An injury-hit Collingwood succumbed to a last-quarter push from the Western Bulldogs on Sunday at the MCG, losing by 21-points.
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The Pies led at every break, but the Bulldogs kicked seven of the last eight goals to run away with the win.
It was a tight first term, as both sides kicked three goals and the Pies held a 1-point lead at the first break.
The Pies then dominated long periods of the second quarter, and probably should have put the game out of reach, but their inaccuracy kept the Dogs in it, as they led by 5-points at the main break.
The third quarter was another tight tussle, as the Dogs kicked a couple of late goals to peg the Pies lead back to three points.
Scott Pendlebury was brilliant for the Pies today, but a couple of late errors will haunt him this week. He had an opportunity to hit a man inside 50 to bring it back to two points deep into the final term, and then kicked it straight to Matt Suckling to kick the sealing goal. He finished with 32 disposals and a goal in another solid performance.
Luke Dahlhaus was immense for the Dogs, as he picked up 37 touches and kicked a key goal at the end of the third quarter. Both sides defences stood up for long periods, with Easton Wood and Jeremy Howe in particular impressing.
Final score
Collingwood Magpies 7.11.53
Western Bulldogs 11.8.74
The Roar’s AFL MVP votes
3: Luke Dahlhaus – Led all players with 37 disposals, and was generally a pest all around the ground. Not too many in the AFL provide better pressure than Dahlhaus, and it’s good to see him putting in some good performances.
2: Easton Wood – A pretty typical day for the Dogs’ skipper, as he took a few high-flying marks, and used the ball well all day. Had 21 disposals at 90 per cent today.
1: Jeremy Howe – A ‘passed the eye-test’ vote backed up by some good stats, Jeremy Howe controlled Collingwood’s half-back line for long period’s today. Picked up 28 disposals, and seemed to stop everything the Dogs tried.
Amos M. Flick
Guest
I feel all difficulties will not be able to do falter from overcoming them
bobburra
Guest
Collingwood will not make the eight. They are not good enough.
berrlins
Roar Pro
This wasn't a good game for the dogs, their skills didn't look hot and they didn't tackle at all like they usually do, what should have been a display of their high pressure defensive football ended up being a display of catch the Magpie all day. it took a completely depleted bench for them to pull it together and win. West Coast next week is a big ask though luckily its at Etihad and West Coast aren't as good as they were last year.
bobburra
Guest
The players of today are suppossed to be super fit atheletes, that last quarter clearly showed they are not. Apart from the fitness level Collingwood are just an average side anyway. They had what ? only 6 6 goals to half time, second week in a row they have out scored since quarter time, simply no good, egardless of any excuse anyone puts up.
I hate pies
Guest
Exactly; the problem for Collingwood is that their players can't run out 4 quarters. Back in my day if you couldn't run out a game you didn't get picked. Pies = not fit enough.
Tom M
Guest
You clearly know nothing about the modern game. Being left with no rotations for the last quarter had a huge impact. The Collingwood players were clearly exhausted and it was obvious to everybody who watched the game.
Pumping Dougie
Guest
Premiership favourite?? Steady-on Matty.
bobburra
Guest
Forget about the injuries, this game showed how lucky Collingwood were last week, they jumped Geelong, after quarter time Collingwood were outscored by Geelong, but hung to win, today in a tight game where Collingwood & the Western Bulldogs were pretty much neck & neck it was the "bullies" who showed they are the better team. Collingwood let seven of the last eight goals in the game go to the oppisition, that's not bad luck, that's bad football, pur & simple. I feel that had little to do with being hampered", more like Collingwood have a problem in defending. Every team gets injuries, the really good sides find a way to win including those who lose players during games.
mattyb
Guest
So the premiership favourite took on the improved Magpies and fortunately the best team went down today. Collingwood had the better of the doggies in the midfield,looked more dangerous up forward,used the ball a little better but still went down. Unless there is a rule that is blatantly favouring one side going into a game you shouldn't really make excuses but having no players left on the bench for the last quarter clearly hampered Collingwood today and cost them victory,so be it but I feel it needs to be acknowledged.. Both teams were excellent across half back and for the dogs this both kept them in the game and eventually helped with the victory. It was an enjoyable game for those who enjoy old style football with strong marking across half back and strong tackling by both sides. For the dogs good games by the entire backline,Macrae and Hunter on the ball and Campbell in the ruck with cameos from others here and there. If the dogs want to remain premiership favorites they will need to improve and well done to Collingwood,you were very unlucky and it's not something I think often regarding excuses. The Pies are playing well and are still in the hunt to make the eight after some early criticism. Votes. 5. Wood 4. Dahlhaus 3. Morris 2. Macrae 1. Adams