VFL List for 2014

[MagpieBat]

Some more non-Pie news, but he was one of us...

[Dave The Man]

We signed Lachlan Howe from Geelong's VFL Side

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/2014-01-27/howes-that-lachlans-a-magpie

[MagpieBat]

And per that article, all of Jack Hellier, Lachie Ferguson, Tim Allan, Ben Moloney and Nick Gray have re-signed.

Excellent.

[MagpieBat]

[John Wren]

edit. will update later.

[Dave The Man]

Team for Tommorow's Game vs Port Melbourne

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/2014-02-22/vfl-sinclair-returns-from-injury

[MagpieBat]

[die4pies]

The 2014 list:

53 - Jack Hellier (Captain)

Height: 178cm Weight: 87kg

Date of Birth: 15/8/1988

Recruited From: St Bedes-Mentone

2013 VFL Games: 18
2013 VFL Goals: 7

Background: A strongly built inside midfielder who hits the packs hard, Hellier is now entering his second year as captain of Collingwood's VFL team.

Played 20 games for St Bedes-Mentone in 2011, kicking 11 goals and was named in his side's best on 11 occasions. Hellier was named as captain of the Victorian team in the under-23 AAFC Carnival in a touring party that also included ex-Williamstown and Collingwood VFL player Jeremy Mugavin, current St Kilda rookie Sam Dunell and former Collingwood development coach Luke Beveridge (as an assistant). He was named as one of his side's best in the 64-point win over South Australia. Hellier also traveled to Ireland in October as a member of the VAFA squad alongside former VFL Magpie Ryan Colbert.

In 2012, his first year at Collingwood, Hellier played 11 games and kicked two goals. His early season form was particularly noteworthy, as he was named in his side's best in his first three games.

He was rewarded for his improvement and leadership on the training track with the co-captaincy alongside defender Nick Riddle for season 2013 and began his campaign in fine style, leading the side to a win over the AIS-AFL Academy at the MCG in a curtain raiser to the Carlton v Richmond blockbuster in round one.

Hellier was one of the team's most consistent forces throughout the season and was rewarded with a spot on the interchange in the VFL Team of the Year and fifth place in the Joseph Wren Memorial Trophy (Collingwood's VFL best-and-fairest). He was a valiant performer to the end, winning 23 disposals and laying seven tackles in a losing cause against Port Melbourne in the Elimination Final.

Dale Tapping Says: He’s had a good pre-season and if anything he’s developed even further with the captaincy. We’ve noticed he’s taken on more responsibility with that and has grown into the role, just maturing with it too and that’s been really obvious with his training and the way he goes about it. As we all know, he’s just a really good VFL player. Hard, tough as nails and I’d expect that particularly with a couple of others that we’ve got around him this year I think he’ll have a good year again. He was terrific for us last year.

Key 2013 VFL Statistics (18 games): Kicks: 226, Marks: 51, Handballs: 122, Disposals: 348, Clearances: 80, Tackles: 109, Inside 50s: 73, Rebound 50s: 23

[die4pies]

51 - Cathal Corr

Height: 187cm Weight: 90kg

Date of Birth: 1/11/1987

Recruited From: St Kilda/Macleod

2013 VFL Games: 6
2013 VFL Goals: 4

Background: A powerful forward who had experience on St Kilda's rookie list in 2006 when he managed nine reserves games for VFL affiliate Casey. Born in Ireland, Corr arrived in Australia with his family as a child and has spent most of his football life with Macleod in Melbourne's Northern Football League. Corr was named at half forward in the NFL's Division One Coaches Team of the Year in 2011 alongside fellow VFL Magpie Nick Riddle.

He played five senior games for Collingwood's VFL team in 2012, kicking seven goals, and was named in the best twice but sat out nearly four months due to injury. In 2013, injures restricted Corr to only six games, but the physical presence he provides in attack is valued highly by his coaches.

Corr underlined his potency in front of goal when he bagged 53 majors from only 18 games for Macleod in 2011.

Dale Tapping Says: Cathal is really committed and hard working and just sets a really good physical example for the group. He’s been a really good player for us at VFL level. When he gets his opportunity, he always competes really hard. He just adds that maturity to our group. He’s a great person to have around our group. He plays really hard, tough footy and he’s always found an ability to hit the scoreboard. We would expect when he gets his opportunities this year he’ll do the same.

Key 2013 Statistics (6 games): Kicks: 27, Marks: 6, Handballs: 25, Disposals: 52, Clearances: 5, Tackles: 12, Inside 50s: 10, Rebound 50s: 0

[die4pies]

52 - Lachlan Wallace

Height: 176cm Weight: 70kg

Date of Birth: 21/1/1992

Recruited From: Frankston YCW/Dandenong U18

2013 VFL Games: 9
2013 VFL Goals: 2

Background: Small in stature but big in heart, Wallace has established himself as one of Collingwood's most important VFL players. He played 19 games for the Dandenong Stingrays as a top-age player in the TAC Cup in 2011 where he kicked six goals and was named in the best six times. It came on top of his nine games and two goals the previous year and led him close to being drafted onto an AFL list at the end of the season. He can also slot in at either end of the ground, is a good user of the ball and runs hard. Wallace was a mainstay at VFL level in 2012, playing 17 games in his first year at Collingwood and being named in the best on 11 occasions. His bravery at the base of the packs was commendable and as the year wore on he became a valuable linkman across half back and through the centre. Injuries hampered his start to 2013 but he still managed to play nine games and was a key contributor in the Elimination Final loss to Port Melbourne.

