30 Brent Macaffer

Choose another player Ball, Luke - [12] Beams, Dayne - [17] Blair, Jarryd - [11] Brown, Nathan - [16] Buckley, Simon - [27] Ceglar, Jonathon - [29] Clarke, Martin - [9] Cloke, Travis - [32] Dawes, Chris - [31] Didak, Alan - [4] Elliott, Jamie - [35] Fasolo, Alex - [1] Gault, Corey - [44] Goldsack, Tyson - [6] Johnson, Ben - [26] Jolly, Darren - [18] Keeffe, Lachlan - [23] Krakouer, Andrew - [3] Macaffer, Brent - [30] Maxwell, Nick - [5] O'Brien, Heritier - [8] Paine, Jackson - [33] Pendlebury, Scott - [10] Reid, Ben - [20] Rounds, Luke - [14] Seedsman, Paul - [40] Shaw, Heath - [39] Sidebottom, Steele - [22] Sinclair, Ben - [28] Swan, Dane - [36] Tarrant, Chris - [2] Thomas, Dale - [13] Thomas, Josh - [24] Toovey, Alan - [34] Ugle, Kirk - [37] Wellingham, Sharrod - [21] Witts, Jarrod - [15] Wood, Cameron - [19] Yagmoor, Peter - [38] Young, Tom - [25]

The Player - One of the success stories of the 2010 premiership team, Macaffer will be looking for a happier 2012 after struggling with injury last season. At his best, he poses the opposition coaching staff plenty of questions with his ability to play in a variety of roles at half forward, half back or even as an extra midfielder. Marks extremely well overhead and is difficult to beat one-on-one. Has a tendency to break tackles but make his own stick, and when in form is a reliable shot for goal. His form was so hot in 2010 that he kept the likes of Tarkyn Lockyer and Paul Medhurst out of the team during the finals. Could make a huge difference if fit in 2012.

2011
If 2010 was the highlight of his short stint at Collingwood to date, 2011 was the polar opposite. Struggled to find any traction as he battled injury issues from the outset. Played in the club’s NAB Cup premiership and was the first substitute of the season in round one against Port Adelaide, kicking a goal within seconds of coming onto the field.

Although he cracked his foot in round two, Macaffer spent three weeks in the VFL before succumbing to the injury and travelling to Arizona for a two week training camp. Returned via the VFL and after three weeks was rewarded with a senior promotion against Gold Coast in round 18. He lasted only one more week before returning to the VFL where he injured his back against Bendigo and missed selection for the finals.

2010
Was the definition of the term ‘breakout season’. Macaffer was a vital reason behind Collingwood’s premiership push. Played each game between rounds three and 12, returned to the VFL for three weeks before returning in round 16 and playing each of the remaining 10 matches.

Played a handful of blinders in the second half of the year. Kicked three in the win over St Kilda in round 16 and buttered up with three more against the Tigers seven days later. Was a consistent contributor in the finals, quietly creating a series of important scoring opportunities. His ability to play tall and small, and act as a marking target in attack made him a nigh on irreplaceable cog in the Collingwood machine.

Was solid in the drawn Grand Final, kicking a goal in the second term courtesy of a fifty metre penalty and kept a cool head under pressure when in possession late in the match. Had 14 touches in the premiership win and kicked two first half goals. Played with a groin injury that required weekly pain killers late in the season.

2009
Appeared during the NAB Cup against Richmond but left the field due to a migraine. Broke into the senior team on Anzac Day as a late inclusion for Alan Didak, goaling with his first kick in the opening term.

Was omitted after round seven and didn’t reappear until the semi final against Adelaide. With the season on the line, Macaffer made a name for himself with a long goal on the run from outside 50m to keep the Pies alive. Goaled again the following week in the loss to Geelong. Kicked seven goals in the VFL, where he spent more time up the field in his 10 games. Missed five games mid-season with a knee injury.

2008
Enjoyed a fine season in Collingwood’s VFL team playing as its focal point in attack. Kicked 38 goals in 17 games, including a bag of eight against Werribee in round 17.

Was named in the best in 10 matches, and tied with Justin Crow for the Joseph Wren Memorial Trophy as the Best and Fairest in Collingwood’s reserves or VFL team. Was promoted to the senior list at season’s end.

2007
Spilt his time between Williamstown’s senior (10 games, four goals) and reserve (11 games, 26 goals) in his first season on Collingwood’s rookie list. Played mainly at half forward and did enough to ensure he was retained for 2008.

2006
Played for the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup U18s. Led the TAC Cup goal kicking table with 70 goals in 20 matches (was goalless in his first four). Kicked at least two goals per game in the last 16 rounds, and kicked five or more in eight matches. Named at full forward in the TAC Cup Team of the Year and polled 10 votes in the Morrish Medal.

Drafted to Collingwood in the Rookie Draft with selection No. 26, and was likened to Sydney half forward Ryan O’Keefe with his ability to cover the ground but compete well in the air.

2005
Played for the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup U18s as a bottom-age player and was named on the extended bench for their Grand Final victory but did not make the final team.

Debut
Round 5 2009 v Essendon at the MCG.

Draft History
2006 AFL Rookie Draft 2nd round selection (Collingwood) No. 26 overall; 2008 rookie elevation (Collingwood).