Magpies recruit impressing in defence
COLLINGWOOD recruited Jeremy Howe looking to bolster their forward line but his successful switch to defence has been a key factor in the Pies’ return to form.
Howe, a somewhat reluctant backman at Melbourne last year, spoke of filling a Jack Gunston-style roaming forward role when he joined the Magpies. But the 25-year-old endured an indifferent start to his career in black and white before the Pies’ shocking run of injuries forced a return to a defensive post — a role Collingwood’s coaching panel knew he could play from painful experience.
Howe took 11 marks in Collingwood’s upset win over Geelong and looms as a key figure against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG today.
The fifth-placed Dogs are licking their wounds after suffering a 25-point loss to Greater Western Sydney last week, while the Pies — 11th with a 4-5 record — are trying to build momentum after wins against Brisbane and the Cats.