Dale Tapping Says: Unassuming in a way, very committed and has got himself physically in good shape. Played good footy for us last year. He had a few injuries in the early part of the year but he played good footy for us. We’re trying to develop his game a bit more from a small defender into a bit more midfield work. We expect he will certainly play good footy for us when he gets his opportunities for us this year.

Key 2013 Statistics (9 games): Kicks: 70, Marks: 21, Handballs: 42, Disposals: 112, Clearances: 9, Tackles: 20, Inside 50s: 13, Rebound 50s: 12

[die4pies]

54 - Mat Suckling

Height: 183cm Weight: 88kg

Date of Birth: 11 January 1989

Recruited From: Sandringham U18 (TAC Cup), Port Melbourne (VFL), Norwood (SANFL)

SANFL Games: 61
SANFL Goals: 15

Background: Suckling (not to be confused with the Hawthorn defender of the same name) is an experienced, strong-bodied midfielder who has enjoyed significant success with South Australian club Norwood. He was a member of the Redlegs' back-to-back premierships in 2012 and 2013 and was the runner up in their best-and-fairest in 2013 whe nhe averaged 25.4 disposals and 6.1 clearances per game. He previously spent time on Port Melbourne's list and won the Sandringham Dragons' best-and-fairest in his final year at TAC Cup level. Pointedly, it was won while playing alongside players the calibre of Jack Watts (Melbourne), Tom Lynch (St Kilda/Adelaide), Tyrone Vickery (Richmond) and Mitch Brown (Geelong).

Dale Tapping Says: Matty will offer us great intensity and experience, even for our younger AFL boys. He’s coming out of a pretty good system in Norwood in the last three or four years and he’s been an elite player in that competition. Works hard, sets really high standards and already he’s raised standards at training with the way he goes about it. He has taken others along with him so that’s mainly what we expected from him anyway. I’m sure he’ll be a fine player for us.

Key 2013 SANFL Statistics (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 507 (25.4) Marks: 97 (4. Tackles: 66 (3.3) Inside 50s: 64 (3.2) Contested Possessions: 36 (1. Clearances: 121 (6.1) Score Assists: 28 (3.2).

[die4pies]

55 - Tom Couch

Height: 181cm Weight: 87kg

Date of Birth: 17 June 1988

Recruited From: Geelong U18 (TAC Cup), Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL), Glenelg (SANFL), St Josephs, Bell Park, Collingwood (VFL), Melbourne

AFL Games: 3
AFL Goals: 0

VFL Games: 39 (12 for Collingwood in 2011)
VFL Goals: 29 (12 for Collingwood in 2011)

Background: Couch returns to Collingwood's VFL list after spending two years on Melbourne's rookie list. He managed four senior games while with the Demons, all of which were played in 2012. During his previous stint with the Magpies, Couch established himself as one of the best midfielders in the VFL, regularly driving his side out of the packs and inside 50. He thrives on the contested ball and will add grunt and leadership to Collingwood's young midfield. Keenly sought after by several clubs after he was delisted from Melbourne, Tom is the son of 1989 Brownlow Medallist Paul Couch, who played 259 games for Geelong during the 1980s and 1990s. He will be a part of Collingwood's VFL team for at least the next two seasons.

Dale Tapping Says: Tom had a minor injury setback but he’ll be valuable with his experience and his strength around the ball. His form around state league level has been very good. We would expect him to certainly lead the way and once he gets fully fit, we expect him to be a pretty strong contributor for us.

Key 2013 VFL Statistics (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 340 (28.3) Marks: 34 (2. Tackles: 67 (5.6) Inside 50s: 66 (5.5) Contested Possessions: 199 (16.6) Clearances: 87 (7.3) Score Assists: 21 (1.

[die4pies]

56 - Nick Riddle

Height: 190cm Weight: 88kg

Date of Birth: 9/4/1992

Recruited From: Greensborough

2012 VFL Games: 11
2012 VFL Goals: 0

Background: A disciplined key defender with great closing speed, Riddle arrived at Collingwood via Northern Football League club Greensborough. He was named at centre half back in the league's Division One 2011 Coaches Team of the Year alongside names such as Simon Prestigiacomo (West Preston via Collingwood), Billy Morrison (West Preston via Collingwood), Cameron Cloke (Bundoora via Port Adelaide-Carlton-Collingwood), Cathal Corr (Macleod via St Kilda), Dean Limbach (Montmorency via Richmond), Gary Moorcroft (Bundoora via Melbourne-Essendon), Shane Harvey (North Heidelberg via North Melbourne-Essendon) and Tim Bongetti (Greensborough via Werribee).

