| AFL 2018 Round One Collingwood v Hawthorn Time & Place: Saturday, March 24, 7:25pm EDT MCG TV: 7mate / Fox Footy 7:00pm EDT Weather: Min 17 Max 26 Betting: Collingwood $1.93 Hawthorn $1.87 |
FOOTSCRAY 6.2.38 7.4.46 9.7.61 12.8.80
GOALS - Collingwood: Cox 4, Varcoe 3, Reid 2, Sidebottom, Adams, Treloar, Grundy, C.Brown, Thomas, Phillips
BEST - Collingwood: Sidebottom, Cox, Treloar, Murray, Adams, Brown
INJURIES - Collingwood: Goldsack (left ankle)
REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil
OFFICIAL CROWD - 3,442 at Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe
| THE MEDIA |
COLLINGWOOD'S experiment to play Mason Cox in the same side as Brodie Grundy received a boost as the American booted four goals in an impressive display as the Magpies pulled off a stirring comeback in warm conditions to post a 33-point win in Moe. As temperatures nudged above 32 degrees at Ted Summerton Recreational Reserve, Cox took four contested marks, including a great grab late in the third quarter, to help propel the Magpies to a 16.17 (113) to 12.8 (80) victory. However, Travis Varcoe could find himself in trouble with match review officer Michael Christian for an elbow to Hayden Crozier. The Western Bulldogs started impressively, kicking six goals to one in the first quarter before the Magpies responded with 21 inside-50s in the second term as they closed the margin to three points at the main break. Inaccuracy in front of goal prevented Collingwood from leading at that point – the Pies were 1.10 at one stage – but the misses had more to do with where the shots were taken from than wayward foot skills. The Pies ran out the game far stronger and finished with 10 goalkickers after managing just 36 points against Greater Western Sydney last week. Collingwood's experiment to throw Darcy Moore into the backline was an early success. In his first game at AFL level this year after having been hampered by an Achilles tendon problem during the pre-season, the 22-year-old had no issue backing himself and flying for the football. Also in defence, Jeremy Howe made his return from a calf injury in a solid display. While he finished with only 14 disposals, his influence was felt, particularly by Marcus Bontempelli, who played the stepladder to Howe's high-flying grabs not once, but twice. Tough midfielder Tom Liberatore showed form reminiscent of his 2016 season, collecting 28 disposals and 16 contested possessions. Toby McLean and Jason Johannisen were two to thrive through the middle of the ground and Bontempelli made the most of the time he spent up forward, notching three goals. The game was effectively over when Steele Sidebottom snapped a brilliant goal on his left boot in the last quarter, capping off a superb 28-disposal display. What we learned Darcy Moore will thrive in the backline. At times it seemed there was too much pressure on him up forward, but in defence Moore took the opportunity to go for his marks. He will be well suited to playing across the last line and impacting as many contests as he can reach. It probably won't be a permanent move, but Moore should gain plenty of confidence from his first outing in his new position. New faces Expect to see Sam Murray in the round-one line-up. He offered plenty of zip from defence and his left foot can scythe through the opposition. The former Swan finished with 24 disposals and seven rebound-50s and would have impressed his coaches with a great tackle on Aaron Naughton in the third quarter. Jaidyn Stephenson was reasonable at half-forward, with his long kick into the forward line in the opening term hitting Sidebottom perfectly on the lead. In defence, Brodie Mihocek showed courage right before the final break going back with the flight. Next up Collingwood has a Saturday night clash with Hawthorn at the MCG on March 24 in what shapes a huge game. |
No comments :
Post a Comment