Cam Hooke has sent his first email for Season 2023…
Firstly, a very warm ‘Collingwood family’ welcome to Tara. Thanks to Mardi for the introduction and the “very good”. Tara, this is just a bit of fun. We are all family, there are no right or wrong answers and nobody (especially me) knows everything. Feel free to make your comments, argue your case, challenge an idea, just have fun; we just love our team and our football. Participate, please? We look forward to reading your input. And enjoy. In response to your query “Who is this guy?”, my easiest response is to suggest a wander through Footy Almanac by CLICKING HERE. This will take you back to comments since the end of Season 2014. Comments over a few years earlier than that existed but were only lodged on FA since 2014. It makes interesting reading. Note the occasional comments from ‘outsiders’ prompted by the reviews. I think they give a pretty good view on “who I am (regarding footy, anyway)”.
Okay. Thank you to our stalwart commentators. Lovely to hear from you – you survived the ‘bad times’. Love the optimism. And, subject to getting some tickets, we are likely to get to the Round 1 game. I’ll be in touch about a starting drink.
And, yes, it must be getting closer; I’m getting excited. A few bits and pieces to get you thinking. The red bits highlight questions that I would welcome for your input.
Starting last year. Now we all know that the fans’ selection of the best 2022 game was our win over Carlton – 29% thought so. But what about the rest of the competition, I hear you ask? Yep, Numbers 2 and 3 on the list were also Collingwood games: 2. Our Loss to Geelong – 16% followed by our win over Essendon 11%. What did you think about the pressure being placed on the humble, quiet, long-suffering fans? Do you like the 1-Point Win or the 6-Point Loss or would you prefer to be 8-goals up at Q1, a lead maintained throughout? I know my preference. Yours?
We have a final List. Contrary to McRae’s gift to Steene of the last List spot, this wasn’t correct. Well it was when he said it; then it changed. With Dean’s shift to the long-term injury list, a new last spot emerged, filled in fine style out from under Carlton’s noses, by Oleg Markov. Welcome, sir. Good to have you aboard. Now, this is one of the many things about which I neither know nor understand. So, both Steene and Markov are on our Rookie List, meaning their cost is outside the Salary Cap (and probably a bit lower) and most importantly they can’t play until elevated to the Senior List, usually to replace a long-term injury or a retirement. There is a fair bit of criticism about this system – In 2022 of the 27 players drafted as Rookies, 11 were recently delisted players relisted by their Club. The final result – 13 1st-time players were drafted; not really the outcome being sought to bring in new blood? Remember Eddie Betts was drafted as a Rookie at the end of his quite extraordinary career – not quite the same as a brand new player. Anyway, I hope they will be available to play in the Reserves? Anyone want to add anything? We have probably got a couple of others recruited as Rookies – who are they?
Our list is quite different to last year. Firstly, I’m very pleased that both Browns appeared to have been picked up by other Clubs. I wish them well. Us? Well, a really positive start – De Goey and Billy both turned up in peak condition. Well done, gentlemen. Most of our new arrivals are being noticeably impressive – Frampton down back; McStay and McCreery up front and Mitchell in the Midfield. Hill, sometimes. And the usual repeat performers? Both Daicos brothers, the new Captain Darcy Moore nearly back with everyone after his challenging start and our other favourites Crisp and Maynard. We have our challenges: no-one is saying what the issue is, but Darcy Cameron left training early a couple of days ago and hasn’t been seen since. The reports I’ve seen note that Steene and Cox seem to be the ruck focus in the last couple of days. Others? Kreuger has had his shoulder operation and is back walking but has a long way to go. I think the trial games are going to be interesting – assess them on the basis of how well the players link with each other? Your thoughts?
So, who is/was your favourite player and why? Let me start – John Greening. Before ‘that incident’ he had picked up an incredible number of Brownlow points in his first half season. I think he would be one of the very few players from the past who could be transplanted successfully into the modern game. Your thoughts and reasons?
I also love some of the sites on Facebook. My faves:
*Side by Side – Collingwood;
*Collingwood – No Holds Barred; and
*Collingwood Game Dayers.
Look them up? Right now, the detail from the training track and injury recovery is fabulous. Each site is well managed with a very clear focus on the positives; less so the negatives. The comments by readers are frequently priceless even if the English isn’t always ‘correct’. Enjoy; I do.
Congratulations. Heartiest congratulations to Eddie and Steele on their recognition as AFL Lifetime Members. Thoroughly deserved by each of them. I used to have separate section in this email titled ‘Eddie Watch’. Disappointingly, the replacement isn’t the same. Not required, actually.
Things to think about (especially if you are in Melbourne (or Tasmania):
*17 February – Family Night – AIA Centre;
*24 February – Match Simulation versus Carlton – Ikon Park (not on TV or Kayo); and
*2 March – Practice Match versus Hawthorn in Tasmania (on Kayo). Do we have any Tasmanian members? Regardless, watch on Kayo and get back to us on your assessment?
Believe always. Go Pies
Cam
[Cam Hooke is a Group 1 Collingwood fan. His emails to the faithful are legendary.]
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