Round 22 Preview: No Room for Dick as Kennedy Returns with Top 4 on the Line;

Although I gave up on Top 4 several weeks ago following the Derby Debacle, we still can make it. Some might say we control our own destiny. However, it really isn't that clear. With Collingwood a game clear and facing Premiership Favourites Cellar Dwellers Essendon next week, it's easy to imagine a scenario where they nab 4th on percentage even if we pull off the unlikely feat of beating the Hawks at the G.

GWS, Melbourne and WB- The Swans played these 3 teams twice...

  But it really doesn't matter this week. Because a win here gives us a chance; a loss and the best we can finish is 5th. Outside of the very important ramifications of the result, the game is against Collingwood, a team we haven't beaten since Round 2 2007 and I think we can all agree they are a really loathsome lot. Except for Travis Cloke, who's clearly a very decent human being, who just wants an honest day's pay for a honest day's work.

Anyway, the team changes are huge for both sides. We have three big inclusions with Kennedy, Rosa and Butler all returning. Obviously Kennedy is the big one and he will become the focal point of our attack again. Darling was superb in his absence and JJK's return should work to give Jack a lesser oponent. I was a little disappointed that a certain Brad Dick wasn't selected to make his debut for the club. According to everything I've read (admittedly minimal) he's been playing well for East Freo and he was talked up earlier in the week as a possible inclusion. He would've given us a real 'X Factor' upforward and I would've thought McG would've been the one to go. But, alas still no Dick and no fairytale return against his former team. But regardless, great inclusions and this is essentially our strongest side all year.

West Coast Eagles
B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Sam Butler
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Will Schofield
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Patrick McGinnity
F: Chris Masten, Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C: Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Quinten Lynch, Adam Selwood
Emg: Andrew Strijk, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan
In: Sam Butler, Matthew Rosa, Josh Kennedy
Out: Bradd Dalziell, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan

Which is important, because Collingwood enters the game without its strongest team. Sure Swan takes a break from the booze and hamburgers to get a game, but no Maxwell and no...Jolly! Sure, I have little respect for Jolly (I mean he did play for Sydney right?) but he's quite 'spry' for an old man. In comes Wood, who has shown very little in his career to suggest he's up to the top level. I really think Jolly's absence, coupled with the injury to Maxwell, gives us a huge edge. The best ruck duo in the league up against a nobody. Our very tall and strong forward line against a backline missing its leader. Collingwood's forward line is, also...well led by Travis Cloke. Enough Said.

Collingwood
B: Chris Tarrant, Heritier O’Brien, Nathan Brown
HB: Ben Johnson, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey
C: Sharrod Wellingham, Dane Swan, Jarryd Blair
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Chris Dawes, Heath Shaw
F: Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke, Steele Sidebottom
Foll: Cameron Wood, Ben Sinclair, Dayne Beams
I/C: Alan Didak, Tyson Goldsack, Alex Fasolo, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Martin Clarke, Josh Thomas, Kirk Ugle
In: Dane Swan, Alan Toovey, Ben Johnson, Tyson Goldsack, Cameron Wood
Out: Nick Maxwell (Groin), Martin Clarke, Darren Jolly (Soreness), Jamie Elliott (Groin), Caolan Mooney (Ankle)

The question remains, even with Cox and NicNat destined to destroy Wood, will our midfield reap the benefit? They really should and they really must. Collingwood have a great midfield, but if the ruck contest goes as expected we need to capitalise on it.

Our season depends on it.

Plus, it's Collingwood!

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- In other news, the Eagles have decided not to sign a 29 year old basketballer. Seems reasonable to me.
- Sheppard to have season-ending surgery