Collingwood has stunned the more fancied Melbourne outfit, defeating them by 42 points in a brilliant Queen’s Birthday performance at the ‘G.
The first quarter was a frenetic term. While both teams started strongly, it was the Pies that managed to storm ahead to a early lead off the back of some ferocious play and consistent forward forays.
Mason Cox slammed home the first goal, but Melbourne hit back immediately with a easy goal of their own.
From there, it was all Collingwood – slamming home an additional four goals for the quarter, compared to one more for the Dees.
The pressure was off the charts from both sides, though – a thoroughly enjoyable match to watch early. Leading by 23 at the first break, Collingwood were looking sharp albeit a little inaccurate.
The second quarter was a closer one – at times. Melbourne rallied, booting a couple of early goals to momentarily worry the Pies, but were unable to close the gap.
Collingwood’s accuracy deteriorated a little, yet they still managed to kick four as opposed to a better lot of five majors for the Dees.
The margin was 19 points at the half, yet the game was arguably still up for grabs.
The third term? More of the same. Collingwood controlling most of the ground, but a contentious umpiring decision about halfway through the term seemed to switch the momentum into Melbourne’s favour – if only momentarily.
During that spell, the Demons slammed home two majors, but the Pies, as they had the whole day, had the answers: four straight goals to finish off the term.
The final quarter? Melbourne adding three late goals, Collingwood thinking about percentage and slamming on five more.
It’s difficult to choose who the Pies’ best was. American import Mason Cox played arguably his best game in career, booting 5.1 and clunking marks like it was nobody’s business.
Young Jaidyn Stephenson was also great, if a little shaky at times, in a four-goal performance – matching Will Hoskin Elliott, who counted his great streak of scoring a goal every game this year.
In a powerful midfield, the likes of Steele Sidebottom (32 touches), Adam Treloar (32) and Jordan de Goey (30 touches, 13 contested processions) were on fire.
Really, though, all of Nathan Buckley’s troops were playing well in a consummate team performance.
Melbourne, despite their loss, were served well by the midfield trio of Jordan Lewis, Clayton Oliver and Nathan Jones, while Tom McDonald sent through six goals – the biggest haul of his career. Youngster Charlie Spargo was also lively at times.
Both these sides have the bye next weekend.
Final score
Melbourne 14.7 (91)
Collingwood 20.13 (133)
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I'd take McGovern Bretto, I wouldn't want lynch at an extravagant price either. Moore may be out I'd say but his injury issues have concerned anyway. Maybe we get the other Tom Lynch from Crows?
Bretto
Guest
PtS - Not convinced on Lynch, and even less convinced on splashing out a huge sum on a single player. It seems to breed discontent (understandably), puts huge pressure on the player, and can lead to serious salary cap issues down the track. Does Moore really want to go? Not much point in keeping a player determined to leave. The fact Lynch seems to have checked out mentally, which is showing in his current form, doesn't bode well. When the going gets tough . . . Would going for McGovern be a better option?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Plus Ian, Wells got caught heading to goal instead of handing it off and then Langdon got a great smother when launching for goal-went up the other end for a Demons goal. Cox goal kicking is so straight for a guy new to the game
Fat Toad
Roar Rookie
During the first half of the game it looked to me like a number of the Pies may have had on the wrong boots as they seemed to be slipping on the surface. I thought that three of the Demons goals came from Magpie slips. I did notice at least one player seemed to have changed boots ate half time. Did anyone else see this? Also, while the pies did dominate the first quarter I recall three posters, none of the scribes have mentioned that it could have been much worse for Melbourne.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yeah Bretto we loved playing at Homebush. I'm always nervous every game but I think we should beat Carlton and The Suns. Bombers I;m worried about as at their best they are pretty good. I reckon we can do Nth and the Eagles too. I'm up and down about Lynch. His form this year barring one game hasn't been great and not sure we need anything destabilising the current group who seem so tight and unselfish. Moore might be the key. How would you feel about using Moore to the Swans as a way to get Lynch?
Bretto
Guest
Agreed PtS. The previously common path was win a final, lose an prelim, and then go all the way the following year or two. Richmond and Footscray both bucked the trend so it's shows anything is possible. WC at the G - we should be a chance, North - depends which North turns up, but still a good chance, Richmond have the wood on us. We usually go OK against the Swans - pity it's not still played at Homebush! Hopefully we don't get ahead of ourselves now the hype has well and truly started. Can't drop games to the teams we should be beating to be considered finals worthy. And I'm a bit nervous we are going to sell the farm for Lynch...
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Bretto, I'm hoping there isn't a let down after the big Melbourne win and then the bye. 11-4 would be a huge launching pad. Round 17-20 we play Eagles, Nth, Rich and Swans so that might say how far we can go in the finals. I don't expect to win the flag this year but finals and one final win would be a good launching pad for 2019 and possibly Tom Lynch on board.
Dan in Devon
Guest
For a few years June has been an Achilles heel for Collingwood but, alas, they now have a game plan built around a powerful group of running players who make exceptional use of the handball. When Collingwood rum and handball through the centre they become very difficult to defend against. And their entry into the forward 50 has become more effective as Cox appears alive to the nuances of bringing the ball to ground. I wonder, given their form of the past few weeks, whether there is a place for Darcy Moore in this team? Maybe like Cox he needs time to grow into his role?
Bretto
Guest
I stand corrected on a number of matters. The team finally looks to have a game plan, and more importantly, are playing close to the best of their abilities - which is the primary function of the coach, so kudos to Bucks. I'll reserve final judgement for a bit longer yet, but things are looking good. Let's nail the next three against GC, Carlton, Essendon, and see how we go against WC. Premierships aren't won in June. My missus is certainly enjoying the change, although the swear jar is lacking the usual level of contributions.
Swannies
Guest
Great to see Collingwood enjoying success and moving up the ladder. We just need to get the Hawks in the top 8 now.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Bretto knows the club welcomes back those who criticise us Truetiger. Bretto was frustrated last year and demanded success, went hard on Eddie, Bucks and the club and is now back enjoying the ride so good on him.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
What? No admonishment or even an 'I told you so' for Bretto? Hell must have frozen over.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Adams is underrated by all except Pies fans. Totally agree he will be the next captain. Pendlebury is also now sacrificing his own game each week with stoppage roles. Treloar and Sidey elite runners. Phillips had his first quiet game for some time. ATM Moore, Reid, Fasolo and J Smith will need to force their way in from the VFL. Aish will be handy later in the year but Mayne has grabbed his spot for now. Maynes 1% ers are fantastic. Credit to him for becoming essentially a defensive running wing.
Bretto
Guest
Great performance by the Pies. Cox looks like he finally belongs, and looks like he now knows it. He'll be a massive headache for opposition teams if he can maintain this level of performance. Adams should be next captain.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Great call AD in spite of Cats annoying negative barbs against the Pies the whole game. Must've had a beer too many by the sound of it. I thought the terrible call against Adams was going to swing the game, it was certainly the Demons chance but the Pies clearance and stoppage work was just too strong all day. As you mention there was some sloppy play amidst it all by the Pies but if that gets cleaned up we could really belt some sides. The next step is to see how we go against the dour clogging structures of say a Geelong or Sydney but at 8-4 and Carlton, Suns and Essendon to come, the finals are now ours for the taking.