​The game got off to a flying start with both teams needing a fourth win under their belts. The Pies won the toss and put the first point on the board. Both teams struggled to get the ball inside their 50 as defence from both sides was relentless. Langdon was very valuable early on and Moore got the better of Daniher with a 50-metre penalty on top of it but could only find a point. A sneaky intercept by Varcoe and quick pass to Mihocek saw the Pies score their first goal and set up the game. Brown got in on the action but could only manage a behind. Moore made Stringer work hard and continually got the better of him and Greenwood showed just what a great inclusion he was with his run and carry and strong defensive efforts. Multiple quick hands under pressure gave De Goey the snap at goal and another 6 points for Collingwood. Hoskin-Elliott proved he was more than ready for battle taking an impressive horizontal mark and a kick to Stephenson who selflessly gave the ball to Adams for the goal. De Goey continued with his high work rate and added another point to the tally. Treloar was his usual athletic self and brought the ball up through the centre of the ground to De Goey who sent a quick chip to Hoskin-Elliott to give Collingwood yet another goal. The Pies led by 23 points into the first break.
The second term started with charity to the Bombers giving them their second goal. Stephenson added another point to the black and white tally and Cox had his eye on the ball and the target and goaled for the Pies. Howe was flying high and marking beautifully and Grundy was beating Daniher in the marking contest. De Goey’s kick placement was perfect as Thomas marked the ball in front of goals and scored for the Pies. The Bombers replied with a point. Beams showed his value in the midfield with second and third efforts and muscling out the opposition. Grundy hit his target in Cox which led to another goal. The Bombers responded with a goal. Fast hands and plenty of space allowed the Bombers one more goal before the main break. Collingwood led by 15 points at half time.
The Pies had a shaky start to the third quarter giving the Bombers another goal. Hoskin- Elliott showed that he was happy to be back giving the fans and commentators something to talk about with his impressive leaps for marks and Howe delivering the same up the other end of the field. Clever play and fancy footwork by De Goey saw him mark in front of goal but only add a point. Sidebottom worked hard and managed a kick from the sideline giving Collingwood a much-needed goal. The Bombers attempted to respond but were contained by the strong and relentless Magpie defence. The Pies were caught off guard by the Bombers’ fast footwork giving them another goal. Stephenson added another point and a goal to Collingwood’s total and the Bombers were given a free and a goal after a questionable chopping call. The Magpies led by 9 points at the final break.
The final term of the game saw both teams working hard with the Bombers unable to break through the outstanding black and white defence. The Bombers added a point and Collingwood responded with two points. It was then goal for goal, De Goey for the Pies and a behind by Treloar. After a battle of titanic proportions Collingwood’s defensive efforts got them the win by just 4 points.
 
Final Score  Pies  10  13 73           Bombers 10 9  69   Pies by 4 points
My Take
Collingwood’s defence was outstanding this week and the first quarter was our best. And whilst there were plenty of unforced errors every player gave their all. There was some clever play and very fancy footwork demonstrating great skill and natural athleticism, but all this is wasted if the team are unable to settle and play their best game. We struggled with accuracy in goals again this week and we could use a little more practise with kick placement. It was good to see Brown settling in a little more this week and Moore cleverly adjusting his game in order to even up the competition. Hoskin-Elliott did a fantastic job given that he came back a little early and I’m hoping that he will be an inclusion from now on. I personally think we missed Mayne this week and I’m looking forward to his return although no one is sure when that is.
One thing that I will mention that I have noticed every week is that Varcoe seems to be free a lot and asking for the ball. I’m not sure if the player with the ball is looking beyond him or before him but they need to look for him as a means of getting the ball within kicking distance of the goals. Conversely Varcoe could be a little early for the player with the ball but if we are going to play a fast style of game then we need to look for him.
The umpiring at times this week was woeful and even the players thought there was an opportunity or two for the whistle. And it’s not as simple as no whistle then play on because we have been heavily penalised for this previously. Unfortunately, these monkeys are part of our circus, so we need to get on with the game, expect the best and accept the worst.
Our Captain, Pendlebury, was well deserving of the Anzac medal and all the accolades that go with it. He had a great game and was consistently good across all four quarters. As for the booing, I need to touch on this, you can make whatever excuses you want for it, but it really was poor behaviour and unwarranted. There is a time and place and Anzac Day was not the place and at the Anzac medallist was not the time. Pendlebury was clearly confused by the booing and showed great composure. Bucks was terrific and stood by his Captain. What a team, what a game, what a win. Bring on Ports at Marvel Stadium.
