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Collingwood celebrates on the dais during the 2010 Toyota AFL Grand Final replay between the Collingwood Magpies and the St Kilda Saints at the MCG, Melbourne.
They say the sequel is rarely better than the original, and plenty of neutrals will agree with that sentiment after yesterday’s one-sided grand final replay, but Collingwood fans won’t. It was a sweet, drought-breaking victory for the Magpie Army as this time round they made their dominance count.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said after yesterday’s defeat: “In the end they were the dominant team and I think we all need to acknowledge that.”
Few would deny Collingwood that. And in the wake of the debate about grand final replays and extra-time, it is a point worth acknowledging.
Was justice served? Personally I think so.
The minor premiers were the best team throughout the season and had the Saints measure a week ago, only to let it slip. Full credit to St Kilda for their fightback last week, but ultimately the scores ended level.
This time round, Collingwood didn’t make the same mistakes and for that they are deserved premiers.
On face value, there were some symmetries between the two grand finals as Collingwood got off to a bright start on the scoreboard on both occasions, before taking a handy buffer into the main break (24 points last week, 27 points yesterday).
On both occasions, Collingwood were dominant in the first half and appeared in control at the main break. Then came the premiership quarter.
Last week St Kilda surged back with three goals in the third term, while the inaccurate Pies booted five behinds before the final change.
This week there would be no such hiccup from the Magpies who booted five goals this time (while for symmetry sake it should be noted the Saints kicked another three goals in the third yesterday) to have the game wrapped up by three-quarter time.
Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse emphasised the importance of the term post-match yesterday.
“We took the foot off the accelerator, off the throat last week – and full credit to St Kilda who came back – but I just thought if we maintain that pressure than you can’t score against that pressure,” he said.
“That was the key to it and I thought the first 10 minutes to that third quarter was fairly intense.”
That pressure was Collingwood’s defensive game when their opponent had the footy subsequently forcing turnovers, which has been central to their success this season. The Saints found a way through the system last week but yesterday the Pies did not let up.
And, significantly, Collingwood took their chances when the ball turned over.
On the other hand, St Kilda failed to take their chances, kicking seven behinds before registering their first goal of the game.
The Saints, like last week, had their moments in the match but this week couldn’t convert. Against a dominant opponent, that’s costly.
As well, Collingwood dominated in the centre clearances this week. Recruits Darren Jolly and Luke Ball were key figures here.
On the other hand, it took tough onballer Lenny Hayes 19 minutes to get his first touch of the footy yesterday and he seemed a frustrated figure as he sensed fighting a losing battle.
Ultimately, Collingwood didn’t change their approach or style much yesterday from last week. They just got the job done better and took their chances.
The inaccurate Saints didn’t do that and Lyon wasn’t able to find a solution in the coaches’ box this week.
As a result, the Magpies made their dominance count, shut the door early in the third term and ultimately ended a 20-year and one week wait for that elusive premiership. And they fully deserved it.
Congratulations, Collingwood!
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