Pies will be Under Siege

Posted on April 29, 2016June 7, 2018 | Posted by Digby Beacham

West Coast v Collingwood

Sunday, Domain Stadium 2.40pm

Though just three spots separate these two sides on the ladder entering round six, they couldn’t be further apart in the premiership market. And while West Coast didn’t enhance their claims in a disappointing display against Sydney last weekend, it will take something unforeseen for them not to be 4-2 and back on good terms with themselves at the end of this game.

The Eagles continually beat up on interstate rivals at Domain Stadium and even though the Magpies head west full of beans following their Anzac Day thumping of Essendon, this assignment will be far more daunting. The ability of Adam Simpson’s men to press up their opposition in Perth is superb and Collingwood are still not a side all that reliable by foot, which in turn leads to turnovers. The Eagles terrorised Richmond a fortnight ago in a similar manner, only to undo their good work with poor finishing in front of goal.

Nic Naitanui powers a following division that is difficult to thwart in Perth and if Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Lewis Jetta are at their optimum, the Magpies’ back line will be under siege from the outset. Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley will be hoping Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury replicate their form against Essendon, mindful that the run and carry of Adam Treloar will be invaluable in Perth. But there are genuine concerns on Collingwood kicking a big enough total without Travis Cloke, even more so when you factor in the intercept marking talents of Jeremy McGovern.

VERDICT: West Coast by 61 points

1st Goal Scorer: Jack Darling

bet now