Landmarks For Malthouse, Davis At Mcg

The Sunday Age

Sunday June 8, 2008

By Martin Boulton

WIN, lose or draw, the Collingwood Football Club seems incapable of having a quiet week.

Ahead of tomorrow's traditional Queen's Birthday match against Melbourne, the Magpies re-signed Dane Swan, Ben Reid, Harry O'Brien, Tyson Goldsack and round-10 Rising Star nominee Nathan Brown.

Tomorrow's match at the MCG will be livewire Leon Davis' 150th for the club, while coach Mick Malthouse moves to equal third on the list of AFL/VFL games coached, joining Allan Jeans on 575.

Only Collingwood's legendary coach Jock McHale (714) and former Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy (635) are ahead of Malthouse and Jeans, while Tom Hafey (522) rounds out the top five.

Melbourne, in its 150th year, will be hoping to spoil the Magpies' party by posting its second win and giving supporters something to look forward to in the second half of the season.

During the week Malthouse praised Davis, recalling the shy teenager he first met in Canberra, who's lightning quick reflexes and uncanny ability to slot a goal from impossible angles have thrilled fans.

Davis lit up the MCG playing for the Dream Team in last month's Hall of Fame tribute match and the 26-year-old is enjoying career best form with Collingwood.

In his ninth season, he's played every game, averaging 17 touches and kicking 19 goals.

The magic, inspirational goals are still delighting the Magpie army, although Davis is spending more time than usual working through the midfield.

"I'm not stuck in the forward pocket any more, although I do like to kick a good goal every now and then," he told the Collingwood website on the eve of his milestone game.

In the 100-point demolition of West Coast last week, he had 21 touches and booted three goals, further highlighting his importance as the side builds momentum heading into the second half of the year.

Davis did not train on Wednesday, but has been named in the side along with key forward Anthony Rocca - a late withdrawal last week. Shannon Cox was omitted.

Melbourne lost young defender James Frawley, who injured a shoulder at training on Friday. Scans have cleared the 19-year-old of serious damage.

Russell Robertson (achilles) and Simon Buckley (omitted) are also missing from the side that lost to St Kilda last week, while Jace Bode, Cale Morton and Jared Rivers all return.

As part of the Demons' 150th anniversary celebrations the Red and Blue Army Walk will leave Federation Square at 11.30 tomorrow and march form there to the MCG.

Past Melbourne players will also complete a lap of honour on the MCG before the match.

© 2008 The Sunday Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home