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The Pies got off to a flying start with Treloar putting in second efforts from the first whistle. This helped De Goey score an easy goal. The Lions casual chipping backwards around the Pies goal area saw clever play from Elliott as he flicked the ball to Mihocek, who soccered off the ground for another Magpie goal. Brisbane responded with a goal which was followed by a single point by Pendlebury. Sidebottom put in plenty of effort only to be caught with the ball. A turn over gave Phillips the opportunity to goal but he could only manage a point as his main target, Cox was covered by 2 defenders in the goal square. An intercept by Thomas and some great team work got the ball to Stephenson and the Pies were rewarded with a goal. The Lions replied with another goal and kept the Magpie defence very busy with Crisp giving his all. The Lions had a tidy game coming up to their 50 and managed another goal. Varcoe responded with a point. Some quick hands from Aish to Cox and then to Thomas saw Thomas taken high and given a free that produced another black and white goal. Handy work from the team work horse, Treloar, saw Cox kick his first goal and gave Stephenson another goal. The Pies led at the break by 27 points.
The second term saw the Lions come out hard and score an early goal. Cox was covered by defenders and Mihocek copped yet another hit to the head. (I wonder how many of these will be reported.) Langdon was instrumental in some great spoils while Varcoe, Stephenson and Phillips all added points to the tally. McInerney (Brisbane) touched Sidebottom’s very accurate kick to make it a point. Stephenson kicked a beautiful long ball to De Goey and De Goey scored the only black and white goal for the quarter. Phillips earned his pay giving great chase, beating his opponent and used fancy footwork to turn the ball over. Aish left the field after a hit to the back of the head and was reported to be suffering with concussion and didn’t return. Collingwood led at the main break.
The Pies settled into the third quarter quickly with Brown goaling in the first minute. Grundy was highly effective in the ruck and produced a big kick to Mihocek that earned the Pies yet another goal. Pendlebury produced some of his old magic and got the ball to Stephenson on the 50-metre line but he didn’t have the distance so Mihocek added a point to the tally. Elliott used his speed to get the ball to Cox in front of goals and Cox made good giving the Pies another goal. After several attempts the Lions goaled and a penalty gave them another goal and a more respectable score for their efforts. Fantastic team work saw Mihocek score his third goal. Maynard added a point with a snap at goal and Elliott earned a free in front of the posts after a great contest and clocked up yet another goal for Collingwood. A kick from the Captain to Brown saw him produce a clever goal. Pendlebury didn’t rest until the siren went and continued to work the ball forward to Elliott who added another point. The Pies score was more than double the Lions at the final break.
The final term saw Cameron (Brisbane) get a lucky (ridiculous) below the knees call as Moore slipped on the dewy grass. Quick hands and team work sent the ball into the Pies 50 but poor decision making gave the Lions an intercept and a point for their efforts. Stephenson added another point and on a turn over got the ball back to De Goey who goaled for the Pies. Thomas kicked a goal that was contested and eventually awarded. Magpie swooping season came early for the Lions as the Pies ran away with the game.
Final Score  Pies  18  15 123         Lions 8 13 61    Pies by 62 points
My Take
Collingwood changed their style of play this week to a nice quick running game which was very effective against Brisbane. They were a very cohesive unit and the mid field combination showed a lot of confidence and was very productive. The defence from all players was outstanding especially the backs and our ruckman gave extra all game. Players also lowered their eyes for kicks inside 50 this week giving a better result, and some showed a bit of flair taking intercepts that created turn overs and scoring opportunities. All in all, it was a much better game for the Pies and good to watch. In all this good there are still a few issues to iron out and I’m sure that whilst Bucks was happy with the result, he would want to tidy a few things up. On the odd occasion there was a lack of communication with players working against each other by going for the same ball. This is not peculiar to Collingwood, other teams also struggled with this. If it is as simple as calling “Mine” then let’s implement it. We also need to capitalise on Cox being double defended. He needs to drag the opposition away and allow the other smaller players to come through for the ball. It won’t work every time but, on the occasions that it does it could help us bag a goal.
I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again, our accuracy is not what it should be. Sure, we bagged 18 goals which is fantastic but it’s the 15 behinds and the shots that went out of bounds that bother me. I’m sure it will improve, but in the meantime let’s keep practising. Also, some of our younger and less experienced players are struggling with decision making. I’m sure no one will call them a ball hog if they take the shot and get it. These players are passing the ball off when they are in a great position to have a shot at goal and conversely, they are going for goal when they should be passing it off. I don’t think it’s a lack of leads I think It’s a lack of vision and the ability to make a split-second decision. I know this will come with coaching and time, but it is important, and I think it will help our bottom line.
Also, I feel it pertinent to mention that some of our defenders need to lift their eyes as we had a couple of kicks go straight to the opposition in front of their goals. Nothing to be dropped over just a simple adjustment of where to look. And AGAIN, with the chipping backwards! I did say previously that it would result in an intercept and a goal to the opposition and sure enough Brisbane were astute enough to capitalise on this ‘play’ and score. We did the same to them, but it just proves that it is not the best game plan.
