Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life 2026: Round 6 Review / Round 7 Preview

 

A better result. Actually a better game in my view than our last few. Could have been drawn at the death, but let’s be honest, a Win is always welcome.

 

Firstly, Elizabeth Proust has a spare ticket in the Members’ available for the Anzac Day game. Please contact her directly should you be available and interested.

 

Also importantly, our thanks to Pendles for demonstrating that Aussie Rules is a game between players, where sometimes they’ll be seriously depressed at the result of a kick. I am, of course, talking about Pendles’ sportsmanship in consoling Carlton teenager Byrne following the missed match-tying set shot after the final siren. Instead of immediately celebrating the 5-point win with his own teammates, Pendlebury went straight to a ‘shattered’ Byrne to offer consolation. What he said was: “Don’t worry about it mate, put yourself in that position so many more times and you’ll nail them”. We are, and should be, very proud of his behaviour. Views?

 

Newbies. Let me welcome Kate. Welcome Kate, and best wishes to that Richmond supporting husband of yours, except at Pies / Tigers’ games. This is just a bit of fun amongst our (mostly) Pies-supporting family. Always welcome your input and views. For a bit of history go to the Footy Almanac website at www.footyalmanac.com.au/?s=cam+hooke. I’ve been doing this longer but I don’t remember when I started. Has anyone kept older versions?

 

Game:

 

Collingwood 13.10.88 defeated Carlton 12.11.83.

 

Scoring shots: 23 (us) / 23 (them). Pretty sure this comparison indicates the closeness of the game. More on this below.

 

Goals scored:

Q1????????2 (us) / 2 (them). A fight all the way. Margin + 1 Point;

Q2????????1 / 4. Domination by them broadly with four unanswered goals early in the Quarter, controlling how the game would be played. Margin  – 14 Points;

Q3????????3 / 3. A dynamism in the competition for control of the ball, and hence, the game. Carlton’s lead extended to 23 Points early in Q3; progressively (and only marginally) reduced by the end of Q3. Margin at the final break increased to – 18 Points;

Q4????????7 / 3. A turnaround based on effort and application; everything we’ve come to expect and love about the game played by our players. The final Carlton kick, after the siren could have drawn the game. Final margin + 5 Points; and

Total?????? 13 / 12. And we Won.

 

Match Report – www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/8083#match-report.

 

Coach’s Report – www.afl.com.au/video/1498386/full-post-match-r6-magpies?videoId=1498386&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1776349096001. Fly emphasised the linkage  between the players and the fans, particularly in the last Quarter with a trademark score achieved. He stated that in the Quarter the team “looked like us”. He emphasised that in a game that is evolving, our performance in the game was a step forward. Worth watching.

 

Game Statistics

 

 

Statistic	Us / Them	Remarks
Disposals	416 / 390	Includes 164 / 164 handball numbers, something we’ve prided ourselves on in the past.
Hit Outs	35 / 27	Remember – Not a factual statistic. Needs HO to advantage.
Clearances	31 / 29	Includes 13 / 11 Centre clearances and 18 / 18 stoppage clearances. Reflects well on the different Midfields.
Inside 50s	58 / 44	Key statistic. Hit outs should translate into Clearances which should then translate into scores. Here, I50 dominance is not reflected in the GS, below.  Go to DE Inside 50 to see the countering factor.
Goals scored	13 / 12	Does not reflect Inside 50s.
Disposal Efficiency	75.0% / 71.3%	Not too different. Across the entire game.
Disposal Efficiency Inside 50	43.1% / 56.8%	The other Key difference. Arguably their domination here counters our dominance in Inside 50s.
Contested Possessions	113 / 132	UCP – 281 / 246
Possession	41 / 43	Not too different.
Marks	136 / 101	Substantially different indicating that our team uses kicks to undefended teammates. Includes 10 / 13 Marks Inside 50.
Tackles	62 / 62	No difference.
1%’ers	36 / 37	No real difference.
Individual DE > 80%	7 / 5	Also numbers of team members with DE of 60% or lower were 3 / 4. Not too different in either category.
Free Kicks	18 / 14	No category for 50m penalties which are significant, frequently a certain goal. Lesson for the team – don’t talk back at Umpires, ever, and don’t push others with less than a minute to go.

