Collingwood Pies Selection Dilemma For AFL Semi-Final

Choosing players for the AFL semi-finals is always a difficult task. There are a host of options out there, but what should the Pies look for? There are many factors that go into the decision, such as the opponent, the style of play, and the ability of the player.

Jarryd Lyons

Earlier this year, Brisbane Lions midfielder Jarryd Lyons missed the elimination final because of a groin soreness. He is expected to play the VFL semi-final against Carlton. It will be interesting to see if he is selected for the AFL team if he can’t make it through the first week of the pre-season.

The Brisbane Lions have made four changes to their 22 for their AFL semi-final clash with Melbourne. Darcy Fort and Noah Answerth have been recalled. Oscar McInerney, Rhys Mathieson and Mitch Robinson have been dropped.

For the past three seasons, the Lions have finished in the top four. They lost to the Western Bulldogs in straight sets last September. It was the first time that they have been beaten by a team that finished in the bottom half of the ladder.

Josh Daicos

During the past year Collingwood has gone from bottom two team to preliminary finalist. There have been a number of players that have played key roles in the 2022 surge. The Pies will be looking to replicate their impressive win streak in Round 13 against Carlton.

Among those that have made an impact are Josh Daicos and his younger brother Nick. They have each had a hot start to their AFL careers. They have both been playing every game for the Pies in 2020.

In addition, there is no denying the fact that Jack Crisp and Patrick Lipinski are a formidable midfield pairing. Their combination has been one of the major reasons for the club’s renaissance. The fact that they were able to combine for a score of 68 points is a feat in itself.

Steele Sidebottom

Throughout his early career, Steele Sidebottom has endured some ribbing. He was a stand-in skipper at the beginning of the season, and was subjected to a four-match suspension earlier in the year for breaching COVID-19 protocols.

Last week, Steele Sidebottom’s partner, Alisha, gave birth to her first child. The former Magpie is hoping to break a four-year premiership drought. It is reported that Sidebottom has signed a 2022 contract with the club.

He has been a solicitor for the club since 2012. The Magpies have announced their drafts, which include Jack Ginnivan replacing Scott Pendlebury as captain. Also, Anton Tohill has been recruited.

The Magpies will face Port Adelaide on Friday night, with the eighth debutant of the season. Next week, they face an Adelaide side that appears invincible. However, there are teenagers in the team who have performed well throughout the series.

John Noble

Despite a surprisingly mediocre season in which he was unable to get into the side of the ball, John Noble was one of the pillars of the Pies defence. He is still a top performer in a side which is on its way up. For the most part, he’s a tall and strong defender who takes nothing away from his opposition. In his lone outing this season, he was among the Magpies’ best.

Noble’s most notable achievement was a recent representative game which he starred in. He finished the day with four tackles and a top score. He also starred in the most recent ruck o’clock with a slick tackling effort. For a wingman who has only played five games in his career, he has made a huge impression with his leadership skills.

Collingwood’s mid-season draftee

During the mid-season draft, Collingwood has made two additions to its squad in the last two years. But the club faces a difficult selection dilemma for its semi-final against Essendon. It’s likely they will need to wait until the 2023 Mid-Season Rookie Draft to select another player.

Brodie Grundy was a key piece at stoppages and a star ruckman, but his contract is too long to fit in with the rest of the club’s list. He’s also ill-fitting and will relegate Max Gawn to a key forward role. This leaves Collingwood with only one position available through the 2023 Mid-Season Draft.

Connor Kuek is an athletic 21-year-old key forward. He has excellent skills below the knee and a terrific vertical leap. He’ll be a valuable depth addition for Fremantle. He’ll need some time to develop though.