Caroline Wilson (inset) doesn’t expect Collingwood and Scott Pendlebury (main image) to have such a successful run in their second year under coach Craig McRae.Credit:The Age
There have big some big ins and outs at the Magpies.Brodie Grundy and his monster contract have joined the Demons,Ollie Henry has left to join his brother at Geelong,and the irrepressible Jack Ginnivan will be missing for the first two rounds of the season after he wascaught in the bathroom of Torquay hotel with an illicit drug on Australia Day.
Incoming are Tom Mitchell,to lift the Magpies at the coalface,Bobby Hill,who will slot into Ginnivan’s spot,and Dan McStay,to add firepower up forward.
Wilson is backing Richmond,who have topped up to stay in contention,to finish as high as second as Damien Hardwick tries to extend the glory years while Trent Cotchin,Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin are still around.
Caroline Wilson
Brownlow: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne). The champion midfielder looks ready to lead Melbourne back into the top four this year.