Irish Pies Are Smiling

The Sunday Age

Sunday March 16, 2008

Carley Jellett and Tom Arup

COLLINGWOOD believes it might have unearthed another Irishman to rival the talent of Marty Clarke.

Reserves coach Gavin Brown was delighted with Kevin Dyas, who was recruited from Ireland in the pre-season, and played a starring role in the Magpies' VFL side's practice match win in Tasmania yesterday.

Brown said Dyas was inconsistent at times but showed that he could develop into a good player.

"He went well, he did some really good things," Brown said. "He was a little bit inconsistent but he is just fantastic. He took a couple of really good marks and ran and attacked the footy really well. He showed some really good signs actually so it was really pleasing from Kev."

Brown is hoping that Dyas can soon match it with Collingwood's other Irish recruit, Clarke, who was impressive in his first season with the Magpies last year.

"He is going to be a different type of player to Marty, but he certainly shows all the attributes that he can do it, there is no doubt about that. Every game he is just getting better and better. He is going to be a really good player."

Eight other Collingwood players had a run with the VFL, including newly appointed Collingwood captain Scott Burns. With no injuries to report, it was a successful hit-out for those players.

"We had nine players play with us from the AFL list and everyone got through unscathed so it was fantastic, it was a bonus from that point of view."

Brown said the VFL-listed players got a kick out of playing with Burns in his first match as captain.

"He had a good game Burnsy, got through the whole game. That was the first game Burnsy has captained at the club and some of those VFL boys would have got a thrill out of that, absolutely. He is such a great leader and has such a terrific character as well, I am sure they would have got something out of it."

Brown said Burns will be available for next week's round-one match against Fremantle, as well as others who played including Brodie Holland and Sean Rusling. Ben Johnson is the only one who played yesterday who will not be available for selection due to suspension.

Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead is likely to be included in the Hawks side for round one after a solid hit-out in another VFL practice match yesterday.

Roughead kicked two goals and played most of the game for Box Hill in their nine-goal win over the Northern Bullants.

"He moved well and played well," Box Hill coach Barry Mitchell said.

The Hawks are also likely to include midfielder Ben McGlynn, who picked up 25 possessions, for their round-one clash with Melbourne on Sunday.

The Hawks will need both Roughead and McGlynn in the side with Luke Hodge, Shane Crawford, Campbell Brown and Jordan Lewis all unavailable due to suspension.

Youngster Beau Dowler is pushing for senior selection after kicking three goals for Box Hill while ruckman Zac Dawson and midfielder Josh Kennedy both played good games.

At Essendon, key defender Adam McPhee pulled up well after half a game for Essendon's VFL affiliate Bendigo, and is likely to line up for the Bombers in round one.

Bendigo coach Adrian Hickmott was happy with the way McPhee played and said he took a couple of strong defensive marks in Bendigo's five-point loss to Werribee.

St Kilda duo Brendan Goddard and Matt Maguire both played 60 minutes for Casey on Friday night and ran out the game strongly. It is unsure whether either will play round one after limited pre-season campaigns.

Today, Demon midfielder Cameron Bruce will turn out for Sandringham in its game against Williamstown. Bruce has had an injury-ridden pre-season and the Demons will be hoping he is available for round one to add some class to the midfield.

Bruce will be joined by Demon teammates Jarred Rivers, Lynden Dunn, Clint Bartram, Paul Wheatley and Matthew Whelan - all players, if fit, in Melbourne's strongest team.

© 2008 The Sunday Age

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