What a week it has been in football! From player sackings, to clubs in crisis, to coaches under the pump, to the mystery of the Match Review Panel and even a few players under the pump…we’ve seen it all this week! Collingwood however, was perhaps the real story to come out of Round 16, stealing top spot on the ladder and beating a true premiership contender.

With Fremantle still retaining 4th spot, finishing on top seems a very juicy prospect for Collingwood. Nevertheless, it seems increasingly likely that the Western Bulldogs will move into 4th. Of course, 1st will play 4th position in the first week of finals.

However, the lid must remain firmly in place at Collingwood, as they face a very tricky opponent this weekend. Collingwood hosts Richmond at the MCG this Saturday.

As Collingwood was beginning to settle into life as the top of the ladder team, Richmond’s amazing good run was coming to end at the hands of North Melbourne, who convincingly beat the Tigers in their Round 16 clash on a wet and miserable Melbourne day.

Nevertheless, credit must be given to the Tigers, who had won 4 games in a row leading into Round 16. Leading into Round 10, betting agencies were paying out punters who had backed Richmond to win the wooden spoon. Not even 2 months later, the betting agencies have been made to look very foolish indeed. It has been a huge 6 weeks in particular for Damien Hardwick who has managed to galvanise his team and get them playing some very good football.

Though 2010 is in essence a write-off for Richmond, it may prove a very important season in the long run. The emergence of Jack Riewoldt has been the biggest story. He should go on to win the Coleman this season, and there is nothing stopping him from becoming one of the most powerful forwards in the game. No doubt his improvement has also been assisted by the emergence of 2 of the most impressive young midfielders in the game in Cotchin and Martin. Martin in particular in his 1st season has been incredible. He in and under work is already nearing elite level and he is now finding much more of the ball in the general field of play.

The general consensus of the football public is that Collingwood lacks the star quality to win a flag. I have to disagree. People are quick to point out that Collingwood lacks an Ablett or Judd (both of whom are out of form right now), but surely Dane Swan is now at a level in which he can now be called an A grade player. He is my tip for the Brownlow this year, alongside Luke Hodge and Goddard. Swan’s last month in particular should poll him around 10 votes. Since the loss to Brisbane in Round 10, he is averaging just over 36 disposals. Though many may say his stats are ineffective, again I have to disagree. He runs with such purpose, he breaks the lines and he holds his feet. He is an engine that simply wills his team forward – not glamorous in style, but highly effective.

His increase in output has also coincided with good form from Thomas, Pendlebury and Didak…all of whom are having seasons comparable with any of the front-line players in the comp. Luke Ball’s inside work is at elite level, and Darren Jolly has recaptured some of his best form. Chris Dawes has come into the side and made immediate impact.

The win against St.Kilda was a truly pivotal moment for Collingwood, who must surely be growing in self-belief by the week. However, it will all count for very little if the Tigers cause an upset on Saturday. Regardless of whether Collingwood retains top spot of the ladder leading into finals, I think it is important that the Magpies at least hold onto it as long as they can. The Magpies don’t want to do a Cadel Evans and grab the yellow jersey, only to lose it the following stage and crash out of contention. Collingwood needs to prove it can deal with the status of ‘premiership contender’, and needs to prove it can sustain itself as one of the dominant sides in the comp.

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