touches, 12 marks and kicked 6 goals from centre half forward, in a display described as "brilliant" by coach Gavin Crosisca.

Cloke, who debuted last year on ANZAC Day and showed his true potential from the first minutes, has once again given an insight into his dominant skills. His marking his strength, but his improved kicking was seen today. "He can kick the ball a mile, but where it goes is always for only the gods to know" said assistant coach Darryn Cresswell.

Dane Swan once again showed he is developing into a strong onballer, while Josh Fraser has shown the world his rucking abilities, clearly beating Steven King and Brad Ottens, who shared duties today. Fraser's mobility was also noticed today, as he had 16 touches and 10 marks around the ground, to go with his 21 hitouts.

COLLINGWOOD 3.4 9.8 12.12 16.14 (110)
GEELONG 1.2 3.2 5.5 10.6 (66)

Goals: T Cloke 6, Rocca 4, Davis 2, Egan, Swan, Clement, Fraser

Disposals: Swan 27, T Cloke 25, Buckley 22, Tarrant 22, Burns 21

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD
IN: Stanley, Egan, Anthony
OUT: Wakelin, Didak, R Shaw

Your assistant coach is on more money than you

Guido17 said:

Your assistant coach is on more money than you

Click to expand...

True, i couldn't believe it either, but next contract hopefully will add more value for me.

Blues burst Pies bubble
Carlton have defeated Collingwood to go into the NAB Cup Final for the second consecutive season. The Blues got a great head start, leading at half time by 10 goals. Nick Stevens was the damaging player for Carlton, having the ball 36 times, and kicking 2 goals.

CARLTON 5.3 12.6 15.8 18.12 (120)
COLLINGWOOD 1.2 2.7 8.10 13.14 (92)

Goals: Rocca 3, T Cloke, Didak 2, Tarrant, Thomas, Licuria, J Cloke, O'Bree, Rusling.

Disposals: Buckley 25, O'Bree 21, Tarrant 20, Swan 20, Johnson 18

Injuries: Maxwell (calf)

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD
IN: Didak, Morrison, Rusling, J Cloke
OUT: Lonie, Davis, Stanley, Anthony

Rusling kicks 4 in 1 point loss
Sean Rusling was the highlight of the NAB Regional Cup Challenge match in Newcastle, where the Pies went down to the Swans by a single point. Rusling kicked 4 goals, playing out of the square with Rocca on the sidelines resting for the season ahead.

The Pies lead by Nathan Buckley were in the game for the whole match, but weren't good enough to knock of the reigning premiers. Leading by 3 goals at 3-quarter time, it wasn't enough for the inexperienced Magpies to beat the Swans. Ryan Cook looked good for the Pies in his first outing with the side, having 14 touches, 5 marks and kicked 1 goal.

SYDNEY 5.0 7.5 7.5 13.8 (86)
COLLINGWOOD 4.3 7.9 9.11 12.13 (85)

Goals: Rusling 4, T Cloke, O'Bree 2, Cook, Caracella, Buckley, Wakelin

Disposals: O'Bree 26, Tarrant 25, Buckley 24, Swan 23, Caracella 21, T Cloke 20, Licuria 20

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD
IN: Wakelin, Cook, C Cloke, Caracella, Walker
OUT: Maxwell (calf), H Shaw, Fraser, Burns, Rocca

NAB Cup
Coll v Frem, Won by 69 points
Coll v Geel, Won by 44 points
Carl v Coll, Lost by 28 points

NAB Regional Challenge
Syd v Coll, Lost by 1 point

Report
Looked very good. Crosisca decided to change up the sides, whether the importance of the knockout competition or not. Anthony Rocca returned to the side and kicked 13 goals against the Dockers, a pre-season record, while Dale Thomas, Danny Stanley, John Anthony and Ryan Cook all got games in the black and white. Dane Swan looks to be settling for an onballer position, while Heath Shaw seems to be looked at as a valued option of another running backman.

Nick Maxwell has a slight calf injury, but with depth in height for defence, he can be covered for the time he is out. No major niggles from any of the players either.

Pies solid win starts season on high
Collingwood defeated reigning-minor premiers Adelaide tonight at the Telstra Dome on a different footy fixture, Monday night football. The Pies were headed by a best on ground effort by young star Travis Cloke who booted 5 majors in his stunning performance.