Riddle enjoyed an outstanding practice match campaign in 2012 to the extent that coach Tarkyn Lockyer nominated him as the side's most consistent player. His coach's praise was not misguided, either, as he played 15 of a possible 18 senior games in his first year at the club and developed into one of the most reliable defenders in the state.

Riddle was named in Collingwood's best six times and began the 2013 pre-season with some outstanding performances in the practice matches. It came as no surprise when he was named as the team's co-captain alongside Jack Hellier and the pair quickly led the Magpies to a win over the AIS-AFL Academy at the MCG. Riddle's form from 2012 continued on until injury struck against Geelong in round 14, ending his season and subsequently his hopes of appearing in his first finals campaign.

Dale Tapping Says: Nick’s had some real problems with injury but his last month has been really positive. He’s got back into mainstream training and just that big-bodied defender, he’s played on some good VFL players and competed really well. We look forward to having him back playing well again, but he will possibly be a little bit late starting and may not get there round one.

Key 2013 VFL Statistics (11 games): Kicks: 60, Marks: 39, Handballs: 51, Disposals: 111, Clearances: 2, Tackles: 22, Inside 50s: 2, Rebound 50s: 25

[die4pies]

57 - Tim Allan

Height: 192cm Weight: 84kg

Date of Birth: 22/10/1990

Recruited From: Sandringham U18/Sandringham/Ormond/Port Melbourne

2013 VFL Games: 18
2013 VFL Goals: 16

Background: A well-built key position forward who showed initial flashes of promise at senior and reserve grade level with VFL powerhouse Port Melbourne across 2011 and 2012. Allan kicked 17 goals in his six reserves games in 2012 and his move to Collingwood provided new coach Dale Tapping some valuable versatility in all areas of the ground.

Allan's first season at Collingwood featured highlights at both ends of the ground, most notably his five goals against Coburg in round 10. He switched to defence at times later in the year where his one-on-one marking stood out against Werribee in the final round of the home and away season.

At 192cm, Allan's leap and agility makes him a difficult match up, for he is equally as strong in the air as he is below his knees. Now that he is well and truly over his knee reconstruction of 2011, Allan is well positioned to show what he is capable of and potentially catch the eyes of the various AFL recruiters across the country. Port Melbourne coach Gary Ayres was disappointed to see him leave North Port, particularly given his fine form against Bendigo late in 2012.

Previously, Allan had made his name with VAFA club Ormond. In 2010, he represented the VAFA Under-19s against the VCFL alongside names such as Daniel Nicholson (University Blues/Melbourne), Jake Walsh (Old Trinity/Collingwood VFL) and Corey Millard (Old Haileybury/Collingwood VFL). Coached by Murray Browne, himself a former Magpie and the current President of the Collingwood Past Players Association, Allan kicked one goal in his team's win.

He was also recommended by the VAFA to play in the now annual Young Guns match late in 2012 alongside Tom Campbell (Western Bulldogs), Dan Noonan (Port Melbourne) and Josh Freezer (Essendon VFL).

In his junior days, Allan played for the Sandringham Dragons at TAC Cup level in 2008 before graduating to the club's VFL team the following year.

Dale Tapping Says: Tim’s had a really good pre-season. He was a really good contributor at VFL level last year. He is certainly running a lot better than he was last year. He’s got the flexibility of playing in a number of roles and there are some areas we’re really working hard with him to improve. We think he’s shown that he’s a very good player at that level and we think he can improve even further. He’s set himself up pretty well.

Key 2013 VFL Statistics (18 games): Kicks: 120, Marks: 88, Handballs: 104, Disposals: 224, Clearances: 8, Tackles: 41, Inside 50s: 38, Rebound 50s: 12

[die4pies]

58 - Ben Moloney

Height: 183cm Weight: 88kg

Date of Birth: 2/7/1991

Recruited From: Geelong U18/Werribee

2013 VFL Games: 11
2013 VFL Goals: 5

Background: Was recruited by Collingwood with an eye to adding muscle and strength to its young midfield. Appears set to take the next step in his career after three years of consistent performances for Werribee's reserves. Moloney has been knocking on the door of regular gig at senior level for some time, having won Werribee's reserves Best and Fairest in 2011 and 2012 after running third in 2010. He was a part of Werribee's Foxtel Cup campaign in 2012.

Moloney acquitted himself well in the centre during Collingwood's practice matches during the pre-season of 2013 and was one of the team's best performed players in the first half of the season before a broken ankle against the Casey Scorpions in round 15 put an end to his year. A powerful player around the stoppages with a hint of goal sense, the left footer shapes as a key to Collingwood's on-field fortunes for 2014.

Dale Tapping Says: Had a really bad ankle injury last year which has taken a fair while to shake off. His last five or six weeks have been a lot better on the track. He’s starting to get some continuity again. His form last year in the first half of the season was very good at VFL level. He’s a good player and we just want to try to get him back to his best form. He’s starting to progress now, which is good.

Key 2013 Statistics (11 games)
Kicks: 104, Marks: 27 marks, Handballs: 102, Disposals: 206, Clearances: 41, Tackles: 56, Inside 50s: 32, Rebound 50s: 19