To sum up the Pies are starting to hit their straps and come together nicely and there are shades of 2018 but much earlier this year. Now that we have done all the experimenting with styles of play and who goes where, it’s times to get on and win the rest of the season. Bring on the Anzac Day match. Go Pies!
#Collingwood #Sidebyside #Collingwoodforever #BlackandWhiteFlag2019

Both teams came out hard with the bulldogs very aggressively handing out dangerous tackles, none of which were paid. Mayne damaged himself when he landed awkwardly and unfortunately spent the rest of his 200th game in the rooms and from what we are told probably on the green whistle. The Pies struggled with their kick placement and De Goey waited around for calls that were slow to eventuate. A long kick from Mihocek to De Goey finally saw a free go his way and with that he scored the first goal of the game and for the Pies. Collingwood used some nice give and go up the field to work the ball forward into their 50. Roughead worked diligently in defence but it was not enough to stop Bontempelli having a shot for goal and hitting the post. Once again, the Pies did their backwards dance either due to no leads or leads that were too early. Mihocek worked hard to get the ball through the centre of the ground and Grundy added a behind to the tally. De Goey had a snap shot and gave the Pies yet another point. The bulldogs had another 2 shots at goal with the most accurate being tapped by Cox and leaving the hungry doggies goalless for the first quarter. The quarter was slow all around with not just the players at a jog but the umpires as well.
The Pies came flying out of the blocks in the second term with Varcoe scoring a goal, the Pies second for the game. The Bulldogs responded with a goal after a free for a dangerous tackle. Phillips was rewarded with a free plus 50 metres, which was closer to 60 but I think that the extra 10 was for the unprovoked smack in the head to Adams, the result was a goal. Both Varcoe and De Goey added a point to the Collingwood total. The Pies were caught off guard and the Doggies scored their second goal and Adams scored another behind in response. Thomas took a shot at goal and gave Collingwood another 6 points. The Mullet responded with a goal for the Doggies and Elliott attempted a shot at goal after a very hard smack in the head (hopefully a report) but only managed a point. The Pies led at the main break by 11 points.
The third term saw the Pies start quickly with a shot at goal but no score. The Doggies replied with a goal, their 3rd for the game. Stephenson and Phillips both added a point to the black and white tally and some great team work with a beautiful kick by Aish to De Goey failed to increase the score. By late in the third term the Bulldogs started to dictate play and Collingwood were chasing. The Doggies added another goal to their tally and levelled the score. Varcoe and Elliott worked very hard in defence, but the Doggies made something out of nothing and led by a goal. Crisp added a much-needed point to the Pies tally. Cox interrupted the play and passed the ball to Elliott giving the Pies a goal and the lead by 1 point. A mismatch and slow reaction time saw the Doggies score another goal. Great team work between Varcoe and Stephenson gave the Pies another goal and put the Doggies on notice. The Bulldogs led by 5 points at the ¾ time break.
The start of the final quarter saw the Bulldogs dictate the style of play. Team work and a lack of whistle gave Phillips his second goal and with this, Collingwood remembered who they were and started playing their own style of game. Elliott pulled out all stops but only managed a point and De Goey rushed a shot to no avail. The Mullet attempted another goal but only produced a point leaving the Doggies to wonder if they could get the game back. Mihocek added yet another point and the Bulldogs used the middle channel and scored a goal to keep themselves in the game. Cox responded with a goal after a big mark. The Pies kept coming with multiple unsuccessful shots at the target. Cox pulled out a smother and Josh Thomas was on the receiving end of the feed and goaled around the 5-minute mark. Not to be out done, Stephenson goaled 30 seconds later with some help from Cox and Thomas. The Doggies managed to sneak one more goal in through the messy Collingwood defence. Elliott snapped and put the Doggies to bed with a final goal giving the Pies the win and some comfort prior to round 5.
Final Score:  Pies 11 12 78            Bulldogs 9 10 64   Pies by 14 points
My Take
I know I sound like a broken record but I’m going to say it again; why are Collingwood allowing the opposition to dictate their style of play. We have seen what they can do, and they can do it for the whole game (think back to round 1 and 2) so it’s not a matter of fitness. The game starts out badly and ends up worse. The umpires were definitely adding to the mess with their complete lack of whistle, especially in the first quarter. This was the same last week. Just wondering if the umpires are inexperienced or so confused by all the changes that they no longer know what to call. I guess they also need to ascertain if players are trying it on, especially with the below the knees calls. (insert angry face here)
Accuracy is yet another issue that really needs some work, both set shots and snaps. And the little glimmers we get of team work or what looks like a drill they do at training; these things work so do more of those things. Another issue is decision making or is that a thinly veiled lack of confidence? Our goal kickers don’t know when to kick and when to pass off. This has been apparent in every game this season. If it comes down to confidence, then practise and correct technique are the answers and if it’s not that then it’s time for the team psych to step in for a chat. Either way this team is not in the same head space as it was last year and at times appears to lack cohesion. I know it’s early in the season, but it really is time to knuckle down and iron out the small stuff that becomes big stuff in a game. On paper, Collingwood are the team to beat and perhaps it’s just a matter of time before we find our feet, but we really need to hurry things along. The last 10 minutes of last night’s game was the Pies team we all know and love so let’s bring it for next week and every week thereafter, we have a Grand final to win. Go Pies!
