Collingwood has continued its unbeaten run this year at Victoria Park with a 23-point win over fellow finals contender the Casey Scorpions.
Injury plagued Magpie Ben Reid returned for a full game up forward booting three goals, while former Hawk, Clinton Young, sparked the Pies with two third-quarter goals as they ran out winners 12.11 (83) to 9.6 (60). Shane Goss reports.
The win lifts Collingwood into fifth place, level with Essendon in fourth. with only percentage separating the pair. It was a hard fought win by the Pies who were missing key players in Patrick Karnezis, Brenden Abbott and Michael Still, with all three having been major goalkickers for the team this season.
In the first quarter the Casey Scorpions made hard work of a strong wind favouring the Johnston St end, booting just two goals, while Reid kicked a valuable one for the Pies at the other end late in the quarter to reduce the margin to nine points at the break.
Collingwood's midfielders began getting on top in the second quarter with Sam Dwyer and Paul Seedsman providing plenty of drive and Gus Borthwick was in the thick of it around the packs. A Jake Williams goal deep into time-on giving the home side a six point lead at the main break.
Collingwood broke open the game in the third term, with goals to Young, Corey Gault and Nick Gray extended the Magpies lead to 24 points approaching time-on in the third term. Mitch White and Jordan McKenzie responded for the Scorpions as rain began to fall but a 17-point margin at the final change appeared a handy lead with the weather conditions turning sour.
Supporters braved the chilly and dark conditions from deep in the stands for the last quarter as the home side peppered the goals. They booted 3.7 with Reid again getting in on the act, to the Scorpions 3.1 - Jayden Hunt booting two in a last gasp attempt from Casey to pinch the points.
Collingwood had many good players around the ground including Dwyer (26 disposals), Young (19) and Seedsman (17) while Jonathon Marsh and Tony Armstrong controlled things down back. For the Casey Scorpions, McKenzie (30) was busy around the ground along with Alex Neal-Bullen (40). White and Hunt each kicked two goals, while skipper Evan Panozza and Dean Terlich tried hard in defence.
Collingwood have a favourable draw leading up to the finals with three of their remaining five games at home, however, before they return to Victoria Park they must face ladder leaders Williamstown away in Round 16 in what is a huge test for the Pies.
The Casey Scorpions have a tough run home facing four of the top eight in their final five matches, beginning with Werribee this weekend, who are spot below them in eighth place. Despite a two game buffer over Port Melbourne (9th), it is a must win game for both the Scorpions and Tigers to keep the Borough at bay and remain a finals contender.
Last Modified on 27/07/2015 16:58