Cloke had 17 touches, 8 marks and kicked 5.2 to start the season off. After a top debut season, and impressive pre-season, Cloke's form at centre half forward has allowed Rocca to sit in the goalsquare and Tarrant to use his pace and delivery to advantage off the flanks. Josh Fraser was also great, accumulating 19 touches, 6 marks, 21 hitouts and kicked 2 goals.

This was Gavin Crosisca's first game as coach, and a memorable win for the black and white. Crosisca showed his match winning tactics by blowing away the opposition in the first half of the pre-season games, but he added valued skill by coaching a four quarters performance.

COLLINGWOOD 3.2 10.8 15.12 17.13 (115)
ADELAIDE 6.0 9.1 13.7 15.14 (104)

Goals: T Cloke 5, Rocca 3, Burns, Fraser, Davis 2, Didak, O'Bree, Rusling

Disposals: Buckley 25, Licuria 21, Swan 20, Fraser 19, Burns 19, H Shaw 18, Clement 18, Wakelin 18

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
B: S Wakelin, S Prestigiacomo, T Lockyer
HB: B Johnson, J Clement, S Burns
C: P Licuria, D Swan, H Shaw
HF: D Thomas, T Cloke, C Tarrant
F: L Davis, A Rocca, A Didak
Foll: J Fraser, N Buckley, S O'Bree
I/C: B Holland, R Lonie, B Caracella, S Rusling

NEW: Dale Thomas (18, Gippsland U18)

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Travis Cloke
4. Josh Fraser
3. James Clement
2. Nathan Buckley
1. Heath Shaw

Cloke and Shaw dominate as Pies win second
Travis Cloke has once again set up another win with a brilliant display at centre half forward. The forward coming off 5 goals had 21 touches and kicked 2.3 and gave off a couple late in the game. Another youngster, Heath Shaw also had a good day, having 25 touches, and beat opponents Tim Clarke and Luke Hodge.

Anthony Rocca kicked 4 goals at full forward, showing his value back to the side, while Josh Fraser, who had 17 touches, 11 marks and 16 hitouts, also had a good match, with each playing 4 and 5 games respectively last season.

Sam Mitchell and Peter Everitt once again combined at centre bounces, but wasn't enough to hold off the Pies from an 8-point win.

7. COLLINGWOOD 1.5 6.9 10.11 14.13 (97)
11. HAWTHORN 2.1 6.5 7.9 13.11 (89)

Goals: Rocca 4, Davis 3, T Cloke 2, Didak, Tarrant, Swan, Buckley, O'Bree

Disposals: H Shaw 25, Buckley 22, T Cloke 21, Burns 21, Licuria 20, Swan 20, O'Bree 20

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: R Shaw
OUT: R Lonie

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Travis Cloke
4. Heath Shaw
3. Josh Fraser
2. Anthony Rocca
1. Scott Burns

Pies notch up third with 6 goal win
Collingwood has won 3 out of 3 after a 39 point win over the Roos in the Easter Monday clash at the Dome. Anthony Rocca dominated the scoreboard with 6 goals, while Shane O'Bree, Nathan Buckley and Josh Fraser dominated together with a centre bounce partnership.

Fraser had 17 touches, 13 marks and 17 hitouts in another awesome display, while Shane O'Bree (31 touches, 8 clearances) and Nathan Buckley (26 touches, 11 clearances) were dominant at centre bounces. Heath Shaw was again fantastic with his run and football brain off the wing, while Dane Swan was a ball magnet in the centre.

Collingwood move to 4th on the ladder, with the ANZAC Day clash against the Bombers next week, who sit just inside the top 8. It will also be the return to the MCG.

5. COLLINGWOOD 4.2 8.4 12.9 18.12 (120)
8. KANGAROOS 2.1 4.1 9.2 13.3 (81)

Goals: Rocca 6, T Cloke 3, Didak, Davis, Licuria 2, Tarrant, O'Bree, Lonie

Disposals: O'Bree 31, Buckley 26, H Shaw 25, Swan 23, Didak 21,

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: R Lonie, N Maxwell
OUT: D Thomas, R Shaw

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Shane O'Bree
4. Josh Fraser
3. Anthony Rocca
2. Nathan Buckley
1. Heath Shaw

Pies bite back as ANZAC Day heroes
Collingwood have showed up the Bombers, one of the arch-rival enemies of the side, in an ANZAC Day blockbuster. A sold out MCG, with 92,000 spectators saw the Magpies boast a 19.15 (129) to an innacurate Dons 10.24 (84) scoreline.

