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Long or Mitchell? Analysing Collingwood’s “massive” selection call
SEN • August 1st, 2025 11:24 am
Collingwood dropped a bit of a selection shock ahead of their huge clash against Brisbane on Saturday night, dropping veteran midfielder Tom Mitchell.
Mitchell, Ed Allan and the injured Lachie Sullivan were the unlucky three who missed out with stars Scott Pendlebury, Jordan De Goey and Bobby Hill returning to the lineup.
While Mitchell has only played three games this season after coming back from a foot injury, his performance last Saturday against Richmond was his best return for some time as he picked up 29 disposals at 86 per cent efficiency to go with seven inside 50s.
With the likes of Nick Daicos, Jack Crisp, Steele Sidebottom, De Goey and Pendlebury all midfield locks if fit, the man who is seemingly keeping Mitchell out of the side is Ned Long.
Even though Long has been one of the most improved players in the AFL this season, playing all 19 games this year, SEN Sportsday duo Josh Gabelich and Gerard Healy weren’t so sure that Collingwood should continue playing the emerging on-baller over Mitchell, particularly when it comes to finals time.
Gabelich: “There's a lot of Tom Mitchell supporters out there as well who back his record in finals.
“You can't forget he polled votes in the Norm Smith Medal back in 2023. He's got a proven record in September.
“It’s a massive, massive call, and you just wonder if there isn't an injury, does Tom Mitchell get back into this team?”
Healy: “Well, if there's not an injury, probably not.
“I mean, Ned Long has got the spot, clearly. If his disposal lets him down or his form lets him down, then he's out, but it's his at the present time it would seem.
“I'm a Mitchell fan. I've got to say, but I can understand why they're continuing to give Ned Long another opportunity.
“But if you're talking about a spot in the Grand Final, then probably I'm going with Tom Mitchell.”
Gabelich: “I'm with you Gerard. It’d be a tough call, though, because Ned Long has been one of the most improved players in the comp. But that midfield's stacked.”
Healy: “It’s stacked alright… but with Ned Long. If you’ve got the spot, you’ve got the spot. If he’s done nothing wrong, then he’s going to maintain it.
“But, as we creep closer to a Grand Final, if they get there, then all the little things are going to be focused on.”
The ladder leaders face the Lions at the MCG on Saturday night. The bounce is set for 7:35pm (AEST).