#Collingwood #Sidebyside #Collingwoodforever #BlackandWhiteFlag2019
​

Both teams started hard with the bulk of the quarter being scrappy play. Howe seemed to be a good match for Darling and took an outstanding mark which slowed the Eagles play. De Goey put the first goal on the board for Collingwood. Beams was fast and creative out of the centre and the Pies produced a nice running game. Stephenson gave a tidy pass to Cox in front of goals, but the angle was too tight for Cox to add to the board. Phillips was effective in defence and Greenwood showed his aggression with a strong tackle. At this stage Collingwood controlled the game. Mihocek worked hard for the ball and Pendlebury was in the thick of play. A dangerous tackle led to the first goal for the Eagles. De Goey goaled again after a tidy feed from Beams.  Mayne was on fire and Moore showed his athleticism with a run and bounce. Adams used some fancy footwork and gave De Goey a shot at goal. Cox earned a shot at goal after a free went his way and made good on it. Cox also proved to be a good deterrent as the Eagles took a shot for goal. By the first break the Pies led by 10 points.
The Eagles showed determination early and scored the first goal of the second quarter. The Pies attempted a reply with a point by Mayne and then Mihocek responded with a goal. West Coast slowed the game to their pace and started to dictate play. They were rewarded with a goal. This put the Eagles in the lead for the first time in the game and the Collingwood defence had a group huddle to reassess tactics. Taylor Adams delivered the much-awaited goods by delivering a great pass to Treloar giving Collingwood another goal. The Eagles were quick to goal again. At this point in the game the umpiring debacle happened, and Phillips was the patsy. The Eagles capitalised and scored a goal. Cox added another point and Treloar goaled very late in the quarter leaving the Pies with a 9-point deficit at half time.
Parts of the Collingwood defence appeared to be overwhelmed with the Eagles pressing on. Sidebottom produce some great defensive work and got on with his job. Great team work and vision from Phillips saw a nice chip to Sidebottom in front of goals giving him his first goal for the game. De Goey added another point late in the third term as the Eagles continued to dictate.
The final term saw the Pies momentarily take control as the quarter began and Josh Thomas put his 6 points in for the team. Clever play by Ryan gave West Coast another goal. Mihocek gave his all and Taylor Adams was an absolute stand out in the centre. Beams produced a late goal that gave Collingwood a more respectable score on the final siren.
Final Score  Pies  11 10 76             Eagles 15 8 98  Eagles by 22 points
My Take
Collingwood had some good passages of play but, allowed West Coast to dictate the style of play and get inside their heads. Footy is a game of psychological warfare and this week we did not win. When Collingwood played their style of play and stuck to their game plan it worked. Chipping the ball around the defence end brought them unstuck and some poor decision making was very costly indeed. Collingwood underestimated the intelligence of West Coast and their ability to not only read the play but redesign the play. The Pies went from playing a very proactive, productive style of play to reactively chasing the ball. These are all things that can be fixed through training and confidence building. Taylor Adams was outstanding upon his return and is a no brainer for next week.
About the umpires, sigh! It seemed that the umpires barely used their whistles at all in the first quarter making it scrappy and letting a lot of calls go. There were definitely a few free kicks in there for both sides. The mess with Phillips was all on that umpire. Up to that point each time there was a penalty the umpires would name the side that had been awarded penalty not just point and by all appearances, in this instance, the penalty went to Phillips. Upon re-examination of the footage so too thought most of West Coast. A 50-metre penalty just added insult to injury and confused absolutely everyone on and off the field. I’m hoping that it didn’t affect Tom Phillips' confidence and that the AFL makes an effort to explain both calls.
The constant changing of the rules is confusing the players and frustrating the fans. The AFL needs to make a genuine effort to explain the rule changes to players and the fans (after all, the ticket sales pay wages for players and umpires). Too many changes are making it a different game and there is a lot to be said for the simplicity of the old rules. Sure, I’m all for eliminating dangerous tackles and anything that genuinely endangers a player but let’s not turn it into American football because that’s a different game and not the game we love. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Looking forward to next week’s game. Go Pies!
#Collingwood #Sidebyside #Collingwoodforever #BlackandWhiteFlag2019