MATCH REPORT
Collingwood vs Essendon: Match Review - Johnson#26
In a must win game for both sides, Essendon shot Collingwood’s finals aspirations on Friday night with a 34 point victory of the Magpies. An eight goal to two first quarter saw the Dons fly top a lead they would never give up. The win keeps the Bombers in touch of a top eight finish, while Collingwood has nothing to play for but pride in the last two weeks. The Pies now focus on arch rival Port Adelaide, who will be nervous, as the Magpies have been regular causes of grief for Mark Williams.
The first term saw the Dons skip away to a six goal lead without the Pies giving a yelp. After Leon Davis scored a point on the run, it was a Bomber blitz. Full Forward Matthew Lloyd and Jobe Watson scored the first two goals before Scott Burns got one back for the Pies. After Fraser sprayed a set shot, Watson cashed in for his second. Buckley and Burns tried to lift their side but to no avail, as the Dons through Hille and Lucus were unstoppable. Lockyer added some credibility to the Magpies score when he dobbed one from 25 meters out. When the siren sounded, the Bombers led by 40 points. Only Fraser and Burns played anywhere near their best form, while Shane O’Bree was serviceable. David Hille was the major problem, as he scored 3 goals for the term.
The second term saw the Magpies fight back with three goals to two, but still trailed the Dons by 35 points at the long break. Goals to Fraser, King and Lonie helped the Pies back into gear but it wasn’t enough to hold the Dons in check. Just as the Pies looked like getting back into the contest, Essendon would answer, as Hille continued to dominate. James Hird was also in good form, although Shane Woewodin did his all to quell his influence. Early on in the quarter, young defender Nick Maxwell tore him hamstring, on a sorry night for the Pies. Holland and Fraser rose to the challenge, while Burns and O’Bree continued their good form.
The third quarter was all Collingwood, as it slammed on five goals to three, to see it trail at the finals change by only four goals. Brodie Holland again lifted his side, dragging them back into the contest. King, Davis, Tarrant and Burns all chipped in on the scoreboard, as the Pies held the momentum going into the last quarter. Some contentious umpiring decisions were debated at three quarter time, as they seemed to go Essendon’s way. Fraser was beginning to dominate the ruck, while Burns and Licuria held sway at the ball ups. Buckley was also beginning to assert himself as the game stepped up another notch.
Both coaches pleaded with their sides for one last effort, with both teams’ seasons on the line. Collingwood came out of the blocks flying, scoring three of the first four goals for the term, with Holland, Davis and Tarrant all beginning to sting the Essendon line-up. At the 21 minute mark, Essendon’s lead had been cut to just 15 points, but youngster Ricky Dyson, in only his first season, coolly slotted a goal from the boundary, to give the Dons an unassailable lead. They then scored the last three goals, to run out 34 point victors. Another debatable umpiring decision raised its head, when Hird appeared to put his arm around Holland’s neck, only for the free to be paid to Essendon. It was a dirty night for Collingwood, who only had a few players at their best. Fraser, Burns, Cole, O’Bree and Holland all tired hard, but it was too much in the end.
Player Review:
Leon Davis: 3/10 – Kept in check by Winderlinch but kept trying hard..
Shane Woewodin: 5.5/10 – Gave his all on Hird but couldn’t contain the champion.
Ryan Lonie: 5.5/10 – Was ok up forward, but needs to do more.
Alan Didak: 2/10 – Quiet return for Didak, but still needs to find his confidence. McVeigh kept his quiet all night.
Nathan Buckley: 6.5/10 – Put in as always but couldn’t influence the result.
Brodie Holland: 7/10 – Very good in the midfield, in his best game for the season. Very underrated footballer.
James Clement: 6/10 – Quiet night compared to his usual standards but did what was required when asked. Did well considering his broken jaw.
Shane O’Bree: 7/10 – Continues his resurgence. Using the ball better and is winning more of it.
Steven McKee: 1/10 – Very quiet night with only 4 hitouts and possessions. Has two more weeks to prove himself.
Richard Cole: 6.5/10 – Exciting dashes from defence as well as some courageous efforts made for a good night. Continues to improve.
Scott Burns: 7/10 – Very good all night. Played up forward for most of the night, scoring three goals. Will be a handy goalsneek for the next season or two but needs more help.
Paul Licuria: 6.5/10 – Gave his all as always and won plenty of the ball. Solid game, but too few helpers.
Chris Tarrant: 6/10 – 11 marks and 18 touches resulted in a good night for Tarrant, but couldn’t influence the game.
Rhyce Shaw: 5/10 – Tried very hard and was again eager to impress. Will keep his spot in the side for the remaining weeks and was unlucky with a few decisions.
Tarkyn Lockyer: 5.5/10 – Solid night for Tarkyn. Won 17 touches and scored a goal, completing a good night at work.
Josh Fraser: 7/10 – Very good all night. Although Hille hurt him early, he never lost confidence and fought on well.
Ben Johnson: 3/10 – Quiet night for Jonno, who was tried up forward early.
Mark McGough:
4.5/10 – Won the ball 14 times and did ok but nothing special.
Needs a big two weeks against Port and Carlton.
Matthew
Lokan: 1/10 – Surely will be dropped after again failing to impress.
David King: 5/10 – Shows a lot of promise up forward. Gives the side bite in attack and could become a major player in the future.
Tristan Walker: 3/10 – Won a bit of the ball and used it well but not his best night.
Nick Maxwell: 1.5/10 – Pulled his hamstring early, after struggling against Scott Lucus.