Pretty Black and White Wrap UP Essendon V Collingwood AFL – MCG 25th Anniversary Anzac Day Clash 25 April 2019

​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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