Pretty Black and White Wrap UP Brisbane V Collingwood AFL - The Gaba Thursday 18 April 2019

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