MATCH PREVIEW

Round 3 Preview - By Johnson#26

Match Preview:

My Team for Round 3 Vs the Lions:

B: Clement, Prestigiacomo, Wakelin.
HB: Johnson, J.Cloke, Cole.
C: Woewodin, Buckley, Lonie.
HF: Didak, Rocca, O'Bree.
F: Holland, Fraser, Tarrant.
R: Richards, Licuria, Burns.
INTER: McGough, Lokan, C.Cloke, Swan.
EMERG: Leonard, R.Shaw, Mullins.

IN: McGough, C.Cloke, Swan.
OUT: Davidson, Davis, Nixon.

In the Grand Final rematch of the past 2 years, Collingwood could cause a boilover with a surprise victory over regining premiers the Brisbane Lions. The match could be full of spite and anger, as the Pies look to atone for their poor showing in last years grand final. With many of the Lions stars underdone, the Pies are set for a surprise victory. Here's how they can come out trumps.

Key Match ups: Defence:
Prestigiacomo vs Brown
Wakelin vs Bradshaw
Clement vs Voss (When forward)
Ben Johnson vs McRae (Or Akamanis when forward)
Cole vs Power
Cloke vs Notting.

It is a dounting task to face up to the might of Lions forward Jonothan Brown but Simon Prestigiacomo is up to the task. In previous contests, Presti has come out even or on top and will look for the same resault on Thursday. Wakelin should be able to keep Bradshaw out of the score book and Clement can take care of Voss when forward. Ben Johnson has the pace to keep up with Akermains or McRae and could sneek under the Lions guard for a goal or two. Luke Power should be taken care of by the ever improving Cole whilst Cloke can take Notting out of action.

Midfield Match ups:
Buckley vs B.Scott
Burns vs Pike
Licuria vs Voss
Woewodin vs Black
Lonie vs Lappin
Richards vs Charman

The battle of the midfields could decide the winner and loser of the Easter blockbuster. Names such as Buckley and Voss, Burns and Black, Licuria and Pike are household names in the AFL and all players will have the cameras on them as they go about their work. Brad Scott will most likely be assigned to Buckley, but will not be able to have the fitness to keep Buckley to under 25 touches. Burns should be able to keep Pike quiet whilst winning many possestions himself whilst Voss won't play all match in the middle, when he does move into the centre, Licuria should keep him quiet. On the wings, 2 of the 5 Brownlow medalists in the match, Woewodin and Black will battle it out whilst on the other wing, Lappin and Lonie will both play their attacking games as they charge towards their own goals. 2 young ruckman, Richards and Charman will do battle in an exciting contest between 2 of the competions most promicing young ruckmen.

Forward line Key Match ups:
Tarrant vs Leppich
Rocca vs Michael
Fraser vs White
Didak vs Hadley
O'Bree vs Shattock

Anthony Rocca will look to show the football world why he is so important to Collingwood by playing one of his best matches ever. 'Pebbles' is a big game performer and in a match which will be played under finals like intencity, there is no better time for him to unleash last yeasr September demons. He will be matched up on by big Mal Michael and the two former team-mates could decide how the match goes. Tarrant and Leppich will be another highlight, with both players coming off terrific seasons in 2003. The match up where Collingwodd could pinch the game is Fraser on Darrell White. With aging legs, White may not be able to keep up with Fraser and won't be tall enough to quell his influence. Didak and Hadley, both drafted in 2000 draft will look to nullify each other and Shattock will look to keep O'Bree quiet.
In what will be a tight and tough conest, I am tipping the Magpies for an upset victory. With no Clark Keating, the Lions look underdone in the ruck and the Pies tall forwards will be too potant for the Lions defence. Even without Leon Davis, the Pies should be able put the score on the board to shut up the diss-beleivers. Pies by 15 points.

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