Pretty Black and White Wrap UP Melbourne Demons V Collingwood Magpies AFL – MCG Queens Birthday Monday 10 June 2019 The Big Freeze

The Pies came flying out of the blocks but were unable to convert. The Dees had the will just not the way and a double head clash saw two Melbourne players leave the ground bleeding. Sidebottom was enjoying the game and putting in plenty of effort around the ball. The Magpies had a hunger for the ball with Varcoe stealing the ball in an intercept/tap and Hoskin-Elliott diving on it to secure possession. The combination of Mihocek and Stephenson produced Collingwood’s first goal. Sier was a welcome addition to the mid field in the absence of Beams and he and Aish handed out some hard tackles. Sidebottom did a bit of give and go as the Magpies found space and were brutal in defence. Howe did a big spoil removing any chance of the Dees scoring and Mihocek was instrumental in a goal from De Goey. Howe took a sensational mark that wasn’t paid, again! Even the commentators got in on the grumbling. Varcoe’s second and third efforts produced a smother in the Pies 50 and gave Cox the chance to put boot to ball and add a point to the tally. The Dee’s were playing a very predictable game and the Pies were reading it well. The Dees got their first goal 7 seconds prior to the first break. The Pies led by 15 points at the break.

The second term started slowly but the Dees warmed up and Petracca (Dees) scored a goal. Stephenson looked great and did a lot of work but had difficulty scoring anything other than a point. Grundy stepped up and kicked a nice goal for the Pies after being awarded a free kick. Team effort cleared the ball from the defence end and Mihocek had a run, a bounce, and got the ball in De Goey’s general direction who soccered it off the ground producing a goal. Sier had a snap and added a point. Further teamwork produced a goal from Mihocek. The Pies defence was very efficient, and they led by 21 points at the main break.

The third quarter saw Darcy Moore at his finest with a sensational mark in front of the Dee’s goal. Hoskin-Elliott, Treloar and Varcoe all put in second efforts. Varcoe showed off his kick placement skills delivering the ball to Stephenson who took an awesome mark and then put the cherry on top with a goal. The Dee’s snuck in a goal and De Goey delivered his third. Sidebottom was having a stellar game and Treloar scored a goal from the centre bounce. Stephenson shared the love and booted the ball to Hoskin-Elliott who goaled. Mayne worked hard and put his body on the line to help maintain possession for the Pies. Collingwood led by 35 points at the final break.

The final term saw the Pies in slow motion as the Dee’s scored a quick goal. Moore, Grundy, Maynard and Crisp worked together to stop the Dee’s scoring and Mayne intercepted a possible goal. The Dee’s had 41 clearances to the Pies 24 but were never really a threat even after scoring from a ‘deliberate’ out call. Mihocek was again instrumental in a goal from Hoskin-Elliott as the Pies fired up in the last 5 minutes. Stephenson continued to dominate and ran down the opposition and delivered the ball to Cox for a set shot. Cox goaled and then Thomas in quick succession. The Pies took an easy win by 41 points.

The Neil Daniher Trophy recipient was Adam Treloar. Congratulations Adam!

Final Score  Dees  7 15  57            Pies  15 8  98   Pies by 41 points
 
My Take
This game is a highlight of the AFL Calendar and a good fund raiser for a the MND cause.
It seemed to me like the Dee’s were never really in it but had moments that would unfurrow the odd Melbourne supporter’s brow. Collingwood showed finesse and at times looked as though they would run away with the game by 100 points. The Pies defensive efforts were superb for most of the game and they played with heart especially when it came to the tackles. Again, this week you could throw a blanket over most of the players for best on ground and it really was a team effort. Not sure what is happening with Stephenson and Mihocek and their accuracy. My advice; go back to what you were doing before because it worked. Don’t over think it just get on with it.

And the Umpires, week in week out with their questionable calls is getting old very fast. But being a Collingwood supporter unfortunately we are used to it. I feel sad that every week Jeremy Howe is robbed of a great mark. It is a good thing he is resilient.
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This win has given Collingwood second place on the ladder and they have a bye this week which is a good opportunity to rest some weary bodies. Looking forward to the following week against the Doggies. Go Pies!
#Collingwood #Sidebyside #Collingwoodforever #BlackandWhiteFlag2019