Anthony Rocca and Travis Cloke kicked 5 and 4 goals respectively, while ANZAC Day medallist Dane Swan provided 34 touches, whilst at the same time keeping Heffernan on the bottom end of the scale. Josh Fraser is showing his All-Australian form, with yet again, another mobile display of not only winning the ruck but dominating around the ground. Fraser had 17 touches, 12 marks and 15 hitouts. Buckley, O'Bree and Heath Shaw kept their consistency high with another solid performance.

Crosisca's 4 wins from 4 starts is looking promising, with Port next week who sit 9th, and will be played at the Dome, while the Blues who are on the bottom are up a week later.

4. COLLINGWOOD 4.5 8.7 13.12 19.15 (129)
8. ESSENDON 4.8 6.16 7.19 10.24 (84)

Goals: Rocca 5, T Cloke 4, Buckley, O'Bree 2, Davis, Tarrant, Clement, Wakelin, Fraser, Lonie

Disposals: Swan 34, O'Bree 24, Buckley 22, Tarrant 19, Caracella 18, Fraser 17, H Shaw 17

Injuries: Licuria (collarbone)

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
NO CHANGE

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Dane Swan
4. Anthony Rocca
3. Josh Fraser
2. Travis Cloke
1. Nathan Buckley

Power shrug critics off back
Port Adelaide have recorded a great victory today at the Telstra Dome against the unbeaten Magpies. With the Pies happy in the top 4, the Power had lost the last three in a row, and the critics from South Australia were handed a slice of what Port are made of with a 29 point win.

For the Magpies, it was once again the dominant player of the season, Travis Cloke, who found his feet in the losing side, while Shane O'Bree, Heath Shaw and Dane Swan all looked sound. 3 goals from Rocca at full forward was a reasonable effort with little opportunities.

9. PORT ADELAIDE 6.1 10.6 12.9 16.12 (108)
4. COLLINGWOOD 1.5 4.9 7.13 11.13 (79)

Goals: Rocca 3, Tarrant, T Cloke 2, Didak, Rusling, Caracella, Swan

Disposals: O'Bree 26, T Cloke 25, Swan 24, H Shaw 22, Holland 21, Tarrant 20, Buckley 19

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: Morrison
OUT: Licuria

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Travis Cloke
4. Dane Swan
3. Shane O'Bree
2. Heath Shaw
1. Chris Tarrant

Rocca bags 8 as Pies win again
The Pies are back on the winning list after defeating rivals Carton by 29 points today. In perfect conditions, it was a high scoring affair for the forwards, as Anthony Rocca kicked 8 for the Magpies and Alan Didak chipped in with 3 goals.

Rocca dominated every minute of the match, and consolidated his spot on top of the goalkicking table. He had 17 touches and 12 marks to go along with his impressive 8 goals. Dane Swan dominated the centre with a career high 35 disposals, while Heath Shaw was stunning, playing his best game of the year with 25 touches and kicking 2.2 in the midfield.

Gavin Crosisca said the result was a good one, "Rivalry Round, playing Carlton, a 5 goal win, what more could you ask for from the boys" he said. "As a player I loved the occassions we played against the Blues outfit, and as a coach, it's just as good". The Pies head to Subiaco to play the out of form Eagles.

4. COLLINGWOOD 5.3 8.5 14.8 18.11 (119)
16. CARLTON 2.2 5.5 11.8 13.12 (90)

Goals: Rocca 8, Didak 3, H Shaw, T Cloke 2, O'Bree, Morrison, Tarrant.

Disposals: Swan 35, H Shaw 25, O'Bree 25, Holland 22, Buckley 20, Rocca 17, Tarrant 17

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: J Cloke
OUT: Maxwell

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Anthony Rocca
4. Dane Swan
3. Heath Shaw
2. Shane O'Bree
1. Travis Cloke

Pies break Subi curse with thrashing win
Collingwood has recorded their 6th win of the season, defeating the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco Oval tonight. The Magpies, who now sit in second spot on the AFL ladder showed true courage and determination and the result payed off.

Anthony Rocca kicked 7 goals, coming off 8 last week, while Chris Tarrant played less up the ground and kicked 4 goals in a top game. Shane O'Bree and Heath Shaw kept up their consistent first class form, while James Clement and Ben Johnson were terrific in defence.

