Jonathon Bernard 4:09 PM Tue 23 Mar, 2010
Sean Rusling and Shae McNamara at three-quarter time during the VFL Magpies' practice match (Photo: Shane Barrie)
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Collingwood’s VFL side has continued to showcase the depth of young talent present at the club after another strong performance in a practice match against the Coburg Tigers last Friday.
The VFL Magpies were in control from the opening bounce holding Coburg at bay for an eventual 59-point victory; 20.8 (128) to 11.3 (69).
The home-side fielded a side made up of six AFL-listed players including Sean Rusling, Scott Reed and Shae McNamara at Gosch’s Paddock.
The American-recruit served as the number one ruckman and had a breakout game according to VFL head coach Gavin Brown.
Speaking to Collingwoodfc.com.au Brown praised McNamara’s effort in the ruck, “It was a breakout game for McNamara even though it was his second-career match. He convincingly won the hitouts and looked like he has been doing it for years.”
In his second contest of the season, Rusling played down back and had 18 possessions in 75% game time. He showed strong match awareness cutting off several of Coburg’s attacks while sneaking forward to boot a goal in the second half.
VFL-listed players Daniel Frost and Kris Pendlebury led the way in front of goal booting three majors each.
The VFL Magpies will have the next weekend off before lining up against Geelong in the final practice match of the year scheduled for Victoria Park on Saturday 3 April at 10.30am. The match will serve as a prelude to the Magpies’ return to their spiritual homeland in round one of the VFL season.
Please note that street parking around the Victoria Park precinct is extremely limited and all parking violations will be acted upon by inspectors. The Collingwood Football Club strongly urges any patrons wishing to attend VFL games to do so by utilising the various public transport services available.
Final Score
Collingwood: 5.2 12.4 17.7 20.8 (128)
Coburg Tigers: 3.1 5.1 9.2 11.3 (69)
Best
Collingwood: Young, McNamara, Sundberg (VFL), Colbert (VFL), Mahoney (VFL), David Folino (VFL), Michael Jess (VFL)
VFL head coach Gavin Brown comments on the performance of the AFL-listed players
2. Sean Rusling: He played 75% of the game this week as opposed to last week when he played 50% so we are slowly building up his match fitness. I would say his game time for his third game running would be at 100%. Played off half-back.
38. Scott Reed: Played halfback/wing and then went forward in the second half of the game and looked really dangerous at times. Took a strong mark and kicked a nice goal.
44. Lachlan Keeffe: Played centre-halfback again and helped Shae in the ruck at times. He is kicking on both sides of his body with great penetration. Reading the ball and getting a bit of it.
45. Tom Hunter: Tackling was strong. Played him on the wing. Plays a physical brand of footy.
48. Jack Carter: Played as a key backman for most of the game. Had a few nice spoils.
49. Tom Young: Did some real clever things one-on-one. Beat his opponent. Used it really well.
50. Shae McNamara: It was a breakout game for McNamara even though it was his second-career match. He convincingly won the hitouts and looked like he has been doing it for years. Had six tackles which is encouraging. Got some of the footy and set up a nice goal with a handball.
collingwoodfc.com.au
