Mick calls shots on star.

Dale61 · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2002 4:33 am

Herald Sun - by Howard Leigh

Will: 25.18.168
Ess: 12.11.83

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse played safe with star on-baller Shane O'Bree in yesterday's VFL match at Point Gellibrand.

As a precaution, Malthouse told Williamstown coach Brad Gotch to take O'Bree from the field 20 minutes into the final quarter of the match against Essendon.

O'Bree, who had been sidelined since the Magpies' final preseason practice game, made a brilliant comeback from a back-related hamstring injury.

After spending the first quarter on the interchange bench, the 23-year old had an immediate impact. He finished with 17 kicks, nine handballs and 2.1 in Williamstown's 85-point thrashing of Essendon.

Gotch described O'Bree's return as outstanding. "If he pulls up well, he will certainly be in the mix for AFL selection. His touch was really great," Gotch said.

The Seagulls' coach said Malthouse, who sat outside the coach's box in the grandstand, turned around during the last quarter and said "that's enough".

Williamstown assistant coach Adrian Fletcher, Ben Johnson and Damien Adkins tore the heart out of the Bombers.

Fletcher, 32, gathered 15 kicks and 22 handballs, to set up many of his team's attacking moves.

He has been praised for his coaching role of Collingwood's 17-year-old Mark McGough, who was best on ground in the Anzac Day match against Essendon.

Essendon coach Terry Daniher said that despite a bright start to the game, players such as Johnson and Fletcher had left them behind.

"Racetracks are for racing, roads are for getting there."

Black_White · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2002 5:21 am

Wonder if that means 2 1/2 qtrs is enough for a return to the seniors this week?
As its only the Aints, I'd like to see him take it easy for another week. Remember what happened to Malloy when he came back early!

-Craig

Dale61 · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2002 5:57 am

Maybe, maybe not, but who do you drop to bring in O'Bree?

"Racetracks are for racing, roads are for getting there."

Greg J · Posted: Wed May 01, 2002 10:39 am

Geez, Didak did not get much of an opportunity to shine on ANZAC day, so he would be pretty stiff to miss out. But Scotland has done enough to stay in the seniors, so it has to be Didak (barring anyone else pulling up sore).

Rule 1. Barrack for Collingwood
Rule 2. See rule 1.
Rule 3. There is no rule 3.

CARN DE PIES!
Greg J