Collingwood’s Darren Jolly and Dayne Beams celebrate a goal during the AFL Round 19 match between the Geelong Cats and the Collingwood Magpies at the MCG, Melbourne.
Collingwood’s bid for a breakthrough AFL premiership gained more momentum through a 22-point win over Geelong in the table-topping game at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Magpies looked to have blown a chance to get one over the Cats when they surrendered a 28-point lead during the second term and went into half-time a point down.
But Collingwood mounted their own comeback in the third quarter by kicking the last four goals to reverse a 12-point deficit.
They then held firm in the last to post a 14.23 (107) to 12.13 (85) win, before 84,401 fans.
Midfielder Alan Didak played a superb game for the Magpies, while youngster Dayne Beams booted three goals.
The win was Collingwood’s seventh in succession and put them a game-and-a-half clear of the Cats, meaning they are all but assured of securing the minor premiership.
A win over the reigning premiers – their first in four attempts – will fuel the belief of Magpies fans that this could be the year they end their 20-year flag drought.
Collingwood established an early lead through a ferocious attack on the ball and dominated the game for three quarters, although they again squandered a series of chances in front of goal.
The Pies kept Geelong under constant pressure, although the Cats broke free for a devastating six-goal burst in the second term, when Travis Varcoe kick-started his side.
Joel Corey’s goal from a 50-metre penalty gave Geelong the lead at half-time and the Cats opened a buffer when Varcoe set up Mathew Stokes for a goal early in the third quarter.
A shocking goal-umpiring decision denied Geelong’s Shannon Byrnes a goal in the third term, as the umpire ruled the goalsneak had overstepped the line before he kicked the ball, when he clearly had not.
Geelong overcame that blow to open a 12-point lead, but Ben Johnson breathed life into Collingwood with a goal on the run.
Travis Cloke overcame his yips of late to dob an important set shot soon after and when Didak passed brilliantly to Dale Thomas in the goalsquare the Magpies were on their way to a 15th win for the season.
Both sides lost defenders to injury, as Magpie Ben Reid suffered an ankle injury early, while Cats star Matthew Scarlett hobbled off late in the game.
Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse said the win was even better given the early loss of Reid, but sensed his team had more improvement.
“Players shouldered responsibility and in many respects dared to win,” Malthouse said.
“There were a few areas today we learn about, that we hopefully get better (in), others that we can say that we’ve got reasonably right we don’t have to dramatically change things.
“That’s the great thing about it, that we’re not satisfied.”
Geelong coach Mark Thompson said there was little to like about the Cats’ performance.
“The scoreboard flattered the way we played because we were totally out-played by a very good opposition,” he said.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been beaten so badly at contested ball.”
Colingwood won 144 contested disposals to Geelong’s 102.
Thompson felt the decision on Byrnes’ kick had no bearing on the result.
He said Scarlett had copped a kick to the shin and Harry Taylor hurt a shoulder, but was hopeful both could play the Western Bulldogs next weekend.
Richard
Guest
I empathise completely. A large chunk of my extended family and friends are also Saints supporters and I have observed it first hand. No doubt the Saints deserve a GF win and I would like to see it. Please not at the expense of the Pies. Go beat someone else will you, for @#&!$^ sake.
Republican
Guest
Richard. What advice would your counsellor give an old Saints supporter I wonder? One flag is slim pickings indeed. Could we see a Pies v Saints GF in season 2010 I wonder. Rest assured one of us would require further counselling - depending on the result i.e. All the best.
Richard
Guest
I do remember that day in 1966. Those two teams were the most highly talented teams of their era and a joy to watch. I also remember the 1964 GF against Melbourne, which I listened to on the radio as a kid. Pies lost by 4 points. Last minute kicks cost them the 1964, 1966 and 1979 Grand Finals. But my counsellor has advised me not to think about it. I've got to "move forward".
Mister Football
Guest
Bullies' last chance for one (before the window closes for another 10 years).
Republican
Guest
Richard. Yes and lest you forget the Saints only flag - v the Pies in 1966 - and what a day it was - to be sure! Cheers
Republican
Guest
I recall the old Acton club well. I believe I played v them as a nipper, with Manuka and later on - Manuka - Woden.
Richard
Guest
You're a good man Republican. The Mighty Pies welcome your admiration. We're keeping a lid on it all of course. Forget the record in the nineties and the noughties. Those of us hardened, seasoned Pies supporters old enough to remember the 70s remember 1973 when the Pies finished on top with 19 wins and 3 losses and didn't even make it into the Grand Final. Worse, we remember the period 1977-1981 when the Pies were in five grand finals and lost all of them. I'm still getting counselling. So its "one week at a time" , believe me. And enjoying each game as it comes.
beaver fever
Guest
We will take him, but i dare say that NT or SA may claim him as well. Safe to say on my side of Canberra there were plenty of pie supporters as well ............... especially at West Canberra who before that were Acton, which wore the old black and white jumpers.
Mega
Guest
Does Buckley take over in 2011 or 2012?
Republican
Guest
Beaver Buck's was a Canberra product - in many respects - but you would know that already I reckon. Cheers
Republican
Guest
Love the Pies albeit I was brought up not to. Just about everyone I new at my school were Pies supporters so there is an element of loyalty on my part, when they are playing - except v the Saints i.e. I was there with a cousin of mine that day at Vic Park, when Nicky Wyndmar raised his gurnsey and was spat on by their faithful running down the Race at half time I think it was. I have never forgotten that. The passion their supporters display is sometimes too fervent for their own good I believe however, I have been exposed to acts of unacceptable villification by supporters of other clubs, especially Melbourne for some reason, in the good old days. Our game is all the better for having the Pies tradition in tact and yes - I would be happy for them to win the flag in 2010. Now I should go and wash my mouth out with soap.
beaver fever
Guest
I am attempting to secretly follow them, but i am now out of the "closet" and firmly in their "camp" for the flag. Super hard running team, chock full of pace and talent. Please God !!! ...... let Cloke kick accurately in the GF. I do not like Malthouse or Buckley though.
Adam
Guest
Pies 2010 flag... Finally every1 can shut up about your dislike towards them. There a super footy team. Love watching them do business
Richard
Guest
Don't be a spoilsport Kurt.
Mega
Guest
Just wait for September...
Kurt
Roar Pro
Please won't someone, anyone save us from a Pies premiership!