MATCH REPORT
Collingwood vs North Melbourne: Match Review - By Johnson#26
Collingwood has reserected its season with a polished 27 point victory over the Kangaroos. North battled hard early on and took the lead by 2 goals midway thrrough the second quaretr. But a Guy Richards goal on the run turned the tide and Collingwood stole the momentum to run away with the match.
In the 1st quarter, Collingwood showed its intent early, with Rocca flying in off the edge of the square to take out Adam Simpson. The Pies roared to an early lead, thanks to goals to Tarrant and Didak to lead by 14 points. But the Roos stormed back, with goals to Simpson, McKernan and Petrie put the Roos back in contention. A goal to Josh Fraser gave the Maggies some breathing space until David King goaled to put the Roos up by 7 points at the brake.
The 1st half of the 2nd quarter was dominated by North as they peppered the goals but not being able to find the big sticks, with Colbert scoring their only major. But a goal to one of the finds of the season, Guy Richards, turned the tide Collingwoods way, with a goal to Rocca taking the Pies to a 3 point lead at half time.
In the 3rd quaretr, the Roos were blown out of the match by the Maggies, with 4 goals 4 to 3 behinds for the quarter. Tarrant, Davis and Fraser were the goal scorers as the Pies shot out to a 28 point lead at the last change. Johnson was at his hard running best as he charged through the middle many a time and broke packs wide open with his courage. Richards was also impressive, as was Didak and Lokan - who had the task of tagging Brent Harvey.
In the last quarter, Collingwood continued on their merry way to win by 27 points. Tarrant and Burns rubbed salt into the Kangaroos wounds, while big Cameron Cloke kicked his 1st goal in leauge football from a 50 metre penallty. Lockyer was also impressive in his return to the Black and White after 409 days out of the jumper. The win sets up Collingwood for a tilt at the finals, with players returning, there is still a Septmber hope. Go Pies!
Player Review:
Leon Davis: 3/10 - Did a good job at time, but needs to find consistancy.
Shane Woewodin: 7/10 - Ran hard all night and was a constant ball magnet. Running into some excillent form.
Ryan Lonie: 5/10 - One of his best matches for a while. Showed courage and is running into the Lonie of old.
Alan Didak: 8.5/10 - Best match yet. Showed us all that he can play in the midfield and is now a perminent member. He will be an All Australian midfielder if he keeps up this form.
James Clement: 6/10 - Steady as ever. Not flashy, but did the job again.
Richard Cole: 6/10 - Very good performance. Beat Motlop all ends up and ran off him. Showing some great signs.
Shane Wakelin: 5.5/10 - Did his job effectivly all night and kept Sav Rocca to only 1 goal.
Scott Burns: 7/10 - A welcome return to senior footy. Hard at the ball all night and creative.
Paul Licuria: 7.5/10 - Great game. Ran hard and won the ball constantly. Absolute champion. Possibly on report for a trip dampened his night.
Chris Tarrant: 7/10 - Classy performance with 3 Ros hanging off him. Still managed 3 goals and certianly hurt the Roos.
Guy Richards: 8.5/10 - Best match yet! Shows skill, poise, marking power and a sence of where to go. McKernan couldn't find an answer in the ruck.
Rhyce Shaw: 3.5/10 - Was ok, not spectacular but should hold his spot for next week.
Anthony Rocca: 6/10 - Not his best night but fought well. Gave a good contest.
Tarkyn Locker: 5/10 - Solid return. Not spectacular but used the ball well. Will be better for the run and can't wait to have him in full flight.
Josh Fraser: 6/10 - Good match, not great. Good return from injury.
Ben Johnson: 9/10 - Star. Absoulte star. Ran and ran all night and never stopped diving on top of the ball. The McCartney Medal capped off a great night.
Mark McGough: 5.5/10 - Got a lot of the ball but didn't always use it well. Good match.
Matthew Lokan: 6.5/10 - Quiet match - for a reason. He tagged Brent Harvey out of the match and wouldn't let him go.
C.Cloke: 5/10 - Best match yet. Showed courage, a great leap and an enthousiasum for a contest. Very pleased with his 1stgoal in leauge football.
J.Cloke: 2.5/10 - Quiet night in defence.
Dane Swan: 4.5/10 - Solid but not spectacular.
Nick Maxwell: 4/10 - Good when he came on. Will stay in the side.
With Bucks, Presti, Holland and O'Bree to return, the Pies are on the march. Go Pies!!!