4. COLLINGWOOD 3.3 8.7 15.10 19.13 (127)
7. WEST COAST 5.2 7.5 8.6 12.10 (82)

Goals: Rocca 7, Tarrant 4, Didak 2, Davis, T Cloke, H Shaw, Holland, Fraser, Morrison

Disposals: O'Bree 27, H Shaw 22, Swan 21, Buckley 19, Holland 18, Johnson 18

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: D Stanley
OUT: B Caracella
NEW: D Stanley (18, Geelong U18)

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Anthony Rocca
4. Shane O'Bree
3. Chris Tarrant
2. Heath Shaw
1. Dane Swan

Collingwood dish out to Cats
Collingwood has recorded their 7th win of the season, holding onto the 2nd spot, beating top 4 competitors Geelong by 46 points at the MCG tonight. The Cats lead by a point at half time, but the Pies knocked them off in the second half kicking 9 goals to 2.

Travis Cloke and Alan Didak were superb in front of goals, each kicking 4, while Leon Davis chipped in with 3, as the big duo of Anthony Rocca and Chris Tarrant kicked 1 between them. The midfielders of O'Bree and Buckley were good at centre clearances while Heath Shaw was, once again, a top performer.

Gavin Crosisca was very pleased with the performances of the small forwards Didak and Davis who were playing reasonable, but not great football. "They were great down in the forward line the two small forwards. The got front and square and to have 7 goals kicked by your two small forwards is a great asset in any game".

2. COLLINGWOOD 7.4 10.7 15.14 19.16 (130)
4. GEELONG 4.2 10.8 11.8 12.12 (84)

Goals: T Cloke, Didak 4, Davis 3, Lonie 2, Rocca, Swan, H Shaw, Clement, Buckley, Stanley.

Disposals: Buckley 25, O'Bree 23, Swan 23, H Shaw 21, T Cloke 21, Clement 20

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: B Hall
OUT: S Rusling

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Travis Cloke
4. James Clement
3. Nathan Buckley
2. Dane Swan
1. Heath Shaw

Pies claim top spot with another MCG belting
Collingwood have taken top spot tonight as they beat the Western Bulldogs by 46 points at the MCG infront of a 64,000 strong crowd. An even performance from the winners, it showed the discipline and balance of the team.

Anthony Rocca booted four majors, while Dale Thomas, who kicked his first goal in league football, Leon Davis, Travis Cloke and Dane Swan all chipped in with multiple goals. Dane Swan was fantastic, with 28 touches, 11 clearances and his 2 goals. Brodie Holland was also very good.

2. COLLINGWOOD 4.2 6.5 13.9 19.12 (126)
13. WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.3 6.6 9.9 11.14 (80)

Goals: Rocca 4, Swan, Davis, T Cloke, Thomas 2, Fraser, Didak, Holland, O'Bree, Burns, Clement, Lockyer

Disposals: Holland 28, Swan 28, O'Bree 23, Buckley 23, Burns 22, Tarrant 19

Injuries: Wakelin (hamstring)

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: B Davies, D Thomas
OUT: D Stanley, C Morrison

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Dane Swan
4. Brodie Holland
3. James Clement
2. Anthony Rocca
1. Simon Prestigiacomo

Pies retain top spot with another win
The Magpies continue to hold on to their top spot on the league ladder, with their 9th win of the season, and their premiership chances firming nicely. Collingwood beat Brisbane at the MCG infront 59,000 fans, by 15 points in a nailbiting finish.

Anthony Rocca kicked 4 for the winners, but Heath Shaw had a night out with a career best 28 touches, 6 marks and kicked a goal, whilst holding rampaging Luke Power to 17 touches. Nathan Buckley, Dane Swan, Leon Davis and Tarkyn Lockyer were all very good.

On the bad news, Josh Fraser injured his back and is expected to miss a month.

1. COLLINGWOOD 3.6 9.10 10.12 15.14 (104)
10. BRISBANE LIONS 4.1 7.1 11.3 14.5 (89)

Goals: Rocca 4, Lockyer 2, Didak, Davis, Tarrant, T Cloke, Swan, H Shaw, Burns, Fraser, O'Bree

Disposals: H Shaw 28, Buckley 26, Swan 23, T Cloke 23, Lockyer 21, Holland 20, Davis 20

Injuries: Fraser (back)

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
NO CHANGE

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Heath Shaw
4. Tarkyn Lockyer
3. Travis Cloke
2. Nathan Buckley
1. Dane Swan

What difficulty you got this on?

going well

JuddyisGod said:

What difficulty you got this on?

going well

Click to expand...

Easy, (not simple), but that's irrelevant
More fun!

