Collingwood 1970 - 1993 v Collingwood 1994 to 2014

[SuperSwede]

I think you're missing the point. You're imagining the 1970-93 squad as they were rather than as they would be if born in the modern era, exposed to exactly the same environmental and training opportunities. They'd be taller, they'd be heavier, they'd be fitter, they'd be faster.

All that said though, players with exquisite skills would still have exquisite skills. Carmen, Greening, and Daicos were absolute freaks, they still would be. The Price, McGuane, Millane and Russell types would all still be very good footballers.

It'd be a lot closer than you think and I still think the 1970-93 squad has more talent across the 22.[/quote]


Yes Jackass, you’re probably right, I am missing the point a little bit. If so it is slightly intentional. As I say there is very little ground for a fair comparison. I absolutely agree, we had some wonderful players in the seventies – and how we came out of that decade without a flag to our name must remain a mystery. However we can only assess those players on how they actually played then and there, not how they might have played had they been born thirty years later, because we simply don’t know. Would their silky skills have come to the fore in today’s game which is a lot quicker? Who knows. The one skill I would like to take into today is Peter McKenna’s accuracy in kicking for goal. I reckon he could teach mr. Cloke a thing or two.
Anyhow I’m kind of glad you disagree with me, it makes for a more lively discussion, and after all it is fascinating to think back to our heroes of times gone by.
Floreat Pica

[Bob Sugar]

[/QUOTE] SuperSwede"]I think you're missing the point. You're imagining the 1970-93 squad as they were rather than as they would be if born in the modern era, exposed to exactly the same environmental and training opportunities. They'd be taller, they'd be heavier, they'd be fitter, they'd be faster.

All that said though, players with exquisite skills would still have exquisite skills. Carmen, Greening, and Daicos were absolute freaks, they still would be. The Price, McGuane, Millane and Russell types would all still be very good footballers.

It'd be a lot closer than you think and I still think the 1970-93 squad has more talent across the 22.[/quote]


Yes Jackass, you’re probably right, I am missing the point a little bit. If so it is slightly intentional. As I say there is very little ground for a fair comparison. I absolutely agree, we had some wonderful players in the seventies – and how we came out of that decade without a flag to our name must remain a mystery. However we can only assess those players on how they actually played then and there, not how they might have played had they been born thirty years later, because we simply don’t know. Would their silky skills have come to the fore in today’s game which is a lot quicker? Who knows. The one skill I would like to take into today is Peter McKenna’s accuracy in kicking for goal. I reckon he could teach mr. Cloke a thing or two.
Anyhow I’m kind of glad you disagree with me, it makes for a more lively discussion, and after all it is fascinating to think back to our heroes of times gone by.
Floreat Pica[/quote]

Yep, I've the watched the 1990 GF a million times and a few times recently, damn that was a tough game, you didn't get a kick without being put on your ass along with the king hits etc etc.

Not sure the players of today could handle that kind of pressure, some would obviously but many wouldn't.

[Robbie]

I must be a little older than you although I am still at a loss as to what point you're trying to make. The late 60's and all of the 70's were full of great players, and Len Thompson stands out in that great company however; regardless of the worth of the players and coach we always came up short.

Although heart breaking, us Magpie supporters were there or there abouts in more years than not. Our adversaries will delight in reciting the fact that Collingwood has lost more finals than any other team, and yet those same weak individuals find it impossible to acknowledge the Mighty Magpies have played in more Grand Finals than any other team. Get with the strength and Go Pies!

[uncanny]

Thanks posters for the feedback on these teams.
I've enjoyed reading your insights and the debate about the merits of the players and which team would win.
Based on this I offer these revised teams, with some comments about the changes

Collingwood team: 1970 to 1993

FB Stan Magro Gary Pert Mark Williams
HB Gavin Crocisca Bill Picken Shane Morwood
C Darren Millane Barry Price Graham Wright
HF Peter Daicos Phil Carman Gavin Brown
FF Peter Moore Peter McKenna Des Tuddenham
R Len Thompson Mick McGuane John Greening
I Wayne Richardson Tony Francis Scott Russell
Tony Shaw

Price and Tuddy were must inclusions. Wright comes into this side from the later one. Though his career spanned both eras, his best work was done prior to 94. Scott Russell also comes in to the 22. Monky made way for him because the side has two ruckmen in Moore and big Len. Pert for Worthington is a fair call. Couldn't find a spot for Ricky Barham ahead of pants, rowdy or Graham Wright.

Collingwood team: 1994 to 2014

FB Heath Shaw Simon Prestigiacomo Nick Maxwell
HB Scott Burns James Clement Leon Davis
C Steele Sidebottom Dane Swan Chris Tarrant
HF Alan Didak Anthony Rocca Paul Williams
FF Ben Reid Travis Cloke Dale Thomas
R Darren Jolly Nathan Buckley Scott Pendlebury
I Josh Fraser Dayne Beams Saverio Rocca
Andrew Krakoeur

Leon moves to the backline and Daisy takes his place up forward. Reid for Leigh Brown was called for by a few. No argument in terms of pure ability but Browny was hard to take out because of his wrecking ball factor. Something the team lacks now. For similar reasons I had trouble taking Maxy out. He stays though because of his leadership and how he stood up in the biggest games. Sidey takes Wright's spot who moved to the other team. Licca made way for Beamer. Found this change hard to make but Beamer's superior ability to kick clutch goals won the day. Krak shaded out Elliott for a spot. Couldn't include Harry because he failed in a few big finals. The 2010 draw and 2011 gf come to mind.

I think these changes take on board not all, but most of your suggestions.

Now I am going to try to pick the best magpie side post 1970 from these teams. It's going to take a while. Your thoughts on who should get a game and why are welcome here.

[stui magpie]

[jackcass]

[TheJonesBoy]

[Bob Sugar]

[jackcass]

[uncanny]

This team would go alright I reckon. What do you think?

Collingwood team: 1970 to 2014

FB Heath Shaw Simon Prestigiacomo Nick Maxwell
HB Scott Burns James Clement Shane Morwood
C Darren Millane Dane Swan Graham Wright
HF Peter Daicos Anthony Rocca Gavin Brown
FF Peter Moore Peter McKenna Des Tuddenham
R Len Thompson Nathan Buckley Scott Pendlebury
I Wayne Richardson Tony Francis Scott Russell
Tony Shaw

[CarringbushCigar]

Now for the coach.

1 Matthews
2 Malthouse
3 Hafey
4 Rose
5 Cahill
6 Mann
7 Erwin
8 Richards
9 Buckley
10 Shaw
11 Weideman

[RudeBoy]

I suspect our 2016 Premiership side would beat both teams.

[jackcass]

[RudeBoy]

[uncanny]