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The Collingwood Magpies had steamrolled the St Kilda Saints in their Friday night clash at the MCG.
The Saints jumped out of the blocks strongly, winning the ball out of the middle, playing with purpose and kicking long into the forward line. The result was the first three goals of the match and what looked to be a strong platform for many more.
Yet despite the early onslaught the Magpies were able to reduce the margin to a solitary point at quarter time.
From there on it was all Collingwood who completely dominated the match as the Saints pressure and run completely faded.
They dominated the midfield battle led by Dane Swan who collected 38 disposals and Scott Pendlebury’s 30.
The Magpies pumped the ball inside 50 a whopping 77 times, setting-up countless scoring opportunities for the forwards, with the Saints pressure fading badly after quarter time.
Travis Cloke had an entertaining time trying to get the ball through the big sticks, missing easy set shots whilst nailing each attempt with a high degree of difficulty. He finished with 5 goals but should have had more.
Jamie Elliott was lively, taking a screamer that will push for mark of the round and kick 4 goals for the match.
Young Magpies Tim Broomhead and Sam Dwyer showed impressive form in the match which will by heartening for Nathan Buckley to see some young talent pushing through.
David Armitage fought manfully as stand-in captain after Nick Reiwoldt was a late-late withdrawal, leading the Saints with 33 possessions.
Jack Steven ran hard all game and Schneider, Roberton and Newnes can hold their head high with their performance but they had little help after that.
No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin came into the side for Reiwoldt, making his debut for the Saints. It was a baptism in fire, with the wet, greasy conditions and limited supply making it hard for him to make an impact.
FT: @CollingwoodFC 21.14 (140) defeat @stkildafc 10.6 (66) #AFLPiesSaints (Photo: @MichaelCWillson) pic.twitter.com/FxHAiW8tkh
— AFL (@AFL) April 17, 2015
My Best
3 votes – Dane Swan , 38 possessions (16 contested), 7 clearances, 15 inside 50’s
2 votes – Brodie Grundy , 23 possessions (14 contested), 30 hit outs, 7 clearances
1 vote – Travis Cloke, 16 possessions (9 contested), 7 marks, 5 goals 4 behinds
The Collingwood Magpies and St Kilda Saints will clash under the bright lights of the MCG as both teams look to make it two from three for the season. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:50pm (AEST).
The Saints marched all over the Suns last week, running out comfortable 28-point winners.
While the Saints drafted the future of their forward line by spending their no.1 pick on Paddy McCartin, they may have stumbled onto another key forward prospect with Josh Bruce.
Bruce was brought over from Greater Western Sydney to shore-up key defensive stocks. Yet the trade of Rhys Stanley to Geelong during the last trade period and a careful approach not to rush McCartin before he is ready opened the door for Bruce to be swung forward.
Bruce has looked at home up forward, kicking eight goals and taking 13 marks in the opening two rounds, providing another valuable avenue to goal for the Saints.
Jack Steven and David Armitage have led the way in the middle for the Saints, along with up-and-comer Jack Newnes who will be playing his 50th match.
Nick Reiwoldt doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, leading the competition in marks with 22, which he has made almost an annual tradition. However there is doubt whether Reiwoldt will play due to a calf problem, which may give McCartin his debut.
The Magpies looked promising in their season opener when they defeated Brisbane but were put to the sword by a rampant Adelaide Crows last week.
Making matters worse is the injury toll to their midfield group, with Levi Greenwood, Clinton Young and Steele Sidebottom missing.
There are question marks over whether Scott Pendlebury will be lining up after leaving training track early with an ankle injury, along with Taylor Adams who was in a moon boot at the start of the week. Jordan De Goey and/or Patick Karnezis are the likely inclusions if one or both should miss.
On a positive note Jessie White had started the year off well, recording 17 possessions, seven marks and two goals in each of the first two matches. Jarryd Blair has been dangerous up forward and is the Magpies’ leading goal kicker with five.
Dane Swan looks to have shaken his series of maladies from last year, creating his usual hustle and bustle action wherever he is on the field.
At the selection table, the Magpies have brought Sam Dwyer and Cory Gault into the side at the expense of Alex Fasolo (omitted) and Ben Sinclair (hamstring).
The Saints have made one change with the experienced Adam Schneider coming back into the side for Tom Curren (omitted).
Prediction
The Saints look plucky and if Bruce can maintain his good form and Reiwoldt plays, they will win this game. Without Reiwoldt I give the nod to the Magpies.
Saints by 5 points, assuming all are fit.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:50pm (AEST).
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