ANZAC Day: More than just a game
April 24th 2008 02:49
There are only two games in the entire AFL calendar that constantly attract 90,000-plus people through the turnstile: The Grand Final, and tomorrow's ANZAC Day clash between traditional rivals Collingwood and Essendon.
Both teams are going into this match with some indifferent form, having each won two games this season. But the more staggering statistic is that both have lost their past two matches, and a third loss will begin to put serious pressure on both Mick Malthouse and Matthew Knights.
After leading last week at three-quarter time by 21 points, Collingwood watched on as Dean Laidley's Kangaroos swooped to take the match away from the Magpies and win by seven points. On the other hand, the Bombers couldn't match the might of St. Kilda, even after kicking an accurate 14.3.
This match won't be about what has happened previously, or whose coaching position may be up for grabs next season, it will be about how the youngsters soak up the atmosphere, and perform on the day. "It's an amazing stage. I've been looking forward to it all week," Knights told the Herald Sun, "Our young team is really up and ready to go. They're really looking forward to it. They can't wait to get amongst the action."
The Bombers have been plagued with injury to key personnel Scott Lucas, Scott Gumbleton, Sam Lonergan, Mark McVeigh, Courtenay Dempsey and Leroy Jetta. Courtney Johns has been promoted from the Bendigo Bombers to help provide some "firepower" and presence, but the 23-year-old may have a tough time coping against Collingwood's defence.
Malthouse has to contend with Captain Scott Burns' calf injury, and a poor-finishing Magpie-outfit that want to rectify this against their archenemy.
If both teams only win one more game for the season, than this would be it.
Both teams are going into this match with some indifferent form, having each won two games this season. But the more staggering statistic is that both have lost their past two matches, and a third loss will begin to put serious pressure on both Mick Malthouse and Matthew Knights.
After leading last week at three-quarter time by 21 points, Collingwood watched on as Dean Laidley's Kangaroos swooped to take the match away from the Magpies and win by seven points. On the other hand, the Bombers couldn't match the might of St. Kilda, even after kicking an accurate 14.3.
This match won't be about what has happened previously, or whose coaching position may be up for grabs next season, it will be about how the youngsters soak up the atmosphere, and perform on the day. "It's an amazing stage. I've been looking forward to it all week," Knights told the Herald Sun, "Our young team is really up and ready to go. They're really looking forward to it. They can't wait to get amongst the action."
The Bombers have been plagued with injury to key personnel Scott Lucas, Scott Gumbleton, Sam Lonergan, Mark McVeigh, Courtenay Dempsey and Leroy Jetta. Courtney Johns has been promoted from the Bendigo Bombers to help provide some "firepower" and presence, but the 23-year-old may have a tough time coping against Collingwood's defence.
Malthouse has to contend with Captain Scott Burns' calf injury, and a poor-finishing Magpie-outfit that want to rectify this against their archenemy.
If both teams only win one more game for the season, than this would be it.
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