Hotdog60
06-07-2012, 09:17 AM
IT'S a fickle business, football. At the end of round three this year, Carlton and its coach, Brett Ratten, were flying. Three wins on the trot, including a 10-goal demolition job on Collingwood, had Blues' fans licking their lips. The Pies, on the other hand, had lost two of their first three and new coach Nathan Buckley was having questions asked of him.
It was at that time that Magpie president Eddie McGuire had a crack at Mick Malthouse, suggesting the Collingwood premiership coach of 2010 was not supporting his former apprentice.
"Mick won't have a friend at Collingwood today," McGuire roared.
A few days later, McGuire offered the peace pipe to Malthouse, as he always does. Then a few weeks later, as the Carlton wheels started to wobble, McGuire suggested that his mate Malthouse would be a good fit for the Carlton coaching job. Ah yes! Side by side, they stick together?
Since the round-three loss, the Pies have not lost a game. You have to admire the resilience and determination of the new Collingwood coach. He has lost quality players to long-term injuries, but has been able to replace them and keep the team winning.
The Pies aren't winning by the margins of last year, but that's to be expected with the loss of key personnel. So far this year the Pies have used 36 players. Other than the two expansion teams, that is more than any other club. They have also introduced seven debutants - only Geelong has more (eight).
It speaks volumes for the Collingwood coaching staff that they are able to develop young players so quickly and so thoroughly. The recruiters, too, have to be commended.
The common thread with all the Collingwood newcomers is that they are taught that performing the ''pressure acts'' is an absolute must. Last weekend, Jamie Elliott put on 15 tackles against Fremantle. It was an extraordinary work-rate, and one that warmed the heart of his coach.
While Buckley will be pleased with the 10-game winning streak, he knows there has to be improvement if a premiership is to be won. One of the coach's real concerns would be the output of his two power forwards, Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes.
MORE (http://www.westcoastsentinel.com.au/news/national/national/sport/big-targets-the-key-to-winning-flags/2615490.aspx)
It was at that time that Magpie president Eddie McGuire had a crack at Mick Malthouse, suggesting the Collingwood premiership coach of 2010 was not supporting his former apprentice.
"Mick won't have a friend at Collingwood today," McGuire roared.
A few days later, McGuire offered the peace pipe to Malthouse, as he always does. Then a few weeks later, as the Carlton wheels started to wobble, McGuire suggested that his mate Malthouse would be a good fit for the Carlton coaching job. Ah yes! Side by side, they stick together?
Since the round-three loss, the Pies have not lost a game. You have to admire the resilience and determination of the new Collingwood coach. He has lost quality players to long-term injuries, but has been able to replace them and keep the team winning.
The Pies aren't winning by the margins of last year, but that's to be expected with the loss of key personnel. So far this year the Pies have used 36 players. Other than the two expansion teams, that is more than any other club. They have also introduced seven debutants - only Geelong has more (eight).
It speaks volumes for the Collingwood coaching staff that they are able to develop young players so quickly and so thoroughly. The recruiters, too, have to be commended.
The common thread with all the Collingwood newcomers is that they are taught that performing the ''pressure acts'' is an absolute must. Last weekend, Jamie Elliott put on 15 tackles against Fremantle. It was an extraordinary work-rate, and one that warmed the heart of his coach.
While Buckley will be pleased with the 10-game winning streak, he knows there has to be improvement if a premiership is to be won. One of the coach's real concerns would be the output of his two power forwards, Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes.
MORE (http://www.westcoastsentinel.com.au/news/national/national/sport/big-targets-the-key-to-winning-flags/2615490.aspx)