In 2017, David Natoli, aka DaVe86, returns to Collingwood Media to file his famous, in-depth tactical match previews.

Since publishing his first report on Nick's Bulletin Board in early 2005, DaVe86 has become a weekly favourite among the passionate online Magpie Army receiving thousands of views for each article.

The articles are lengthy and have been published in their entirety as the club did not want to hinder DaVe86's creativity during the writing process.

The views expressed in DaVe86's previews are solely of the author and do not reflect the views of the Collingwood Football Club.

After two consecutive wins, Collingwood is faced with the ultimate challenge this weekend against the Adelaide Crows who currently sit on top of the AFL ladder.

The Crows have been in devastating form, particularly over the past fortnight. They rightfully are considered the premiership favourites, and seem to have the most evenly balanced side in the competition. Importantly, the Crows have fire power up forward, and have the ability to score heavily.

This week, though, Adelaide will be without Brad Crouch, Jake Lever and Eddie Betts. But the Magpies, too, paid a heavy toll for last week’s win against West Coast, with Travis Varcoe and Darcy Moore added to the injury list. Scott Pendlebury will also miss this week’s clash with his ongoing finger problem.

The Crows will consider this an important preparation for finals considering it is the last time in the home and away season that they will travel to the MCG. To win a premiership, you need to play well at the MCG, so this is a great opportunity. On the other hand, Collingwood’s season is not over just yet, and a win this week against the odds could breathe some real life back into its finals aspirations.

Both sides have been able to get the ball forward with regularity, with the Crows ranking second for inside 50s, and the Magpies fourth. But the difference between the two sides this season has been efficiency, with Adelaide able to average 112 points per game, and Magpies only 88. For the Magpies to compete this week, they will need to convert opportunities, and also nullify Adelaide’s scoring power.

How to Beat the Crows?
Nathan Buckley and his coaching panel will know the blueprint to knock of the ladder leaders. The more difficult part lies in the execution. When Adelaide has lost this year, teams have been able to execute the following:

1. Tag Rory Sloane
During the pre-season, some questioned the depth of the Adelaide midfield, something that has been well and truly put to bed this season. Sloane is Adelaide’s best midfielder, so if he can be nullified, it evens up the midfield battle. With Brad Crouch also out this week, there is even more incentive to nullify Sloane as a heavy reliance will then fall on Adelaide’s second tier players. I expect Levi Greenwood to get the job.

2. Stop Rory Laird and Brodie Smith
Adelaide generates so much of its attack from its defence, and the two main drivers of this are Laird and Smith. When Adelaide has lost this year, these two have been well held. It is imperative that the Magpies apply strong forward pressure and really limit the influence of Laird and Smith.

3. Try to prevent the ‘over the top’ goals
Adelaide is one of the best sides at exposing defences and having its forwards run into space into the open goal. Collingwood has to be careful not to press its defence too high up the ground, or Adelaide will be able to run into space and kick over the top of the zone. It is perhaps a good idea to ensure one defender is always anchored back.

Focus on Collingwood
The Magpies were terrific last week to come back despite being two men short on the bench. It was a must win game for West Coast, but the Pies rallied in the last quarter to come back from four goals down to ultimately win by eight points. It was a win of true character.

The Eagles were sloppy though in the last quarter, and missed a few crucial opportunities to seal the game. Adelaide is a very efficient side, and won’t give Collingwood too many opportunities. It will take more than just grit this week to get over the line. But if the Magpies can play with the same intensity and courage, I have no doubt they can challenge the ladder leaders this weekend.

Player Focus – Collingwood
Daniel Wells – Wells has only played eight games this season, but the Magpies have won six of those games. In fact, Collingwood has only won one game without him. It goes to show why the Collingwood recruiting staff were so keen to secure his services. Wells adds much needed class to the midfield, and he can really break the game open with his skills.

Focus on Adelaide
The Crows were simply stunning last week against Geelong. The Cats tried everything, but Adelaide was simply too tough. It’s the hardest I’ve seen the Crows play, and it was good to see a really hard edge to the side. They were aggressive and not afraid to get in their opponents faces. We’ve all known that Adelaide is a very highly skilled side, but this harder edge is what makes it my premiership favourite right now.

There is talent on every line. The Crows may not possess the biggest names in the competition, but they don’t have any glaring weaknesses. They move the ball quickly, defend well, and score efficiently. Sam Jacobs is also one of the dominant tap ruckmen in the competition and serves his midfield well. To beat the Crows, it takes four quarters of absolute dedication and concentration.

Player Focus – Adelaide
Matt Crouch – Matt Crouch has taken his game to a new level in 2017, averaging 32 disposals a game and generally using it very well. He has very quick hands, and always seems to get to the right spots. He’ll be vital this week considering his brother Brad will be missing, and the Magpies may target Rory Sloane.

Recent History
Adelaide has won the previous three encounters between these sides, but you have to go back to round 17 last year for their last meeting. The Magpies were valiant but were ultimately overpowered by Adelaide to the tune of 28 points. Brodie Grundy was declared best on ground and polled the three Brownlow Medal votes with his 23 disposals and 32 hitouts. Brad Crouch was Adelaide’s best, polling two votes with 29 disposals and 10 tackles. Rounding out the votes was Adam Treloar who had 36 disposals.

The Wrap Up
Despite the injuries, Adelaide will still go into this game as warm favourites, especially since Collingwood will also have a few major outs. This is a danger game for Adelaide, as it knows that any lapses will see many teams come back into contention for the top spot on the ladder.

Collingwood’s best hope is to get on top in the midfield, and convert its opportunities. The Pies have competed in just about every game this year, and will want to make a good showing again this week. But if the Magpies fail to convert their inside 50s, then the Crows can generate so much run off their backline.

Stopping Sloane and Crouch is a good start, but other players such as Richard Douglas, Rory Atkins, David Mackay and Hugh Greenwood are all underrated players. Collingwood’s midfield can go head to head, but whether it has enough firepower up forward to compete with Adelaide’s offensive strength will be the biggest question.

By David Natoli
Aka DaVe86