G’day to everyone. Not long to go and the ‘bad times’ will be over.
Christmas / New Year
How was your Christmas and New Year? I have a confession. Just before Christmas I spent 10 days in Intensive Care at Wagga Base Hospital, five days of which I was unconscious, and had an emergency helicopter ride I knew nothing about to get there. A mix of causes relating to breathing and my heart, mostly (but, perhaps not totally) unrelated to last year’s result and the List management. But I escaped from the Hospital back to the family before Christmas. Regardless I’m on the improve; as are the Pies, I hope.
The List?
Happy with the additions but disappointed with both Noble’s and Richards’ departures. I can’t even pretend to understand Noble’s exclusion from the GF team back then, particularly seeing his application and commitment well above many others. Additionally, I saw a bit in Richards’ few appearances. I wish them both well. Let’s look at the arrivals. The three draft picks seem fine – we’ll see how they work out. The others? Perryman – welcome back to the Pies’ fold; good to have you ‘home’. Another Half Back / Midfield player. Not sure who will drop out? Houston – dual All Australian, a former team-mate of Moore and De Goey in the Oakleigh Chargers. Picked at Half Back in the All Australian side but is able to play across the ground. Membrey – a key Forward. Might have to check the player grouping to assess the best combinations. Anyone else? Yes, a couple coming into the VFL list are worth watching for the longer term. And beyond that, its worth watching Thomas McGuane at training. Need a reminder of his dad? Google “McGuane – 7 bounces”.
Team Overview?
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=586142867671318&set=pcb.586142944337977.
Let’s see some assessment by you? Is it this year only for another GF win at the expense of the future given our sacrifice of Draft picks? How should we manage the Draft picks from the last few years in relation to the ‘superstars’? Your views?
Games
There are a couple of games coming up:
2025 AAMI Community Series pre-season game: Wednesday, 26 February – 7.10pm – Richmond vs Collingwood at Ikon Park in Melbourne.
The rules relating to this Series include the following format:
Four quarters of 20 mins plus time on (as per AFL Premiership Season);
Squad of 30 players, eight interchange and four Emergencies. Minimum of four players on the Interchange Bench during the match at any time;
No interchange Cap;
Full panel of umpires appointed by the AFL.
And if you can’t be there, all matches will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo and fully ticketed for fans to attend. And, lets hit the ground running – Let’s see some reporting even if that’s just from people watching on TV.
Canberra
And for Canberra residents, as an early look at a couple of interesting teams:
Friday, 28 February – 5.20pm – GWS versus Carlton at Manuka in Canberra.
Season
Then the Season starts!
Opening Round (OR):
- Sunday, 9 March – 3.20pm – GWS versus Collingwood at Engie Stadium in Sydney.
- Match Report from last year – www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/5898#match-report; and
- My post-match assessment also from last year – www.footyalmanac.com.au/cam-hookes-collingwood-life-2024-round-1-review-round-2-preview-back-to-work/.
More on this in the weeks leading to it. This was not our finest hour last year – looking for a big improvement to set our season up – see the reporting listed above. We’re going. Anyone else?
Additions?
Do you have any Pie-supporting friends who might like to join us? Just let me know?
Caution
Juist a caution about some of the reporting out there – ‘fake news’ – who would have thought it? In our country? About our passion? There are some insufferable individuals around: Spam authors of:
- AFL News : Robert Harvey Returns to Collingwood in Style as Craig McRae Steps Down for Personal Reasons?
- AFL News; I Need A Break To Clear Myself, Said Craig McRae After His Wife Filed For Divorce And Claim…;
- https://sportrecentnews.co.uk/index.php/2025/01/18/breaking-news-collingwood-captain-darcy-moore-suspended-for-three-matches/; and
- JUST IN:Collingwood star Isaac Quaynor has signed a $300 million five-year contract extension with the club……. read more .– $300m / 5-year contract extension. For who? Guess. Not a Daicos.
Other Items?
And for those who missed the routine reporting of Eddie, check how his boy’s doing –www.sen.com.au/news/2025/01/18/nfl-the-ultimate-goal-for-eddies-son-joe-mcguire-but-national-championship.
Perhaps he got a start talking to Coxy?
Always believe. Never, ever give up. Go Pies.
Cam
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There is another pre season game just before the Richmond game:
Thursday, February 20 Match Simulation
Gold Coast vs Brisbane vs Collingwood, People First Stadium, start time TBC. So we get to beard the Lions in their lair as well as testing the Suns at home. John Noble will probably turn out for the Suns. As for Brisbane, none of this “bow to your conqueror” crap that a certain team near Melbourne Cemetery used to inflict on us back in the day. Hope to be humble in victory, gracious in defeat.