As the countdown to the AFL season 2021 continues and as a Magpies tragic, I believed I might make a journey down reminiscence lane and assemble a greatest Collingwood crew since 1970, a 12 months that sends shivers down the Magpies’ collective backbone.
I’ve performed some gamers out of place with a purpose to hopefully put the greatest expertise on the legendary park.
Backs
Scott Burns, Ted Potter, Nick Maxwell
I’ve chosen an out-of-position Scott Burns however reckoned on his tenacity, dedication and urge for food for the contest. Ted Potter is one of the all-time nice defenders, not solely at Collingwood but in addition in the league, whereas Nick Maxwell’s management traits stand out and I couldn’t exclude a premiership skipper.
Half backs
Michael McGuane, Bill Picken, Nathan Buckley
This line could stir extra controversy. McGuane and Buckley are usually not famous half backs though I do recall just a few cases when the former did play in that position. McGuane’s creativity and Buckley’s endurance and aptitude complement one another, whereas Picken is a lock for centre half again as a consequence of his big-game performances, aerial potential and eccentricities.
(Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
Centre line
Darren Millane, Barry Price, Gavin Brown
This is a nice pivotal line. Millane and Brown present the ability, bodily braveness, psychological fortitude and dedication, and Barry Price gives the pure silk. This is to not recommend that Price didn’t possess the different attributes. The added worth of Barry Price will grow to be evident shortly.
Half ahead
John Greening, Phil Carman, Peter Daicos
A ahead line to drool over! Magical, freakish abilities come readily and simply to thoughts. It additionally brings a contact of disappointment and ‘what might have been’. Greening may and would have been something, however for that darkish day in 1972, whereas Carman’s absence in the 1977 grand closing towards North Melbourne value the membership a flag. The 1977 premiership may certainly have been a cakewalk if each Greening and Carman have been in the facet. I can’t in any form or type ignore Daicos. Poise, stability, purpose sense and an uncanny potential to learn the ball and seemingly different gamers’ minds make him a walk-up begin on this crew.
Full ahead line
Peter Moore, Peter McKenna, Dale Thomas
Peter Moore’s flexibility wins him the slot right here, and in 1977 he was Collingwood’s main purpose kicker. The mop prime, Peter McKenna, wins the full ahead spot, on the again of his run of three consecutive goal-kicking tons in the early Nineteen Seventies, and his lethal purpose conversion. Add to this his undoubted star energy and fan favorite standing, and maybe much less clearly his vocal abilities off subject, and you’ve got the full bundle. Of course, the dynamic Price-to-McKenna mixture would come to the fore on this crew. Dale Thomas may be a shock however for a time was regarded by some as the greatest participant in the league. He would additionally spend appreciable time on the ball on this line-up.
Ruck/followers
Len Thompson, Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury
While there have been a quantity of potentialities for the ruck place, I went for Brownlow medallist and a number of Copeland trophy winner, Len Thompson. While some questioned his report in massive finals, he was a beautiful participant, combing excessive abilities and athleticism. Supporting Thompson are the relative newbies, Swan and Pendlebury, the former for his explosiveness, the latter for his elegant poetry-in-motion abilities.
(Dylan Burns/AFL Photos by way of Getty Images)
Interchange
Tony Shaw, Wayne Richardson, Mark Williams, Travis Cloke
The interchange bench could shock, however I’ve opted for added grunt and ability in the midfield by the first three whereas Travis Cloke lays robust declare to be one of few actual energy forwards for Collingwood of the last 5 a long time, together with the Roccas.
The coach is Leigh Matthews, the captain is Tony Shaw, and the vice-captain is Nick Maxwell.
I couldn’t overlook the legend who broke the 32-year drought, whereas for the management positions I needed to go for the two premiership skippers.
Naturally, there are a selection of commiserations for a facet like this. These embody Darren Jolly, Damian Monkhorst, Des Tuddenham, Heath Shaw, Anthony Rocca, James Clement, Paul Licuria, David Cloke, Ron Wearmouth, Alan Didak, Graham Wright, Craig Davis and Paul Williams.
In passing, there are some fascinating points. First is the absence of an absolute elite crumber in entrance of purpose. Second is been the paucity of energy forwards of the ilk of Jonathan Brown. Finally, line-breaking pace seems to be in comparatively quick provide.
Nonetheless, this crew would take an influence of beating, particularly when you think about the line-up consists of ten captains, three Norm Smith winners, 4 Brownlow medallists, a two-time season main purpose kicker, and near 40 Copeland trophies.
