Tarrant's return boosts Magpies: Buckley

Updated April 06, 2012 14:17:27

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says the return from injury of Chris Tarrant adds some steel to the Magpies' backline ahead of Saturday night's round-two clash with Richmond at the MCG.

The Magpies regain Tarrant and Dayne Beams at the expense of Luke Rounds and debutant Peter Yagmoor.

While last year's grand finalists Collingwood lost to premiership favourites Hawthorn by 22 points in round one under new coach Buckley, the Tigers failed to live up to their preseason hype with a 44-point loss to Carlton last week.

But Buckley says the Tigers showed throughout the preseason that they will be a strong side in 2012.

"'Taz' (Tarrant) is a great addition for us. Having him through our defensive rotations is important," Buckley said on Friday.

"It adds that bit of experience and steel for us in the second round. Beamsy has been coming back gradually and his form in the last couple of weeks was excellent."

Skipper Nick Maxwell trained with the side on Friday at Gosch's Paddock but has been ruled out of the Richmond game as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Buckley said Maxwell would not play VFL this weekend.

Maxwell's absence is a blow for the Magpies with Buckley admitting he is a fan of Richmond's attack.

"Richmond have been playing their three talls. (Ty) Vickery, (Jack) Riewoldt and (Brad) Miller have been as good as any through the preseason," Buckley said.

"Miller in particular, his form up around that front half has been quite damaging.

"Although Carlton were able to hold both Miller and Vickery for times last week, we expect that they'll want to bounce back pretty quickly.

"So it's going to be important early in the match to try to keep that ascendancy."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, collingwood-3066, vic, australia

First posted April 06, 2012 14:17:27

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Merrett's return boosts Lions' hopes

Updated January 16, 2012 18:45:52

It is not just Lion king Jonathan Brown who Brisbane believes will lift it out of the AFL cellar in 2012.

Brown's vice-captain Daniel Merrett is also ready to provide a significant boost from the other end of the ground this season after a full recovery from a serious back problem.

Full-back Merrett was in wonderful form over the first 10 rounds of 2011 before a stress fracture ended his season as the Lions, sorely missing their influential bookends, slumped to 15th.

But, like Brown who is now well over his horrific facial fractures, the 27-year-old is champing at the bit following a lengthy preseason which has him in the best shape of his career.

Despite few changes to Michael Voss's young list, Merrett stressed confidence of a jump back up the ladder was high at the club.

"To have your skipper out there is always pretty handy," the defender said.

"When he is missing most of the year, especially the influence that Browny has, it's pretty tough.

"The group definitely walks taller whan he's out there."

While there is little change to personnel, Merrett stressed it would be a stronger young list.

"Our young boys are another year older as well and they're stepping up," he said.

"Even (2011 club champion) Tommy Rockliff, the amount of influence he has on the group now and he's only 22, he has another year under his belt and he will take a lot of confidence out of last year.

"Across the board, you're just going to get that improvement from everyone and more blokes chipping in."

One new face is Hawthorn recruit Jordan Lisle, 21, who has impressed in training to be a prime candidate to partner Brown up front.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted January 16, 2012 18:44:50

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