Simpson isn’t fooled by Pies
COLLINGWOOD’S premiership stocks have taken a tumble in recent weeks, but West Coast coach Adam Simpson is well aware of what the Magpies are capable of heading into tonight’s grand final rematch.
The Magpies loomed as one of the teams to beat after opening the season with a powerful 10-3 record.
But two shock losses on the trot have left many questioning whether Collingwood have the mettle to win this year’s flag.
The 44-point loss to North Melbourne a fortnight ago was particularly worrying, with Collingwood’s lack of intent infuriating coach Nathan Buckley.
Buckley wants his charges to make a statement, and there will be no better way to do it than by knocking off the defending premiers at their home fortress.
And although betting markets have listed Collingwood as clear outsiders at Optus Stadium, Simpson is rating it as one of his team’s toughest challenges of the season.
“How do you define under pressure? They’re third on the ladder, they’ve (only) lost one more game than us for the year,” Simpson said.
“Their form might be a little bit off, but what we’re seeing in the personnel and the talent on the track is still pretty good.
“We’re aware of their best.” The Eagles will shoot two wins clear of the Magpies with victory tonight, and they enter the match oozing confidence after a 91-point demolition of Fremantle.
The return of star forward Josh Kennedy from illness will bolster West Coast’s firepower.
Kennedy replaces Brendon Ah Chee (calf), while Tom Cole comes in for Liam Duggan (ankle).
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley swung the axe after last week’s four-point loss to Hawthorn, dropping Matthew Scharenberg, Josh Thomas, and Josh Daicos.
Levi Greenwood, John Noble, and Ben Crocker come into the side. The ruck battle between Nic Naitanui and Brodie Grundy will go a long way towards deciding the result of the match.
Grundy is currently rated as the league’s best ruckman, while Naitanui has made a stunning return from a second knee reconstruction. Another key match-up will be Mason Cox’s battle with Eagles defender Tom Barrass.