 

The Game

 

Q1 was actively disputed between the competitors broadly evenly. In Q2 Carlton scored four unanswered goals by the middle of the Quarter. Once again, after this the scoring was broadly even, however Carlton had established a substantial margin which was further enhanced in Q3. In Q4, it appeared the team and the crowd came alive. From NickD starting goal to a bevy of others involvements, described by Coach Fly as a “trademark 7 one”, his influence was extraordinary. Any number of websites at www.collingwoodfc.com.au/video/1998162/all-seven-last-quarter-goals?videoId=1998162&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1776432264001 and www.collingwoodfc.com.au/video/1998337/zinger-of-the-day-three-iconic-moments-in-one?videoId=1998337&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1776482269001 best. Other contributors included Elliott with 7 Disposals, 4 Score Involvements and 2 Goals. Importantly, without specific numbers, Steene’s dominance at Centre b

 

This final Quarter was a magnificent recovery from an effective four-goal deficit. The question is why we were in that position in the first place. We didn’t play badly. Carlton played well and their Backs were dominant early on. Carlton should not be seen as an ‘easy-beat’. The only coaching change that I might have implemented if I was coaching Carlton, would have been to multi-tag NickD to minimise / stop his influence much earlier.

 

My more general criticism of our Game Plan is that we seem to routinely play at the standard of our opponent, rather than at a standard we set ourselves. I’m not sure how we can resolve this. Welcome your thoughts?

 

It was an enjoyable game to watch, particularly Q4. One of our Members described it to me as “Apart from the last Quarter not a great night. Best part was watching Blues’ fans leaving early”. Something, I hope, none of us would ever do.

 

Crowd. 78, 058. Pretty disappointing actually.

 

Best:

 

NickD, Perryman, Cameron, Howe, JoshD and Lipinski. I’m surprised that neither Membrey (2 Goal Assists, 9 Disposals @88.9%, 5 Score Involvements and 1 Intercept Possession) nor Anderson ( 2 GA, 2 Clearances, 17 D admittedly @ 58.8%3 SI, 9^th in team MG and 1 IP) got a mention. Good start for Anderson.

 

Coaches’ Votes: not in yet. Watch www.afl.com.au/coaches-votes.

 

VFL Worth a quick look-see regarding the VFL performances – Swaddling and McInnes both played well. Go to www.afl.com.au/news/1492516/around-the-state-leagues-dogs-day-out-giants-ruck-responds-cats-mids-shine. Fly mentioned Harrison and McInnes as potential AFL team members on the way back in his interview.

 

Round 7:

Saturday, 25 April – Anzac Day – Essendon versus Collingwood at the MCG; ball-up at 3.20pm.

 

This game rates as the most important game of the Season apart from the Finals. Regardless, both sides lift their standards. A bit of history about the game and, particularly the BOG, is at www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/Anzac-day-game-history-results-medal-winners/nktcor6tavc5lury8ruawmwt. Do you remember Bucks berating the crowd for booing Pendles BOG award at the conclusion of one of these Anzac specials – did it really well?

 

Both sides are not doing that well. Essendon are sitting 17^th on the Ladder with one Win from six games and a 79.1% percentage. Our 10^th place is based on three Wins from six games and a 94.8% percentage. We are the Favourites $1.38 (Pies’ Win) over $3.07 (Bombers’ Win). Both sides, particularly us, have produced outstanding sequences of play, without applying for the whole game. See more below.

 

Them

 

Essendon finished 15^th on the Ladder last year with 6 Wins and 17 Losses and a 69.5% percentage. They’ve had a pretty rotten start to this Season accruing 1 Win and 5 Losses. That said, their substantial Losses have been against ‘top’ teams – WB by 34 Points, Port by 63 Points and Hawthorn by 62 Points. These opponents are the teams currently setting the standard in the competition; maybe you’d add Sydney to those three. Their sole Win, against Melbourne, was achieved with the margin of 45 Points – reflects pretty poorly on Melbourne.

