Pretty Black and White Wrap Up Collingwood v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, Saturday 9 March, 2019

Collingwood
It was a welcome change to see the Pies start as they meant to finish. They were strong and aggressive from the get-go and whilst the ex-Pie, Mo Hope, scored within the first minute, Collingwood responded with some great team work and answered with a  goal. Grant got out another quick goal keeping Collingwood in touch. Rowe, D’Arcy and Guttridge were a tight knit, productive unit and Layton showed that she is becoming effective in the ruck and fitting into the game nicely. Lambert, Bonnici and Livingstone were their usual hardworking selves in defence and the Pies had a good running game and their best start to the season so far.
The second term saw a series of shorter, well placed kicks and marks with the Pies finding space  and Sara Rowe producing the first goal of the quarter. Ash Brazill was sensational in defence and Mo Hope was contained by Ruby Schleicher but by the end of the quarter the Roo’s began to swarm and scored another 2 goals.
After the break the Roo’s scored in the first minute. The Pies had beautiful play, chipping the ball all the way into their 50 but the Captain passed off the ball instead of taking the shot. Ilish Ross was tackled without the ball and the Roo’s were given a free in front of goals and fortunately did not convert. Lynch had very clever and patient play as she waited for her team mates to arrive in their 50. Jaimee Lambert scored a free in front of goals and could not quite make the distance but still added to the tally. Ilish Ross was tackled hard again and limped from field in a lot pain. Casey was very determined in defence and she too was tackled without the ball.
The final term saw the Pies come back with improved tackling and Lynch fantastic in defence with 2nd efforts. For the bulk of the quarter North’s kept the ball in their 50 but were unproductive. Jaimee Lambert’s clever use of the ball in strong defensive conditions eventually produced a goal through Guttridge. Steph Chiocci also scored which gave Collingwood a great last quarter adding 12 points for the Pies and keeping the Roo’s to just 3 points.
North Melbourne
The Roo’s started their game hard and fast and scored very quickly. They probably under estimated the tenacity and determination of Collingwood, in spite of their youth and inexperience. The Roo’s 2nd and 3rd terms were what ultimately won them the game.  Poor accuracy kept the Pies hopes alive and a 3 point final quarter could be their undoing against stronger teams.
Injuries and Umpires
Ilish Ross injured her left ankle in tackle and will have scans during the week.
It has always been my understanding that you cannot be tackled without the ball and yet this happened twice in defence to both Ross and Casey. There was also a situation where the ball went out and there was confusion as to just what the call/penalty should  be. I know the umpires can’t see everything, but these situations look like there is a lack of understanding of the rules. For the most part there is consistency, but these stood out this week.
Final Score  Pies 5 1 31    Roo’s 7 11 53   Roo’s  by  22 Points
My Take
This was hands down, Collingwood’s best starting quarter of the season. This team was determined to start hard and finish hard. Week by week this team is really starting to find its strengths and confidence. This week’s game showed continuous pressure and a lot of heart. I am excited to see what this team can produce if they stay together. Collingwood was fortunate that North Melbourne lacked accuracy but then one could argue that relentless pressure was enough to put them off their game. Conversely, Collingwood’s accuracy was great this week with a single behind and the rest goals.
The final term saw the Roo’s held to just 3 points and whilst the Pies have done this in previous games this time it looked like it was by design. I would also argue that the score was not indicative of the play and the continued effort.
Next week’s home game against Brisbane should be a cracker if this week’s game and the team’s momentum is anything to go by. Go Pies!
#Collingwood #Forever #AFLWMagpies