Ahead of Hawthorn’s first round clash with Collingwood this Saturday night, hawthornfc.com.au takes a look at how the Pies have fared over the summer…
Collingwood’s pre-season form is a hard one to get a read on.
In their opening hit-out against GWS in Canberra, the Magpies managed just five goals for the game as they lost by 60 points.
The Giants’ formidable midfield, including Dylan Shiel (29 disposals, two goals), Stephen Coniglio (28 disposals) and Lachie Whitfield (25 disposals) were dominant, whilst Collingwood had no player who reached the 25-possession threshold.
As coach Nathan Buckley said it looked as if his side had a mountain of work to do with just one more game before Round 1.
"We didn't do the basics well and our disposal was poor, and we got smacked in the clearances after quarter-time," Buckley said after the loss.
"The forward line really relies on getting its fair share of supply, and after quarter-time that didn't happen."
Critics were quick to pounce on Buckley and his side as the Pies had given every indication, albeit a single pre-season game, that another lacklustre season was in store.
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Nine days later, Collingwood ventured out to Victorian country town, Moe, to take on a Western Bulldogs side that had impressed in their first round game against the Hawks.
After a slow start by the Pies, they came to life after quarter time to kick 15.12 in the final three quarters against the Dogs’ 6.6.
Collingwood finished 33-point victors, with four goals from Mason Cox and a 32-possession, 14-tackle and one-goal performance from midfielder Adam Treloar the highlights for the black and white.
Entering the opening round of the home and away season, the Pies have a sizeable injury list given the time of year.
Seven potential best 22 players are looking unlikely to be available for selection this week, including Jamie Elliott, Alex Fasolo, Jordan De Goey, Daniel Wells and Tyson Goldsack.
Yet they look to have been helped by the recruits of talented youngster and sixth pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, Jaidyn Stephenson, as well as strongly-built defender Brody Mihocek.
