PIE COACH: CATS CAN WIN FLAG
Why Sando reckons the Cats can ...
COLLINGWOOD assistant coach Brenton Sanderson has declared Geelong a “genuine” premiership contender ahead of today’s blockbuster at the MCG.
As the Magpies bid to disrupt the Cats’ top four hopes, Sanderson said his former club was “without question” a challenger for the flag.
“Their best is as good as anyone in the competition,” Sanderson said.
“They’ve been able to have a look at some of their younger players and you have to be impressed with (Zach) Guthrie, and (Sam) Simpson.
“It’s been a real mature performance from a young group to be able to overcome a lot of adversity and Scotty (Chris Scott) is a great coach with his strategy and the way he structures up the side.
“It makes it very difficult for the opposition to attack through.
“I know personally, I think they are a real challenger this year and they will be right around the mark. If they have a few things go their way I think they will be a big threat.”
Sanderson, who has had a foot in both camps as a player and assistant coach, expects another tight tussle today. “I guess you wouldn’t call it a great rivalry, but, for whatever reason, there’s been some great results in recent years,” he said.
“Even going back over the last seven or eight contests, it seems to be in Collingwood’s favour. I know we have enormous respect for Geelong and the way they go about it.
“We put a lot of time and effort into preparing to play well against Geelong, like we do any team, but for whatever reason Collingwood seems to have the edge. Every time we play Geelong we know it’s going to be an even match.”
Despite having their backs against the wall when they last met the Cats, the Magpies prevailed by 29 points in a stunning upset.
“If you go back in Collingwood’s history, there’s always been a strong performance on the back of pressure and adversity,” Sanderson said.
“And I remember back in Round 6 Geelong was undefeated going into that game, they were 5-0, and we were able to get them that day.
“But we know it’s going to be a really challenging game this time around. Geelong has been a top two side for most of the season and we’re going to have to be at our best to beat them, that’s for sure.”
Much has changed since Round 6.
For the Cats, there’s no skipper Joel Selwood, spearhead Tom Hawkins, utility Mark Blicavs or speedster Nakia Cockatoo.
At Collingwood, star ruckman Brody Grundy, captain Scott Pendlebury, forward Alex Fasolo, midfielders Jordan De Goey, Daniel Wells, Levi Greenwood, defender Tyson Goldsack and utility Travis Varcoe won’t play.
“It will be (a different game) this time around,” he said.
“Every club gets challenged at some point in the season.
“Unfortunately it’s been an issue for us throughout the season. But we’ve had some strong performances on the back of having some of our better players out.
“It allows you to have a look at some of your kids and Josh Daicos will play, which is great for the Collingwood fans to see Daicos and Callum Brown, two of our first-year players, debut and hopefully be a big part of the future of our footy club.
“It would be great to see these two clubs play with their best 22 in, but it’s a good opportunity for both clubs to have a look at their depth.”