Key Match-ups

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday July 5, 2008

Sebastian Hassett

SYDNEY v COLLINGWOOD

Barry Hall v Shane Wakelin

Their best may be behind them, but the outcome of this battle will be pivotal. Wakelin, 34 next month, was nearly axed at the end of 2006 and tipped to retire at the end of last year, but has somehow survived and remains a critical part of the Magpies defence. Hall, a comparative junior at 31, showed glimpses in a five-goal haul against Melbourne that he can split open a match. With Harry O'Brien probably earmarked for Michael O'Loughlin, Wakelin will have to go it alone.

Peter Everitt v Chris Bryan

While Cameron Wood is sure to have primed himself for a fortnight about the perils of Darren Jolly, a more important duel could be between the reserve rucks. Everitt has cobbled together just five matches this year and returns after missing the past two matches, and while Bryan has fared only fractionally better, he has at least played the past six matches. If Jolly can handle extended periods in the centre square, expect Everitt to be rotated through the Sydney forward line to trouble the undersized Magpies defence.

Tadhg Kennelly v Alan Didak

Don't expect them to line up on each other directly - Didak is far more likely to attract a full-time tag - but whoever controls the ball in their patch will have a massive say on who controls the tempo of the match. Swans fans know the importance of Kennelly's streaming run, which is lethal with Nick Malceksi and Martin Mattner in support. But if the delivery from the Magpies midfielders is sharp, Didak won't leave any crumbs.

The X-factor

Sydney: ANZ Stadium

It's not that the Swans can't play there, it's just that on occasions, things have a habit of not going to plan, particularly when there's black and white involved. In the two years the Swans defeated the Magpies at Homebush Bay (2004 and 2005), Collingwood finished in the bottom four, yet still managed to get within a kick. It's a home away from home for the Pies.

Collingwood: Dale Thomas

With no Anthony Rocca to turn to, the thousands of Magpie fans who make their annual pilgrimage to Sydney will look to the mop-haired youngster for inspiration. Like a certain other talent from Drouin, Gary Ablett, Thomas has a unique knack around goals - he bagged four in this fixture last year.

How it will be won

The blueprint Collingwood have used to shut down the Swans previously must be discarded. Paul Roos has, somehow, taken what appeared to be a declining team and reinvigorated it with an upgraded style, aided by a delicate mix of imports and quality kids. They have the same hunger as the Swans before them, but now have the flair and dare to attack and defend - and that's why they've won six straight matches. The Magpies have tried to spread and run in recent times to exploit the Swans' lack of pace, but that won't do this time.

The verdict

Sydney by 16 points.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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