Dees too good for Pies in big contest
In front of more than 74,000 fans, Melbourne recorded its best win of the season beating the ladder leaders Collingwood by 8 points at the MCG. The annual Queens Birthday clash drew a bigger crowd than usual and the game didn't disappoint.

Anthony Rocca booted 5 goals for the Pies, with Chris Tarrant booting himself back into form with 4 majors. Tarkyn Lockyer was once again damaging off half-back, while Nathan Buckley won the dual between himself and Cameron Bruce. Travis Cloke was a focul point forward of centre, while Cameron Cloke was solid as the replacement for the injured Josh Fraser.

Paul Licuria enjoyed a solid comeback after a broken collarbone, having 18 touches and kicking a handy goal before half-time.

3. MELBOURNE 5.1 7.2 13.5 16.6 (102)
1. COLLINGWOOD 5.1 8.4 10.7 14.10 (94)

Goals: Rocca 5, Tarrant 4, T Cloke 2, Holland, Licuria

Disposals: Buckley 28, Lockyer 27, H Shaw 22, O'Bree 21, Swan 21, Tarrant 19

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: C Cloke, P Licuria
OUT: J Fraser (back), J Cloke

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Tarkyn Lockyer
4. Chris Tarrant
3. Nathan Buckley
2. Anthony Rocca
1. Heath Shaw

Collingwood show no fear interstate
Collingwood are 2 from 2 interstate after winning a highscoring display at Telstra Stadium tonight. In a huge first quarter which saw 15 goals kicked, a 20.11 (131) to 17.10 (112) saw the black and white sing the song in the rooms.

Anthony Rocca kicked 3, but Cameron Cloke has showed his value to the side in what seemed a last chance to prove his spot according the Gavin Crosisca. Cloke dominated the ruck with 19 hitouts, but had 18 touches and 9 marks to go along with 3 goals. Heath Shaw was also fantastic, having 18 touches and kicking 2 vital goals in the second half. Alan Didak also chipped in with 2 goals.

Assistant coach Daryn Cresswell said the break did the side good. "Yeah, we had a great first half to the season, but a loss to the Demons before the break was enough to show where we needed to improve". "The break did all the boys good, and it showed on the scoreboard".

2. COLLINGWOOD 8.4 14.6 17.8 20.11 (131)
5. SYDNEY 7.2 9.2 12.6 17.10 (112)

Goals: Rocca, C Cloke 3, H Shaw, Didak, Tarrant 2, Egan, J Cloke, Lonie, Prestigiacomo, Johnson, Burns, Davis

Disposals: Buckley 26, O'Bree 23, Lockyer 20, Swan 20, H Shaw 18, C Cloke 18

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: C Egan, S Rusling
OUT: B Hall, D Thomas

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Cameron Cloke
4. Shane O'Bree
3. Heath Shaw
2. Dane Swan
1. Nathan Buckley

Tigers comeback not enough to overcome Pies
Collingwood continue their winning ways with another thrilling win, against the Tigers at the MCG today. In damp conditions, the game moved at a quick pace and a highscoring game was at hands. Nathan Buckley was dominant for the Pies, damaging out of the centre with 28 touches and 9 clearances.

Anthony Rocca kept his Coleman hopes up kicking 5, while speedstar Sean Rusling provided a good option on the lead, kicking 3 goals. Cameron Cloke in his third game of the season once again showed he was no unskilled ruckman. Cloke had 21 touches, 12 marks and 17 hitouts aswell as a handy goal in the final quarter. "I am pleased with the way he is going, and with Josh coming back from injury, it will give him more of an opportunity to rest with the inform Cloke" said Crosisca.

The Pies play the Saints next week, who are sitting in 8th spot, and coming off 3 wins in a row.

2. COLLINGWOOD 4.2 9.5 16.8 18.9 (117)
12. RICHMOND 4.1 9.4 11.7 17.9 (111)

Goals: Rocca 5, Rusling 3, Davis 2, Egan, Holland, O'Bree, C Cloke, Prestigiacomo, Burns, Licuria, Didak.

Disposals: Buckley 28, C Cloke 21, Swan 20, Lockyer 20, O'Bree 19, Davis 18

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

COLLINGWOOD:
IN: N Maxwell, D Fanning
OUT: S Wakelin, J Cloke

BEST AND FAIREST VOTES
5. Nathan Buckley
4. Cameron Cloke
3. Leon Davis
2. Anthony Rocca
1. Sean Rusling