Collingwood have notched up their first win of the season by seven-points last Saturday afternoon after they overcame the winless Northern Blues. Brendan Lucas reports.
The Pies did not have it all their way, as the Northern Blues dominated proceedings early with the first three goals.
Collingwood’s first quarter was marked by long kicks down the line, which became predictable throughout the term. Coach Tarkyn Lockyer urged his side to take risks.
The Pies hit back hard in the second, as Collingwood listed players Nathan Brown, Alan Didak and Ben Johnson started to gather possessions and find form.
Ex-Sandringham forward and new Collingwood recruit Matt Boland starred for the Pies up forward with six goals for the game.
Meanwhile midfielder Brock McLean racked up a game-high 38 possessions and two goals, and kept his side to only an 11-point deficit at half time.
19-year-old youngster Adam Marcon also had a standout game for the Blues (23 possessions, 1 goal) and will provide promise for the future.
At the 12-minute mark of the third term, the Blues hit the front as Brett Thornton kicked his third goal.
The lead changed another two times in the term, as Matt Boland put Collingwood in front, and then David Ellard launched one from 50 metres to give the Blues back the lead.
Northern Coach Robert Hyde told his players at the three quarter time huddle that everyone had to make an impact.
"We have to keep resetting. Our forwards need to have a huge impact. If you go out with attitude they'll panic."
The last term was an arm wrestle and both sides gave everything they could.
Collingwood was quick out of the stoppages. Didak kicked his first, and Kirk Ugle added one to the highlight reel weaving one through from the boundary.
The Blues took back the lead at the 10-minute mark after a goal from Andrew Collins, but a few missed opportunities late in the game gave Collingwood the victory.
Collingwood coach Tarkyn Lockyer said post-match that after last week’s last quarter fadeout he was pleased with the turnaround.
“I thought we used the ball much better going inside fifty and you get reward for your effort.”
“I thought last week we were quite wasteful and I think the numbers backed that up. But certainly today I thought everyone across the board held their nerve a bit better, and obviously used the ball better from some really good contests.”
This week Collingwood will battle the Box Hill Hawks for a spot in the eight in the ABC TV game, whilst fourth-placed Bendigo will meet the winless Northern Blues.
Photo: Damian Visentini
Last Modified on 18/04/2012 12:50