MATCH REPORT
Collingwood vs Melbourne: Match Review - By Johnson#26
After looking like winners almost all afternoon, Collingwood’s finals aspirations took a battering when they were over run by a rampant Melbourne. Collingwood led by 30 points midway through the 3rd quarter before a Nathan Brown inspired Melbourne came from behind in the last quarter to win by 9 points. Brown had been badly concussed on the half time siren before coming back on in the last quarter to inspire his side to a terrific win. Collingwood now face an uphill battle to make the finals and get a week off to ponder their season.
In the 1st quarter the Demons started like a house on fire, with early goals to David Neitz, Peter Vardy and Brad Miller before the Pies woke up. Some good work from McGough and Buckley set up Cameron Cloke and Brodie Holland for 2 quick goals before the quarter time siren. Matthew Lokan had the chance to get within a goal of the Dees but sprayed the kick. Buckley and Fraser were the Magpies best in a somewhat disappointing quarter.
Early in the 2nd quarter, Collingwood showed its intensions to continue its form from the past 3 weeks with an early goal to McGough who cashed in from some good work from makeshift forward Nick Maxwell. The Pies peppered the goals but to no avail. Big Cameron Cloke took a spectacular mark at the top of the goal square but only to undo his good work by slamming it into the post. As the weather grew worse, Collingwood’s confidence grew. Scott Burns lifted his side around the packs and brought others into the game. His ball winning ability resulted in goals to Buckley and Ryan Lonie. The game had changed very quickly and the Pies were now on top. Vardy was the Demons only goal scorer for the quarter with a brilliant kick from the pocket. Right on the half time siren Demon defender Nathan Brown was crunched in a tackle from Nathan Buckley. Brown took several minutes to regain his composure but returned in the final quarter to help lift them to a win.
Collingwood controlled much of the 3rd quarter but couldn’t take advantage of its good work. Goals to Lokan and Didak maintained the Pies lead but they couldn’t take advantage of their opportunities. Goal sneak Leon Davis had a chance to take the Pies to a match winning lead of 37 points but snapped around the corner when the standard drop punt was the answer. Late goals to Adam Yze and Cameron Bruce kept the Dees in the game and they were only 16 points down at the final change. Jason Cloke dominated the quarter, quelling Neitz’s influence and winning much of the ball himself.
The final term belonged to Melbourne. Adam Yze and Cameron Bruce stepped up and ignited Melbourne to a famous victory. Nathan Brown, injured in the 2nd quarter, came back on to play a key role in the victory, laying many important tackles in defence. It wasn’t as if Collingwood had their chances. After Lokan and Holland kicked steadiers for the Pies, they had many an opportunity to bury the Dees but couldn’t take the advantage. It was a manful performance without its 2 key forwards in Tarrant and Rocca but after surrending its match winning lead, there is much to ponder over the coming weeks.
Player Review:
Leon Davis: 4.5/10 – Better then in recent weeks but often does the undisciplined things such as kicking around corners and at times playing lazily.
Shane Woewodin: 6/10 – Not as good as in recent weeks but still effective against his former side.
Ryan Lonie: 5.5/10 – Continued his improved performances of late and looked good up forward.
Alan Didak: 3/10 – Apart from his only goal, quiet.
Nathan Buckley: 6/10 – Solid return from the skipper. Led well and looked good up forward.
Brodie Holland: 5.5/10 – Good return from suspension. Needs to kick longer.
James Clement: 8/10 – Continues his excellent form with a stopping job on Robertson and providing rebound from defence.
Richard Cole: 5/10 – Good effort. Looking more and more like an accomplished footballer each week.
Shane Wakelin: 2/10 – Was barely used – particularly when the side needed a forward option.
Scott Burns: 7/10 – Another terrific game from Burnsy. Showed the way in the packs and inspired his team mates.
Paul Licuria: 5/10 – Quieter then usual but still effective.
Guy Richards: 3.5/10 – Wasn’t used much but when he was did well against the more experienced White.
Rhyce Shaw: 1.5/10 – Barely used which is surprising considering his form against West Coast.
Josh Fraser: 7.5/10 – One of the best. Battled hard against White and took marks around the ground. Good effort.
Ben Johnson: 4/10 – Quietest game for the year. After all that running so far, he will enjoy the mid year brake.
Mark McGough: 5/10 – Good when he was on the ground. Surprisingly was kept off the ground when the game was in the balance.
Matthew Lokan: 4/10 – Kicked 2 goals but wasn’t really an influence.
Cameron Cloke: 6/10 – Best game so far. Marked well and looked good around the ground. An exciting prospect.
Jason Cloke: 8.5/10 – Outstanding game. Marked well, tackled hard and showed the courage he is renowned for. Now returning to season 2002 form.
Simon Prestigiacomo: 2.5/10 – Quiet return for Presti.
Nick Maxwell: 5/10 – Looked good as a forward. Led well and gave a contest. Continues to improve.