Joel 
Joined: 23 Mar 1999
Location: Mornington Peninsula
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| Post subject: SAV on Anzac Day |  |
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Read in the Herald Sun and official AFL site http://www.afl.com.au/news/story_177181.htm
a report about Sav. It says that this week against the bombers will be the biggest match he has ever played. Lets hope he fires!
----------------------- HERE IS THE ARTICLE
POWERHOUSE Collingwood forward Saverio Rocca saves something special for the Anzac Day shootouts with Essendon.
It seems when ''Big Sav'' fires the Magpies' chances of beating the classy Bombers soar.
Since the Anzac Day blockbusters between the Magpies and Bombers began in 1995, Rocca has been Collingwood's savior.
Including three Magpies' wins and a tie, Rocca has bagged 24 goals and two best-afield ratings.
He booted nine majors in the 17.9 (111) to 16.15 (111) draw five years ago, followed by six, two and seven goals in three consecutive wins.
Last year the goal-ace suffered back spasms in the opening minutes and took no further part as the Bombers went on to win by 10 points.
Rocca says Tuesday's sellout MCG showdown with the undefeated Bombers will be the biggest game of his career.
''The first Anzac clash I played in was the biggest game I've played; I think this will be even bigger,'' he said.
''Our games against Essendon draw huge crowds no matter where we are on the ladder.''
Rocca says the showdown will be a full-dress rehearsal for the finals.
''We're looking to restore the old Collingwood tradition of playing in finals and this is a great opportunity for a new team to taste what we can expect,'' he said.
''It's another great learning experience for a young and developing team, under (Magpies' coach) Mick Malthouse.''
Rocca, who has played just one final in nine seasons and 150 games, says dual Premiership coach Malthouse has the Magpies playing an invigorating and energetic style of football.
The powerfully built 26-year-old Rocca plays down his importance to the Magpies' slicker playing style.
''Any team that is playing well and running the ball quickly into the forward line offers whoever is playing full-forward a chance to have an influence,'' Rocca said.
''We've played some pretty good footy at times so far this year, but now we're up against an undefeated and very good side in Essendon.
''I think we're ready for the test.''
Rocca's clash with miserly Essendon defender, Dustin Fletcher, will be one of the biggest individual duels of the day.
In the absence of his brother, Anthony, who is serving the second week of his two-game suspension, Sav will carry a huge responsibility to rack up enough goals to ensure a Collingwood victory.
Malthouse will also weigh up the fitness of full-back Simon Prestigiacomo, who is battling an ankle problem.
''Whatever our final line-up we'll be very competitive,'' Malthouse said.
''This is a wonderful occasion for our young players to add to their experience.''
Bombers coach Kevin Sheedy said history almost guaranteed another classic finish.
''Only the Melbourne Cup generates anything like a crowd and a finish that you can expect from an Anzac Day tussle between our two sides,'' Sheedy said.
''We owe it to the loyal fans of both clubs to make this an epic game and preserve something very special for this day into our future.''
Sheedy said he was confident stars James Hird, Michael Long and Mark Mercuri would play after recovering from injuries.
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CARN THE PIES!!!!!
Collingwood is all about togetherness. "We live or die as a side," Buckley said. "Everything we do now is as a team." |
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