 

Essendon’s most recent game, against the Gold Coast, is illustrative. Go to www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/8087 and look at the Timeline under the Summary heading. It highlights periods of domination of the game by Essendon and, also, periods when their intensity lapsed. The very clear inference for us is the need to play and dominate for the full, four Quarters.

 

Players to watch:

 

Merrett – Rover;

Caldwell – Centre;

Langford – HF;

Roberts – HB; and

Parish – RR.

 

Us

 

Team. We should always pick the team that best fits our defeat of our opposition. Unfortunately, I don’t pretend to know too much about their team. I’m tempted to go with a “no change” from the last game, but if Moore or De Goey or Sidey are available their inclusion would be of benefit; not sure who to drop. We should seek to run the game we want to from the start.

 

Out: Not sure?

 

In: Moore? De Goey? Sidey? May be available.

 

Game Plan. Same as always: No changes of substance from past. A couple of points:

 

Application. Nothing is more important. Attitude is King. Pursuit needs to continue; not stopping when an opponent has passed.

 

Taggers. Tagging roles might be useful, including an occasional hard lock-down role on their Forwards / Midfield? And protecting our players? That should also be key – watch and protect NickD.

 

Midfield Management. Pendles continuing guidance / on-field coaching to the collective Midfield is critical.  His delay onto the field was also a terrific innovation.

 

Passing. Accuracy of passes by foot and hand is critical. Remember a misdirected pass resulting in a turnover of the ball gives possession to our opponent, immediately shifting control of the game to them.

 

Drive. Drive out of the Backline is a key part of our game plan.

 

Kick-ins are a continuing issue – we need to have a plan that everyone knows and is able to implement. It is critical because it is the means of maintaining control of the ball, and the game.

 

Kicking for Goal. This has been pretty good but players need to consider and apply the willingness to pass the ball inside the 50. The key players with the ability to kick the hard goal is laudable, but not always successful. Ball delivery needs to be to the best goal-kicking position. Importantly, scoring a Behind is a waste – for 1 Point you hand over ball-possession to the opposition. It’s not worth it – get the ball into a better position.

 

Tackles. Still a failing with opponents spinning out of tackles or brushing off the tackler. This has been one of our strengths and we need to get it back. Love the multiple tacklers.

 

Our Aim? Be happy. Worth reinforcing – our team, yes, we are part of it, everyone, players and supporters, need to get the smile back.

 

Outcome? Collingwood will Win by 31 Points. BOG – NickD with 39 Disposals @ 91.6% DE, 8 Clearances and 438metres Gained and 2 Goals; Goalkickers – Elliott – 4 goals.

 

Weather? Light rain is forecast on match day starting early afternoon, becoming heavier during the period of the game. Expect a slippery ball and surface. Get the old boots with stops out.

 

TV? Free to air on 7mate and 7+. As usual on Kayo, Fox Footy, et al.

 

Next. We’ve got a few serious challenges coming up:

 

Thursday, 30 April versus Hawthorn at the G;

Saturday, 9 May versus Geelong at the G; and

Friday, 15 May versus Sydney at the SCG.

 

I’m planning to attend the Geelong game (many thanks, David) and the Sydney game (where to park?). Seat numbers, etc before the games. Look forward to catching up with fellow supporters? More on each of these later. We should seek to Win each of these games to place us in the top half of the Ladder leaders and shut-up the critics.

 

Most Games’ Record? I need to have another look. When does Pendles get the Most Games’ record?

 

Reporting. Now I know some of you went to the last game. Look forward to your reporting Please? And Reports from TV-watchers are equally welcome? I find it useful to listen to the commentators (prefer Kayo to FTA) who (mostly) know more about the game than we, mortals. Reports?

 

Other. I understand Eddie spoke to the team about the significance of the Carlton Collingwood games. Any feedback? Anything else?

 

Never Lose confidence. This is our year. Go Pies.

 

Cam

 

 

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